My officemate was telling me about how she’s not going to the island of Siquijor since her sister’s prone to spells. My mom’s asking me to bring a pinch of salt and a clove of garlic. Another officemate was relating her eerie impression of their tour there some years back.

I’ve been hearing a lot of mystic stuff about Isla del Fuego (Island of Fire), but it seemed that no story can ever deter me from continuing my journey to this mysterious island down south.

It was a routine flight from Metro Manila’s Terminal III airport via a cheap flight from Cebu Pacific that was booked months and months ago. An hour or so later and we were landing at the tarmac of Sibulan Airport near Dumaguete City. My ears usually get banged up pretty good during flights, but it was especially bad this time.
The airport was a no-frills one, a simple one-storey affair. I like airports like these compared to big-ass international ones; read, cheaper terminal fees, like 90% less, on the way back. I’m all for discounted fares; I’m stingy like that.
From the airport we rode a tricycle (Php50.00) straight to Dumaguete’s Port to catch a fastcraft ferry (Php140.00 + Terminal Fee Php15.00 per person) to Siquijor Island rather than hiring a cab that would probably cost us more than double than what we have to pay.
We were warned about the waves going to the island and we did experience a rough ride to Siquijor complete with splashes of seawater on our faces every now and then. I’ve read a few blog posts about a smooth Siquijor ride, all I can say is lucky them.
After an hour, the waters started getting greener and an island gently slopes up from the horizon.  Still a bit dizzy from our ferry tumble, we emerged into the harsh midday sun at the Port of Siquijor.
I cannot believe what I was seeing. The town port looks like a postcard perfect beach area that you see on magazines and desktop wallpapers. The water looks so clean and clear I felt like stripping down and trying it out to believe.

And I kept telling myself that we’re only at the port of Siquijor.

        SIQUIJOR THREE-DAY SERIES
        TRIP ITINERARY | MANILA - DUMAGUETE CITY - SIQUIJOR | ST. FRANCIS DE ASSISI CHURCH | CAPILAY’S SPRING PARK AT SAN JUAN
        OVER AND BELOW LAZI’S CENTURY-OLD BALETE TREE | LAZI CHURCH - SAN ISIDRO LABRADOR PARISH | LAZI CONVENT
        THE CAMBUGAHAY FALLS AT LAZI | SANTA MARIA CHURCH & ITS BLACK MARIA | SUNSET ON THE ROAD
        SAN JUAN’S COCO GROVE RESORT | COCO GROVE ACCOMMODATIONS AT SAN JUAN | COCO GROVE’S SUNSET RESTAURANT
        SUNSET AND SUNRISE AT SAN JUAN’S TUBOD BEACH