Siquijor is a magical place.
Think pristine waters, magical coral reefs, mysterious caves, and stunning waterfalls.
Think spooky stories, potions in glass bottles, and centuries-old trees.
The best part is that there’s a point on the island where you can see everything.
That’s right.
The panorama of forests, the azure line of the coasts, the purple-gray of the towns, the sweep of the ocean, and the sky.
Welcome to Mt. Bandilaan.
This is the highest point of Siquijor, where you can get a 360-degree view of the whole island.
Ready to learn more about it, how to get there, what it’s like up there, and more?
Let’s go!
Traveling to Siquijor soon? Check out my full Siquijor travel guide here, or check out these 20 other cool Siquijor tourist spots!
Mt. Bandilaan Fun: 3 Facts You Should Know About the Viewpoint
I know, you’re excited to learn how to get to Siquijor’s highest point.
But first, let’s have some fun with unique facts about the scenic place.
Mt. Bandilaan Fun Fact #1: There’s No Higher Point in Siquijor than This Mountain
Mt. Bandilaan rises 557 meters above sea level.
On its highest point stands a 15-meter tower and viewing point, where visitors can enjoy amazing views of the entire island.
Low-lying clouds, majestic forests, the sleepy haze of the scattered towns, the endless sea stretching on and on until it touches the dome of the sky.
This place is stunning.
I remember being up there with my siblings – we were shouting and laughing from pure joy!
Mt. Bandilaan Fun Fact #2: It’s a Huge, Stunning Nature Reserve
Mt. Bandilaan isn’t only the peak and the viewing point.
It’s a huge protected forest spanning 212 hectares.
In 1940, former president Manuel L. Quezon declared it a Forest Reserve.
Since then, it has flourished.
It is the island’s biggest watershed, and is home to numerous species of flora and fauna.
One of these is the endangered Hypsipetes Siquijorensis, a streak-breasted Bulbul endemic in Siquijor.
This songbird sings within the dense forests cloaking the mountains, and cannot be found in any other part of the world.
If you decide to walk within the heavy lines of trees, you might hear it singing somewhere amongst the branches – sweet, haunting, and magical, just like the whole island.
Mt. Bandilaan Fun Fact #3: There Are 143 Steps to the Highest Point of Mt. Bandilaan
If you’re not a hiker, don’t worry.
You don’t need mad skills to climb to the peak of Mt. Bandilaan.
Why: there are steps!
143 steps lead up from the concrete road to the highest point on the mountain.
Yes, it’s a tiring climb.
I remember being sweaty by the time we reached the viewing deck.
But it’s worth it!
If you go around sunset, you’ll be met with a cool, blowing wind, a stunning panorama of gold and rose clouds, and the exhilarating feeling of standing on top of the world!
Mt. Bandilaan: How to Get There
Already in Siquijor?
Getting to Mt. Bandilaan is not that hard.
If you’ve already rented a motorcycle, you can follow the road on Google Maps.
Here’s its exact location on the map:
Note: The road up the mountain is a little rocky.
Yes, it’s concrete, but the road is broken up in places, and it can be hard to navigate your motorcycle across it.
Always drive slowly and take care!
When you get to the stairs leading to the viewpoint, you can park your motorcycle beside it and start climbing!
If you haven’t rented a motorcycle yet, there are lots of places you can get them for affordable prices.
For example, at Siquijor or Larena ports, you can find shops that offer different models.
Prices range from PHP300-700, depending on which type of motorcycle you choose.
Other ways to get to Mt. Bandilaan:
- By tricycle: You can take a tricycle from San Fernando Park to Mt. Bandilaan. This will cost around PHP150-300. Prepare your haggling skills!
- By habal-habal (motorcycle taxi): There are motorcycle drivers in San Fernando Park who can take you to Mt. Bandilaan. For the right price, they will even wait until you’re done visiting the viewing deck, then take you back to the town. Be aware, though: there are no fixed prices for habal-habal rides. Be prepared to pay PHP100 and up, but don’t pay over PHP250!
What to Do in Mt. Bandilaan
Mt. Bandilaan isn’t a “serious” hike.
It’s only 143 steps to the peak – going up is all stairs and no scenic trails.
So here’s what a visit to the highest point of Siquijor will be like:
- You’ll get to the base of the peak on your motorcycle.
- You’ll park the motorcycle and start climbing the stairs.
- In 10-20 minutes (depending on your pace), you’ll arrive at the top of the viewing deck.
- You’ll look out at the stunning 360-degree view of the whole island of Siquijor.
- You can bring snacks, sit down on the viewing deck, and watch the sun go down.
- After, you’ll go down the steps back to your motorcycle and drive home (or wherever you’re going next).
There are also “Stations of the Cross” around the main viewing deck.
If you follow this trail, it’ll take you through the forests of Mt. Bandilaan, and eventually back out to the road again.
How Much Will You Spend in Mt. Bandilaan?
You don’t have to spend anything at all!
There’s no entrance fee to the park as it’s open to the public.
However, you may spend some money on other things like gasoline for your motorcycle or the tricycle/habal-habal fee (if you haven’t rented a motorcycle).
There aren’t many places around to buy food and drinks, so you probably won’t spend a lot there.
Who Can Enjoy Mt. Bandilaan?
Answer: everyone!
This place is family-friendly, great for kids, pets, and even your fit grandparents.
The stairs going up to the peak are not steep and easy to climb.
You can even have a family picnic on the viewing deck at the top!
However, Mt. Bandilaan is also great for the solo traveller.
It’s a beautiful place to go for some quiet.
The trees embrace the area, dense and green and seemingly endless.
The sea stretches out as far as the eye can see, and the sunset burns across the sky before fading into night.
If you’re out soul-searching, this is the perfect area to take a moment, breathe, and feel one with nature.
My siblings and I visited the place in June of 2024, and it was loads of fun.
We climbed the steps, took photos and videos at the viewing deck, laughed, joked, and had a great time.
We even took videos showcasing the view of every portion of the island.
So yes, Mt. Bandilaan is good for everyone, young and young-at-heart alike.
It’s an easy place to get to, and everyone who visits it will definitely come away feeling refreshed and deeply, serenely happy.
I know I was!
What’s the Best Time to Visit Mt. Bandilaan?
Sunset (or sunrise)!
Trust me, the views there when the sun is going down are amazing.
You can see the disc of the sun falling into the sea.
The clouds turning crimson and gold.
The night creeping into the forest, bringing a soft, eerie, mysterious vibe.
You can hear the trill of endangered birds and the buzz of cicadas.
You can almost imagine creatures stalking into the darkness, ready for their nighttime activities.
It’s utterly stunning.
Unfortunately, you can’t do sunrise viewing on Mt. Bandilaan.
Visitors are only allowed from 6AM to 7PM daily, so you’ll miss most of the sunrise when you get to the peak.
Visiting Mt. Bandilaan: Siquijor’s Highest Peak
Are you in Siquijor and looking for something to do besides diving, caving, and chasing waterfalls?
I suggest you spend one sunset on Mt. Bandilaan.
It’s a chill spot to rest from the day’s activities.
It’s quick and won’t take too much of your day.
And yes, it’s absolutely beautiful.
Enjoy!
Note: don’t forget to check out my full Siquijor travel guide or tourist spots article (there are 20 more!)