Wondering what to do in Siquijor? Don’t worry. We got you covered. On this list, we curated the 10 Best Things to Do in Siquijor in 2023.
The Philippines is filled with magical tourist destinations and activities that captivate every traveler’s soul—may they be beaches, cities, festivals, or food. No wonder many tourists from around the world fall in love with the Pearl of the Orient Seas, as the Philippines is fondly called.
One of these places is the island province of Siquijor, which the Spaniards called “Isla del Fuego” (Island of Fire) owing to its eerie glow brought by swarms of fireflies living in molave trees. Unlike Boracay and Siargao, Siquijor is calm and quiet.
Siquijor is one of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines, so it deserves your attention. This off-the-beaten-path island just right below Cebu also boasts white beaches, crystal clear waters, and majestic waterfalls, not to mention its super warm and friendly locals.
Ready to explore Siquijor? Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Siquijor!
1. Conquer Tarzan Swing at Cambugahay Falls
Many tourists who have been to Siquijor will tell you that you should not miss visiting Cambugahay Falls when you are here in this island. These waterfalls are the best of its kind in Siquijor.
It is unique because of its three-tier waterfall, strikingly coral blue water, and freshwater cascades surrounded by lush rainforest. It only takes a short but steep hike down concrete stairs to reach this paradise.
Conquer your fears while you’re here at Cambugahay Falls, and make a Tarzan swing! True, it is a little bit risky and not for the faint of heart, but the adrenaline rush is one-of-a-kind. Otherwise, you can just swim as usual and enjoy the views.
2. Jump Off High Cliffs at Salagdoong Beach and Pitogo Cliff
If you can’t get enough of doing the Tarzan swing at Cambugahay Falls and want more of the thrill, you can choose to jump off high cliffs at Salagdoong Beach and Pitogo Cliff. And by saying “high cliffs,” we really mean it.
Salagdoong Beach may be considered low-key, but it is one of the best beaches here in Siquijor. This beach is also popular for snorkeling to see the colorful reefs, relaxing on the beach, and, of course, doing some cliff jumping.
Then, a few minutes away from Salagdoong Beach is Pitogo Cliff, where you can jump off, too. This cliff is situated on Siquijor’s southwestern side, facing the breathtaking Sulu Sea. It is interesting to note that Pitogo Cliff is a newly discovered tourist spot on the island.
3. Dip Your Toes at Cantabon Cave’s Underground River
Located in central Siquijor, Cantabon Cave is an adventurous trail within a pitch-black cave beneath the Earth. If you are mesmerized by the Puerto Princesa Underground River, you will also be stunned by Cantabon Cave.
You can trek this cave, where you can find hundreds of beautiful stalactites hanging from its roof, and dip your toes in a stream of fresh water that flows through the cave, creating natural swimming pools.
4. Witness Siquijor’s Best Sunset at Paliton Beach
Are you a fan of watching sunsets? You are lucky because Siquijor offers one of the best spots for this activity, particularly at Paliton Beach.
Located in San Juan town, Paliton Beach is regarded as the prettiest beach in all of Siquijor. Its white sand beach and clear waters dotted with palm trees and starfish are popular among locals and tourists, making this beach the perfect place to spend your afternoon and watch the sky transition from day to night.
5. Chase Waterfalls
Chasing waterfalls is among the best experiences ever, especially for nature travelers. It not only refreshes and recharges the body but also uplifts the spirit.
Siquijor is endowed with several waterfalls, but if you are really in it to chase these bodies of water, the best places to get started are at Lugnason Falls and Lagaan Falls.
Reachable within around 15 minutes from Paliton Beach, Lugnason Falls, which is also known as Zodiac Falls, is a 5-meter waterfall and large spring filled with blue waters. This waterfall will remind you of Cebu’s Kawasan Falls.
