I’ve always been mesmerized by the beach at the Siquijor port. The first time I visited this island province, the shallow translucent waters on both sides of the concrete causeway was the first thing that struck me as we disembarked from the ferry we boarded from Dumaguete City. This second visit, it was absolutely the same; the waters of Siquijor pier was so inviting that we decided to stay for a night and see if the beach in the area is any good at all.

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CAN YOU IMAGINE A PIER LIKE THIS?

The first thing we looked for was a place to sleep in. Camping out on a tent is possible, but was not a choice for us since, well, we didn’t bring no tent with us. After passing through the port gates, it was easy enough to ask around for lodgings. We were told there were a few inns in the area, although definitely not luxury resort types.

► SEE: SIQUIJOR TRAVEL GUIDE

KIDS PLAYING AT SIQUIJOR’S PORT BEACH SANDBAR DURING LOWTIDE

We were good with anything cheap though, just as long as it’s located right by the beach and is clean. And indeed, we found the perfect one at Tumamak Lodge. It sits right by Siquijor’s pier beach, is inexpensive, has private rooms with toilet and bath, and more importantly, it has a porch where we can hang out and drink beer at night.

TUMAMAK LODGE SITS RIGHT BESIDE SIQUIJOR’S PORT BEACH

OUR SPARTAN ROOM FOR THE NIGHT

For PHP400.00 a night, we really weren’t expecting much. The accommodation looks like a former house converted into a guesthouse. The rooms are a bit tight and fan-cooled, the bed is decent enough, and the toilets are manual-flush type. No matter, it was good enough for cheap travelers like us.

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SIQUIJOR PORT BEACH IS NOT REALLY THAT POPULAR WITH TOURISTS

CHICKEN MARKINGS AT SIQUIJOR PIER BEACH’S SOFT SAND

The upside to all this is that the beach is just ten strides away from our door. And Siquijor’s port beach is not your ordinary trash-ridden pier. Not only is it as clean as a resort’s but we were actually surprised to find its sand to be really, really fine. Like Boracay White Beach fine. I dare say, the finest in the whole island. I’m not kidding.

The lodging is also just two minutes away from the famous 18th century Siquijor Church, if you’re into old architecture and such.

SPELL AZURE

Hurriedly donning our snorkels on, we dove into its warm blue-green waters. We were told there’s a reef right at the far end of the causeway where the boats dock, but it was way too far for us (we should’ve brought fins). Nevertheless, we found decent marine life from where we were.

SUNSET AT SIQUIJOR’S PORT BEACH

As afternoon arrived and the tides receded, we went back to the shore and watched the sun lower itself down the horizon. By the beach, local Siquijoran kids put up poles and started playing volleyball right by the undulating patterns of the sand. And right by the sea, kids, out from the nearby school wade along the ankle-deep waters, some going farther and swimming with their uniforms still on.

STREETFOOD DINNER AT SIQUIJOR’S BAYWALK

THE PERFECT DINNER

Come evening time, we walked towards Siquijor’s newly developed baywalk and availed ourselves sticks of barbecues, grilled hotdogs, squid balls, puso (steamed rice in coconut leaves), and two litros of Red Horse beer. Not a bad way to end our first day in Siquijor.

 

Siquijor Port Beach
Entrance Fee: Free
GPS Coordinates Map: 9.217138, 123.513561

Tumamak Lodge ► ROOM RATES
Address: Port Area, North Poblacion, Siquijor
Contact NUmber: (0905) 149-6724

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