Out and Around Siquijor

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the cross in Santa Ana

We went to Siquijor a month ago without knowing anything about the island or what to expect. We didn't even have an itinerary. It was a let-us-see-what-would-happen kind of vacation. We read a few blogs a week before the vacation and asked friends. However, we only relied on what will happen and what we felt like doing.

The great thing about Siquijor is that you can go around the island the whole day. The entire island is only 75 kilometers (using the main road). Anyone with a driving license can rent a motorcycle or a van depending on how long you're going to stay in Siquijor. The usual renting charge is around PhP 250 to PhP 350 for 24 hours. For around three liters of fuel, you can already go around the island. Just make sure to ask the owner what kind of fuel you need. Tourists won't have any problem finding any shop that rents out motorcycles or even those that have fuel. They're all along the road. This way of touring Siquijor is also more affordable compared to hiring a tricycle driver. You can visit the different towns in Siquijor at your own pace.

our trusted bike for the trip

Once you set foot in Siquijor, you'll find maps of the island in different areas. We found one in our resort and other ones along the road. This was really useful for us when we were going around Siquijor. We used the map as a basis of where to go from our resort, Coral Cay, which was in the town of San Juan. Everything in Siquijor is within reach if you have a vehicle at your disposal.

looking up from the balete

the four-century-old balete tree

Our first stop in the trip was the centuries-old balete tree, which was just 15 minutes from the resort. It is sitting quite inconspicuous along the road. The caretaker said that the tree was more than 400 years old and was believed to be enchanted. It did look pretty spooky to me. Tourists can dip their tired feet in the water, under the tree, for a quick fish spa for free. You can also donate money for the maintenance of the spot.

Capilay Spring Park

The next destination was Capilay Spring Park. It was filled with local kids swimming in the long stretch of pool, with water from the spring. If you're gutsy, go ahead and take a dip too. I intended to take a swim but I got scared by the big fishes and the gigantic weed-like organisms inside the pool. There are also small tables where visitors can sit down at the park and just enjoy the calmness of life in Siquijor.

San Isidro Labrador Church

Lazi convent

The San Isidro Labrador Church and Convent are among the known structures in the island. These are located in the town of Lazi. The church has a baroque architecture with visual interior. Its facade is made of coral stone, a material that was frequently used for churches at the time. The convent is one of the biggest and oldest convents in the country. You can actually take a tour inside the convent, but we didn't go in.

to the falls

long flight down

third tier

thesecond tier

Cambuhagay Falls is far off from the main road in Lazi. Although it's not really along the road, a lot of Siquijor tourists and locals visit this place. It is considered the best attraction in the island, as well. One has to go down around 135 steps in order to reach the falls from the dirt road. Parking fee for vehicle costs around PhP 15 to 30, depending on the vehicle. It has three tiers where tourists can enjoy for a swim. We were only able to swim in the last tier but had really fun taking a quick dip there.

turn right to Salogdoong

we're heading to Salogdoong

my favorite part in Salogdoong

The Salogdoong Beach is probably my most favorite spot in Siquijor, because our resort's beach was covered with seaweed. I love the crystal clear blue water and the cheap fees (which is new to me because of the pricey beach fees in Cebu). We only paid PhP 15 for every person and another PhP 15 for the motorcycle parking fee. The beach screams U-N-T-O-U-C-H-E-D. Fishes go near you, even in the shallow water. It was just how I envisioned paradise to be. Although the sand is not as powdery as the beaches here in Cebu, the waters are definitely virginal. You can just bring your own beach towel and lay down in the sand instead of paying PhP 100 for the cottage. However, Salogdoong is around an hour away from San Juan.

going on a roadtrip

There were definitely a few other tourist spots that we missed during our short trip to Siquijor. We didn't have enough time there, so we're hoping to visit Siquijor again next time and make the most out of what the island paradise has to offer.

Do you have other favorite spots in Siquijor that we might have missed? Comment below.

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