7 Things to Do in Siquijor and how to get there
7 Beautiful Places to Visit in Siquijor and How to Get there
(The Mystique Island) Escapade
Honestly speaking, I was skeptical to go to Siquijor due to some hearsay regarding the existence of unworldly matters or in layman's term, "supernatural beings and practices." I even asked my best friend about it who is a native of Siquijor, but she just answered me with a shrug! (Thank you, BFF! *rolls eyes*) So, I did my own digging to placate my curiosity and lo and behold, the pictures on the Internet look absolutely stunning! I can't wait to see these touristic attractions through my naked eyes! I immediately told my boyfriend slash travel buddy for our Christmas travel plan and this is where our itchy feet took us.
DAY 1:
- Since it was Christmas Day, we decided to go to South Bus Terminal as early as 6:00 AM. We took the bus via Dumaguete.
SBT to Liloan
Duration: 3-4 hours (minus the traffic)
Fare: around P200
Ferry from Liloan to Dumaguete:
Duration= 30-45 minutes
Fare= P70
Dumaguete Port to Dumaguete Terminal (same bus)
Duration: 1 and a half hours
Fare: around P150
Dumaguete Port to Siquijor Ferry:
Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Fare: around P100
Siquijor Port to Blue Wave Inn Resort
Duration: more or less 30 minutes
Fare: P100
*I'll make a separate article about the Blue Wave Inn Resort*
DAY 2:
We rented a motorcycle for 3 days to go around Siquijor because we thought it's cheaper, convenient and hassle-free. The motor rental costs P300 a day, but in our case, we rented it for P350 for one day and P300 for 2 days perhaps because my boyfriend is an alien which really sucks because they tend to overprice almost everything for that lame reason! *annoyed* They will let you sign a contract about some terms and conditions regarding damages and you'll have to return the motorbike at the same time you rented it. They will also ask for a license and they'll let you practice using the vehicle to be more familiar and comfortable about it just in case you don't know how to handle a manual or automatic motorbike. If you would like to extend for a few hours, they will charge you P30 per hour. You can exchange contacts with the driver so you can decide the rendezvous when returning the rented motorbike. On the other hand, if none of you can drive one, you can rent a tricycle. It will cost P1,000 (or more) and it's good for 3 or 4 people. The tricycle driver will take you to different tourist spots which I think is based on his decision, so basically, you don't have the freedom to choose your desired places to visit and you only get to stay in a place for a limited time. You'll have more leeway if you rent a motorcycle.
Here's our itinerary for DAY 2:
(1) Capilay Spring Park
It was nicely decorated when we went there because it was a day after Christmas. A lot of people were swimming in the pool which I think has P25-fee. There were some cottages close to the pool and you can bring your food there (although some people are actually eating beside the pool or in the pool since it's not so deep.) The pool was quite big and the colour of the water is green. There was also a nearby fishpond where people aren't allowed to swim. Then there was a steep stair which leads you to a church that looks really old. There were some old and massive acacia trees just like how a typical Spanish church looks like. The belfry looks like one of the bell towers from the Spanish era. It looks old, but it's really scenic and kind of nostalgic to look at. After this, we went to San Juan public beach.
(2) San Juan Public Beach
This beach is just more or less 50 steps away from the spring park. The beach looks nice and the breeze feels so refreshing. There is also a resto-bar (I guess) near the beach and a small market. We just roamed around the place since the beach didn't really look so inviting to swim or maybe we were just at the wrong side of the public beach. *facepalms*. Then, we decided to head to the Old and Enchanted Balete Tree.
(3) Old and Enchanted Balete Tree
Truth be told, the reason why I wanted to visit this place was that of the fish spa in front of the 400-year-old Balete Tree. But when we arrived there, you can't really help but be amazed by the tree's humongous size! It looks exactly like one of those haunted trees in horror movies. As mentioned above, there is a fish spa in front of it and there is an entrance fee worth P5. You can sit on the row of marbles and enjoy that relaxing but tickling (and a little bit painful) sensation.
In addition, there's a zoo in the same area. They have dogs, monkey, rabbits, turtles, chickens, different types of birds, bats and so on. The funny thing is that they put different types of animals in one cage just like in this photo:
Well, I guess they're not yet done making their zoo. Also, it has an entrance fee worth P10.
Moreover, they have a souvenir shop between the fish spa and the zoo.
And so we ended our second day chasing the sunset since my boyfriend is sort of addicted to capturing sunrises and sunsets! LOL!
