Visiting Siquijor
Siquijor is an island in the Visayas archipelago of the Philippines. Long whispered to be a sanctuary for healers and practitioners of folk magic, it remains an island that many Filipinos themselves historically avoided. Today, it has become a favorite for travelers seeking a slower pace of life and well-preserved nature. From sea urchin divers working the shallows to the vast stretches of rice paddies tended by locals, Siquijor offers a grounded, authentic atmosphere to those who make the journey.
Essential Siquijor Experiences
Siquijor is compact, but it packs in significant natural variety, ranging from quiet beaches to natural reserves like the Cabilao Butterfly Sanctuary and turquoise waterfalls. For beach time, head to Paliton Beach for the sunset, or visit Salagdoong Beach, where you can test your nerves on the wooden cliff-diving platforms. Many of the island's best stretches of sand are tucked away or require a bit of effort to reach, so expect to hunt for your own patch of shoreline.
The island is pocketed with springs and caves. The Cambugahay Falls are the most popular, where you can swing from vines into the water or rent local wooden rafts for photos. Note that Lugnason Falls are now permanently closed, as the water source was diverted for local farming. For those interested in caving, the Cantabon Cave offers regular guided tours.
A Different Side of the Philippines
Siquijor is an ideal place to slow down and observe local life. The island's mystical reputation persists, anchored by a 400-year-old Balete Tree, which locals believe holds healing properties. At its base, you can sit by the pool for a fish massage, a common way to relax your feet after a day of exploring. If you are interested in the colonial history of the island, visit the Saint Isidore the Laborer Church in Lazi, which was built using coral stone. Directly across from it stands the oldest convent in the Philippines, a prime example of Spanish colonial architecture with its wooden pediments and rows of arches.
When to Go
The dry season, running from January through April, is the ideal time to visit the Philippines.
Getting There
There are two primary ways to reach Siquijor. You can take a ferry from Cebu or Tagbilaran on Bohol to Larena in Siquijor. Alternatively, depending on your route, you can catch a ferry from Dumaguete on the island of Negros to Siquijor City. Once you arrive, renting a scooter is the most practical way to navigate the island and reach its more remote corners.
If you are into black magic, sorcery, or unconventional medicine, go to Siquijor. It is the island of the "hilot," the traditional healers of the Philippines.
Located in the southern Philippines, you will need to go through Bohol before heading there. A boat shuttle between Bohol and Siquijor makes it easy to get there.