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Siquijor, Philippines - Things to Do in Siquijor

Things to Do in Siquijor

Siquijor, Philippines - Complete Travel Guide

Siquijor's traditional healers still outnumber its police officers. This makes the small Philippine island genuinely different from the country's beach resort destinations. Most visitors arrive expecting witch doctor theatrics—they find something more interesting. The island's mystique comes from centuries of folk medicine practice, but the real draw is simpler. Clean beaches exist here. Spanish colonial churches dot the landscape alongside that rare feeling of discovering somewhere untouched.

Top Things to Do in Siquijor

Cambugahay Falls

These turquoise pools look almost fake. The multi-tiered waterfalls create natural swimming holes perfect for rope swinging into deeper sections—cool water year-round. The 15-minute jungle walk from the road stays pleasant even during midday heat.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around 30 pesos per person, and you can hire a local guide for 200-300 pesos if you want to explore the upper tiers. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and get better photos - the light filtering through the canopy is genuinely spectacular during golden hour.

Salagdoong Beach

White sand meets dramatic limestone cliffs. The water hits that perfect blue-green shade that photographs beautifully, and crowds stay manageable even during peak season. Cliff jumping ranges from easy 10-foot drops to serious 30-foot leaps—the beach itself is small but nearly perfect.

Booking Tip: Beach entry is typically 20-30 pesos, and cottages rent for 200-500 pesos depending on size and proximity to the water. Weekdays offer the best experience with fewer local visitors, and the water tends to be calmest in the morning for swimming and jumping.

Century-Old Balete Tree

This 400+ year old tree is genuinely massive. Small fish nibble dead skin from your feet in the spring at the base. Worth the visit. The tree's aerial roots create natural archways and hiding spots that kids love exploring.

Booking Tip: The fish spa costs around 10-20 pesos for 15-20 minutes, and locals sell snacks and drinks nearby. Best visited during cooler parts of the day since there's limited shade around the spring area, and the fish are more active when the water isn't too warm.

Lazi Church and Convent

Built in the 1800s, this stone church shows some of the Philippines' best-preserved Spanish colonial religious work. The weathered facade remains intact while the convent houses a small museum with religious artifacts and historical items. The complex sits in charming Lazi town—time moves slowly here.

Booking Tip: Entry is free though donations are appreciated, and the museum typically charges a small fee of 20-30 pesos. Visit during weekday mornings for the most peaceful experience and best natural lighting for photos - the afternoon sun can create harsh shadows on the stone facade.

Traditional Healer Consultation

Traditional healers practice a blend of herbal medicine. They combine spiritual healing and folk magic passed down through generations in sessions that involve diagnosis through prayer, herbal preparations, or spiritual cleansing rituals. The experience varies dramatically depending on the healer—your openness matters too.

Booking Tip: Consultations typically cost 200-500 pesos and can be arranged through your accommodation or local guides. Approach with genuine respect and curiosity rather than skepticism - these are serious cultural practices for locals, and the healers can sense your attitude from the start.

Getting There

No airport means ferries only. Fly to Dumaguete first, then catch one of several daily ferries that take 90 minutes and cost ~300 pesos. The Bohol route works too but runs less frequently through the Bohol Sea—Cebu connections exist but involve longer travel times with multiple stops.

Getting Around

Motorcycles rule here at 300-500 pesos daily. The main coastal loop takes just 2-3 hours of easy riding, with most attractions accessible via short side roads. Tricycles cost 100-200 pesos for shorter hops—habal-habal motorcycles reach remote spots that regular transport can't handle.

Where to Stay

Siquijor Town
San Juan
Maria
Lazi
Larena
Enrique Villanueva

Food & Dining

Fresh seafood dominates the menu. It's concentrated around Siquijor Town and San Juan areas where grilled fish and kinilaw (Filipino ceviche) are consistently good. Torta is the island's signature dessert. This dense, sweet cake has become a local favorite while beach resorts serve decent international food alongside local dishes. The public market offers the most real feel—but most places close early and quality varies significantly.

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When to Visit

December to May delivers reliable weather. March and April provide the clearest skies and calmest seas for swimming and island hopping around nearby islets. December through February stays cooler. The humidity drops during these months, making interior exploration more comfortable while June to November brings frequent afternoon rains that make motorcycle travel tricky. The island stays green then.

Insider Tips

Bring plenty of cash. ATMs are limited and unreliable, with only a few working machines in Siquijor Town that frequently run empty. Weekends and holidays are worst.
Moon phases matter here. The island's healers and some attractions are more active during certain lunar cycles—locals take this seriously. Ask about timing if you're interested in spiritual experiences.
Good tires matter. Rent a motorcycle with decent brakes since roads to beaches and waterfalls are steep and can be slippery. Rain makes things worse. Morning dew causes problems too.

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Continue Planning Your Trip

Itineraries

Sample trip routes and plans for Siquijor

Getting Around

Transport options and tips for Siquijor

Where to Stay

Accommodation guide for Siquijor

Budget Guide

Trip costs and money tips for Siquijor

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