Charming and “bewitched” Siquijor is a place to go if you like quiet and we mean quiet. This laid back island is supposedly the centre for Filipino witchcraft and healing, although there are not too many signs of this… To the naked it eye it seems like any other Philippines Island!
The island is small enough to explore in one day by motorbike and there is some seriously good stuff packed into it. From mountains to beaches, diving to dozing, old colonial churches, sulphurous healing waters and of course, sunshine!
Where to Stay in Siquijor
One of the most popular beaches is Sandugan, however, to be fair there are resorts dotted around the coast and if you really want to relax you can probably find a few gems tucked in nooks and crannies around the island.
Check out:
Chelle’s Guesthouse and Backpackers – If you’re looking for something cheap and cheerful, look no further. With dorm rooms starting at $6.50 and a big garden for travellers to relax in a hammock. Located on the main road to San Juan with some bars and restaurants close by, the guesthouse is also a 10-minute walk to the beach.
La Villa Alta – With double rooms (with sea views) starting at $14 USD this place is great value for money. Located in a beautiful spot with a castaway feel, the bungalows are clean, staff are friendly and the food is fresh and tasty. They will also rent you a motorbike here for 350 PHP for the day. All in all – highly recommended!
Glamping Siquijor By The Beach – If you’ve never tried “glamping”, this is your chance! With tents starting at $35 USD it’s a little pricey, but a unique experience nonetheless. The tents are located right in front of a beautiful beach. Amazing sunsets and campfire included.
Find more accommodation on Siquijor Island here.
Things to do in Siquijor
Visit the natural healers: If you do want to see more of the Siquijor charm then arrive on Good Friday when healers from the Visayas and Mindanao gather to share herbal potions!
Motorbike or cycle the coast: The coastal road is a mere 70km long so makes for an easy day explore. Hire a motorbike from your resort, or if you’re feeling extra energetic a bicycle. Go down some back roads, head towards the coast and you’ll inevitably find some amazing little beaches and coves!
Dive: You can even do day trips to arguably one of the best Philippines dive spots Apo Island.
Rock climb: Scale the sides of Mt Bandilaan in the centre of the island.
Read more about Rock Climbing in Southeast Asia here.
Getting to Siquijor Island:
The best way to get to Siquijor is by ferry from Dumagette or Bohol via Dumagette. The total trip from Bohol takes around 3 hours.
Where to go next?
Onwards to Apo Island, Dumagette and your bouncing point for some more exploration of Cebu island.
Catch a ferry to Bohol: If you like you can actually catch a banca boat from Siquijor to Bohol’s famous Alona beach.