When creating your Siquijor Itinerary, things need to be planned for a mystical destination filled with paradise, potions and waterfalls!
The Island of Fire is one of the Philippines’ best-kept secrets! The exotic destination is located in the Visayas region and is a quick boat ride from Dumaguete.
Siquijor has much awe-inspiring nature: tropical white-sand beaches, a coconut-tree-lined coastline, fiery red sunsets, and incredible waterfalls. This Island is a must-visit for anyone who loves adventure or relaxation, peppered with some mysticism.
Why mysticism? Well, Siquijor has the reputation of being a land of enchantment, superstition, and witchcraft. Whether you believe it or not is entirely up to you, but it’s been part of the local culture since ancient times, and it’s rather interesting to see bottles of potions sold in specific places around the Island.
Don’t let that bother you; why would it? Many travellers from all over the globe have come to Siquijor Island to enjoy its beautiful beaches and relaxing ambience.
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Siquijor Itinerary – Holidaying on the Boutique Island of Fire in the Philippines
Siquijor is a small island off the coast of the Philippines and one of the most mystical places in Southeast Asia.
Siquijor is known for its potion shops, where you can find cures for everything from colds to broken hearts. The Island is also home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world. When planning your Siquijor itinerary, allow plenty of time to explore the Island and its many wonders.
Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an adventure-filled getaway, Siquijor has something to offer everyone.
How Long should you prepare for your Siquijor Trip?
How long should you stay when preparing your Siquijor Itinerary? The ideal minimum time to spend on the Island is around two nights.
Firstly, you’ll spend around three hours on a boat from Dumaguete to Siquijor, plus the thirty minutes of travelling from the port to the centre. So you’ll want to make the most of your time on the Island away from the actual Siquijor travel time.
Three days and two nights are enough for lounging around and seeing the waterfalls. If you want to be extra adventurous, you could spend a day exploring the entire Island on a motorbike and seeing the Siquijor tourist spots.
Siquijor is a rather large island, so if you want to see more of its remote beaches, you’re better off staying five days with some time to relax.
That gives you a broad range of choices when preparing your Siquijor Itinerary.
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The best Siquijor Transportation
When visiting the various attractions in Siquijor, you’ll find multiple transportation options to suit your needs. Consider renting a tricycle if you’d rather not navigate the roads on a motorbike.
These comfortable vehicles can easily accommodate up to three passengers, and the knowledgeable drivers can also serve as tour guides, eliminating the need to book a separate tour. Alternatively, many visitors rent a motorbike, allowing you to explore the Island at your leisure.
Additionally, petrol stations are conveniently scattered along the roads, making it easy to refuel without disrupting your travel plans.
Where to Stay in Siquijor
Accommodation options on the Island of Siquijor are diverse, catering to many travellers. Whether you’re a budget-conscious backpacker, a luxury seeker searching for a stunning Siquijor resort, or someone in between, you will find something that suits your preferences.
It’s worth noting that hotels in Siquijor tend to fill up quickly due to high demand. Therefore, securing your reservations well before your intended arrival dates is highly recommended to ensure availability.
For those planning a visit to Siquijor, some noteworthy hotel and resort options cater to various budgets and preferences.
Budget price Accommodation:
Tori’s Backpackers Paradise is a Comfortable budget hotel with the basics. It also has WIFI and a restaurant on site.
Lazy Lizard: If you’re looking for cheap hotels in Siquijor, you’ll love Lazy Lizard. The hotel has a bar, garden, lounge, and WIFI.
Aloha Seaside: Alohas has excellent facilities, including a restaurant, tour desk, room service, outdoor pool, and WIFI.
Island Casitas Siquijor: A glamping experience with the basics, it has WIFI, a bar and gardens.
Mid-Range Accommodation:
Charisma Beach Resort: A beautiful Siquijor Resort with all the essentials you need with a resort, including a well-maintained bar.
Fun-Ta-Sea Resort: Splendid beachfront accommodation; what more could you ask for from a two-star resort?
Oceanview Beach Resort: There are more affordable resorts in Siquijor, with this one having all the essentials needed for time in paradise.
Islandia Beach resort: A stunning resort with a private beach, come for awesome water sports activities.
Bermuda Triangle Bungalows: Luxury bungalows with a lovely terrace, gardens and satellite TV.
High-End Accommodation:
White Villas: A superb three-star resort with a swimming pool, tour office and WIFI.
Salamangka Beach and Dive Resort: A stunning coastal resort with all the features needed for a holiday in the tropics.
Infinity Heights Resort: An affordable beach resort in Siquijor with beautiful features, including a bar, swimming pool and breakfast.
Adayo Cove Resort: This two-star resort offers beautiful features that will make your time in Siquijor much more enjoyable.
What to See in Siquijor?
For those venturing to Siquijor for the first time, it’s essential to explore the Island’s top attractions, which include:
Century-Old Balete Tree: In Lazi, Siquijor is a majestic 400-year-old Balete tree shrouded in mystery and superstition. Many locals believe spirits reside in the tree, which has an enchanting feel. Next to the tree is a small artificial pond where you can relax for a few minutes as fish nibble on your feet.
