Discover the Mystical Charms of Siquijor: A Hidden Philippine Paradise
Siquijor wasn't part of my original Philippines itinerary, but skipping it would have meant missing a true slice of paradise!
Travel planning in the Philippines requires advance preparation, which isn't my strong suit. I prefer spontaneous travel: arrive, explore, stay if it captivates, or move on. But with an archipelago of islands, flights to distant spots like Palawan are costly if booked last-minute, while ferries connect nearby islands affordably.
My Cebu-to-Palawan flight prices soared, leaving me extra days in Bohol. A short ferry ride away, Siquijor—recommended by a friend named Carla—beckoned.
Stepping off the ferry, I was instantly enchanted by this idyllic island escape.
Travel writers liken Siquijor to pre-touristy Boracay: pristine, empty beaches, few visitors, scattered boutique hotels, and no chain eateries.
Teaming up with two Swiss travelers, a tricycle driver showed us accommodations. Each boasted stunning backyards like this:
The guys snagged the last bungalow at Royal Cliff Resort. My top pick, JJ's Beach Resort with its beachfront bar, was full, so I stayed at Czars Place—conveniently opposite Baha Bar, a new oceanfront spot with creative veggie options, excellent coffee, and direct beach access.
Our driver, Tata, offered an island tour. Wary of solo motorbiking after a past accident, I hired him (motorbike rentals cost ~PHP300/US$6.68 daily). His guidance proved invaluable as we circled the island, spotting local life without navigation worries.
Tata shared insights into Siquijor's simple fishing community: TVs are common, but washing machines are luxuries—women still hand-scrub laundry in streams.
Cash suffices here; ATMs are irrelevant.
Famed for healing and mysticism, Siquijor hosts mangkukulam (sorcerers) crafting remedies for ailments, heartbreak, and more—discreet amid Catholic norms.
Though I skipped healers, the fish spa under the 400-year-old enchanted balete tree soothed my blisters. Its vast canopy shades natural-spring pools believed to hold mystical powers.
Feet refreshed, we headed to Cambugahay Falls: multi-tiered pools for swimming and rope jumps, popular with locals and visitors alike.
Next, Lazi Church (1884 Spanish Baroque, UNESCO candidate) with its historic convent.
We discovered secluded Kagusaan Bay, a secret fishermen's cove.
Salagdoong Beach (PHP45/US$1 entry) felt overly developed with unused slides, but still scenic.
Rural roads wound past goats, rice fields, and plantations—ideal for cautious motorbike re-entry.
Evenings involved beach walks, fresh-grilled fish, and sunsets at JJ's with fellow travelers, sparking my next adventure: Apo Island.
A Friday night party at Czars—live band, islanders, tourists—turned epic, facing my room.
Siquijor's tranquility suits relaxed vibes over partying. Grateful for those flight delays!
Visiting Siquijor: Practical Tips
- Contact Tata (09351927656) for motorbike (PHP700/US$15.86) or tuktuk (PHP1,000/US$22.23) tours; he arranges rentals too.
- Ferry from Dumaguete (Negros Oriental; 45 min, PHP210/US$4.76). Dumaguete Airport connects to Manila; ferries to Cebu/Bohol.
- Budget stays from PHP400/US$9. Guesthouses: Casa Miranda (PHP250/US$5.60+), JJ's dorm (PHP350/US$7.80), Czars (PHP500/US$11.33), Bruce's family room (PHP1,800).
Thanks to Carla for the recommendation.
