My heart was beating wildly like it was about to burst out of my chest. The 30-liter bag that I had been carrying for two days suddenly became so heavy that my feet were shaking as if I had been on a major climb. The passengers who were with us from Tagbilaran slowly disembarked from the fastcraft, like it was just the normal thing to do. Sure, it was. But not for me.
I had been planning to visit “Isla del Fuego” for two years. I should have been here two years ago. But after our two-day trip to Dumaguete and Apo Island, a typhoon entered the premise of the Visayas region prohibiting marine vessels from deploying. So we retreated and went back to Cebu.
I have always been fascinated by this island. Aside from being known as “Mystic Island” because of the enchanting stories of witchcraft, sorcery, and various superstitions that enveloped it, Siquijor is the only province that I haven’t crossed out of my Central Visayas bucket list.
And now the time has finally come. I have finally set foot on one of my dream islands. A dream come true. It was nine in the evening and we were welcomed by Kuya Jezrel who was contacted by my travel buddy—Janice— who was also with me during the Sagada trip. We didn’t book with any inn or resort prior to our visit (because I never do that on my trips HAHAHA) but Kuya Jezrel assured us that there’d surely be a place for us.
The stars were shining brightly on that cloudless night as we rode in his tricycle which would also be our mode of transportation the following day and the only people hovering around the island were the foreigners who were in search of nightlife (which the small island cannot grant) and locals who were eating barbecue on the boulevard. Then I started to ponder. Why on earth would people label this island as scary, creepy, and mystique?
I had that question in mind for the whole night. And as we visited the places included in Siquijor’s Island Tour, discovered why.
Guiwanon Spring Park
It’s really enchanting how an island can generate its own water source while most islands in the country struggle to build raincatchers and pray that the heavens would hear their prayers and give them the water they so badly need.
San Juan Beach Sand Bar
It’s really enchanting how the sandbars of the island can provide a bountiful harvest of seashells, seaweeds, and many other seafood.
Enchanted Balete Tree and Fish Spa
It’s totally enchanting how a hundred-year-old balete tree could survive numerous wars in history and still stand tall near the highway and provide that relaxing comfort to whoever seeks it.
Cambugahay Falls
It’s really enchanting how a waterfall can turn your greatest fear of falling into an addiction.
Salagdoong Beach
It’s enchanting how the widest mangrove vegetation could hide a wonderful rock formation and white sands in it.
Cang-isok House
It’s enchanting how a house made up of wood could stand hundreds of typhoons and remain classy even after years of staying near the ocean.
Mt. Bandilaan
It’s enchanting how a virgin forest could hide a holy mountain that can give hikers a hundred-eighty degrees view of the island and fall more deeply in love with life over and over again.
Like a magic spell being cast. It’s totally difficult to leave the island. It has everything that a person can ever ask for. Probably this is the reason why a lot of foreigners flocked around the island and decided to stay there. The island is truly enchanting. And nobody wants to dispel such magic.
Tips on how to make the most of your Siquijor Tour:
- Siquijor is accessible through the following:
- Boat from Dumaguete – P150.00
- Connecting vessel from Tagbilaran to Dumaguete and Siquijor – P910.00
- Boat from Cebu to Dumaguete and then Dumaguete to Siquijor – P500.00
- Via private plane
- From Siquijor, there’s a boat that brings passengers directly to Cebu every Sunday.
- A tariff has been issued by the local government to avoid corruption from the drivers and tour guides around the island. The whole island tour via tricycle costs P1,000.00. Each tricycle can host up to eight passengers. You do the Math.
- If you know how to drive a motorcycle, you can, as well, rent it for P350 for the whole day. Should you want to use it for more than a day, you are free to negotiate the payment with the local owners.
- But what is truly amazing is that the people around the island are so hospitable. You can practice your haggling skills with them even if they already have a tariff with them! But of course, nothing beats being a help to those locals, right?
- Bandilaan is not included in the island tour but should you want to visit the highest peak of the island, the Mountain Tour which includes a visit to Cantabon Cave and Mt. Bandilaan Nature Park costs P1,200.00.
- Yes, we’re able to accomplish the island tour and visit Mt. Bandilaan in one day. Thanks to our guide and tricycle driver – Kuya Jezrel. He’s also well-versed with the history and geography of the island so you’ll never get bored throughout the journey. You can contact him through this number:09262066423
- We stayed at Replica Manor. Each manor costs P850.00 (fan room) and P1000+ for air-conditioned rooms. However, there are many available and cheaper inns and lodges around the vicinity that range from P250 – P1,500 per night.
For further inquiries, feel free to drop in some questions or pm me on Facebook. Enjoy!
Dakilanglaagan 