Siquijor is one of the most underrated destinations in the country.
You won’t find this province listed in most top 10 or 20 places to visit articles – but right now, it’s my personal favorite!
If you have a trip to Siquijor soon – or if you’re debating whether you shop hop on that ferry for a visit – this blog post is for you!
I spent a full week exploring the island to give you this Siquijor Travel Guide for backpackers.
In it, we’ll have a look at:
- Important travel facts you need to know about the island
- How to get to Siquijor
- A Siquijor travel map (so you can plan your trip accordingly)
- Things to do while in Siquijor!
There’s a lot to cover so let’s get right into it!
Siquijor Travel Facts – 4 ½ Things You Need to Know Before Visiting
Here are the most important facts you need to know before your visit!
#1: Siquijor Spots Have Small/No Entrance Fees, They Rely on Tips
Not all spots, but most of them.
It’s one of the things that I love about the island. It isn’t overdeveloped in the slightest.
Technically, most of the waterfalls and beaches are free to visit.
However, some landowners charge you for passing through their land to get to these spots (mostly a small amount like php20 – php50).
Then there are the local guides.
Whenever you arrive at a jumpoff point, you’ll be greeted by friendly and enthusiastic guides.
You probably won’t need them, but it’s better (and more respectful) to let them lead you to the spot. After all, these are the locals who maintain their spots.
They can also tell you all about their place, watch your bags as you swim, and assist you in any way (one even drove my rented motorbike through tricky rough roads).
These guys will go over and beyond for you, so it’s only right to leave them a tip before you go.
Speaking of which…
#1.5: How Much Should You Tip Your Guides in Siquijor?
There is no set rate for a reason. You can give your guide as much or as little as you want. But my personal system for tipping when I visited was php100/hour.
The guides seemed pretty happy with this.
Plus, I traveled solo, so I never spent more than two hours at a spot.
The biggest tip I gave was php400 for a guide who led me to a secret waterfall and a secret off-road drive to Holy Mountain.
Other than that, it was mostly 100s and 200s.
#2: You’ll Need a Scooter to Get Around
Public transportation in Siquijor is very limited.
The only real ways to get around are to either hire a driver for the whole day, join an organized tour, or rent a scooter.
The good news is that there are scooters for rent all over the island.
The moment you walk out of the Siquijor pier, you’ll find rows upon rows of motorbikes ready for rent. These go for around php300 – php500 a day.
These bikes are hit-and-miss when it comes to how well-maintained they are, but most of them can get you anywhere without any problems.
If you want to be sure though, my suggestion would be to skip the bikes at the pier and rent from your accommodation instead.
These are usually slightly more expensive, but better maintained. And if anything goes wrong, they can easily assist you.
#3: There are NO Witches in Siquijor
You may have heard that Siquijor is haunted.
Well… Aside from this broom ride jump shot you can get in Hapitanan, there aren’t any witches in Siquijor.
Okay… maybe deep in the forests there are.
But as a traveler, you don’t have to worry about running into witches or evil spirits.
A guide told me that this reputation came from an old telenovela, while others say it came from the traditional medicines used during the Spanish colonial era.
Instead of getting angry though, the people here took advantage of this reputation for tourists.
That’s why there are plenty of spirit healers, voodoo doll keychains, and even a healing festival held during Holy Week.
It’s also where Siquijor got its nickname The Healing Island.
Speaking of which…
#4: Siquijor is a Healing Island, So Take it Slow!
The Healing Island is not just a nickname.
From the moment you arrive in Siquijor, you’ll find that time is slow on the island. This laid-back atmosphere is completely different from life in a city.
Because of this, I don’t recommend racing to see all the spots that Siquijor has to offer (there are a LOT of them).
Instead, take it slow!
I’d say the best way to enjoy Siquijor is to take your time on the island, it’s good for your soul.
How to Get to Siquijor
There are 3 ways to get to Siquijor: Dumaguete Port, Tagbilaran Port in Bohol, and Liloan Port in southern Cebu.
How to Get to Siquijor From Dumaguete
The easiest way to get to Siquijor would be from Dumaguete, where boats are leaving about every two hours.
The fastcrafts only take 50 minutes, and their price ranges from php200 – php600.