Cambugahay Falls: Not too far from the Balete tree is the famous Cambugahay Falls, easily the most popular Siquijor Island tourist attraction. The falls aren’t as high as others you may have seen in the past, but its emerald-green waters and cascades guarantee a refreshing afternoon away from the sun’s heat.
Getting to Cambugahay Falls requires a short downward trek, but it is worth it. Both kids and adults can also come to swing from a rope tied onto a tree here for a small fee.
San Juan Beach: Most tourist activity in Siquijor is centred on San Juan’s beaches, a white-sand coastline of turquoise seas where hotels are found right next to each other.
It’s the most popular choice for basing oneself since it puts you in an excellent location for quickly accessing accommodations, restaurants, and bars within walking distance.
Paliton Beach: There are many beaches in Siquijor, though Paliton Beach, located in San Juan, is among the most idyllic. Framed by coconut trees while powdery white sand caresses your feet, Paliton Beach is a paradise for many.
Lugnason Falls: Lugnason Falls may be smaller than its counterpart, Cambugahay, but it’s equally stunning and worth a visit. It’s an excellent stop for cooling down after a morning or afternoon spent at a Siquijor beach, and it’s also free to visit.
Insider’s tip: If you enjoy browsing public markets in exotic lands, visiting the Siquijor Public Market is a must! It’s just a few kilometres away from the port, so stop by or ask your tricycle driver to take you.
The Siquijor Public Market sells fresh uni, which you can enjoy straight out of the bottle with soy sauce and wasabi (bring your own). Another favourite item to buy here is seaweed, locally known as lato.
This local seaweed is also fondly called “the grapes of the sea” because it features little grape-like nodules that pop seawater into your mouth with each bite.
It’s a taste of the sea, best enjoyed with freshly sliced red onions and tomatoes.
Where to Eat in Siquijor
On the picturesque Island of Siquijor, you’ll be delighted to find a melting pot of flavours thanks to the presence of numerous foreign travellers and immigrants. This diverse cultural influence has led to an impressive array of international cuisines alongside the enticing local fare.
Indulge in the authentic flavours of Italy at Dolce Amore or Marco Polo, where you can savour expertly crafted pizzas and perfectly cooked pasta dishes. For a healthier alternative, Luca Loko awaits, offering a delightful selection of nutritious meals such as smoothie bowls, vegan meatballs, and delectable squash gnocchi, all served with a side of great coffee and a relaxing brunch atmosphere.
Baha Bar is not to be missed for a unique dining experience. This establishment is known for its extensive wine and drink selection and excels in preparing traditional Filipino dishes with an innovative twist. Additionally, the restaurant features a wide range of European and vegetarian dishes to cater to diverse palates.
Furthermore, no visit to Siquijor would be complete without savouring the local seafood delicacies. Venture to the small, unassuming seaside shacks, where you’ll discover some of the Island’s finest seafood offerings, creating an unforgettable culinary experience amidst the serene coastal surroundings.
Enjoy the Siquijor Nightlife
A vibrant nightlife scene unfolds as the sun sets on the picturesque Island of Siquijor. Despite being more laid back than the nightlife on other Philippine islands, Siquijor offers a variety of options for those seeking evening entertainment.
At Monkey Business, visitors can always expect lively and engaging activities, making it an ideal spot to unwind. Meanwhile, Island Casitas provides a stunning beachfront setting for relaxing and enjoying breathtaking sunsets, often accompanied by late-night socializing.
For those looking to experience the local nightlife, Sylvia’s on Saturday nights and Czars on Friday nights are popular destinations. Additionally, for those wanting to enjoy drinks at their own pace and style, Quicksilver is a great place to purchase a diverse range of supplies for creating personalized beverages in the comfort of your hotel or beachfront location.
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Things to Keep in Mind on Your Siquijor Tour
The best time to visit Siquijor is during the dry summer months from November through May. You’ll have fewer chances of running into rainfall, and you’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful beaches during this period with ideal Siquijor weather to assist you.
Most significant establishments will accept credit cards for payment. However, for certain expenses, such as tricycle and motorbike rentals, meals at small restaurants, and purchases at the pharmacy, it’s essential to have cash on hand. Although there is an ATM in Larena, it’s not very reliable, so it’s highly recommended that you have money before arriving in Siquijor.
A Conclusion to your Siquijor Itinerary
Regrettably, I haven’t had the pleasure of visiting Siquijor Island yet. However, I have heard incredible things about its unspoiled beauty and serene atmosphere. The Island is renowned for its silky white-sand beaches, fringed by turquoise waters, creating a picture-perfect tropical setting.
Moreover, the lush jungles are home to diverse flora and fauna, and its stunning waterfalls are a sight. Siquijor offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and beach lovers. If you’ve been to Siquijor Island, I would love to hear about your favourite part of the trip!
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