Siquijor is an island province located at the Central Visayas Region of the Philippines. It is composed of six towns; Enrique Villanueva, Larena, Lazi, Maria, San Juan and Siquijor. The island is bordered on the northwest by Cebu and Negros islands, on the northeast by Bohol, and on the south by the northern Mindanao provinces of Misamis Occidental (Dapitan) and Zamboanga del Norte (Dipolog).

Often dubbed as, the Isla del Fuego (the island of fire) due to the glow it gives off during sundown as multitude of fireflies gather on the molave trees off the island, it is a place of mystery and mysticism especially for older generations who believes in witchcraft and sorcery. And indeed, the said practice is still being observed in Siquijor, albeit on a less prevalent scale as it was before. I find that most people would look strangely on you if you mention that you’re traveling to Siquijor, the island having its reputation with the black arts, but once you get pass that—and it is really not a problem when on the island itself—the place would reward you with amazing tourist spots such as pristine beaches, amazing waterfalls, lush hiking trails, centuries old stone churches, and yes, even the sweetest people.

► HOW TO GET TO SIQUIJOR

Being an island, the only way to get to Siquijor is by ferry, the main hub of which is located an hour away at the port of Dumaguete City. Most people outside of the region fly to the Dumaguete-Sibulan Airport, which is just a few minutes away from the port going to Siquijor. For international travelers, Cebu—with flights coming in from Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and Taiwan, would be the easiest way to get in. From the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, one can then head over to Cebu Pier where ferries sail directly to Siquijor everyday.

► BOOK A SIQUIJOR BUS, FERRY, PRIVATE TRANSFER, FLIGHT ONLINE


VIA METRO MANILA TO DUMAGUETE AIRPORT ○ 1 HOUR TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE: PHP6,700.00+/- ROUNDTRIP
● CEBU PACIFIC - Flies 2 to 3 Times Daily | (02) 7020-888
● PHILIPPINE AIRLINES - Flies 2 Times Daily | (02) 777-5932

VIA TAGBILARAN PORT ○ ABOUT 2.5 TO 3 HOURS TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM PHP210.00+/- ONE WAY
● F.J. PALACIO LINES - Sails daily to Larena Port, Siquijor | (032) 255-4540
● LITE FERRIES - Sails 6 times weekly to Larena Port, Siquijor | (038) 501- 7422
● OCEANJET - Sails daily to Siquijor Port, Siquijor | (0932) 873-4885, (0922) 857-2300

VIA CEBU PIER 1 PORT ○ ABOUT 7 HOURS TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM PHP350.00+/- ONE WAY
● LITE FERRIES - Sails 6 times weekly to Larena Port | (032) 254-0383

VIA DUMAGUETE PORT ○ ABOUT 1 HOUR TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM PHP136.00+/- ONE WAY
● DELTA FERRY - Sails daily | (035) 420-1111, (035) 420-0888
● GL SHIPPING LINES - Sails 6 times weekly | (035) 480-5534, (0915) 891-1426
● OCEANJET - Sails daily | (0923) 725-3734
● MONTENEGRO SHIPPING LINES - Sails twice daily to Larena Port | (035) 422-3632
● M/V SIQUIJOR ISLAND - Sails every Saturday

VIA ILIGAN POBLACION PORT AREA ○ 6 HOURS TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM PHP120.00+/- ONE WAY
● ORLINES SEA-LAND TRANSPORT - Sails every Thursday & Fridays to Lazi Port | (063) 221-1998, (0917) 323-8347 

► GETTING AROUND SIQUIJOR

Public transportation isn’t the easiest in Siquijor. The common mode of transportation is the habal-habal (motorbike) which you simple flag down on the highway. This is convenient and cheap when you’re without companions and without any luggage, but if you throw in a backpack and a suitcase, then things begin to get more complicated. There are also multi-cabs that ply the highways of Siquijor, but these are few and far between.

► TOURS IN SIQUIJOR

The best way to see Siquijor is to hire a tour guide (with vehicle) that would show you around the island’s tourist spots. If you haven’t booked a guide yet, there are numerous ones right by the port gate which would offer you their services. The rates, which are per vehicle, are standardized throughout the island, so you won’t have to worry about getting ripped off.

