Siquijor Travel Guide: The Mystique Island

Siquijor

Discover the mystical island of Siquijor and be awed with the surprises this small island offers. From its white sandy beaches, century old churches, beautiful waterfalls and other natural wonders and heritage, Siquijor is a promise of paradise. This Siquijor travel guide will come handy for everyone planning to visit or revisit the Island of Fire. Provided in this guide are relevant information that will make it easier for your to plan your trip. Know the updated travel requirements, information on getting there, accommodation, activities, sample itinerary, budget and more. 

Welcome to Isla de Fuego

Siquijor is nested in the western corner of Bohol Sea and surrounded with the bigger islands of Visayas and Mindanao. It is a small island that offers big surprises.

Formerly called “Isla de Fuego” or Island of Fire during the early Spanish era, Siquijor used to be a town of Negros Oriental until it became an independent province in 1971. It is the third smallest province in the country with a total land area of only 343.5 square kilometers.

Siquijor today is fast becoming a tourist hot spot in Central Visayas due to its natural beauty and distinct charm. Its white sand beaches, century old churches, amazing dive sites, beautiful waterfalls and other natural wonders are among the magnets that keep attracting people to uncover the island’s mystique.

Siquijor
Saint Francis of Assisi Church of Siquijor

A small yet bountiful island, Siquijor is a synergy of nature’s beauty and mystery, a bliss waiting to be explored. Come and experience the mystique charm of paradise that is Siquijor.

How to Get There

From Dumaguete City

Dumaguete City, the capital of Negros Oriental, is accessible from Manila via Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific. From Dumaguete Airport in Sibulan, ride a multican to take you to the downtown. The Port of Dumaguete is at the northern end of the Boulevard.

At the Port of Dumaguete, there are numerous departures of fast craft and ferry to Siquijor daily starting at 6:30AM and as late as 7PM. Fast craft rate is P350 one-way, travel time is at least 45 minutes. RoRo ferry rate is P234 one-way with aaround two hours of voyage.

You can book a ferry from Dumaguete to Siquijor below.

From Cebu City, Oslob, Tagbilaran and Iligan

The ports of Cebu, Tagbilaran and Iligan have direct links to Siquijor by ferry or boat. Meanwhile, Oslob in South Cebu, has a direct link to the town of Larena.

You can book a ferry from Cebu, Tagbilaran and Iligan below.

Siquijor
Salagdoong Beach in Maria, Siquijor

Where to Stay

While Siquijor can be toured on a day trip if you are based in Dumaguete City, it is still a best to stay in the island to better appreciate the place.

Top-Rated / Highly Recommended Accommodations

White Villas Resort

White Villas Resort
San Juan
Starts at 2,800 PHP

 Blue Wave Inn

 Blue Wave Inn
Siquijor
Starts at 1,800 PHP

Top-Rated Budget Accommodations

Toris Backpacker Paradise

Toris Backpackers Paradise
San Juan
Starts at 550 PHP

Kamp Aninipot

Kamp Aninipot
Siquijor
Starts at 600 PHP

Siquijor
Lazi Convent

Other notable places to stay are:

Salagdoong Beach Resort and Hotel Agripino
Address: Olang, Maria
Contact: Provincial Tourism Office at +63-035-344-2088/+63-035-480-9173/+639187714714/+639102002552 (Hotel Agripino)
Email: [email protected]

Salamangka Beach and Dive Resort
Address: Buhulisan, Catulayan San Juan
Contact:+63-035-3442088, +63-035-480-9173
Email: [email protected]

Siquijor
Scuba diving in Sandigan

Where to Eat

There are restaurants and eateries scattered along the islands. Some of the favorites are Luca Loko, Baha Bar, Tomato & Basil, Rastaman Grill, Marco Polo Italian Restaurant and Sunset Restaurant of San Juan, Siquijor.

What to do in the Island

  • Visit the century-old churches St. Francis of Assisi of Siquijor and St. Isidore de Labrador and its convent in Lazi
  • Cool off at Capilay Spring Park and Guiwanon Spring Park
  • Checkout Cambugahay and Lugnason Falls
  • Go beach hopping at Salagdoong Beach, Kagusuan Beach, Siquijor Beach, Paliton Beach and San Juan Beach
  • Cliff jumping at Salagdoong Beach
  • See the century-old Balete Tree
  • Explore the unspoiled underwater of Siquijor. Dive or snorkel on more than 20 dive sites surrounding the island including the famous Tulapus Sanctuary, Daquit Shoal, Tonga Point, West Point, Paliton, Lala-o Sunken Island, Solangon, Tubod Marine Sanctuary, Salagdoong, Candapino Point and Tambisan among others.
  • Drop by at Butterfly Sanctuary
  • Visit Cantabon, Eugenia, Dacanay, Tagmanocan and Baljo Caves
  • Trek Bandilaan National Park, the highest point in the island
Siquijor
Saint Isidore Labrador Church of Lazi

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Chasing Waterfalls in Valencia

1000H: Arrival in Dumaguete Airport / Sea Port / Proceed to Hotel
1100H: Check-in / Rest
1200H: Lunch at Casa Blanca / Proceed to Valencia Jeep Terminal
1330H: Depart for Valencia
1415H: Arrive in Valencia / Motorbike to Twin Falls (Red Rock Falls)
1445H: Red Rock Falls
1600H: Depart Red Rock Falls / Drop by Smokey Mountain
1700H: Arrive Valencia / Jeep to Dumaguete
1800H: Back in Dumaguete / Proceed to Hotel
1830H: Wash-up / Rest
2000H: Dinner at Sans Rival

