The unassuming province of Siquijor has rose to fame in recent years. This largely uncharted region is oozing with pristine beaches  and gorgeous diving spots.  It is comprised of towns with idyllic coastal charm.  Here’s a travel guide blog to help you plan your trip to the Island of Fire – Siquijor.

SIQUIJOR ISLAND PRE-TRIP PLANNING

When is the best time to visit Siquijor: The best time to visit Siquijor Island is during the summer season, from March to May.  You may also travel to  Siquijor from November to February but try to avoid the months of  June to October due to the rainy season and possible storms.  Best to check the weather updates for your safety.

What to bring in Siquijor:

Bring reef-friendly sunscreen and mosquito or insect repellent.

Wear aqua shoes when swimming.

Mobile signal in Siquijor:  Mobile signal is available in Siquijor.

Internet in Siquijor: Some resorts and hotels in Siquijor have free Wi-Fi, mobile data is also available but signal is generally intermittent.

Siquijor Electricity: Electrical socket is type A. 220V and 60 Hz.

Mode of payment in Siquijor: Everything is on cash basis.

ATM in Siquijor: There are only 3 ATMs in Siquijor, best to stack up cash and withdraw in Dumaguete.

Language in Siquijor: Cebuano is widely spoken, but locals know how to speak English.

Safety in Siquijor: Siquijor is pretty safe for tourists even for solo female travelers, but as in any place, don’t leave your bags and important things unattended. There have been reports of theft at Cambugahay Falls before. During my visit here once, there were foreign tourists complaining about theft to the local police.

SIQUIJOR TRAVEL GUIDE

How to Get to Siquijor Island

Manila to Siquijor

Estimated Total Travel time: 3 hours

Estimated Total Fare (one way): PHP 345

1.Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific have daily flights to Dumaguete City (Negros Oriental).  Travel time is about an hour. SEARCH FOR FLIGHTS HERE

2. Once you arrive in Dumaguete Airport, follow the Dumaguete to Siquijor instructions below.

Dumaguete to Siquijor

Estimated Total Travel time: 1.5 hours

Estimated Total Fare (one way): PHP 235

2. From Dumaguete City airport (Sibulan Airport), you can charter a tricycle to take you to Dumaguete Port. Standard fare is PHP 100 and transit time is roughly 30 minutes. 

Alternatively, you can walk outside Dumaguete Airport and hail a jeepney to Dumaguete City. Fare is around PHP 10. In Dumaguete City, you can walk or take a tricycle to Dumaguete Port.

3. At Dumaguete Port buy ferry (Roro) or fast craft ticket to Siquijor.  Arrive a couple of minutes before your intended departure.  There are several ferry and fastcraft from Dumaguete Port to Siquijor starting at 5:45 AM to 7:00 PM and departs roughy every 2 hours.   One way ferry fare to Siquijor starts at PHP 120 and travel time is almost 2 hours.  A faster alternative is a fastcraft, one way ticket starts at PHP 210 and transit time is roughly 1 hour.

SEE FERRY SCHEDULE HERE

4. Pay the PHP 25 terminal fee in Dumagute Port.

5.  Board the ferry or fastcraft to Siquijor.

6. Upon arrival in Siquijor, you can take a habal-habal (motorcycle) or ride a tricycle to your hotel or resort.

Cebu to Siquijor

Option 1 (Cebu to Dumaguete)

Estimated Total travel time: Roughy 6-7 hours

Estimated Total fare (one way): PHP 548

1. From Cebu City, go to South Bus Terminal.  Taxi and Grab are available in Cebu, and most taxi drivers  there use the meter.

If you are coming from Cebu Airport in Mactan,  you can take a taxi  or Grab straight to South Bus Terminal, fare is roughly PHP 350.   A cheaper alternative is the MyBus  to SM City right outside the Domestic Terminal. Fare is PHP 25.  The Mybus leaves every 30 minutes 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM and every 20 minutes from 11:00 AM to 9:30 PM.  From SM City Cebu, you can take a taxi or Grab to South Bus Terminal, fare is around PHP 200 +.