The standard tour rates are as follows:
Tricycle (3 persons max) – PHP1,000.00 per day
Multicab (17 persons max) – PHP1,800.00 per day
Air-Conditioned FX (8 persons max) – PHP1,800.00 per day

Recommended tour guides:
Dennis Caspes - (0947) 789-8337 | (0936) 110-7863
Joam Camingao - (0927) 693-2095

► SPEAK SIQUIJOR

Siquijoranons, as the locals in Siquijor are often called, are fluent in Filipino and English. Their main language is Cebuano. Here are a few words and phrases you can use to charm the locals when on the island.

Thank You – Salamat kaayo
Good Morning – Maayong Buntag
Good Afternoon – Maayong Hapon
Good Evening – Maayong Gabii
How Much? – Tagpila?
Where is… – Hain ang…

► WHERE TO STAY IN SIQUIJOR

Siquijor is still fairly new to tourism, although the past years have seen huge growths in the influx of international visitors from Asia and Europe. With this, development on the island is starting to grow, especially on the upscale side of the market. Still, backpacker and mid-range accommodations are still common in Siquijor, the cheapest of which would set you back only PHP400.00 a night.



SEASIDE GARDEN RESORT & COTTAGES
Room Rates: From PHP800.00
Address: Brgy. Camogao, Enrique Villanueva, Siquijor
Contact Number: (0906) 829-5704 | (0926) 418-3488
GPS Coordinates: 9.258308, 123.653950




HOTEL AGRIPINO
Room Rates: From PHP800.00
Address: Brgy. Olang, Maria, Siquijor
Contact Number: (044) 246-5031
GPS Coordinates: 15.425170, 120.938478




COCO GROVE RESORT
Room Rates: Check Here
Address: Brgy. Tubod, San Juan, Siquijor
Contact Number: (0927) 362-8731 | (0939) 915-5123
GPS Coordinates: 9.142435,123.510897


LORNA'S END OF THE WORLD
Room Rates: From PHP400.00
Address: Brgy. Lala-o, San Juan, Siquijor
Contact Number: (0927) 381-6377
GPS Coordinates: 9.166992, 123.483353
PHOTO FROM BLISSFULGURO.COM



DIAMOND DE SIQUIJOR
Room Rates: From PHP650.00
Address: Brgy. Calalinan, Siquijor, Siquijor
Contact Number: (035) 480-9324 | (0910) 394-9963
GPS Coordinates: 9.214142, 123.505534
PHOTO FROM MARXTERMIND.COM

GUIWANON SPRING PARK
Room Rates: From PHP250.00
Address: Brgy. Luyang, Siquijor, Siquijor
Contact Number: (0926) 460-6010
GPS Coordinates: 9.231661, 123.565948


TUMAMAK LODGE
Room Rates: Check Here
Address: Port Area, North Poblacion, Siquijor, Siquijor
Contact Number: (0905) 149-6724
GPS Coordinates: 9.216662, 123.513683

► WHERE TO EAT IN SIQUIJOR

During my first visit to Siquijor half a decade ago, there are hardly any high-end restaurants and bars on the island except those inside luxury resorts. Now, with the advent of tourism in Siquijor, international restaurants have started sprouting up along the roadways, side by side with the more affordable carinderia and eateries. As for Siquijoran specialties, look around for pastel, a packed rice and viand take away, and pan bisaya, which is served at Lilibeth’s in the town of Enrique Villanueva.