Day 2: Apo Island

0700H: Call Time / Breakfast
0800H: Apo Island Day Tour: Scuba Diving or Snorkeling
1700H: Back in Dumaguete / Proceed to Hotel
1730H: Wash-up / Rest
1800H: Dinner at Hayahay Tree House

Day 3: Siquijor

0400H: Call Time / Snacks / Proceed to Port
0500H: Dumaguete to Siquijor
0630H: Arrival in Siquijor / Proceed to Hotel / Breakfast
0800H: Siquijor Island Tour: St. Francis of Assisi, Lazi Church and Convent, Cambugahay Falls, Paliton Beach, Salagdoong Beach, Capilay Spring, Balete Tree
1700H: Back in Hotel / Wash-up / Rest
1900H: Dinner

Day 4: Dumaguete City

0700H: Call Time / Breakfast / Proceed to Port
0900H: Siquijor to Dumaguete
1100H: Back in Dumaguete

Tips

  • Siquijor can be explored on a day trip, check out my Siguijor in a Day blog
  • Best time to visit Siquijor is during summer or dry months of November to May
  • There is an ATM in the island
  • Major credit cards are accepted in major establishments

First Published: 13-Feb-2011 | Updates: 20-June-2015; 07-Dec-2017; 09-Jul-2019; 30-Apr-2020; 03-Jul-2024

Comments

  1. namie

    salamat ng marami sa info na ito..
    planning to visit this place

    1. Rollie jimenez

      Just contact kuya rolly maam in siquijor…..matutulungan ka nya about your plan in siquijor……..

  2. Rollie jimenez

    Siquijor tour guide po……kuya rolly…..contact #09065806033 for info!!!

  3. rollie jimenez

    If you need a tour guide in siquijor just contact 09065806033…….kuya rolly po ang name……..

  4. rollie jimenez

    Pa add lng po siquijor tour guide kuya rolly…..09065806033….Tricycle driver….
    Salamat…..

  5. I have been there recently, so here is my information about siquijor
    visit my blog for travel information about siquijor
    http://sowhatright.blogspot.com/2015/10/travel-to-siquijor.html

  6. Hi do you recommend going to Siquijor with toddlers? I have 2 toddlers. 🙂 Thank you

  7. Mark

    MAy schedule time
    Po ba ang roro? From dumaguete to siquijor at from siquijor to dumaguete????

  8. Qhryz

    Mr. Lakwatsero,

    Would you know if there is a ferry that travels from Siquijor to Oslob Cebu? Most of the ferries goes to Cebu City.

    Thanks so much.

  9. […] some more great travel posts about Siquijor, check out Lakwatsero’s travel guide and Wandering Dylan’s […]

  10. Lea

    Hi There, been to the island many times, i just love it so i thought of sharing this information to you guys, especially for those looking or a quiet, lovely place to staay with big-spaced rooms, good food, good people, and great seaviews. I must say, only a few people opt visiting here as they always thought Boracay is only the best island to stay, when it isnt.

    Check this out guys, https://www.facebook.com/KalachuchiBeachResort
    so wonderful!

    Love the blog! More power!

    1. Lakwatsero

      Thanks for the info! 🙂

  11. Salamat po dito sir angel! This is very useful for my Dumaguete-Siquijor Trip 😉

  12. joey

    Just visited siquijor with my family. End of the world is open again. If you need a guide get Kuya Aipee 09272633983 great service and knows how to take good pictures. 🙂 We’re moving on to bohol today too so thanks for the info that there’s a ferry.

  13. romel

    hi maitanung ko lang po nasa magkano yung ro-ro mula dumagueta papuntang siquijor po at siquijor papuntang cebu balak ko po nextyear iikot ng visayas mula manila pababa ng iloilo papuntang cebu at tagos ng bicol paki reply naman po [email protected] more power po at salamat din sa blog nyo…

    1. daryl

      100 pesos lang po pamasahe sa roro..

  14. Ryanne

    HI lakwatsero, any review on the places you stayed in Siquijor? 🙂 Planning a trip there next month. Awesome blog! 🙂

  15. ferdinand

    been there last 2006… planning to be der ds year… 🙂

  16. Hi nice blog sir. tanong lang po meron po ba way from bohol to siquijor?

    1. Lakwatsero

      There is a ferry from Tagbilaran Bohol to Larena Siquijor every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday via Lite Shipping Corporation

      1. irish

        Thank you for this information. 🙂
        Just want to ask if do you have a contact number of Buhisan Lodge owner?
        Thank you!

  17. pala gala

    Sakto kialangan ko ito sa june. Very helpful tips thanks again sir Lakwatsero

  18. denise katrina lim

    end of the world place got burnt down when i went there….
    add cliff dving in salagdoong to ur list of things to do in siquijor, including visiting the mambabarangs in the mountains 🙂

    1. Lakwatsero

      Oh, that is a sad news. Thanks for the heads up Denise. I will update the post 🙂

  19. My Siquijor experience few weeks ago was really unforgettable. I had so much fun touring the island province and ending it with a great dinner under the starry starry sky 🙂

    1. Celerina

      That is true, Darwin. Having been born there, it’s really a GREAT and WONDERFUL Paradise

  20. Nice place i really loved it.

Comments are closed.