Last update: June 2, 2020
“Isla De Fuego” (Island of Fire) was the name given to Siquijor by the Spaniards when they arrived in the province. They gave the island this name because what they first saw was an island festooned with luminous fireflies. This gave Siquijor a fantastical vibe.
On a different but related note, horror films in the 90s were often shot in this province. The island has been synonymous to tikbalang, kapre, and engkanto – creatures from Philippine mythology. It is, perhaps, why most view it with a hint of mystique and, sometimes, apprehension. Yet despite this reputation, along with being the third smallest province in the country, Siquijor is thriving and is now considered as a tourism hotspot. If you have plans of visiting this mystical island, here are some of the things you can do.
WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE?
Swim and Snorkel in Pristine Beaches
Salagdoong Beach is the most visited beach on the whole island. For the adventurous, you can try cliff-diving in any of two spots: one is seven meters high, and the other is around ten meters from the ground. Aside from cliff-diving, there are water slides which send you down, directly to the sea.
Paliton Beach, meanwhile, is a stretch of white sand that’s tucked away in the quaint town of San Juan. It’s not as well-known as Salagdoong so you might have a hard time finding it on your own. There is no public transportation that will take you directly to this almost hidden beach. We recommend that you charter a tricycle, make sure the driver knows the way to this beach, and go on a dedicated trip to there. Clear blue waters will welcome you in this almost-paradise. You may try snorkeling here – there’s no shortage of beautiful corals on its seabed.
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Kagusuan Beach is another paradise in hiding. Even the locals are not so familiar with this beach. Be sure to hire a tricycle driver that knows where the actual beach is. It’s perfect for those who want some peace and quiet. Currently, the management closed the beach to the public. The nearby Minalulan Beach is a good alternative.
Chase Waterfalls
Take a dip in the cool waters of Lugnason Falls. The waterfalls stand at around 18 meters and is a place that one might consider as an off-the-beaten-track destination. If you’re looking for solitude and privacy, this is the best place to be.
You may also want to continue your waterfalls exploration to Cambugahay Falls. Cambugahay is more popular than Lugnason so expect some company. The waterfalls tumble into three levels that open up to Lazi Bay. Unlike the chilling waters of Lugnason, the basin under Cambugahay is surprisingly warm.
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Visit the Siquijor Butterfly Sanctuary
You’ll get to connect with nature and its wonders when you explore the Siquijor Butterfly Sanctuary. It’s a 200-square-meter land that is home to around 20 different species of butterflies. Here, you can witness every stage of a butterfly’s life cycle, starting from the egg all the way to adulthood. The sanctuary’s main goal is to educate the youth about biodiversity and conservation.
Go Spelunking in Cantabon Cave
Spelunking is not for the faint of heart, but if you’d be greeted with magnificent mineral formations that you normally see on NatGeo, it is definitely worth the adventure. The visit to the Cantabon Cave may take around three hours of crawling, bending, and sliding into narrow crevices, but you’d hardly mind it once you see what’s inside. The giant rocks and stalactites and stalagmites create a reflection in the water that is both mesmerizing and haunting. Further down the cave, you’ll find a small pool of water where you can dip your tired feet. If there’s one attraction in Siquijor that you shouldn’t skip, make it Cantabon Cave. The tour fee is P500-600 for 3 pax and inclusive of tour guide fee, helmet, and flashlight rentals.
Bike Through the Slopes of Mount Bandilaan
There are several mountain bike tour operators in Siquijor. They offer different experiences suited to all skill levels – from hobbyists and professionals to those just looking to try a different kind of thrill. Most of the bikes available for rent are world-class Enduro bikes which are perfect for a jarring downhill ride across the Bandilaan trail. The adventure begins on the back of a truck, a bumpy ride to the top of Mt. Bandilaan. Then, you’ll get on your bike and roll your way down to the Maite Village at the foothills. There will be a guide to help you navigate the trail. You’ll get the best views of the island, the village homes, and the rice paddies as you descend.
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Where to Stay in Siquijor
When in Siquijor, one shouldn’t miss the spectacular sunsets, and the best place to witness these is by the beach. This is why the town of San Juan is recommended as a home base when on the island. It is where most of the beach-front hotels are located. There are also budget hostels available if you’re looking to save some cash. Here are some of the top accommodations in Siquijor according to Agoda users, in no particular order.
- Coco Grove Beach Resort. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
- Infinity Heights Resort. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
- White Villas Resort. ✅CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
- Aquamare Beach Camp Resort. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
For more options, search here: Siquijor Hotels
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