Siquijor Island: A Mysterious Paradise

Serene yet mysterious. Scenic and magical.

Whenever someone mentions Siquijor, one may immediately think of things like witchcraft, potions, and supernatural beings. Siquijor Island has been tagged as a place full of these mysterious things. However, after visiting this place, I realized that there's indeed a paradise beyond the mystery this island is known for.
My tour to Siquijor last December was the third leg of my trip to 3 provinces in the Visayan region (Cebu, Dumaguete, Siquijor).

Over the years, this place is becoming more and more popular to tourists for its scenic spots, archaic churches, and natural attractions.

GETTING TO SIQUIJOR

There are ferry boats from Dumaguete City that sail directly to Siquijor. GL Lines and Montenegro Shipping Lines are the top choices. Fare is from 125 - 130 pesos and the terminal fee costs 15 pesos. The earliest trip to Siquijor is at 7AM. The trip lasts for 45 minutes to an hour depending on how big the waves are.

The island tour can be completed in a day, so it is best to be early.

It is also better to have your ferry boat ticket for your return trip to Dumaguete reserved on the same day you arrived for convenience.

GETTING AROUND THE ISLAND

Tricycles are the main means of public transportation in the island. Upon getting off the ferry boat, there are tricycles that are available to be booked for the island tour. The published rate is at P1000 pesos for max. 4 persons which includes the following attractions:

Capilay Spring Park - Entrance is free.
Enchanted Balete | Fish Spa - Entrance fee: 5 pesos
Cambugahay Falls: Parking fee: 20 pesos
Salagdoong Beach - Entrance fee: 25 pesos
St. Francis of Assissi Church
Lazi Church
Lazi Convent
Tulapos Marine Sanctuary
Guiwanon Spring and Mangrove Park - Entrance fee: 10 pesos
Kagusuan Beach - Depending on the driver, you may need to add an extra amount (100 pesos) is not part of the standard island tour destinations.

Motorbikes are available for rent for 300-350/day.

Vans can be booked to accommodate larger groups.

ACCOMMODATIONS

There are a number of premium and budget accommodations in Siquijor. I stayed at Toris Backpackers' Paradise and availed of their mixed dorm rooms for 400/night. Find more details here.

ISLAND TOUR