The fast craft operators are OceanJet and Atlantis Yohan Express. Check their Facebook pages for the latest schedules, or book online here.
Aside from fastcrafts, you can also take a slow roro.
Montenegro and Aleson Shipping Lines have 3-4 trips a day. These take 1.5 hours and only cost around php160.
How to Get to Siquijor from Cebu City
If you’re in Cebu City, you have 4 options on how to get to Siquijor:
- OceanJet’s Fastcraft (with a stopover at Tagbilaran, Bohol) – Most convenient
- Direct bus from Cebu City – Cheapest
- Get to Dumaguete first (land trip) – Easiest to Schedule
- Slow boat from Cebu City to Larena – Cheap
The most convenient (but also most expensive) way is to take OceanJet’s connecting trip to Siquijor via Tagbilaran.
You can check for updated schedules and book online here. Right now, they have daily trips at 1 pm, and it costs php1,600 – php2,000.
The cheapest option would be to take a south-bound bus to Liloan Port (4 hours away from Cebu City), then hop on the 3-hour Roro to Larena Pier that leaves every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 2 am (and 7 am on Sundays).
This can cost as low as php500 (php300 bus, php200 boat).
Ceres Liner has a direct bus to Siquijor (via Liloan Port) that leaves Cebu City every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 8 pm (2 am on Sunday). This bus also circles Siquijor, so you can stop directly at your accommodation.
The only problem with this option is the 2 am departure time from Liloan to Larena. That’s why some people opt to go for:
The easiest to schedule option – which is to go to Dumaguete first.
You can fly to Dumaguete thanks to daily flights from Cebu Pacific. However, this can get quite expensive (php2,000+).
Instead, most people get to Dumaguete by bus.
Starting at 6 am, there are direct buses from Cebu City to Dumaguete (via Liloan Port) every hour.
If you take the 6 am bus, you should arrive at Dumaguete pier in time for the 1:45 pm fast craft (schedules are bound to change, check the latest schedules and book online here), meaning you’ll arrive in Siquijor at around 3 pm.
This route is about php200 more expensive than the cheapest option, and it’s a pretty grueling journey.
But you can see why many people still choose this route. It’s not super expensive, and you don’t have to time your trip with the Liloan to Larena boat schedule.
Finally, there’s the slowest option, which is to take a slow boat straight from Cebu City to Larena Port in Siquijor, which takes 10 hours.
Take note that Larena Port is farther away from Siquijor’s main tourist zone (San Juan) than the Siquijor Port, so the tricycle to get there may cost more.
Lite Ferries is the boat that runs this route, and they leave every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 1pm. You can book online here.
How to Get to Siquijor from Manila
The easiest way to get to Siquijor from Manila is to fly to Dumaguete first, then take any of the numerous fastcrafts and roros heading to Siquijor.
You can also fly to Cebu City or Bohol!
Siquijor Travel Requirements 2023
Since 2023, Siquijor no longer has ANY travel requirements. You can enter even if you’re unvaccinated.
Easy right?
Siquijor Travel Map
A fun Siquijor travel map showing you all the spots coming soon!
Siquijor is the 3rd smallest province in the country.
Despite this, it’s bursting with places to go and things to see.
The province is divided into 6 municipalities, but for a traveler, there are 5 zones you should know about. Starting with:
North Siqiuijor – The “City” Area
North Siquijor is where you’ll find Siquijor (the municipality) and Larena.
This is the most developed part of Siquijor, with both ports in this area.
It’s where you’ll find the most shops, a supermarket, convenience stores, pharmacies, and even a fast food chain restaurant (Jollibee).
All in all, this area is the closest thing to a city (although it’s way too small to be called that, more like a town).
For the traveler, there isn’t much to see here aside from the Larena Triad Coffee Shop.
But this is also the best place to see how life goes in Siquijor since it’s also the most populated area.
San Juan – The Tourist Beach Zone
Most resorts, guesthouses, and hostels can be found on this western stretch of the island, and for good reason!
San Juan is home to some of the most beautiful white sand beaches in the country (not just on the island!).
Paliton beach is the most popular, but Tubod, Solangon, and any other beach on this stretch are just as beautiful.
Aside from the white sand, this stretch also gets the most beautiful pink sunsets.