LILIBETH’S PAN BISAYA
Type: Bakeshop
Address: Brgy. Bino-Ongan, Enrique Villanueva, Siquijor
Contact Number: (0926) 201-9485
GPS Coordinates: 9.266511, 123.651124




TRIAD COFFEE SHOP
Type: Cafe
Address: Brgy. Cangbangsa, Larena, Siquijor
Contact Number:
GPS Coordinates: 9.239340, 123.583778
PHOTO FROM SENYORITA.NET



EL MONTE CAFE AND RESTAURANT
Type: Filipino
Address: Brgy. Tigbawan, Lazi, Siquijor
Contact Number: (0977) 829-1205
GPS Coordinates: 9.124995, 123.635714
PHOTO FROM FIRSTTIMETRAVELS.COM



BAHA BA'R
Type: Filipino Fusion
Address: Brgy. Maite, San Juan, Siquijor
Contact Number: (0998) 548-8784
GPS Coordinates: 9.151293, 123.500258
PHOTO FROM BAHA-BAR.COM

DAGSA RESTOBAR
Type: Filipino, Western
Address: Brgy. Solangon, San Juan, SiquijorEcija
Contact Number:
GPS Coordinates: 9.172702, 123.476601
PHOTO FROM GETOUTDEAR.COM

ERIK THE VIKING MEAT AND EAT
Type: Western
Address: San Juan Market, Poblacion, San Juan, Siquijor
Contact Number: (0906) 723-6064
GPS Coordinates: 9.157324, 123.493897
PHOTO FROM TRIPADVISOR

GET WRECKED RESTOBAR
Type: Filipino, Western
Address: Poblacion, San Juan, Siquijor
Contact Number: (0935) 938-6380
GPS Coordinates: 9.157854, 123.493123
PHOTO FROM FIRSTTIMETRAVELS.COM

BIG BELLY BURGER & BREAKFAST
Type: Burgers
Address: Sta. Fe St., Poblacion, Siquijor, Siquijor
Contact Number: (0932) 632-2546
GPS Coordinates: 9.215775, 123.514007
PHOTO FROM FIRSTTIMETRAVELS.COM

RESTAURANT SAKI
Type: Japanese, Filipino
Address: Brgy. Pili, Siquijor, Siquijor
Contact Number:
GPS Coordinates: 9.211224, 123.561229
PHOTO FROM TRIPADVISOR.COM

► WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN SIQUIJOR

Siquijor is blessed with all sorts of tourist spots packed in one easy to explore compact package. It has two known waterfalls, several pristine beaches, marine sanctuaries, diving spots, hiking grounds, mangrove parks, natural springs, mystical sites, heritage churches. You name it, Siquijor probably has it!



CAMOGAO BEACH
Address: Brgy. Camogao, Enrique Villanueva, Siquijor
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 9.258308, 123.653950



CANG-ISOK HOUSE
Address: Brgy. Libo, Enrique Villanueva, Siquijor
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 9.251498, 123.655175



SANDUGAN BEACH
Address: Brgy. Sandugan, Enrique Villanueva, Siquijor
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 9.295720, 123.599432
PHOTO FROM SHOESTRINGDIARY.WORDPRESS.COM


TULAPOS MARINE SANCTUARY
Address: Brgy. Tulapos, Enrique Villanueva, Siquijor
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 9.282499, 123.642050



 

LARENA CHURCH & BELL TOWER
Address: Poblacion Norte, Larena, Siquijor
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 9.248657, 123.591572
PHOTO FROM LANTAW.COM

CAMBUGAHAY FALLS
Address: Brgy. Kinamandagan, Lazi, Siquijor
Entrance Fee: None | Parking Fee: Php20.00
GPS Coordinates: 9.139833, 123.626622



ENCHANTED BALETE TREE
Address: Brgy. Campalanas, Lazi, Siquijor
Entrance Fee: Donation
GPS Coordinates: 9.120905, 123.575532



LAZI CONVENT
Address: Brgy. Tigbawan, Lazi, Siquijor
Museum Entrance Fee: PHP20.00
GPS Coordinates: 9.127494, 123.633039



MOUNT BANDILAAN NATIONAL PARK
Address: Brgy. Cangomantong, Lazi, Siquijor
Entrance Fee:
GPS Coordinates: 9.190796, 123.590672
PHOTO FROM SENYORITA.NET


SAN ISIDRO LABRADOR CHURCH
Address: Brgy. Tigbawan, Lazi, Siquijor
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 9.127854,123.633866





KAGUSUAN BEACH
Address: Brgy. Lilo-An, Maria, Siquijor
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 9.126672, 123.688428



MARIA CHURCH
Address: Brgy. Poblacion Sur, Maria, Siquijor
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 9.197334, 123.655336



