Tagged as the Island of Mystique and Fire, Siquijor is rumored to be the land of witchcraft and black magic but upon arriving at the island I was in awe of the great beaches, adventures and famous attractions it offers. Siquijor Island is composed of 6 Municipalities, each with unique tourist attractions especially beaches. The trip has been a DIY and a budget friendly day trip with my boyfriend, and by far it is my top favorite destination among the islands that I’ve been to because of the beaches, accessibility in getting around the island and its lovely people.
I hope this Siquijor Travel Guide would be useful for your future travel in getting to the island. The post includes Sample itinerary, budget guide and a must-visit attractions when you’re in the island.
How to get to Siquijor
From Manila
If you’re from Manila, you have to fly to Dumaguete or Cebu.
Fly to Dumaguete City. Travel time is about 1.5 hours.
- Take a tricycle to Dumaguete Sea Port. Travel time: 15-30 minutes. Fare: P120-150.
- Buy a ticket and board a ferry to Siquijor. Travel time: 1 hour. Regular Fare: P136 to P360. Terminal fee Php25.
From Cebu City
- Make your way to Cebu South Terminal. If you’re coming from Mactan airport, board the myBus outside the domestic terminal to SM City. There’s a bus leaving the Mactan Airport every 30 minutes from 7am-11am, and every 20 minutes from 11am-9:30pm. Fare: P25. Then take a cab to the South Bus Terminal. Outside these hours, you may take a cab, Uber or Grab straight to the bus terminal. Fare is between P230-P300, depending on traffic.
- Hop into the bus bound for Liloan. Travel time: 4-5 hours. Fare: P162 (ordinary), P200 (air-conditioned).
- Board the ferry bound for Sibulan. Travel time: 20-25 minutes. Fare: P50 (ticket) + P10 Terminal Fee + P2 Municipal Fee.
- At Sibulan Port, ride a jeepney or pedicab to Dumaguete City. Jeepney fare is P12. Pedicab is P10 per person.
- Once in Dumaguete City, take a tricycle to Dumaguete Port. Fare: P10.
- Buy a ticket and board a ferry to Siquijor. Travel time: 1 hour. Fare: P136 to P360. Terminal fee, P25.
From Cagayan de Oro (Land Trip):
- Take a Bus bound to Dipolog at Bulua West Bound Terminal and drop off at Pulawan Port. We took the 1st trip bound to Dipolog is at 9:00pm and arrives at about 8:00 am at Crossing Pulawan. Fare Php370
- Hail a habal-habal or a tricycle that would take you to the Port. We took a habal-habal and costs us Php25 each.
- Buy a ticket and board a ferry to Dumaguete. Travel time: 3 hours. Regular Fare: P350. Terminal Fee Php15
- From Dumaguete City Port, you may book a ticket bound to Siquijor,Siquijor. Travel Time: 1 hour and 45minutes. Regular Fare. 210. Terminal Fee. Php 15
Getting Around the Island:
- Rent a Motorbike (recommended). Renting a bike costs Php350 per 12 hours of use excluding the fuel. It is much easier to get around the island because you can manage your own time and destination.
- Hire a Tricycle driver. If you want to explore the island with a guide and a hassle-free driving, you may hire a tricycle which will cost you 1000 per day which can accommodate 3-4 persons.
- There are available agencies that provides group tour by the Hotels in the Island.
Day Tour Itinerary
Time Attractions/ Places Visited
Day 1
10:00am Arrival at Siquijor Port
10:30am Century Old Enchanted Balete Tree and Fish Spa. Entrance Ticket Php5.00, it is located along the
right side of the circumferential road
11:30am Visited a relative at Maria, Siquijor where we stayed overnight.
1:00pm Visited Old Lazi Convent and the San Isidro Labrador Parish. It is one of the oldest churches in
Siquijor Island. The Lazi Convent is said to be the largest and oldest convent in Asia.
1:30pm Cambugahay Falls. I It is definitely a must-see tourist destination when you’re in Siquijor. Parking Fee
Php20
3:00pm Salagdoong Beach. One of the most popular beaches in the Island where you can enjoy plunging deep
from a 16ft cliff in the Resort.
Day 2
5:45am Larena, Circumferential Road. This was taken while we are on our way to Siquijor Port back to Dumaguete.
Other Attractions/Places to visit:
- Visit San Isidro Labrador Church
- Tulapos Marine Sanctuary
- Paliton Beach
- Kagusuan Beach
- Guiwanon Spring Park
One full day wouldn’t be enough to enjoy and explore the enchanting island of Siquijor. Our total budget per person in exploring the island would cost around Php850 each which includes ferry boat fare to and from Dumaguete City, Parking Fees and Entrance Fees. And since we stayed at my cousins’ place, we didn’t spend for our accommodation and 1 meal, though there are good and affordable hostels and resorts available in every Municipality of Siquijor. Their sunset will give you a fresh and authentic island experience.
I hope this blog helps. Ciao!