Have you ever been curious as to what to do in Siquijor?
It’s a pretty well known island in the Philippines that’s famous (unfortunately) not for its natural beauty but for its reputation for being an island of dark magic.
However, the only magic I found in Siquijor was the one that always kept me wanting to go back. Finally, after years of just wishing for it, I finally found myself in this beautiful island again.
Here are the things you can do in one day in Siquijor, the Philippines’ island of fire.
A statue of San Juan in Siquijor’s port area faces the local community.
When I first went to Siquijor in 2009, I was struck at how clean its beaches were. Even the port area, usually the dirtiest in any city, has clear blue-green waters that’s virtually unseen anywhere else in the country.
An undeveloped beach in Candanay Sur, Siquijor.
My guide and motorcycle driver brought me to several beaches, including an undeveloped one in Candanay Sur, Coco Grove (a high-end resort), Salagdoong Beach (where the more adventurous can jump off the cliff), and Enrique Villanueva Beach.
Jump off into the clean waters of Salagdoong Beach.
The old church in Maria, Siquijor.
The century-old churches in Siquijor are worth a trip. For the second time, I went to Maria, which has the only statue (Sta. Rita) in the Philippines which looked a bit creepy. It could be due to her black dress, sad face, and yeah, the small skull she’s holding together with a crucifix.
The gigantic, centuries-old balete tree in the town of Lazi.
The balete (banyan tree) in Philippine mythology has always been surrounded by mystery. It’s said to be the home of spirits, and in cities, legends tell of it being haunted by a white lady.
In Siquijor, a huge, 400-year-old balete tree is one of the attractions. It’s easily accessible from the road, and if you go early enough, you can beat the horde of tourists going there.
The enchanted tree is the oldest and biggest in Siquijor. There’s a stream of water flowing underneath it, which the locals made into a small pool of clear, fresh water. You can sit on the edge of the pool and dip your feet in it; if you’re lucky, schools of curious fish would provide free fish spa.
Would you like to live here in this century-old house?
Want to know what a hundred-year-old house looks like? Cang-isok in Siquijor is the oldest in Siquijor. It does look a bit rickety, and it would seem like a strong wind can blow it away.
This sturdy old house in the town of Enrique Villanueva has stood the best of time, though, and will most likely continue to do so in the years to come.
Swim in the refreshing waters of Cambugahay Falls.
When you feel like staying a couple of hours in a place where the water is fresh and cool, have a dip at the Cambugahay Falls in Lazi.
It is multi-tiered, and it looks wide and deep enough for anyone to enjoy. It can get very crowded during the weekend though, so weekday visits are often the best.
Just a few steps away is the second level of Cambugahay Falls.
There is so much more you can see and do in Siquijor. The best way to go around is to hire a motorbike if you’re alone, and a multi-cab if you’re with friends. My contact there is Joam (+63927.693.2095), one of the nicest guides you can ever have. For a whole day’s tour, his charge is P800.
My only regret is that I don’t know how to drive a motorbike. If I knew how, I would have rented one and went around Siquijor by myself. Still, I know it wasn’t the last time I would visit the place. The island of fire has certainly charmed me, and I’m more than willing to surrender to its beauty!
Have you been to Siquijor? What do you like best about it?
31 Comments. Leave new
I didn’t manage to get there when visiting the Philippines, such a shame! I will have to go back, it looks beautiful!
@ Marisol: There are so many beautiful places in the Philippines. Come visit and enjoy 🙂
@ Krae: Hope you managed to go there already!
I’ve been wanting to go to Siquijor. But I’m afraid I would have to travel solo. Good thing I saw your blog, I might consider going there alone soon. It’s such a beautiful place! 🙂
Hi Aleah, the more I read your blog the more I realized that I have so much more to explore in the Philppines. The beach looks breathtaking and the waterfalls look so refreshing and inviting. I love old churches, too, so Siquijor see you on my next Philippine trip! Oh, those scary balete tree! I have not heard about them since I was a kid.
It’s a shame that I’ve never been to Siquijor despite staying in the Philippines for 3 years 🙁
@ JRinAsia: Your great grandma’s hometown is really wonderful, untouched and so beautiful. Hope you could go and visit it someday.
@ Micki: Due to lack of time, I also didn’t get to swim in the falls. Would love to be back and spend a longer time there.
@ Lifeisacelebration: Thanks Tita Lili!
In my bucket list and this helps big time! Thanks, Aleah. Love ur blogs <3
We were in Siquijor a few years ago – I wish I’d read this post then! We missed the falls, and they look absolutely gorgeous1
My great-grandmother is from Siquijor. Although I’ve traveled around a lot, I’ve only been to the Philippines once last month. I spent 2 days in Manila. That trip helped me to see that I was TRULY missing out on a huge part of my cultural heritage. I’ve already planned to go back in February and visit Eastern Samar. I hope someday I can go to Siquijor to trace the roots of my past. Thanks for this post, gives me inpiration!
@ Frugal Expat: It is! And my pics don’t do justice to it.
@ Missy: Feel free to share this IT, Missy!
@ Thepinaysolobackpacker: Merry Christmas to you and your family, too, Gael!
you just made me miss Siquijor! have a blessed Christmas Aleah! 🙂
Yeey! May IT na ako for Siquijor!!! Thank you for this post Aleah!
great photos! It seems Siquijor is a promising place to visit.
Cheers
@ Micamyx: Haven’t been there though 🙁 I should go back next time and just explore the beaches!
@ Koren: The Philippines is not NY. I’m sure you’ll enjoy your visit here!
The Philippines look so beautiful, I have always wanted to visit!
I like everything about Siquijor! My favorite spot is Kagusuan Beach
@ The Wanderer: Yup, but if you want to enjoy it more, better allot two days to include caving as well 🙂
@ Shalu Sharma: The beaches there are really nice! It’s worth it to stay in the beach the whole day.
Siquijor looks such a nice to place to go. If I was there, I will spend the whole day at one place. Perhaps sitting on the amazing beech and soaking the sun near the amazingly clean waters of the beeches. Thanks for telling us the amazing places to visit there in a day.
I’m planning to visit Siquijor (combining with a trip to Dumaguete) next year. Looks like the place is doable in a day pala. Thanks for the tips!
@ Michi: Fits with Siquijor’s reputation, right? 😉
@ Salika Jay: Yeah, I was bummed I didn’t get to swim there 🙁
Cambugahay Falls looks absolutely stunning. Looks like the perfect place to take a dip and spend some time relaxing. Beautiful photos too.
scary naman yung balete and old house.
@ Lifeisacelebration: You’re welcome, Tita Lili. It’s a really wonderful place!
@ Sha: Feel free to use my post as a guide 🙂
nice article about Siquijor…beach is really beautiful..plans to go early next year.
Been in my plans. Now I know whom to contact and exactly what to do. Thanks!
@ Ken: Yes, it is. If you haven’t been there yet, better visit soon!
@ Koen: It’s very lovely. If you come back to the Philippines, you should go and visit there. 🙂
Wow, seems such a beautiful and appealing island…
very promising ng lugar.