Discovering Siquijor Part 2 - Itinerary / Spots Visited

Way before the trip, my planned itinerary initially includes an island hopping tour. But suddenly T-days minus, the news on Typhoon Betty came. Until the day on the island, I was still trying my luck if would come to fruition, but...NAH it went POOF. The whole time I was there, the advisory was no small boats or fast crafts are allowed to travel. Take note, that happened around May last year which we still consider as summer season here in the Philippines.

Well, climate change is real.

Let me just share the itinerary I had that time, cause this was the reason my thoughts about Siquijor took its turn. Most tours offered by locals will make you choose for either the mountain tours or coastal tours. If you’re adventurous enough, better do both. But since I’m on a solo trip and I have challenges physically in dealing with caves (end of summary here, lol), so I opted only for the latter. As for me, the coastal tour is an adventure on its own already cause I wasn’t a joiner for group tours. I had to ride the habal-habal for the coastal tour the whole day. So that in itself, for me, is an adventure.

I wasn’t after ticking all the places. I guess as one ages, it’s more of savoring, creating experiences and that’s SEIZING THE MOMENTS (shameless plug? haha). Here’s how it went.

Enchanted Balete Tree

Though there have been horror stories about the so-called Balete Drive in Quezon City (Metro Manila), this spot though didn’t give me the creeps. Possibly it’s because of the frequency of people visiting the place. Surrounding the tree is a fish spa, which I tried but didn’t last for even 5 minutes straight. I was laughing the whole time cause it was too ticklish for me, that even the other visitors laughed too. 

Surrendered with the ticklish moments, so I just opted this 🤦🏻‍♀️🫠

You can buy souvenirs also in this place (aka the OG’s — key chains and ref magnets). They also got unique items like dolls and charms, if you’re opting to go for the quirky stuff to bring home. 

Hapitanan (Lazi, Siquijor)

Been seeing this place featured in socmed. Never thought this is actually a cafe and souvenir shop. It so happened one of their attractions at the cafe is this. For those who are curious how do they make the person look as if they’re flying, uhmmmm let’s just say there’s a spot used and a matter of camera tricking. If some socmed accounts shared the exact thing, I’d rather not and keep it in anonymity. Better that way, cause in my case, the moment I exactly found that out was on the day I came there and admired their creativity even more.

Yea, I flew for a few seconds hehe
(and yes, I opt to hide for now)

Lazi Church and Convent

Commonly named this way, the exact name of this church is San Isidro Labrador Parish Church. The parish was founded in 1857, but the church was completed in 1884. Made of sea stones and wood, it’s one of the oldest churches in the Visayas. It was even nominated in the UNESCO World Heritage sites, along with other Baroque churches in the country.

Fronting the church is the convent which is said to be one of the oldest and biggest convents in Asia (yeap, kid you not). This on the other hand has been built in 1891, which houses relics and the church’s paraphernalia. A part of this also serves as their current priest’s house.

No matter what your faith or religion is, I believe visiting it is a must. Just make sure to respect such religious places, just as how you would want us to respect places of different beliefs.

Cambugahay Falls

Comprising of a 3-layered waterfalls, it’s also one of the most featured spots on social media. The waters plus the lush greens along the falls makes it cool to jump in. There’s an entrance fee of Php20 which serves as an environmental fee for the area. On my trip, I had to avail of a life vest and hire a guide though on the falls since I was solo. The guide not only served as my human walking stick (cause I was scared of slipping..and getting a head injury again from stone floors) but also as my photographer-slash-videographer and sound sponge..hehe.

If you’re a bit more adventurous, they offer swinging ropes and platforms to dive on the deeper parts of the falls. You can also try their bamboo rafts for more of your socmed vibes or memories to post, but I think there’s an additional fee.

Kagusuan Beach

Part of my itinerary was supposed to be in Paliton Beach. However, there was an incident that occurred in the said area that time. And since my goal in Siquijor was to be at the beach the whole time, so it would be a boo-boo if my itinerary wouldn’t include at least one. Good thing, my guide brought me here and it didn’t disappoint at all. In fact, this was where I spent my time the longest in that whole day tour. It was a blessing in disguise, for real.

Salagdoong Beach

This was the last stop of the coastal tour, located in the town of Maria. It’s considered one of the most popular beaches in Siquijor, known as well because of it’s cliff diving spot there.

Unfortunately, the area isn’t allowed for swimming and cliff diving mid last year, not sure if they’re allowing it this time. It used to be isolation area for patients during the Covid pandemic. So the least we can do was just roam around and take pictures.

Though there were limitations in the places to go to during my visit, due to the frigging weather, but I still made the most out of it and had fun with what’s around me. After all, my goal was to relax and take a break from everything going on in my life. Glad I went out for it, slight fears still but no hesitations.

Don’t let the superstitions and urban legends stop you from at least giving this island a visit and a part of your travel list. The place and its people compensated whatever we’re hearing. 

To all the folks I have encountered in Siquijor (especially to Reange and Kuya Junryl), I may not be able to say all the names, but I will never forget the experiences brought upon my encounters with you. May you bless and inspire more travelers on your journeys! 

Till my next adventures! Where’s your next? Would you give Siquijor a visit? Let me know your thoughts and share it. 

Ps.

For your travel and tours within the island, sharing the guides recommended to me:

Siquijor Adventour Page —- search them on Facebook