Siquijor is one of the many stunning islands in the Philippines that is still relatively under the radar.
This island doesn’t share the same limelight (not yet, at least) as other Philippine destinations such as El Nido or Boracay (among many others), but Siquijor is quickly getting recognized by local and international travelers alike for its pristine beaches, stunning waterfalls, and glorious sunsets.
I recently visited Siquijor for the second time earlier ths year, with the second trip even more memorable than the first.
If you are considering visiting this low-key paradise, below are 6* tips and guides that will help you prepare and plan your trip.
Table of Contents
1. Stay in San Juan
San Juan is more less where most of the action on this tiny island takes place. Much of the accommodations, restaurants, waterfalls, and scenic beaches are all within reach in San Juan.
A tricycle ride from Siquijor Port to San Juan should cost roughly around 200 PHP.
2. Places to visit
Siquijor is a tiny island packed with plenty of places to visit and things to do. You should be able to cross most of these with 2-3 days on the island.
Beaches:
Siquijor has some of the most pristine white sand beaches you’ll come across traveling in the Philippines. Check out Paiton Beach, arguably the island’s most beautiful beach.
Cambugahay Waterfalls:
The island’s most iconic waterfall where you can do a tarzan swing! Cambugahay falls is a 3-tiered waterfall and a must-visit when in Siquijor for its crystal clear and blue waters.
This place can get quite touristy, however. Try to go there on a non-peak hour for a more private time!
Balete Tree:
This old enchanted tree is Siquijor’s biggest and oldest tree.
Balete tree is a 400-year-old tree (older than America!) which contributes to the folklore stories of Siquijor. Legend has it that many sorcery rituals were performed here.
Bonus: you can also get a fish massage while relaxing under the tree!
The Peak:
You’ll find the highest point of Siquijor at Mt. Bandilaan, offering stunning views of the island. It’s a little bit far off from San Juan, but worth the hike to get to!
3. Don’t miss the sunsets
Some of the most legendary sunsets you’ll ever see in your life is in Siquijor. I thought some of the best sunsets I’ve seen was in Boracay until I saw the one’s in Siquijor.
Look below:
4. Learn about the folklore
Much of the buzz surrounding Siquijor is the myth and backstory of this mystical island.
Siquijor is a place full of folklore, where witchcrafts and sorcery has a long history of being practiced on the island. According to a few locals I met while on my trip to Siquijor, there are different types of “healers” (people practicing sorcery) on the island, from black magic to healing the very sick.
Once you are on the island, you will see plenty of souvenirs to showcase what this island is known for.
5. Budget friendly
Compared to other island destinations in the Philippines, Siquijor is a lot more affordable (not to say other destinations in the Philippines are painfully expensive!)
If you are a backpacker, you will find accommodations for around $7 USD a night and have meals for around $3.
That’s quite a steal!
6. Don’t expect nighlife
Siquijor is an island still considered by many as a destination off the grid, where people travel to relax and disconnect from their daily hustle and bustle.
With that said, expect nature at its purest form as opposed to bars and clubs raging the island.
Siquijor is not there…yet.
7. Rent a scooter
If you want to see much of the island (highly recommended!), I definitely recommend to rent a scooter. For a day’s rent, it will cost you around 350 pesos, which is a great deal.
Alternatively, if you don’t feel comfortable riding a scooter, there are tricycles with drivers that you can rent for the day. The price you get the tricycle will depend on your negotiating skills!
How to Get to Siquijor
Siquijor can be reached via a short boat ride from Dumaguete or Bohol.
If you are coming from Dumaguete:
Once you arrive at the port in Dumaguete, there are several ferries inbound for Siquijor. You can take a fast craft, which takes roughly an hour ride for 200 Pesos. Otherwise, there is the ferry alternative, which takes about an hour and a half transit time and costs about 120 Pesos one way.
If you are coming from Bohol:
There is a daily ferry from Bohol to Siquijor. For complete schedule and to book in advance your tickets (highly recommended), click the link below:
That surely seems like a great holiday. Loved that you can do so many things is the time there. Especially loved the white sandy beach. just stunning!
Siquijor looks like my kind of destination! The tree is what fascinates me the most, it’s so hauntingly beautiful. And who doesn’t like a good beach?! This one looks amazing and remote too.
Siquijor Seems to be a little piece of paradise in the middle of nowhere. So beautiful pictures and untouched So much activities as well. Love the beaches and the greenery Philippines is surely on my list to visit and i would try and visit Siquijor for sure. Thanks fir sharing s great destination
I’ve never been to Siquijor and I want to visit someday and experience its local beauty. And also to prove to my friends that Siquijor is not they first assumed. Such a beauty, that balete tree per se is a living proof!
Siquijor looks so serene and gorgeous, so glad uts less touristy compared to other islands in Philippines. The Cambugahay waterfall would be my top pick just for the Tarzan swing. Every single pic of yours wants me book my next holiday here. Definitely looking this up for my Philippines trip.
omg accommodation for only 7$??? That is unbelievable. And you have a lot of things covered and those tips are really helpful for any new person who wants to plan a trip. Thanks a lot for sharing your knowledge
First of all, I must say that it is such a beautiful place. I like the clean and white sandy beach, would love to visit it someday soon. This looks like a laid-back and peaceful place.
Thanks for sharing the tips. And all the images are very beautiful and eye-catching. You truly inspire me to visit Siquijor.