The Ultimate Siquijor Travel Guide: Plan your trip
Siquijor Island is a hidden gem in the Visayas region that has been gaining popularity among travelers due to its mysterious allure. If you're planning a trip to this picturesque island, here's some helpful information on the best time to visit and where to stay for an unforgettable experience.
SIQUIJOR
PALAWAN
Mystic Siquijor Island | 4 Days
Come to Palawan!
Plan your dream Palawan vacation today
When to Visit Siquijor:
Siquijor boasts a tropical monsoon climate and can be visited at any time of the year.
High Season
The best time to visit is from March to May, which is considered the high season. During this period, the island experiences ideal weather conditions, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and beach adventures.
Holy week
One of the most popular periods to visit Siquijor is during the Holy Week, particularly for the Lenten Festival of Herbal Preparation. This event attracts dozens of healers and witch doctors from all over the Philippines, who gather in the town of San Antonio to prepare medicinal concoctions. The concoctions made on Black Saturday are believed to possess restorative medicinal powers and can also ward off evil spirits and sorcery. Locals also believe that during the time between Good Friday and Easter, there are many malevolent entities wandering around the island.
Low Season
It’s important to be prepared for inclement weather when traveling to Siquijor during the rainy season, which typically lasts from June to October. During this period, there may be heavy rainfall and occasional storms, which can impact travel plans and cause inconvenience.
If you plan to take the ferry from Dumaguete to Siquijor during this season, it’s important to note that adverse weather conditions may result in the cancellation of the ferry crossing. This can cause delays and may require alternative travel arrangements, so it’s recommended to stay informed of weather updates and have contingency plans in place.
Attractions You Should Consider Visiting:
- St. Isdore Labradore Church
- Cambugay falls
- Tulapos Marine Sanctuary
- Mt. Bandilaan National Park
- Old Enchanted Balete Tree
- Cantabon Cave
- Capilay Spring
Siquijor Island's Best Beaches
Siquijor Island is a hidden gem in the Philippines, and its beaches are a testament to its natural beauty. Here are three of the island’s most stunning beaches that are sure to take your breath away:
Salagdoong Beach
This beach is the most well-known on the island and for a good reason. Its crystal clear, turquoise water is perfect for swimming, and for those looking for an adventure, there are cliffs to jump off from. This beach is a must-visit for anyone heading to Siquijor Island.
Paliton Beach
For those seeking a more secluded beach experience, Paliton Beach is a small, undeveloped beach that sees fewer tourists. Its soft, powdery white sand makes it a perfect place to relax and soak up the sun.
Tubod Beach
If you’re a fan of snorkeling or scuba diving, Tubod Beach is the place to be. Located in the Tubod Marine Sanctuary, just a short swim from the beach, you’ll find an incredible variety of tropical fish and corals. The clear water and abundant marine life make it a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
No matter which of these beaches you choose to visit, you’re sure to be surrounded by stunning natural beauty that will leave you in awe.
Swimming and Safety Tips in Siquijor Island
When it comes to swimming in Siquijor Island, it’s important to keep in mind that high tide is the best time for swimming. Additionally, it’s advisable to wear water shoes to protect against sea urchins, which can be found in the waters around the island.
Aside from this, Siquijor Island is generally a safe place for travelers. Despite its reputation for black magic and evil spirits, crime is not a significant concern for visitors. As such, you can feel free to explore and enjoy the island’s many offerings without fear..
Accessing Internet and Cash, Getting There, and Transportation in Siquijor Island
While most hotels on the island offer WiFi, the speed may be slower compared to what you’re used to. Additionally, there are ATM machines available on the island, and credit cards are generally accepted in most hotels and restaurants. However, it is still recommended to bring cash or Gcash as some establishments may prefer these payment options.
Getting to Siquijor Island is easy, but it requires a ferry ride from Dumaguete, which takes approximately an hour. While the island doesn’t have any airports, ferries also operate from Cebu, and Bohol Tagbilaran.
Once on the island, renting a motorcycle is a great way to explore its many wonders. You can easily drive around the island in a day. If you’re not comfortable driving a motorcycle, you can hire a van or a jeep for the day. Public transportation is also available in the form of tricycles and multicabs.
Diving in Siquijor Island
Siquijor Island is a year-round diving destination as it is not affected by extreme weather conditions like other Philippine islands. The water temperature remains consistent at 79 – 86°F (26 – 30°C) throughout the year. The dry season spans from December to May, while the wet season, with rougher seas, lasts from June to November. However, since most of the island’s dive sites are close to the shore, diving is still possible despite the weather changes.
With 23 dive sites, Siquijor Island offers a haven for divers of all skill levels. The majority of the dive sites are beginner-friendly, except for a few sites on the south coast where currents can be strong.
Siquijor’s marine life is diverse, with healthy reefs, pelagic species, and an astonishing range of macro life. The reef is home to an abundance of marine creatures, including giant frogfish, cuttlefish, Spanish dancers, ornate ghost pipefish, nudibranchs, shrimps, and many more. On deeper dives, divers can also spot schools of barracuda, blue-spotted rays, turtles, and eagle rays.
Discovering Siquijor in 4 days
Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Siquijor Island
Arrive in Dumaguete and take the ferry to Siquijor Island. Check-in at your hotel and take the rest of the day to relax and unwind.
Day 2: Siquijor Island Tour
Explore the beauty of Siquijor Island on a full-day tour. Visit popular attractions such as Cambugahay Falls, Salagdoong Beach, and the century-old balete tree. Take in the stunning views of the island’s coastline and enjoy the crystal-clear waters.
Day 3: Leisure Day in Siquijor Island
Spend a leisurely day exploring Siquijor Island at your own pace. Relax on the beach, go swimming, or scuba diving.
Day 4: Departure from Siquijor Island
Check-out of your hotel and take the ferry back to Dumaguete. If time allows, you can spend some time exploring Dumaguete City before your departure.
Where to stay:
There are several areas on Siquijor Island where you can find great accommodations, depending on your preference. Some popular areas for accommodations include San Juan, which has a range of resorts and hotels near the beach, and the town of Larena, which has several guesthouses and budget-friendly options. Other areas to consider are Lazi and Tambisan.
White Villas Resort in Siquijor is a charming and cozy hotel-resort located on Solangon Beach. The resort is suitable for couples, singles, families, and groups and offers comfortable accommodation with modern amenities.
The resort features a restaurant by the sea that serves delicious food all day, a small swimming pool, and a sunset beach bar where guests can enjoy spectacular views of the beach. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, and guests can also rent motorbikes and avail themselves of free kayaks to explore the island’s nearby attractions.
Kawayan Holiday Resort is a charming eco-resort located on the serene island of Siquijor in the Philippines. Surrounded by lush greenery, the resort offers a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere for guests seeking a tranquil getaway.
The resort features bamboo bungalows that are beautifully designed and equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, private bathrooms, and free Wi-Fi. Each bungalow has its own private veranda where guests can enjoy the stunning views of the tropical gardens.
Kawayan Holiday Resort offers an array of activities for guests, including island hopping tours, diving, snorkeling, and mountain biking. Guests can also enjoy a relaxing massage at the resort’s spa or take a dip in the outdoor swimming pool.
The resort’s restaurant serves delicious local and international cuisine made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The resort also features a bar where guests can enjoy refreshing cocktails and drinks.