Siquijor Island

Siquijor Island

(Isla del Fuego)

Popularly known as “Siquijor”! A tranquil island province of the Philippines located in the region of Central Visayas. It was during the Spanish colonial epoch that they dubbed the island isla del fuego, because from afar it looked like ablaze.

Little did they know that what seemed to have been burning fiercely was produced by a massive group of fireflies inhabiting the island. Hence, gaining its moniker from the Spaniards “Isla del Fuego” or “Island of Fire”.

The province is not very much known for their history, but mainly for its creepy reputation. It is believed that Siquijor is a home for sorcerers, shamans, and all that kind of entities. That is one reason why some people wouldn't dare to visit the place. As for me, I pity them because they just simply let their chance slip away to visit one of the Philippines' gem.

As a year-ender, I and some of my friends decided to visit this beautiful island. Our group believes that so long as you have respect for every living beings and respect for ones culture, nothing and no one is ever going to cause you harm. So, the expedition begins!

Capilay's Spring Park is a public and free pool for the locals and tourists to enjoy.

The Enchanted Balete Tree is where you can enjoy a free fish spa! Although you may want to share a little donation for the maintenance of the place.

 Lazi Church & Convent :)

Cambugahay falls has three levels and 10 feet is the deepest (the one shown in the picture above), but they are not really far from each other. The trek going down and up from the main road can be challenging because of the 137 steep steps so be careful.

Salagdoong beach resort! Are you an adrenaline junkie? Good. They have a mindblowing cliff dive.

Cang-Isok house. Take note, this isn't just any other old house. Nah'ah.. not a 100 year old house. It's a century old house (Yes! CENTURY) built around 1800s.

All these captivating places, created by our one and only LIVING GOD were enjoyed by our group in just one day. So what are you waiting for? Plan your Siquijor tour now!

Getting there:

As for us, our starting point is from Cebu. It was on a Friday night when we left (right after our shifts). We already booked our tickets in advance because we anticipated that since it was a year end, many are on their way home to their families as well.

We boarded a ship via Cokaliong Shipping Lines, Inc., and the ship left at around 7:30 PM. We arrived in Dumaguete Port at around 3:00 AM. The earliest trip to leave for Siquijor was at 7:00 AM so we went straight to the hotel we will be staying in Dumaguete to take a quick shower and leave most of our things. We didn't stay overnight in Siquijor because we have different plans the following day -which you will find in my next blog MANJUYOD SANDBAR.

There is also another option in going to Dumaguete, you can catch a bus at South Bus Terminal that will take you to Lilo-an Port in Santander Cebu. There will be a fast craft waiting there to take you across Sibulan Port. From Sibulan port you will be greeted by tricycles that will take you to Dumaguete Port where the trip for Siquijor is waiting. YES, there is no one way trip going to Siquijor, you will always need to drop by Dumaguete.

The last trip going back to Dumaguete from Siquijor is at 5 PM only. As for our Island tour, my friend contacted someone she found the contact number from a blog, and he referred us to someone who owns a multicab since his' was only a tricycle that could accommodate 3 persons only. You may try to contact him through this number 09276932095. We rented his multicab whole day for 2,200 Php only, and the multicab should be good for 15-18 persons.

 With manong "Sito" at the center. He was the one who greeted us when we got there. He became our tour guide as well, and above is his contact number should you decide to visit Siquijor the soonest.

Expenses:

Cebu to Duma. fare (Cokaliong): 320 Php

Terminal fee. : 15 Php

Duma. to Siquijor fare: 130 Php

Terminal fee: 15 Php

Siquijor to Duma. Fare: 130 Php

Terminal fee: 10 Php 

Tips:   

• It will be very helpful if you bring your own food enough for the duration of your whole day trip so that you will only have to think of the tour.
  
  
• Globe is the best network to use in there. Smart, sun & talk and text have a very few to no signal in Siquijor. 
   
• Lastly, enjoy, but don't sin. So far, Siquijor is a clean place so please be mindful of your trash, and take nothing but pictures and beautiful memories.

To GOD be the GLORY!