Siquijor Island is famously known by the Filipinos for its mystery, witchcraft, shamans, and magical potions. While you don’t need to believe in magic or witchcraft to be enchanted by the island’s beauty, you’ll leave the island with feelings of spiritual peace and tranquility.

The island’s popularity first began with its mountain-dwelling mangkukulam (or healers) who brewed up magical potions and natural ointments for all kinds of sickness. Now, people come here for the laid-back, peaceful beachfront resorts, numerous waterfalls, cliff jumping, caves, forest walks, ancient trees, and snorkeling. All at very affordable prices too.

Siquijor Island (while currently booming in popularity) is a hidden little gem off the coast of Cebu, Philippines. For those of you planning a trip to the Philippines, I strongly urge you to add Siquijor Island to your itinerary before everyone realizes just how majestic this little island is. If you’ve read my guide to Oslob, Cebu, you’ll know that Siquijor island was a highlight to our time in the Philippines. If logistically possible, we would have planned for more time on this island.

When to go to Siquijor

Temperatures in the Philippines very seldom fluctuate. You’ll be encountered by two seasons: a wet season and dry season.

If you’re looking at weather by month, March through June are considered the hottest months to visit, while December through February is considered cooler. The months with the lowest chances of rainfall are March, April, and May. It’s more likely to rain from July through October.

How Much Time is Enough to See Siquijor?

While Dustin and I only allotted one day to explore Siquijor, after visiting, we strongly urge anyone else trying to visit to make this at least a 2 to 3-day trip. While we were able to see most of what we wanted to within a day, it was very rushed. Staying for at least two days will give you enough chance to see everything, all while enjoying the peacefulness of being in a remote tropical paradise.

How to Get to Siquijor Island

The best way to travel to Siquijor Island is by taking a ferry. You can come from three different locations: Cebu, Dumaguete, or Bohol. If you’re coming from Cebu, you’ll leave from Liloan in south Cebu on a car ship. The car ship only runs twice a day: once in the morning and once in the evening. The entire trip is approximately three hours long!

The ferry from Bohol departs from Tagbilaran. It’s recommended to take an Ocean Jet boat that operates out of Tagbilaran, as it’s much faster than the car ships. This ferry operates once a day.
If you’re coming from Dumaguete, you’ll take one of the many ferries that travel from Dumaguete to Siquijor or Siquijor to Dumaguete. Click the link here for the ferry schedules.

See also: 

• Fun Things to do in Oslob, Cebu

Where to Stay

Budget Options:

SEE-KEE-HOR Café and Hostel: as low as $8 per night
Lazy Lizard Hostel: as low as $8 per night
Love Shack Hostel: as low as $10 per night

Mid-Range Options:

Blue Wave Inn: as low as $30 per night
Toris Paradise: as low as $44 per night
Glamping Siquijor by the Beach: as low as $46 per night

Luxury Options: 

Salamangka Beach and Dive Resort: as low as $58 per night
White Villas Resort: as low as $76 per night
Coco Grove Beach Resort: as low as $86 per night

How to Get Around Siquijor

The best and most efficient way to explore the island is by motorcycle! There are plenty of places to rent a scooter or motorcycle for the day right by the docks when you first arrive. The typically going rate for renting a bike is 300 to 400 PHP per day. Make sure to do a thorough inspection of your bike before driving off. Although it’s not too frequent, some places can (and will) try to get you to pay more by saying you damaged the bike during your rental period. To avoid this, take pictures beforehand of any nicks or dents.

Once you have your bike, it’s easy to explore this 75km coastal ring road all around the island. All streets are clearly marked, so it’s almost impossible to get lost. Dustin and I even drove through the middle of the island through its hilly interior, and it was absolutely breathtaking! The roads are paved well enough to do this. In fact, we were pleasantly surprised at how well this island’s roads are taken care of.

If renting a motorcycle isn’t your thing, air-con vans, taxicabs, and jeeps are also available for hire through most resorts. Fare warning, these typically run 3 to 4 times as much as just renting your own motorcycle for the day!

What to do in Siquijor Island

1. Cambugahay Falls

Cambugahay Falls is located in Lazi and is perhaps the reason most people come to Siquijor. This three-tiered waterfall is breathtaking and just so fun to explore! You can easily spend half a day here, flinging yourself into the refreshing Gatorade-blue water from the rope swings or exploring through the different waterfalls.

These falls are located on the Po-o River. If you’re traveling by motorbike, you’ll park right above the falls in the parking lot, where you’ll be greeted by many locals asking for “donations” for parking. Not wanting to overpay, we just asked what they typically charge for parking, and we were told 20 PHP (less than 50 cents USD).

The locals will also insist you need a tour guide to get to the falls. This is actually false, as it’s just a short walk down some stairs (about 10 minutes) and pretty straightforward. If this happens to you, just politely decline. Also, if you wish to use the rope swings (I recommend it!), the cost is 50 PHP (approximately 1 USD) per person for unlimited swings.

See also: 

• 5 of the Most Breathtaking Waterfalls in Cebu

2. Balete Tree

This centuries-old Balete Tree is right in the heart of San Juan and is estimated to be over 400 years old! The locals also believe it to be enchanted and can bring spiritual wellness to anyone who visits. The front of the tree is a spring-fed pool containing fish that actually feed off the dead skin cells of your feet! If you wish, dangle your feet in the water for a complimentary “fish spa.”

Entry to the tree and fish spa is 10 PHP, and motorcycle parking is 5 PHP. There is also a nearby souvenir shop that sells coconut water, fresh coffee, and even bottled love potion!

3. Salagdoong Beach

Salagdoong Beach is also located in Lazi and is the perfect place to do some cliff jumping! Situated on this quirky beachfront waterpark are two concrete platforms built into the rocks. One is 7 meters tall, and one is a whopping 10-meters! Make sure to come during high tide so you can actually enjoy them! If you visit during low tide, the water may be too shallow to jump in the water.

Dustin and I ate at the restaurant here, and the food was delicious! Entry to the beach and restaurant is 30 PHP, and motorcycle parking is 20 PHP.

4. Bandila-an Mountain View Park

Bandila-an Mountain View Park is a beautiful park with gardens of flowers, walking paths, and picnic areas. This place, located in Cantabon, is easily accessible from Lazi. We drove our motorbike through, and it was actually quite breathtaking!

5. Paliton Beach

Just north of San Juan is a beautiful beach named Paliton Beach. This is where you’ll experience picturesque clear-blue water and views of Apo Island in the distance.

This is the perfect beach to lounge around for the day, and even enjoy some beach yoga! If you’re here in the evening, you’ll enjoy a beautiful Philippine sunset!

Last-Minute Tips for Siquijor:

Internet Access: Plan on having limited (if any) internet access while you’re in Siquijor. Siquijor is a “remote” island, so wi-fi is not readily available.

Money: Bring the amount of cash you’ll need for your entire stay. ATMs are scarce to none on the island. Debit cards are frequently either declined or the ATM machines run out of money. To play on the safe side, just bring cash with you. If you’re daring enough to attempt pulling out cash at the ATM, you may find a working one at the Metrobank in Siquijor Town.

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