The Pinay Solo Backpacker

An island endowed with majestic natural wonders, Siquijor is your dream get-away.  Dive and say hello to the gorgeous marine life under. Bask and get tanned in the glimmering turquoise and cerulean waters. Take a dip in its placid spring and get wet at the beautiful falls. Explore the pastoral land and jungles and meet the friendly locals. Discover the richness of culture and heritage that Siquijor offers.

The best way to tour Siquijor is to rent a tricycle to take you around the tourist spots. Alternatively, you can also rent a motorcycle and explore around.

Here are some of the top tourist spots in Siquijor:

•  Salagdoong Beach- This stunning public beach is already developed and is now dotted with cottages on its shores.  It’s a local favorite for swimming and cliff jumping. Salagdoong Beach has a blend of cobalt, cerulean and emerald-green waters.

• The Old Balete Tree - The spooky-looking archaic tree in Siquijor is often associated with the so-called mysticism of Siquijor. The spot where it stands is already cemented and visitors often soak their feet here and let the small fishes thriving here nibble on their dead skin.

• St.Francis de Asisi Church  -Once you get out of the Siquijor Pier, the first thing you’ll notice is the old stone church of St.Francis de Asisi that looms over the town plaza. Fronting it is the soaring belfry tower that served as a watch tower to warn residents from the sea raiders.

• Cambugahay Falls - Another popular tourist spot in Siquijor is the seductive CambugahayFalls. Draped by lush wilderness, its turquoise waters and multi-lever cascades beckons adventure travelers to do a Tarzan jump.

• Mangrove Forests – This tranquil province fringed with mangrove forests, particularly the town of  Maria. Rush to Guiwanon Spring Park and hang out at the tree houses. Savor the fresh air and scenic surroundings or dine at the restaurant on stilt.

• Lazi Church (St Isidore de Labrador Church) - The 18^th century San IsidroLabradorParishChurch in Lazi, Siquijor is one of the most photographed tourist attractions in SiquijorIsland.  This unassuming church was declared as a National Historical Landmark of the Philippines by the Philippine National Historical Commission.

• Lazi Covent - This famous convent in Siquijor beckons history buff. Known as the largest convent in the Philippines and Asia, together with the Lazi Church, it was declared as a National Historical Landmark.

• Mt. Bandilaan Park- This scenic verdant jungle is riddled with soaring tropical trees and fan palm (anahaw).  ScaleMt. Bandilaan Park and nab a spot at the tower to get  scenic view of the province and neighboring islands.

• Folk Healing - Siquijor is known as the land of faith healers.  The province showcases this exotic cultural practice through a Faith Healing Festival during Holy Week.  The local herbalists cook their concoctions made of tree barks, herbs and roots on Black Saturday. One popular ritual, the bolo-bolo, features an old lady chanting a prayer and blowing through a stick on a glass of water with a black stone. The water becomes murky but after repeating the process, the slowly becomes clear making a person healed of his or her ailments.

• Capilay Spring Park - Capilay Spring Park is a placid emerald green spring that serves as a public pool for the people of Siquijor.  It is located at the heart of San Juan town where tourists and locals dine, hang out, or swim.

• Santa Rita de Cascia- Tourists are curious of the eerie-looking statue of Santa Rita de Cascia, an Italian lady saint, enshrined at Sta. Maria Church of Siquijor. Dubbed as the miraculous Black Maria and the patroness of all hardships, Santa Rita de Cascia is clad by a black garb and carries a human skull on one hand and a cross on the other.

• Home-made Ensaymada - Along the road to the town of Maria, before the mangrove forest, a modest family sells a delicious home-made ensaymada. It is a Philippine pastry topped with melted butter and a flurry of sugar and baked in an improvised oven, making its taste distinct.

 

*********************************************************************************************** About the Blogger : Gael is a Filipina solo adventurer, a dream chaser and a student of life.  Her (mis) adventures are documented in this blog. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter. For advertisement, partnerships and sponsorship, click here. or email me at thepinaysolobackpacker(at)yahoo(dot)com. **********************************************************************************************

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