One of the highlights of our trip to Cebu was Siquijor. It was our first time to visit this beautiful place. Actually, all of the people we met traveling around the Philippines highly recommended us this island. It is one of the most beautiful places we have ever been so far. It´s quiet and beautiful plus there are some lovely, peaceful beaches you can go to. These beaches are perfect for swimming alone, with loved ones, and/or friends.
If you are planning to visit Siquijor, one thing you should know is that during the Spanish colonial period, the island was called Isla Del Fuego (Island of Fire).
How to get to Siquijor
From Dumaguete, you can get to Siquijor by 1.5-hour ferry ride which costs around 140-170 pesos per person. The trip is quiet and safe. Once you get to the island, you can ride a tricycle to go around and get to your place. Or you can even rent your own motorbike for $7 per day. We totally recommend hiring a motorcycle and moving around the island. Public transportation like jeepneys almost don´t exist and sometimes you will wait for a long time waiting for the tricycle.
Internet Connection
It was a challenge for us to do our online job since the connection and phone signal are really weak in the island. Near San Juan, you will get the best internet connection in town. You will find WiFi in hotels and restaurants around the area.
Things To Do in Siquijor
It will only take around 3-4 hours to go around the island since it’s not really big. You can rent a motorbike, a tricycle or a tour, like we did as we teamed up with Orientwind Travel. Check out our favorite spots:
Churches
There are a few churches in the island like San Isidro Labrador. For me, it was kind of funny since I’m from Madrid and the festivity of the city is called San Ignacio Labrador, like how we call it in Madrid. It lies on the same day and people celebrate the same thing, a festivity for the farmers.
Cambugahay Falls
These waterfalls are really amazing and very quiet, too. The water is transparent and clean. You can swim, jump, and even use a rope to go into the water. There are two levels. The first part is the huge waterfall where people jump and swim. The second level is more quiet, perfect for swimming and relaxing. Also, there is no entrance fee guys. This is really awesome!
Old Enchanted Balete Tree
You would see a very old tree in the island. It is 400 years old and the place is mystical and spiritual.
Sagdoong Beach
There are two beaches for swimming where you can even practice cliff jumping. We took nice shots with our drone and enjoyed a nice swim too. Check it out!
San Juan Beach
The beach was really quiet and the colors of the island were stunning! It´s perfect for snorkeling if you bring your own gear and it’s really perfect for taking underwater shots, too. This beach is quite long and you will find some spots with no people around.
Where To Eat
There are a few restaurants and carenderias around. Prices are very affordable, starting from $1 per dish in carenderias and little bit more expensive in restaurants. Bars and restaurants close very early. At 11 pm, Siquijor is almost empty.
Where To Stay while visiting Siquijor
We stayed at Lagkaw sa Sawang Homestay. The place is quiet, peaceful and has all the comfort you’ll need. It´s perfect for backpackers. Your cottage costs 750 pesos per day which is $15.
You will find here some towels, kitchen with plates, and cutlery. You can even heat water for tea, coffee, or noodles. Everything was very clean and well conserved.
Outside the cottage, it is also very relaxing. There are tables, a hammock, and palm trees. So beautiful! It´s a 10-minute walking distance to the beach and we recommend that you rent a motorbike if you’ll stay here and you want to move around the island.
Click here if you want to rent this place and you will get all the info that you need.
If you are planning to visit more places around Siquijor, click here to read our experience in Dumaguete, Moalboal and if you are planning to visit Cebu for a few weeks, read here our full travel guide.
Beautiful photos of Siquijor. It’s definitely a place that I will include in my future travels. Thank you for sharing!
Siquijor is one of our avorite places in the Philippines! Glad to hear that ou like it the post 🙂