DAY 3
- We only stayed for 2 days in Blue Wave Inn resort, so we spent our third day moving to Infinity Heights Resort. From seaside, we moved to the mountainous part of Siquijor. We just enjoyed this day lazying around our second sojourn in this resort.
DAY 4
(1) Triad Coffee Shop
This coffee shop is located on top of a hill and the journey towards the place is not so traveller-friendly because of the bumpy and steep road and blind curves. You might get lost as well if you're not so familiar with the place because the signage of Triad is kind of confusing. Nonetheless, it's worth the effort of going there as you can see the breathtaking view of the sea and some areas of Siquijor. This place is suitable for relaxation or if you want to breathe fresh air and unwind.
(2) Guiwanon Spring Park
I don't know why this is called a spring park because I didn't really see any springs or a park, but it actually looks like a fishpond or a mangrove plantation. You need to pay P10 for the entrance fee and you can walk on a bamboo bridge all the way to a restaurant (I think) and enjoy the view of the sea and the mangroves.
(3) Cambugahay Falls
The path towards the falls is stony and steep! It's not suitable for those people who don't exercise (like me). Going up and down will leave you gasping for air! This waterfall is single-tiered. Its emerald water looks rather clean, but the size is small. There's like a swing if you're up for a mini challenge.
(4) Salagdoong Beach
They say, save the best for last. True enough, of all the touristic spots in Siquijor, I would say Salagdoong Beach won't fail your expectations. The place is simply breathtaking! The gradation of the sea will surely take your breath away! It has a cliff diving area for those who have brave hearts and there were also cottages and rooms around the place. There is also an affordable eatery in the area and I guess, there's a swimming pool, but it was drained when we went there. What's more? You will enjoy your ride going to this secluded beauty since the road looks like a man-made forest. The canopy blocks the sunlight so the ambience is so comfortable and cool. They have an entrance fee worth P25 per head and a fee for the transportation. The amount varies on the type of vehicle you're using.
Additional Pictures:
NB: All fares and prices mentioned are subject to change, so please bring extra money when you travel.
I hope this blog was helpful! Feel free to drop me a message or comment for your queries!
"Life is short; travel while you can, but save money; don't borrow."
(The Mystique Island) Escapade
 |
| White Sand Beach in Blue Wave Inn Resort (credits: Y.M.) |
Honestly speaking, I was skeptical to go to Siquijor due to some hearsay regarding the existence of unworldly matters or in layman's term, "supernatural beings and practices." I even asked my best friend about it who is a native of Siquijor, but she just answered me with a shrug! (Thank you, BFF! *rolls eyes*) So, I did my own digging to placate my curiosity and lo and behold, the pictures on the Internet look absolutely stunning! I can't wait to see these touristic attractions through my naked eyes! I immediately told my boyfriend slash travel buddy for our Christmas travel plan and this is where our itchy feet took us.
DAY 1:
- Since it was Christmas Day, we decided to go to South Bus Terminal as early as 6:00 AM. We took the bus via Dumaguete.
SBT to Liloan
Duration: 3-4 hours (minus the traffic)
Fare: around P200
Ferry from Liloan to Dumaguete:
Duration= 30-45 minutes
Fare= P70
Dumaguete Port to Dumaguete Terminal (same bus)
Duration: 1 and a half hours
Fare: around P150
Dumaguete Port to Siquijor Ferry:
Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Fare: around P100
Siquijor Port to Blue Wave Inn Resort
Duration: more or less 30 minutes
Fare: P100
*I'll make a separate article about the Blue Wave Inn Resort*
DAY 2:
We rented a motorcycle for 3 days to go around Siquijor because we thought it's cheaper, convenient and hassle-free. The motor rental costs P300 a day, but in our case, we rented it for P350 for one day and P300 for 2 days perhaps because my boyfriend is an alien which really sucks because they tend to overprice almost everything for that lame reason! *annoyed* They will let you sign a contract about some terms and conditions regarding damages and you'll have to return the motorbike at the same time you rented it. They will also ask for a license and they'll let you practice using the vehicle to be more familiar and comfortable about it just in case you don't know how to handle a manual or automatic motorbike. If you would like to extend for a few hours, they will charge you P30 per hour. You can exchange contacts with the driver so you can decide the rendezvous when returning the rented motorbike. On the other hand, if none of you can drive one, you can rent a tricycle. It will cost P1,000 (or more) and it's good for 3 or 4 people. The tricycle driver will take you to different tourist spots which I think is based on his decision, so basically, you don't have the freedom to choose your desired places to visit and you only get to stay in a place for a limited time. You'll have more leeway if you rent a motorcycle.