2. Once you are in South Bus Terminal, take a Ceres bus to Dumaguete. Fare is PHP 260 + ferry fare for PHP 70.  The bus will board the ferry in Bato, Cebu. Total fare is around PHP 330.  Travel time is around 4-5 hours. 

3. The Ceres bus will stop in Ceres Bus Terminal in Dumaguete.  Take a tricycle to Dumaguete Port, fare is PHP 8 per person.

4. At Dumaguete Port, buy ferry of fastcraft ticket to Siquijor. There are several ferry and fastcraft from Dumaguete Port to Siquijor  every 2 hours from 5:45 AM to 7:00 PM.   One way ferry ticket to Siquijor starts at PHP 120 and travel time is almost 2 hours.  Meanwhile, one way ticket for fasctcraft starts at PHP 210 and transit time is roughly 1 hour.

5. Pay the PHP 25 terminal fee at Dumaguete Port.

6. Board the fastcraft or ferry.

 7. In Siquijor Port, you can take a tricycle or habal-habal (motorcycle) to your resort or hotel.  Fare is around PHP 100 (good for 2 persons).

IMPORTANT: Buses from Cebu to Dumaguete are limited, so if you miss this bus, follow Option 2 below. 

Option 2 (Cebu to Liloan to Dumaguete)

Estimated Total travel time: Roughy 6-7 hours

Estimated Total fare (one way): PHP 484

1. At South Bus Terminal in Cebu City, ride the bus to Liloan in Santander town.  Travel time is about 4-5 hours depending on traffic condition. Fare is about PHP 162 / USD 3.22  for ordinary bus and roughy PHP 200 / USD 3.98  for air-conditioned bus.

2. At Liloan Port in Santander, buy your fastcraft ticket to Sibulan (Negros Oriental) for around PHP 50 +  PHP 10 Terminal Fee + PHP 2 Municipal Fee = PHP 62. Travel time is less than 25 minutes.

3.  In Sibulan port, ride a jeep bound for Dumaguete City. Fare is about PHP 12/ USD 0.24

4. At Dumaguete Port there are several ferries bound for Siquijor. Travel time is roughly 1 hour. One way fare for fast craft starts at PHP 210, transit time is about 1 hour.  Ferry is slower, about 1.5 hours and one way fare is PHP 120.  See the ferry schedule here.

5. Pay the PHP 25 terminal fee.

6. Ride the ferry or fastcraft to Siquijor.

7. Upon arrival in Siquijor, you can take a habal-habal (motorcycle) or ride a tricycle to your hotel or resort. Standard rate is around PHP 100, good for 2 pax.

Tagbilaran (Bohol) to Siquijor

There is a ferry  that  runs between Tagbilaran in Bohol and Siquijor.  You can book tickets through the link below. Here’s the ferry schedule:

Bohol to Siquijor : Daily 10:20 AM

Siquijor to Bohol: Daily 12:30 PM

RESERVE FERRY TICKET HERE

Dapitan to Siquijor

1. Take a tricycle to Dapitan Pier.

2. At Dapitan Pier there are several ferries bound for Dumaguete City. Travel time is approximately 3 hours. Fare is PHP 350 / USD 6.96.

3. In Dumaguete City Port, look for ferries en route to Siquijor.

Iligan City to Siquijor

There is a ferry that leaves from Iligan City to Siquijor. Check the SIQUIJOR FERRY SCHEDULE HERE. 

Getting around Siquijor

The best way to get around by tricycle, but it means you have to charter it.

From Siquijor town proper to San Juan (we stayed in San Juan on our first day) we were charged PHP 150 / USD 3 for a special trip.

If you are alone and you want to save a few bucks, there are also jeepneys bound for San Juan, fare is roughly PHP 15 / USD 0.30, however, it only leaves once full.

