Siquijor Unfolded: A Complete Guide to the Island’s Mystical Charm and Natural Wonders
- Marianne Belanger
- Nov 3, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Dec 21, 2024
Planning a Trip to Siquijor?
Are you considering a trip to Siquijor, or maybe you’re feeling unsure about whether to include it in your travel plans? Well, here’s everything you need to know about Siquijor, along with plenty of reasons to make this lesser-known destination a part of your journey!
If you’re curious about other destinations in the Philippines, check out our articles on Bohol, Moalboal, Siargao, and Palawan.
Table of Contents
Why Visit Siquijor?
Although tourists often overlook Siquijor, it offers beautiful beaches, waterfalls, caves, cliffs, and delicious food in a charming atmosphere, as it is less touristic. It’s well-known among Filipinos for its mystical heritage, including witchcraft and healing traditions, which adds a unique cultural aspect to your travels.
How to get around Siquijor
If you are following our Itinerary in the Philippines then you must be coming from Bohol. We got to Siquijor from Tagbilaran Port (Bohol), it's a 2-hour ferry. Tickets can be bought directly at the port.
For transport in Siquijor, we suggest renting a scooter, since it gives you a lot of freedom and adds up to be less expensive than taking tricycles everywhere.
Ferry Tagbilaran to Siquijor with Ocean Jet: 830 PHP / 14.5 USD per person.
Scooter rental at our AirbnB : 350 PHP per day (6 USD) + 195 PHP per day (3,3 USD) for gas
TIP: Once you arrive at Siquijor Port, don’t feel pressured to hop into the first tricycle or van that comes your way—they’ll often charge double or even triple the usual fare. Instead, take a short walk into town, where you’ll find more reasonable prices and can arrange a fair ride for the start of your island adventure!
Where to Stay in Siquijor
Firefly Treehouse Lazi (Airbnb)
For nature lovers, Firefly Treehouse in Lazi is a magical choice. The location is peaceful, surrounded by forest, and at night, you’ll witness fireflies lighting up the area. Plus, a scenic hidden waterfall is just steps away!
The owners are super friendly and they invited us one night to dine with them. You can rent one of their scooters. Just be careful the road to this location is a bit bumpy.
Accommodation fee : 1380PHP (24 USD) for 2 nights and two people
Payag ni Kaptan
For those with an early departure, Payag ni Kaptan is an ideal choice. Just a 10-minute walk from the port, it combines convenience with a rustic, cozy vibe, featuring private rooms and an outdoor shower that adds a unique charm. We opted to leave Siquijor early in the morning, so being just steps from the port and only five minutes from a bustling local food market was perfect for us!
Accommodation fee : 1087 PHP (19 USD) for 1 nights and two people
Where to eat in Siquijor
Bucafe (Bukid Café) :
This restaurant was recommended to us by a fellow traveler, and we were delighted by the delicious food. However, the highlight is definitely the breathtaking view of the forest. They also have a unique rope bed that adds a special touch to the experience.
Roch Cuisine :
We recommend dining here at sunset; they have tables with beautiful ocean views. The food is local and very reasonably priced, made by the ladies that live just across the street.
What to Do in Siquijor
We’ve put together a map summarizing all the activities and sights we experienced. We condensed everything into two days due to our travel style, but if you prefer a more relaxed pace, you can extend your stay and spread the activities over additional days.
Day 1 - Discovering the Island
Mount Bandilaan :
This mountain is located in Mount Bandilaan National Park and features a watchtower that offers stunning views of the surrounding area. When driving up on a scooter, be mindful of the steep hills and take your time to enjoy the peaceful ride. The walk to the tower, which provides a 360-degree view of the island, is just about 10 minutes, and it’s completely free, making it a great budget-friendly option. Many locals refer to this mountain as the "Holy Mountain" because they believe it to be home to spirits.
Salagdoong Beach Resort :
This beach was gorgeous and perfect for a midday swim! There are a few restaurants nearby if you’re in the mood for a bite to eat right by the water. The water is stunning crystal blue, and there’s a big rock formation that offers a cliff to jump off when the water levels are high enough, which we found enjoyable! You can also enjoy a snorkeling session.
Entry fee : 60 PHP per person (1 USD)
TIP: It’s a great idea to wear sandals or water shoes, as there are plenty of rocky areas in the water. The beach itself is sandy, but having the right footwear will make your experience much more comfortable!
Cabusayan Falls (right next to Firefly Treehouse Lazi Airbnb) :
We wrapped up our day at these gorgeous little waterfalls just a short walk down the stairs from our Airbnb. The water was amazing, and it felt so private—there were only ever two other people with us at most! As night fell, we enjoyed the sight of fireflies all around us. It was the perfect way to end the day!
Day 2 - Cave, Cliff and Beaches
Cantabon Cave :
Cantabon Cave is a must-see on your trip to Siquijor. Just be ready for a few tight squeezes as you navigate through this natural wonder. The journey through the cave, roughly an hour-long trek (about 1,900 meters), reveals breathtaking stalagmites, stalactites, white rock formations, and serene pools. Our two knowledgeable guides shared fascinating stories about the cave’s history, adding depth to the adventure.
Before entering, grab some essentials: water shoes, a dry bag, a headlamp, and a helmet. You can rent all of these at the tourist office, conveniently located beside the village church, where you’ll also pay the entrance and guide fees. For a full list of gear to bring to the Philippines, check out our article What to Bring to the Philippines.
Inside the cave, you’ll find opportunities to swim, relax beneath a waterfall, and experience one “wow” moment after another. Just a heads-up: skip any tragic caving movies before your visit! This family-owned cave is a bit rustic and isn’t maintained like typical tourist caves, so expect some challenging passages that add to the adventure.
Fee for entrance, guides and helmets : 270 PHP per person (4,6 USD)
Pitogo Cliff :
This cliff offers breathtaking views of the ocean and stands 15 meters high, making it a fantastic spot to relax, snap some photos, and watch adventurous young people cliff jump.
Entrance fee : 10 PHP per person (0,17 USD) + 10 PHP to park your scooter (0,17 USD)
Paliton Beach :
This stunning beach offered one of the best sunset we got to see in the Philippines, so make sure to check it out.
Entrance fee : 20 PHP per person (0,35 USD)
Budget
Type | Total (PHP) |
Accommodation | 2467 |
Transportation (ferry, tricycle, scooter, gaz..) | 2645 |
Activities - Entrance fee | 720 |
Food | 3721 |
Total | 9555 (164 USD) for two people |
Conclusion
Siquijor is more than just a stop on a Philippines itinerary—it’s an experience that combines natural beauty, mystical heritage, and a sense of adventure unique to this enchanting island. Whether you’re marveling at the sunset on Paliton Beach, exploring caves by headlamp, or dining with an ocean view, every part of Siquijor offers something unforgettable. With its welcoming locals, untouched landscapes, and magical atmosphere, Siquijor truly earns its place as a hidden gem. So, pack your essentials, bring your curiosity, and get ready for an island adventure that will stay with you long after you leave.
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