And a little way off the shore, you’ll also find the waters teeming with life – making this a favorite for both snorkelers and scuba divers.
If you’re hungry, all you have to do is drive along the highway and you’ll be greeted by all kinds of cuisines (more on this later).
All in all, San Juan is a very laid-back tourist town. It has the same vibe as places like Santa Fe in Bantayan or General Luna in Siargao.
Lazi – Waterfalls Galore
While San Juan is where most tourists stay, Lazi is where most tourists go!
Moving to the south, this is where you’ll find all the refreshing Gatorade-blue waterfalls that Siquijor has to offer. Which, in my opinion, is the best thing about this island.
But other than that, Lazi is also where you’ll find the old enchanted balete tree, the Sambulawan underground river, the Lazi church and convent, and also that Hapitanan witch broom shot.
Lazi also has a small town, where you can find plenty of restaurants to eat at. This is a great place to eat lunch while exploring the area.
All in all, as a visitor, expect to spend quite a lot of your time over here in Lazi.
Central Siquijor – The Mountains
In between Siquijor, San Juan, and Lazi, you have what I like to call the mountains.
The mountains are a beautiful part of Siquijor, filled with forests, secret caves, and a few waterfalls as well.
Some roads up here aren’t fully concrete yet, but there’s nothing your scooter can’t handle.
There are few establishments and restaurants up here, so plan accordingly!
As for spots, there’s Mt Bandilaan national park, Cantabon Cave, Lugnason Falls, the Butterfly Sanctuary, and my favorite secret spot Cangbangag Falls.
East Siquijor – The Hills of Maria
The eastern side of Siquijor (Maria and Enrique Villanueva) is probably the least-visited part of the island.
Aside from Salagdoong beach and the Tulapdos marine sanctuary, there aren’t many known tourist spots here.
What you will find though, are beautiful views from the hills of Maria.
The rolling grassy hills and the view of the coastline can take your breath away.
If you’re short on time, I would probably leave this area off your itinerary. But if you have an extra day, coming here to relax and ponder life is a great way to spend it!
Where to Stay in Siquijor
The best place to stay in Siquijor would be in San Juan, along the main tourist road. There are countless resorts, homestays, and hostels in this area that you can choose from!
When I visited, I stayed at Tagbalayon Lodging House for roughly php260/night.
It’s a very simple and clean place. You’ll be sharing your dorm room with about twenty other guests maximum, but each bunk bed has a set of curtains for privacy.
The staff is super friendly and helpful, their motorbikes were good, and they also serve delicious food as well.
All in all, I couldn’t be happier with it!
If a hostel isn’t what you’re looking for, probably the most popular resort in Siquijor is Coco Grove Resort.
Found right in front of Tubod Beach, this resort is for people who want to have a little more luxury while on the island.
They’re also one of the few places on the island that has a pool!
Places to Stay in Siquijor
Backpacker:
- Tagbalayon Lodging House – Where I stayed, right beside the Tubod Marine Sanctuary
- Chelle’s Guesthouse and Backpackers – The cheapest guesthouse in Siquijor! Has a nice garden to chill out and relax.
- Love Shack Hostel -Unique dome-shaped hostel with a great sunset view. Guests are also just walking distance to the beaches.
Mid-Price:
- Chekesh Casa – Chekesh Casa is a 5-minute walk from the popular Tubod Marine Sanctuary. With clean rooms and friendly hosts, you’re sure to feel very welcome.
- E and N Paradise Island Resort – Safe, gated resort with a big cozy garden. This 5-star resort is a great starting point to explore the island.
- Sea View Resort – Bring your furry friends and enjoy this well-furnished property with a great beach view. You’ll also have easy access to the city’s must-see destinations right around the corner.
High-End / Resort:
- Coco Grove – Enjoy a captivating retreat in a tropical paradise. Coco Grove is nestled on the enchanting shores of Siquijor Island.
- White Villa Resort -This high-quality property provides guests with access to massage, a restaurant, and an outdoor pool.
- Bermuda Triangle Bungalows – Choose this 3-star property because it’s packed with in-house facilities that improve the quality and joy of your stay.
What to do in Siquijor!
Now for the fun part!
You’ll never run out of things to do on this island.
Heck, even just relaxing is already worth the time.
