Hello Hiveians!
This is probably the second to the last part of my Siquijor series. The last part will be all about Lazi - the place where we stayed for five days when we were in Siquijor.
If you'll ask me, I'll definitely go back to Siquijor because I haven't explored the towns of Maria and Larena. I wanted to try cliff jumping in Salagdoong Beach. Anyway, this part will be about the two places we visited - one is in the mountains and the other is near the sea, but both are worth the visit.
Before reading further, I suggest that you check out the first three parts and the prologue of this series. You can find the links below:
Siquijor is one hell of an interesting island. I was always fascinated by the diversity of worthwhile finds there. As they say, the allure of the island does not end with its white sand beaches and stunning waterfalls. There's so much to discover, may it be in the mountains or in the sea. The people of the island and their unique culture and practices made the island so much more than meets the eye.
This time, it will be about a picnic site and a camp ground. Both are worth a visit, one is just for day trips while the other is good for overnight stays.
Let me start with the campground in the mountains. This one's harder to find, but with a local guide, I'm sure there won't be a problem.
Kamp Aninipot
Kamp Aninipot is the claimed to be the first campground in the island of Siquijor. It is located at the top of Tacdog Hills in the town of Siquijor, Siquijor. Overlooking Siquijor Bay, the campground offers a panoramic, serene, and beautiful view of Siquijor's coastline.
Just a little trivia, "Aninipot" is a Bisaya term for fireflies. As I've said in the previous parts of this series, Siquijor has a long and rich history that revolves around witchcraft and mysticism. Kamp Aninipot pays homage to the fireflies that were the cause of the island's moniker Isla del Fuego or The Island of Fire.
According to the stories, the island gained its moniker Isla del Fuego because in the past, the outsiders claimed that the entire island looked like it was on fire at night. That's because of the thousands of fireflies living in the island at that time. I was really astonished when I learned about this. This is one of the reasons why the island got its reputation. I can just imagine the reaction of any outsider who looked at the island enveloped by strange light.
That's the only logical explanation, unless there are other spooky and mystical reasons. There are still fireflies in the island, but their population is dwindling and we all know the reason for that.
I think Kamp Aninipot offers a minimalist approach to the idea of vacation and relaxation. Once you're there, it will be just you and the serene view of Siquijor. Activities like mountain biking and hiking are offered and unique accommodations like Hobbit houses and tree houses are available.
We went there at the middle of the day and we didn't have plans to stay long or stay for a night, so we just explored the area. I'm sure a lot of improvements were done in the last two years, so I won't be surprised that Kamp Aninipot will be the next top destination of Siquijor. As for me, I was satisfied with just a fresh mango shake and being lulled by the gentle breeze coming from the bay. It was so relaxing I nearly went to sleep. I missed it so much! I should definitely go back one day.
Speaking of fireflies, I think it's true that they're abundant in Siquijor because of the abundance of clean springs in the island. Fireflies don't thrive in polluted water. Which brings me to the second destination.
Map Coordinates: [//]:# (!pinmapple 9.206789 lat 123.527399 long d3scr)
Capilay Spring Park
Capilay Spring Park is located at the town center of San Juan, Siquijor. Yes, you read that right. Town centers and parks are usually doned with a statue of a prominent individual or a fountain, but San Juan has spring at its center. The park is built around the spring for both the residents and tourists alike.
With tall trees and kiosks, the natural spring pool is best for family picnic on a hot summer day. There's no entrance fee in the park, as most of public parks, so you can take a plunge into the pool to relieve from the heat of the sun.
The spring pool is divided into three parts or chambers. The first chamber is a deep one and where the spring source is located. The second chamber is the main pool where most of the tourists and residents take a swim. The third chamber is a laundry area across the street where the outflow of the spring passes in what they call as a "river" and discharges into the sea.
During late afternoons, residents love to stroll in the park along the spring pool as the gentle breeze sweep the trees. There's a grotto above the spring and that area was lined with trees that provides shade.
I'm sure there are stories told by their ancestors on how the spring came to be, but I'm done with stories for today. What I'm interested to share was that homemade ice cream shop across the street. Tating's Creamier Ice Cream is just beside the laundry pool. I think you should try it if it's still there when you visit Siquijor.
To be honest, I'm not a fan of ice cream. I know I'm weird because while my friends could gobble up one whole container, I can only manage up to five scoops and I'm done. There are exceptions though. Tating's Creamier Ice Cream is one of them. It's one of the creamiest I've ever tried. They told us their secret: fresh coconut cream instead of a normal cream. I couldn't believe I was able to finish two cones when I couldn't even finish one on other ice creams.
Stroll in the park while having your ice cream, plunge into the pool, or relax in one of the kiosks under the shade. Try those in Capilay Spring Park.
Map Coordinates: [//]:# (!pinmapple 9.159093 lat 123.493545 long d3scr)
Note: Some of the photos were taken by 
especially in the Capilay Spring Park. Also, this is my entry to Hive PH Top Philippine Vacation Spots challenge.
especially in the Capilay Spring Park. Also, this is my entry to Hive PH Top Philippine Vacation Spots challenge.
Kim Ybañez
Welcome to Kim's small corner in Hive. He is a chemical engineer by profession, but a blogger by passion. He is a wanderlust and an adventure seeker. Join his quests as he visits secluded destinations, climbs mountains, tries new and exotic dishes, and explores his country (The Philippines) and the rest of the world even if he's still a poor corporate slave with tons of bills to pay and two siblings to support in college.
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