SALAGDOONG BEACH
Address: Brgy. Olang, Maria, Siquijor
Entrance Fee: PHP75.00
GPS Coordinates: 9.212993, 123.681353



SALAGDOONG FOREST
Address: Brgy. Olang, Maria, Siquijor
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 9.218115, 123.673282



TALISAY BEACH
Address: Brgy. Poblacion Sur, Maria, Siquijor
Entrance Fee:
GPS Coordinates: 9.196795, 123.657815





BULALAKAW FOREST RESERVATION
Address: Brgy. Catulayan, San Juan, Siquijor
Entrance Fee:
GPS Coordinates: 9.139505, 123.548161



CAPILAY SPRING PARK
Address: Brgy. Poblacion, San Juan, Siquijor
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 9.158763,123.493441



LUGNASON FALLS
Address: Brgy. Napo, San Juan, Siquijor
Entrance Fee: None
Guide Fee: PHP40.00
GPS Coordinates: 9.150258, 123.535808


PALITON BEACH
Address: Brgy. Paliton, San Juan, Siquijor
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 9.176912, 123.462712
PHOTO FROM MARXTERMIND.COM


SOLANGON BEACH
Address: Brgy. Solangon, San Juan, Siquijor
Entrance Fee:
GPS Coordinates: 9.171870, 123.475640



ST. AUGUSTINE CHURCH
Address: Brgy. Poblacion, San Juan, Siquijor
Entrance Fee: None 
GPS Coordinates: 9.159175, 123.494244
PHOTO FROM LANTAW.COM


TUBOD BEACH
Address: Brgy. Tubod, San Juan, Siquijor
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 9.142435,123.510897





CANDANAY SUR BEACH
Address: Brgy. Candanay Sur, Siquijor, Siquijor
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 9.225514, 123.526206
PHOTO FROM SOLITARYWANDERER.COM


DUMANHOG BEACH
Address: Brgy. Dumanhog, Siquijor, Siquijor
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 9.214497, 123.493695
PHOTO FROM SHOESTRINGSTRAVELERS.COM


GUIWANON SPRING PARK
Address: Brgy. Luyang, Siquijor, Siquijor
Contact Number: (0926) 460-6010
Entrance Fee: PHP10.00
GPS Coordinates: 9.231661, 123.565948


SIQUIJOR BOULEVARD
Address: Brgy. Canal, Siquijor, Siquijor
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 9.214190, 123.508347
PHOTO FROM MARXTERMIND.COM


SIQUIJOR PORT BEACH
Address: Brgy. North Poblacion, Siquijor, Siquijor
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 9.217138, 123.513561



ST. FRANCIS DE ASISI CHURCH
Address: Brgy. North Poblacion, Siquijor, Siquijor
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 9.215077,123.513821

► FESTIVALS IN SIQUIJOR

BUGWAS FESTIVAL
Location: San Juan, Suquijor
Festival Date: Last week of August

DILA-AB FESTIVAL
Location: Siquijor, Suquijor
Festival Date: October 1st of every year

HEALING FESTIVAL
Location: Bandilaan National Park
Festival Date: Holy Week of every year

LUBI FESTIVAL
Location: Maria, Siquijor
Festival Date: May 21st of every year

SOLILI FESTIVAL
Location: Siquijor, Siquijor
Festival Date: September 17th of every year

► WHAT TO BUY IN SIQUIJOR

In terms of food, there’s probably not much you can bring back home as gifts or pasalubong (you can get those in Dumaguete, though). But if you really want a unique keepsake and memento, then pass over the usual ref magnets and keychains and buy yourself a bottle of gayuma (love potion) and other oily concoctions for ailments as well. There’s no guarantee it would work, but the packaging and the oddness of it is worthy enough of your money.