Here's our itinerary for DAY 2:
(1) Capilay Spring Park
 |
| Emerald pool! |
It was nicely decorated when we went there because it was a day after Christmas. A lot of people were swimming in the pool which I think has P25-fee. There were some cottages close to the pool and you can bring your food there (although some people are actually eating beside the pool or in the pool since it's not so deep.) The pool was quite big and the colour of the water is green. There was also a nearby fishpond where people aren't allowed to swim. Then there was a steep stair which leads you to a church that looks really old. There were some old and massive acacia trees just like how a typical Spanish church looks like. The belfry looks like one of the bell towers from the Spanish era. It looks old, but it's really scenic and kind of nostalgic to look at. After this, we went to San Juan public beach.
(2) San Juan Public Beach
 |
| The Vast Ocean! |
This beach is just more or less 50 steps away from the spring park. The beach looks nice and the breeze feels so refreshing. There is also a resto-bar (I guess) near the beach and a small market. We just roamed around the place since the beach didn't really look so inviting to swim or maybe we were just at the wrong side of the public beach. *facepalms*. Then, we decided to head to the Old and Enchanted Balete Tree.
(3) Old and Enchanted Balete Tree
 |
| 400-year-old Balete Tree |
Truth be told, the reason why I wanted to visit this place was that of the fish spa in front of the 400-year-old Balete Tree. But when we arrived there, you can't really help but be amazed by the tree's humongous size! It looks exactly like one of those haunted trees in horror movies. As mentioned above, there is a fish spa in front of it and there is an entrance fee worth P5. You can sit on the row of marbles and enjoy that relaxing but tickling (and a little bit painful) sensation.
In addition, there's a zoo in the same area. They have dogs, monkey, rabbits, turtles, chickens, different types of birds, bats and so on. The funny thing is that they put different types of animals in one cage just like in this photo:
Well, I guess they're not yet done making their zoo. Also, it has an entrance fee worth P10.
Moreover, they have a souvenir shop between the fish spa and the zoo.
And so we ended our second day chasing the sunset since my boyfriend is sort of addicted to capturing sunrises and sunsets! LOL!
DAY 3
- We only stayed for 2 days in Blue Wave Inn resort, so we spent our third day moving to Infinity Heights Resort. From seaside, we moved to the mountainous part of Siquijor. We just enjoyed this day lazying around our second sojourn in this resort.
DAY 4
(1) Triad Coffee Shop
 |
| It looks like a UFO! Lol (http://www.aroundphilippines.com/2015/11/adventure-race-in-siquijor.html) |
This coffee shop is located on top of a hill and the journey towards the place is not so traveller-friendly because of the bumpy and steep road and blind curves. You might get lost as well if you're not so familiar with the place because the signage of Triad is kind of confusing. Nonetheless, it's worth the effort of going there as you can see the breathtaking view of the sea and some areas of Siquijor. This place is suitable for relaxation or if you want to breathe fresh air and unwind.
(2) Guiwanon Spring Park
 |
| Moana Feels :D (credits: Y.M.) |
I don't know why this is called a spring park because I didn't really see any springs or a park, but it actually looks like a fishpond or a mangrove plantation. You need to pay P10 for the entrance fee and you can walk on a bamboo bridge all the way to a restaurant (I think) and enjoy the view of the sea and the mangroves.
(3) Cambugahay Falls
 |
| The beautiful falls after the tiring steps T_T |
The path towards the falls is stony and steep! It's not suitable for those people who don't exercise (like me). Going up and down will leave you gasping for air! This waterfall is single-tiered. Its emerald water looks rather clean, but the size is small. There's like a swing if you're up for a mini challenge.
(4) Salagdoong Beach
 |
| Look at the Gradation of the Sea! Just simply amazing! |
Additional Pictures:
 |
| Church in Capilay Spring Park |
 |
| Fish Spa |
 |
| Cliff Diving in Salagdoong Beach |
 |
| Souvenir Shop beside the Old Balete Tree |
NB: All fares and prices mentioned are subject to change, so please bring extra money when you travel.
I hope this blog was helpful! Feel free to drop me a message or comment for your queries!
"Life is short; travel while you can, but save money; don't borrow."
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