How to Tour Siquijor

BY MOTORBIKE

You may charter a motorcycle for touring Siquijor. Many foreigners prefer this, as the tourist attractions are far from each other. Standard rate is PHP 300, you need to fuel the motorcycle.  Basically, it is full tank when you rent it and you need to fuel upon return.

BY TRICYCLE

Alternatively, you may hire a tricycle for touring around Siquijor. Rate is PHP 1,000 / USD 20 to PHP 1,200 (good for 3 persons). Rate is around PHP  1,000 / USD 20 – PHP 1,500 / USD 30 for tricycle tour around Siquijor. The tricycle drivers usually have a map to show you where they will take you.

The standard tricycle tour in Siquijor usually includes a visit to the following attractions: Paliton Beach, Capilay Hot Spring, Balete Tree (fish spa), Hapitanan Cafe and Restaurant (witch broomstick riding photo op), Lazi Church and Convent, Cambugahay Falls (Tarzan swing), Church of Our lady of Divine providence in Sta. Maria,  Salagdoong Beach, San Vicente Ferrer Parish Church, Guiwanon Spring Park, Pasalubong Center, St. Francis Asisi Church and Bell Tower and Welcome to Siquijor marker.

BY MULTI-CAB

If you are traveling with a group, you may hire a multi-cab, rate is around PHP 1,800 for a whole day tour, good for 15 persons.

BY TOUR PACKAGE

If you have limited time but you want to do a Siquijor day trip, you can avail of a hassle-free Siquijor Tour Package 2018  from Dumaguete.  You can book through the links below:

Siquijor Tour : Cambugahay Falls and Heritage Day Trip : RESERVE HERE

 Siquijor Tourist Attractions

There are a couple of tourist attractions in Siquijor, 1-2 days should be enough to cover them.  Here’s a list of  top attractions in Siquijor that is usually included in the Siquijor tricycle tour or multi-cab tour.

ALSO READ:  Siquijor Tourist Spots

1.Capilay Hot Spring 

Situated in San Juan town in Siquijor Island, Capilay Hot Spring is like a public pool where locals usually swim and hang out.  It has beautiful, deep green water.

2. Balete Tree

This gigantic, age old Balete Tree is a fave tourist spot for fish spa.  You will also find locals doing their laundry here the traditional way.

Entrance Fee: FREE

3. Hapitanan Cafe and Restaurant

This restaurant rose to fame because of it witch broomstick for photo op.  Tourists usually drop by here to ride the famed broomstick.

Entrance Fee: FREE

4. Lazi Church

The 18th century San Isidro Labrador Church, known as Lazi Church, is one of the most fam0us tourist spots in Siquijor.  It is a National Historic Shrine.

Entrance Fee: FREE

5.  Lazi Convent

Fronting the Lazi Church is the massive, ancient Lazi Convent declared as a National Historic Shrine.  It is dubbed as the biggest convent in the country.

Entrance Fee: FREE

6. Cambugahay Falls (Tarzan swing)

Cambugahay Falls in Siquijor is known for its emerald-green water and a famous spot for Tarzan swing.

Entrance Fee: PHP 7

Parking fee: PHP 20

7. Church of Our Lady of Divine Providence 

The eerie looking Our Lady of Divine Providence in Sta. Maria town, is another usual stop for the tricycle tour in Siquijor.  The image of this sad-looking, female saint is wearing black.

Entrance Fee: FREE

8. Salagdoong Beach 

This beach is known for its turquoise water and cliff jumping.   There are also cottages and accommodations here.

Entrance Fee: PHP 75

Parking Fee: PHP 40

9. St. Francis Assisi Church, Bell Tower + Siquijor Marker 

This church is located in Siquijor poblacion and probably the first tourist spot that you’ll see in town together with its bell tower.  Nearby, you’ll see a Siquijor Marker, a popular photo op spot for tourists.