REF MAGNETS & KEYCHAINS
Where to Buy: Stalls at Enchanted Balete | Port of Siquijor stores
Address: Brgy. Campalanas, Lazi, Siquijor | Poblacion, Siquijor, Siquijor




CLARITA’S TABLIA
Where to Buy: Enrique Villanueva (being peddled around)
Address: Brgy. Tulapos, Enrique Villanueva, Siquijor




CHARMS, POTIONS, GAYUMA
Where to Buy: Stalls at Enchanted Balete
Address: Brgy. Campalanas, Lazi, Siquijor

► SIQUIJOR TOURIST SPOTS MAP

► SIQUIJOR TRAVEL BUDGET

Siquijor is not an expensive place to travel into. If you can rough it out, it gets even cheaper. Most of your budget would really go to the island tour, which is not expensive in itself, especially if you have a lot of companions to share it with. Lodging is also cheap, especially when shared. While there are a few luxury resorts in Siquijor where you can splurge, this budget is the absolute minimum a single traveler and a two-person traveler can spend overnight while on the island, including the RORO transfer from Dumaguete City.

Transportation: PHP487.00 Solo | PHP774.00 Couple (PHP387.00 each)
  PHP136.00 - RORO to Siquijor from Dumaguete City
  PHP15.00 - Port Terminal Fee
  PHP136.00 - RORO to Dumaguete City from Siquijor
  PHP200.00 – Transfer from lodging to pier (optional if you’re near the pier area)

Tour: PHP1,165.00 Solo | PHP1,220.00 Couple (PHP635.00 each)
  PHP1,000.00 - Tricycle Island Tour
  PHP40.00 - Guide fee at Lugnason Falls
  PHP20.00 – Parking fee at Cambugahay
  PHP75.00 - Entrance fee at Salagdoong
  PHP20.00 - Lazi Convent Museum
  PHP10.00 - Entrance fee at Guiwanon Spring Park

Accommodation: PHP400.00 Solo | PHP400.00 Couple (PHP200.00 each)
  PHP400.00 - Cheapest accommodation in Siquijor with nearby eateries

Food: PHP375.00 Solo | PHP750.00 Couple (PHP375.00 each)
  PHP75.00 - Average cost of a meal per person on a carinderia. 
           x 5 - 2 breakfast, 2 lunch, 1 dinner

Overnight budget total for a solo traveler: PHP2,427.00
Overnight budget total for two persons traveling together: PHP3,194.00 (PHP1,597.00 each)

► SIQUIJOR SAMPLE ITINERARY

It is absolutely doable to tour Siquijor in one single day, just take the earliest RORO. Or even if you take the midday one, you can still do a daytour of Siquijor, provided that you pass over some sites. But the best way to enjoy the island is to travel slow; stay overnight, or better yet, stay for a week! The beaches of Siquijor are worthy of a seven-day stay.

DAY ONE
Arrive in Siquijor very early via RORO
Breakfast at the port (or at the RORO)
Check in at resort en route via tour FOR THOSE STAYING OVERNIGHT OR MORE
Siquijor Tricycle or Multicab Tour
   - Siquijor Church (St. Francis de Asisi)
   - Siquijor Boulevard
   - Capilay Spring Park
   - Tubod Beach
   - Lugnason Falls
   - Balete Tree
   - Lazi Church & Convent (San Isidro Labrador)
   - Lunch
   - Cambugahay Falls
   - Kagusuan Beach
   - Maria Church (Sta. Maria)
   - Salagdoong Beach
   - Snack at Lilibeth’s Pan Bisaya
   - Guiwanon Spring Park
Ride RORO out of Siquijor  *END OF DAYTOUR ITINERARY
Back at resort  *FOR THOSE STAYING OVERNIGHT OR MORE

DAY TWO
Enjoy the beach
Resume the tour en route to the pier
   * THERE IS THE OPTION OF CUTTING YOUR TOUR IN HALF OR
    WHERE IT’S MORE CONVENIENT IN REGARDS TO THE LOCATION
    OF YOUR RESORT, LEAVING THE SECOND PART THE NEXT DAY
    EN ROUTE BACK TO THE PIER FROM YOUR RESORT.
Depart Siquijor

DAY THREE
Check out the lesser know beaches of Siquijor
Hike Mount Bandilaan
Depart Siquijor

SIQUIJOR TRAVEL GUIDE, ITINERARY & BUDGET 
UPDATED AS OF JANUARY 26, 2017