But if you want a little more action, here’s what you can do:
Things to do in Siquijor #1: Tarzan Into Lazi’s Gatorade Waterfalls
There’s no doubt that Lazi’s waterfalls are Siquijor’s #1 attraction.
But instead of just swimming on them, take it to the next level by Tarzaning into them!
I’m talking about the rope swing that’s available in almost all of the waterfalls here.
Cambugahay, the biggest of these falls, is the best place to do it. But you can do it just as well in any of the other 4-5 Gatorade falls in the area.
Many of these falls also have bamboo rafts that you can ride under the waterfall, and others also have small caves inside the waterfall.
All in all, visiting any of Lazi’s waterfalls is guaranteed to be full of fun!
Side note: you don’t have to visit all the falls in Lazi since they’re almost identical to one another.
My personal favorite was Lagaan (the second largest) since it was still big, but not as crowded as Cambugahay.
Kawasan, Cabugsayan, and Locong were all just smaller versions of the same thing. I recommend visiting these if you want to get a waterfall all to yourself!
Things to do in Siquijor #2: Watch San Juan’s Glorious Sunset
One of the best things about San Juan is its sunsets.
Pair that with its beautiful beaches, and you get the perfect place to watch the sun go down!
Golden hour is as golden as ever. But after that, you get to enjoy the pink and purple hues of the endless sky above.
You’ll also get a very faint silhouette of Negros Oriental and Apo Island on the horizon.
I always say that Siquijor is the Healing Island.
Well, taking the time to sit down in silence, watch the sunset, and listen to the waves crash to the shore is one of the ways that you can “heal.”
Things to do in Siquijor #3: Go Spelunking!
There are two awesome spelunking spots in Siquijor: Cantabon Cave and the Sambulawan Underground River.
If you’re claustrophobic, or if you hate the idea of getting stuck underground, you don’t need to worry! Both of these caves are quite spacious and beginner-friendly.
Cantabon may have a few areas that taller people will struggle with. But if you’re okay with crouuching down for a few meters here and there, it shouldn’t bother you.
Inside, you’ll find otherworldly rock formations, stalagmites, stalactites, and even an underground swimming pool!
On the other hand, Sambulawan Underground River is a unique cave.
Yes, it has formations, stalagmites, and stalactites. But what makes it stand out is the deep river flowing through the cave.
Nobody knows how deep the river is, but you can swim upstream until you get to a little clearing. Talk about unique! This was one of my favorite experiences in Siquijor.
Things to do in Siquijor #4: Meet Sea Turtles and Schools of Barracuda
Whether you’re a freediver or a scuba diver, you’ll love Siquijor!
Sadly, I wasn’t able to dive while I visited. But I’m told that the marine sanctuaries here are bursting with life.
One of the unique things to see over here is the barracuda run, where a large school of barracuda swims almost in sync with one another.
I’ve also been told that there are plenty of sea turtles as well!
There are plenty of dive sites around the island such as the Tubod, Tulpados, and Caticugan marine sanctuaries.
There are also some trips to the nearby Apo Island from Siquijor (although most of the time, it’s from Dauin in Negros Oriental).
Things to do in Siquijor #5: Find This Secret Waterfall!
Here’s a challenge for you:
Try to find Cangbangag Falls.
It’s the tallest waterfall in Siquijor. And it’s found deep in the forest, far away from anyone and anything.
The best part about this?
Google Maps can’t show you how to get here!
Sure, it shows you where it is. But the all-important road leading up to the falls doesn’t show up on Google Maps.
I tried two get to this falls twice. The first time was a failure, but the second time I was successful!
In a way, I’m glad no one put exact instructions on how to get here on the internet yet, because it’s truly an adventure to try and find it.
For more things to see and do in Siquijor, check out my top 20 tourist spots in Siquijor article!
Ready to Explore Siquijor?
Siquijor is my favorite province to date.
Whether I’ll find a destination better than this remains to be seen.
But for now, I can’t stress enough how much I recommend you visit!
Especially now, while it’s still an off-the-beaten-path destination. Siquijor is nothing like the overdeveloped Boracay.
And hopefully, with these tips and ideas, you’ll be ready, and more excited than ever before to go to this Healing Island!
If you have any questions, let me know in the comments below! As always, thanks for reading!
– Manoling