Entrance Fee: FREE

10. Guiwanon Spring Park

Another stop of the Siquijor tricycle tour is the Guiwanon Spring Park fringed by mangrove forest.

11. Mt. Bandilaan Park

This jungle-fringed mountain is littered with fan palm and trees.  There’s a tower here where you can climb and witness the view of the Siquijor island below.

Entrance Fee: FREE

12. Faith Healing

Siquijor is known as the land of faith healing.  The province celebrates Faith Healing Festival during the Holy Week (Black Saturday) when faith healers cook their concoctions.  Tourists can even buy love potion in Siquijor.  If you want to witness a traditional healing in Siquijor,you can rent a tricycle and take you to one of the villages there. One popular traditional healing is called bolo-bolo where an old woman chants a a prayer and blows the water with a black stone through a stick until it become murky.

Other Siquijor Tourist Attractions:

Paliton Beach : A serene palm-fringed beach with powdery sand.

Kagusuan Beach: Another famous beach in Siquijor known for its rock formations.

Cantabon Cave:  Spelunking tour fee is PHP 500, good for 3 persons.  This rate includes helmet rental, flash light and guide fee.

Where to Stay in Siqujor

There’s a wealth of resorts and hotels in Siquijor for all types of budget.  Best to book ahead in advance especially if you are visiting on a holiday, weekend and summer months.  Here’s a list of top-rated accommodations in Siquijor.

BUDGET SIQUIJOR RESORTS AND HOTELS

• Toris Backpacker Paradise (San Juan, Siquijor): CHECK ROOM RATES HEREOR RESERVE HERE
• Good Vibes Siquijor  (San Juan, Siquijor) : CHECK ROOM RATES HERE  
• James Homestay (Catican, Siquijor) : CHECK ROOM RATES
• Isla Inn (Dumajog, Siquijor) : CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
• Treasure Islands Bungalow (San Juan, Suquijor): CHECK ROOM RATES HERE

MID-RANGE SIQUIJOR RESORTS AND HOTELS

• Glamping Siquijor by the Beach (San Juan, Siquijor): CHECK ROOM RATES HERE OR RESERVE HERE
• Toris Paradise (Dumanjog, Siquijor): CHECK ROOM RATES HEREOR RESERVE HERE
• The Bruce Luxury Private Cottage (San Juan, Siquijor) :CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
• Gold View Beach Resort (San Juan, Siquijor): CHECK ROOM RATES HERE OR RESERVE HERE
• Andoyo Cove Resort (San Juan, Siqiuijor): CHECK ROOM RATES HERE

HIGH-END RESORTS IN SIQUIJOR AND HOTELS

• White Villas Resort (San Juan, Siquijor):CHECK ROOM RATES HERE OR RESERVE HERE
• Kalachuchi Beach Resort (Brgy.Enrique Villanueva, Siquijor): CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
• Aloha Seaside Resort (San Juan, Siquijor) : RESERVE HERE

SIQUIJOR ITINERARY

DUMAGUETE-SIQUIJOR ITINERARY 3 DAYS/ 2 NIGHTS

This sample Siquijor Itinerary is good for a solo traveler, could be cheaper if you have travel buddies.  Feel free to adjust this depending on your travel schedule and budget.

SIQUIJOR TRIP BUDGET

Here’s a sample Siquijor trip budget if you follow the sample itinerary above, minus the expenses in Dumaguete.

GRAND TOTAL : PHP 3,327 

If your are a party of 2, estimated budget is PHP 2,727 per person if you follow the above itinerary.  The fare in Dumaguete and tour is not included.

ALSO READ:

DAPITAN TOURIST SPOTS

Things to do in Dumaguete

Bohol Travel Guide

Cebu: Swimming with the Whale Sharks

About the Blogger : Gael is a Filipina travel blogger. Her work has appeared in local and international publications.

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