The Philippines' Mystical Island - Siquijor!

Siquijor Island is seen as a mysterious other-world full of witchcraft and mountain-dwelling healers famous all over the country. Not surprised when I told some friends that I'll be visiting Siquijor, their initial reaction was "Diba scary don?" -- Sorry to say but you're all wrong. The island has indeed lot to offer.

We rented motorbikes to use to explore the island. I highly suggest you rent one too! However, hiring a tour guide is another option, and I think that costs 1500 PHP for a whole day tour.

Alright, let's start checking in some of the tourist spots we visited:

1. Lugnason Falls 

It is the last waterfalls out of the 12 waterfalls under what they call the “Zodiac Falls”. There was no entrance fee, but there were guides which you can give a donation to keep the area clean. We were told that if you follow the jungle trail downstream you will find a man-made aqua duct and an epic cold spring perfect for swimming - we missed this one as we decided to just check out Lugnason Falls and swim here.

2. Lazi Church

Lazi Church is one of the oldest churches on the island of Siquijor, and right beside it is an equally old and silent convent. The church is also known as the San Isidro Labrador Parish. The San Isidro Labrador Parish church was built in stone and hardwood by Filipino artisans. They continue to preserve that is why it is considered as a UNESCO world heritage.

3. Cambugahay Falls

This is by far the most popular attraction on Siquijor Island. It has an entrance fee of 20 PHP and you'll witness its 3 tier waterfall with crystal-clear blue water lagoons. And since it rained the night before, the water wasn't that clear during our visit. 

For the thrill-seekers, you can use the tarzan swing and pay 50 PHP for unlimited turns which in my opinion is worth it. You can also rent a bamboo raft for 50 PHP and we paid for a table too to leave our bags while enjoying the bamboo raft and swing. 

4. Old Enchanted Balete Tree

The tree is believed to be 400 years old and considered as the oldest and largest in the island of Siquijor. We paid 20 PHP for entrance, looked for a spot to sit, dipped our bare feet, and the fishes swarmed about, biting our skins off. Instant foot spa!

5. Paliton Beach

Located on the West side of Siquijor and is the most popular place for sunset on the island. Unfortunately, we're unable to witness the sunset during our stop here but instead we enjoyed Paliton Beach's glistening white sands and palm tree fringed shoreline with a bottle of beer and oh soda ;)

Siquijor is indeed a beautiful, small, somewhat off-the-beaten path island in the Philippines. It may be small but it has a lot to offer from its white beaches, crystal clear waters, majestic waterfalls and I can say that the locals are friendly too! 

Have you been to Siquijor? Let me know what are your favorite spots and I would love to check them out the next time I visit again :) For those planning to visit soon and looking for a place to stay, I'd highly suggest Tori's Backpacker Paradise!