After your visit to Lugnason Falls, take it to Lagaan Falls—the two are just a few minutes’ drive away from each other. Among the best features of Lagaan Falls are its swimming holes, rock jumps, rope swings, and small caves. Chase waterfalls like there’s no tomorrow.
6. Get Foot Spa at 400-Year-Old Balete Tree
If diving cliffs and chasing waterfalls made you tired, you can pamper yourself for free by taking a foot spa at a 400-year-old balete tree. Not only will you save bucks from paying a fee to a spa facility, but you will also get close to nature.
Sure, you are in Siquijor, and this centuries-old balete tree is woven along the province’s mysterious folklore. Located within Lazi town, this particular balete tree is said to be the oldest and the largest in Siquijor.
The tree has brought forth mythical stories as a natural spring flows right underneath it. Locals do not know a scientific explanation for this, but they recommend that you dip your feet into the spring and let the fish swim toward your skin and massage it.
7. Snorkel at Marine Sanctuaries
Wanting to burn off those fats? You might want to venture into snorkeling. Aside from burning hundreds of calories an hour, snorkeling is also good for the heart, promotes strength and endurance, and reduces stress. Experience the benefits of this activity while you are here in Siquijor.
And you don’t have to search far and wide. Two of the best places for snorkeling in Siquijor are the Tulapos Marine Sanctuary and Tubod Marine Sanctuary.
Founded in 1986, the Tulapos Marine Sanctuary is the oldest marine sanctuary in the province. Beaches, coral reefs, mangrove forests, and a magnificent shoreline cover this area’s 14 hectares.
You may also snorkel at Tubod Marine Sanctuary on the province’s southwest coast, just a few steps away from the San Juan tourist strip. Aside from colorful fish and sea turtles roaming its crystal clear waters, its ocean bed is also the home of starfish, sea urchins, and giant clams.
8. Get Close to Butterflies at Siquijor’s Butterfly Sanctuary
The Siquijor Butterfly Sanctuary is located up the hills, so you will mostly need to hop on a motorbike to reach this place. Nevertheless, what lies ahead is truly spectacular.
Started by a man who has a passion for butterflies, this butterfly garden is filled with various beautifully-colored butterflies. Aside from watching those little creatures, the sanctuary also offers you a refreshing coconut drink.
9. See Siquijor From Quesol Mountain View
Visiting all those places above so far, you may already have a good gallery of photos and videos to post on your social media. Yet, nothing beats the Siquijor snapshots you are going to take from the Quesol Mountain View.
Quesol Mountain View is very easy to spot as it is located along your way to the butterfly park. Once you are here, you’ll be treated to the best panoramic views that overlook Siquijor island and its pristine coastlines. See your photos from here trend!
10. Visit Asia’s Oldest Convent—Lazi Convent
The influence of Catholicism is so strong in the Philippines that you’ll see this evident in the country’s churches, colonial houses, and even convents. While in Siquijor, you should not miss visiting Lazi Convent, considered the biggest and oldest convent in Asia.
Located at the province’s southern edge, the Lazi Convent, together with the San Isidro Labrador Church, plays a very crucial role in Siquijor’s history and its people’s faith. Its architecture and interiors are very intricate, as it was built within the 19th century, in a span of seven years!
Siquijor Travel Guide
Siquijor, the island province, is stereotyped as where some of the country’s most haunting folklore and black magic are. But this place is definitely not to be feared. Beyond this mystical history, it is where you can let yourself be enchanted by the beauty of its natural surroundings. The wonder of Siquijor awaits you.
If you are still planning for your trip to Siquijor, check out our range of travel guides to help you out:
- Dumaguete to Siquijor Ferry Schedule and Fare
- Bohol to Siquijor Ferry Schedule and Fare (ONLINE BOOKING AVAILABLE)
- Liloan Port to Larena Port to Bato Port Ferry Schedule and Fare Guide
- Cebu City to Siquijor Ferry Schedule and Fare
- Cebu to Siquijor: How to Get to Siquijor from Cebu City
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