Siquijor Travel Guide: The Mystique Island


Discover the mystical island of Siquijor and be awed with the surprises this small island offers. From its white sandy beaches, century old churches, beautiful waterfalls and other natural wonders and heritage, Siquijor is a promise of paradise. This Siquijor travel guide will come handy for everyone planning to visit or revisit the Island of Fire. Provided in this guide are relevant information that will make it easier for your to plan your trip. Know the information on getting there, accommodation, activities, sample itinerary, budget and more. 

Siquijor is nested in the western corner of Bohol Sea and surrounded with the bigger islands of Visayas and Mindanao. It is a small island that offers big surprises.

Formerly called “Isla de Fuego” or Island of Fire during the early Spanish era, Siquijor used to be a town of Negros Oriental until it became an independent province in 1971. It is the third smallest province in the country with a total land area of only 343.5 square kilometers.

Siquijor today is fast becoming a tourist hot spot in Central Visayas due to its natural beauty and distinct charm. Its white sand beaches, century old churches, amazing dive sites, beautiful waterfalls and other natural wonders are among the magnets that keep attracting people to uncover the island’s mystique.

Siquijor
Saint Francis of Assisi Church of Siquijor

A small yet bountiful island, Siquijor is a synergy of nature’s beauty and mystery, a bliss waiting to be explored. Come and experience the mystique charm of paradise that is Siquijor.

From Dumaguete City

Dumaguete City, the capital of Negros Oriental, is accessible from Manila via Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific. From Dumaguete Airport in Sibulan, ride a multican to take you to the downtown. The Port of Dumaguete is at the northern end of the Boulevard.

At the Port of Dumaguete, there are numerous departures of fast craft and ferry to Siquijor daily starting at 6:30AM and as late as 7PM. Fast craft rate is P350 one-way, travel time is at least 45 minutes. RoRo ferry rate is P234 one-way with around two hours of voyage.

From Cebu City, Oslob, Tagbilaran and Iligan

The ports of Cebu, Tagbilaran and Iligan have direct links to Siquijor by ferry or boat. Meanwhile, Oslob in South Cebu, has a direct link to the town of Larena.

Siquijor
Salagdoong Beach in Maria, Siquijor

While Siquijor can be toured on a day trip if you are based in Dumaguete City, it is still a best to stay in the island to better appreciate the place.

Top-Rated / Highly Recommended Accommodations

White Villas Resort

White Villas Resort
San Juan
Starts at 2,800 PHP

 Blue Wave Inn

 Blue Wave Inn
Siquijor
Starts at 1,800 PHP

Top-Rated Budget Accommodations

Toris Backpacker Paradise

Toris Backpackers Paradise
San Juan
Starts at 550 PHP

Kamp Aninipot

Kamp Aninipot
Siquijor
Starts at 600 PHP

Siquijor
Lazi Convent

Other notable places to stay are:

Salagdoong Beach Resort and Hotel Agripino
Address: Olang, Maria
Contact: Provincial Tourism Office at +63-035-344-2088/+63-035-480-9173/+639187714714/+639102002552 (Hotel Agripino)
Email: [email protected]

Salamangka Beach and Dive Resort
Address: Buhulisan, Catulayan San Juan
Contact:+63-035-3442088, +63-035-480-9173
Email: [email protected]

Siquijor
Scuba diving in Sandigan

There are restaurants and eateries scattered along the islands. Some of the favorites are Luca Loko, Baha Bar, Tomato & Basil, Rastaman Grill, Marco Polo Italian Restaurant and Sunset Restaurant of San Juan, Siquijor.

  • Visit the century-old churches St. Francis of Assisi of Siquijor and St. Isidore de Labrador and its convent in Lazi
  • Cool off at Capilay Spring Park and Guiwanon Spring Park
  • Checkout Cambugahay and Lugnason Falls
  • Go beach hopping at Salagdoong Beach, Kagusuan Beach, Siquijor Beach, Paliton Beach and San Juan Beach
  • Cliff jumping at Salagdoong Beach
  • See the century-old Balete Tree
  • Explore the unspoiled underwater of Siquijor. Dive or snorkel on more than 20 dive sites surrounding the island including the famous Tulapus Sanctuary, Daquit Shoal, Tonga Point, West Point, Paliton, Lala-o Sunken Island, Solangon, Tubod Marine Sanctuary, Salagdoong, Candapino Point and Tambisan among others.
  • Drop by at Butterfly Sanctuary
  • Visit Cantabon, Eugenia, Dacanay, Tagmanocan and Baljo Caves
  • Trek Bandilaan National Park, the highest point in the island
Siquijor
Saint Isidore Labrador Church of Lazi

Day 1: Chasing Waterfalls in Valencia

1000H: Arrival in Dumaguete Airport / Sea Port / Proceed to Hotel
1100H: Check-in / Rest
1200H: Lunch at Casa Blanca / Proceed to Valencia Jeep Terminal
1330H: Depart for Valencia
1415H: Arrive in Valencia / Motorbike to Twin Falls (Red Rock Falls)
1445H: Red Rock Falls
1600H: Depart Red Rock Falls / Drop by Smokey Mountain
1700H: Arrive Valencia / Jeep to Dumaguete
1800H: Back in Dumaguete / Proceed to Hotel
1830H: Wash-up / Rest
2000H: Dinner at Sans Rival

Day 2: Apo Island

0700H: Call Time / Breakfast
0800H: Apo Island Day Tour: Scuba Diving or Snorkeling
1700H: Back in Dumaguete / Proceed to Hotel
1730H: Wash-up / Rest
1800H: Dinner at Hayahay Tree House

Day 3: Siquijor

0400H: Call Time / Snacks / Proceed to Port
0500H: Dumaguete to Siquijor
0630H: Arrival in Siquijor / Proceed to Hotel / Breakfast
0800H: Siquijor Island Tour: St. Francis of Assisi, Lazi Church and Convent, Cambugahay Falls, Paliton Beach, Salagdoong Beach, Capilay Spring, Balete Tree
1700H: Back in Hotel / Wash-up / Rest
1900H: Dinner

Day 4: Dumaguete City

0700H: Call Time / Breakfast / Proceed to Port
0900H: Siquijor to Dumaguete
1100H: Back in Dumaguete

  • Siquijor can be explored on a day trip, check out my Siguijor in a Day blog
  • Best time to visit Siquijor is during summer or dry months of November to May
  • There is an ATM in the island
  • Major credit cards are accepted in major establishments

First Published: 13-Feb-2011 | Updates: 20-June-2015; 07-Dec-2017; 09-Jul-2019; 30-Apr-2020; 03-Jul-2024

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