This small Philippine island has white sand beaches and coral reefs ideal for snorkeling. Local healers practice traditional medicine using herbs from Mount Bandilaan.
Siquijor is a small island in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines. You can swim in the three pools of Cambugahay Falls, snorkel at Tubod Marine Sanctuary to see parrotfish and angelfish, or visit Mt Bandilaan National Park where local healers prepare herbal medicines. The coastal road circles the island, passing white sand beaches like Paliton and Salagdoong, with most locals getting around by scooter rather than car.
Getting to Siquijor
Take a 1-hour and 15-minute flight from Manila to Dumaguete, then catch a ferry to Siquijor port (1.5 hours). Ferries depart every 2-3 hours throughout the day. You can also reach Siquijor by ferry from nearby islands like Bohol and Cebu.
Weather and When to Visit
Rain falls less frequently from November to April, typically lasting 30-60 minutes in the afternoon. From June to October, you'll see rain about every other day, usually for 2-3 hours. The temperature stays between 25-32°C (77-90°F) year-round.
Transportation on the Island
Rent a scooter from guesthouses or rental shops in San Juan and near the port. The main road circles the entire island with signs marking major intersections. Tricycles work as local taxis between towns if you don't ride scooters.
Cambugahay Falls
Find Cambugahay Falls 30 minutes by scooter from San Juan. Each of the three levels has a swimming area 2-3 meters deep, and local kids manage rope swings at the second pool. The falls open at 8 AM, with fewer visitors before 10 AM. Pay 20 PHP to enter, then walk down 150 concrete steps to reach the water.
Marine Life and Beaches
At Tubod Marine Sanctuary near San Juan, swim among parrotfish, angelfish, and brain coral in water 3-5 meters deep. A pathway next to Coco Grove Beach Resort leads to the sanctuary. At Paliton Beach, the water stays knee-deep for about 50 meters from shore, with seagrass beds beyond that mark where you might spot sea turtles.
Traditional Healing Practices
Local healers (mananamabal) use around 300 medicinal plants from Siquijor's forests. During the Healing Festival at Mt Bandilaan National Park in Holy Week, healers demonstrate bolo-bolo - a treatment using blessed water and stones. While healers don't set fixed prices, visitors typically give small donations.
Practical Information
Find ATMs accepting international cards in San Juan and near the port. Bring cash for restaurants, shops, and transport. WiFi connects at most restaurants at 1-2 Mbps - enough to send messages but not for video calls. The island prohibits smoking in public places and plastic bags.
