Bucafe: Siquijor’s Scenic “Bukid” Cafe

In Sijuijor?

Maybe you’ve had a long day diving in one of its pristine, coral-encrusted underwater gardens.

Or trekking along its underground caves or forests.

Or enjoying its fun supernatural-themed tourist spots (like Hapitan, where you can take a photo of yourself flying on a broom like a real-life witch).

Your busy day is over, and maybe you want to sit back, unwind, and sip a cup of milky coffee or a dirty matcha.

Maybe you want to see the sunset over the lovely green island.

Well, congrats!

I have the perfect spot for you: Bucafe.

Let’s dive in and talk about one of Siqijor’s most chill, scenic cafes.

3 Fun Facts About Bucafe 

I know you’re excited to get up there and watch the sunset blaze into the sea.

You can’t wait to rest after one of the most adventure-packed days of your life.

In other words…you’re ready to go to Bucafe. 

But first, let’s get to know it a little more with a handful of fun facts. 

Bucafe Fun Fact #1: It’s a Little Hard to Get To (But Worth It!)

There are no regular transportation routes going up to Bucafe. 

This means the easiest way to the mountain cafe is through driving yourself up there.

Rented a motorbike?

Awesome!

Google Maps will take you straight to the cafe, which is 3-4 kilometers from San Juan town. 

Here’s the thing, though.

Bucafe is totally worth it!

So even if you rent a motorcycle just to get there, I wouldn’t consider it a waste on your part.

Bucafe Fun Fact #2: Bucafe Is the Best Place to Watch the Sunset Over Siquijor

Bucafe sits way up on the mountain, above the coconut grooves and the sea.

Its perch is perfect: facing west over the horizon.

This means if you’re looking for a spot to lean back, relax, and watch the flaming colors of the sunset…

…Bucafe is the spot for you. 

Bucafe Fun Fact #3: It’s All in the Name

Wondering why Bucafe is such a lovely, scenic place?

It’s all in its name!

“Bu” stands for “Bukid,” which, in Visayan means “Mountain.”

I know, I know.

There are better things to name your cafe than “Mountain Cafe.”

But give the place a visit and you’ll see what I mean.

I bet you’d call it Bucafe too, if the place belonged to you!

What To Do in Bucafe: 3 Relaxing Activities after a Long Siquijor Day

Days in Siquijor can be action-packed.

There are waterfalls, dive spots, caves, forests, and fun tourist locations to explore.

So when the day is done, you’d feel grateful to lean back, chat with friends, and sip a frothy watermelon shake.

Here are 3 relaxing things to do in Bucafe.

Bucafe Activity #1: Eat and Drink!

Bucafe is just what it says it is.

A cafe.

It has an interesting selection of snacks and drinks, perfect for late-afternoon munching and sipping.

The pricing is pretty good too.

Take a look at these examples: 

Of course, these are only a few of the many snack selections Bucafe has in store for you.

Here’s what I recommend (based on my personal favorites):

• 1 order Empanada 
• 1 order Kanlaon Native Coffee
• 1 order Mt. Talinis Overload Wafer Coffee (only if you have a sweet tooth)

Note: One order of Empanada is good for 2-3 people! The Empanadas are big, hot, and filled with a load of melted cheese. Yum!

Bucafe Activity #2: Relax

Bucafe isn’t unlike a treehouse perched at the edge of a cliff.

It’s 2 stories of wooden balconies, small stools, pillows, and even net swings! 

So if your body is aching from a packed, busy day…

…it’s the perfect place to rest and unwind. 

I remember going there with my 3 siblings.

We’d just had a long day diving and caving.

Exhausted, we drove up the mountain and voila!

We had the perfect spot to chat, sip cold drinks, and (my favorite activity) read.

Plus, as the sun started to set, the cicadas and crickets started up their singing. 

It was a magical blend of rest, serene mountain silence, and nature’s music. 

Bucafe Activity #3: Play Games

Bucafe is equipped with fun family games like Jenga and Pick up Sticks. 

So if you bring the kids along on your trip, you don’t have to worry that they’ll get bored. 

Bucafe also has a bunch of short wooden tables scattered about, so you can bring your own cards or board games along. 

Really a fun place for a game, if you ask me. 

How to Get to Bucafe (The Easiest Way) 

Like I said, there are no buses or jeepneys on regular routes to Bucafe.

But if you’ve already rented a motorcycle, driving yourself there should be easy.

If you’re staying in San Juan town, Bucafe is a short 3-4 kilometer drive up the mountain.

Don’t worry, though.

The road is wide and well-paved.

You won’t have a bumpy off-road experience or a steep drive up a cliff.

Here’s Bucafe’s exact location on Google Maps. 

Note, though.

If you don’t like driving in the dark, it’s best to leave the cafe before the last of the light goes.

That’s because there are not a lot of streetlights between Bucafe and town. 

The road gets quiet and a little creepy, so if you’re one who believes in ghosts and witches…

…maybe head down from the cafe around 6 pm?

How Much You’ll Spend at Bucafe

It depends! 

There is no entrance fee for Bucafe, but of course, you’ll have to buy something on their menu to stay there.

As a good rule of thumb, bring around PHP500 per person if you’re thinking of having a snack paired with a drink. 

Don’t worry!

Their servings are generous, so you can always share if you don’t want to spend too much. 

How Long Can You Stay at Bucafe? 

You can literally stay at Bucafe almost the whole day.

It opens its doors at 8 am, and since it has a wide offering of brunches, snacks, and drinks…

…you can set aside a day to hang out, read, chat, and chill there. 

Note, though, that the cafe closes as early as 7 pm.

The last order call is at 6 pm, so make sure you don’t arrive later than that.

Since Bucafe doesn’t accept reservations, it’s also a good idea to arrive before the usual flock of people do (late afternoon).

A good idea is to arrive at around 3 pm (after your dive or waterfall escapade) and save a seat there for your sunset viewing later. 

Bucafe Rope Hammock on Instagram

Want to see more stunning photos of Bucafe? 

Follow them on Instagram!

Also, yes, Bucafe is where you’ll find that famous rope hammock people always post on Instagram.

You know… like this one: 

Credits to Bucafe and @heyylith on Instagram! 

I wasn’t able to get a picture on the hammock because when we arrived, the hammocks were already taken 😕. 

Bucafe: My Favorite Siquijor Cafe

I love Siquijor.

It’s a place packed with adventure, from diving to caving to chasing waterfalls.

The sea is lovely there, pristine and untouched, pure aquamarine and turquoise with crystal waves. 

But for sure, it gets exhausting.

There are moments you want to sit back, close your eyes, and listen to the crickets and cicadas drone in the distance.

If you’ve been in Siquijor for a few days and you’re starting to feel this…

…it’s time to head over to Bucafe.

Buy the Empanadas. Bite into oozing melted cheese. Sip a scalding black coffee. Watch the sun dip into the horizon. 

You won’t regret the experience, I promise. 

For the other blog: 

Best Siquijor Tourist Spots #21: Bucafe

Feeling exhausted after a long day of exploring and adventuring in Siquijor?

It’s time to visit Bucafe, Siquijor’s most scenic cafe. 

Bucafe sits serenely at the edge of a cliff, and from its cozy wooden balconies and net hammocks…

…you can sit back, relax, and watch the sun go down over stunning groves of trees and the distant sea. 

If you’re feeling hungry, you can always order a snack like empanadas with oozing melted cheese, a plate of onion rings, or fried calamari.

Take these with a cup of hot black coffee, a dirty matcha, or a melon shake, and your day will be complete!