Gayuma, love potions or Barang (curse), are some words that would come into one’s mind when talking about Siquijor.
But who cares, when upon seeing the volume of tourist both local and foreign flocking to the islands. People would just shrug-off their shoulders and take the folklore as hearsay and natives are just telling the tale.
WELCOME to Isla de Fuego
Siquijor is the third smallest province in the Philippines. Named by the Spanish conquestadores as Isla de Fuego or Island of Fire due to the sight of fireflies swarming the branches of molave trees abundant in the island.
As we stepped down from the fastcraft, you can feel the magic the Island of Fire brings. The white pristine beaches and crystal-clear seawaters will mesmerize you.
Some few meters from the port is located the renowned St.Francis of Assissi Church and Bell Tower. A signage Welcome to Siquijor greets us. The church is made of stone and cruciform with an adjoining convent made of rubble stone. The bell tower stands nearby at the center of the plaza.
Our Tourist Guide
We found an eatery in the pier area and fill our hungry stomach which afterwards we commandeered a tricycle via sabot-sabot (agreement) to tour us around the island. The tricycle or van drivers served as tourist guide for tourist who want to explore the area without the official guide. They were trained and attended seminars conducted by the local Tourism office.
An island tour for tricycle cost P1,000, which we gamely divided into five or P200/share. A multicab (Easyride), can be hired a day for P1,800 which can accommodate more or less 10 persons. Aircon Van can be hired for P3,500 to P4,000/day depending on agreement.
Hotels, Pension Houses, Homestay and Lodging Houses can be found everywhere. Ranging from P200 (non-aircon)/ room to P3,000 for First Class Hotels. We check-in at a Bamboo-inspired native pension house along the beach, the Diamond de Siquijor with rooms ranging from P650 (non-aircon) to P1,200 (aircon rooms). We shared and divided the rate for the aircon room at P240/head.
Our first stop is the Capilay Spring Park of San Juan, the next municipality from Siquijor. Its cold spring water is really a treat from the scorching heat of the sun. A grotto of the Blessed Virgin Mary is located in the upper part with a park.
The Enchanted Balete Tree is a great experience with the famous Fish Spa activity which you may enjoy with a cold spring sprouting at the foot of the 400-year old Balete tree and is located at Campalanas, San Juan. Tourist Police is also visible in the area an added feeling of assurance for safety. You may enjoy unlimited time of foot spa for a donation of P20. Souvenir items of t-shirts, keychains, herbal medicines, love potions, stuff toys and many more are available at a very affordable rate.
Of Churches and Heritage
We visited next The San Isidro Labrador Church of Lazi, another municipality. The church aged from way-back 1857, made of rocks and hardwood and finished in 1884. The church has preserved its original wooden flooring. It was declared by the National Commission for Culture and Arts as one of the most outstanding heritage church in the Philippines and by the National Museum as a National Cultural Treasures for both the church and the convent. The convent is also build in 1887 and finished on 1891. Reputed to be the biggest among the oldest convent and believed to have been the vacation house for the Diocesan priests.
Waterfalls, Caves and Beaches
Some few meters we got on our feet and descend 135 steps to witness the beauty of the icy cold Cambugahay Falls. The sound of waters splashing serve a special melody.
We pass on white-sand beaches and signage of Caves and Waterfalls along our way to the town of Maria. We visited the church of Our Lady of Divine Providence, a century old church made of tabique and after we move to Salagdoong Forest and the scenic Salagdoong Beach with its Resort accommodation and amenities. We tour the area with a P50 entrance fee.
The next town is Enrique Villanueva known for the Tulapos Marine Sanctuary which is the biggest among the marine sanctuaries located in the Province. Rare species of fish, corals and marine life thrives in the area.
In Larena we got a glimpse of another historical site, the hexagonal bell tower made of coral stones which was finished in 1889 known as the St. Vincent De Ferrer Bell Tower.
Holy Week Healing Festivals
We could have gone to Guiwanon Spring Park which is a resort made of wooden bridges and nipa huts floating on seawater and a hike to the island’s highest peak at 557 meters, Bandilaan Mountain View. The place is usually the venue for Healing Festivals done on Holy Week every year. You can enjoy having picnic under the shed of the trees. Other interesting activities includes a visit to the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, the Way of the Cross, butterfly sanctuary and watchtower.
We ended the day with a barbecue feast in the Boulevard near our hotel
So how does my vacation cost?
Fastcraft Dumaguete to Siquijor fare – P160
Tricycle (1/5th share) – P200
Hotel Accommodation(1/5th share) – P240
Fastcraft Siquijor to Dumaguete fare – P160
Miscellaneous, meals, entrance fees – P540
TOTAL – P1,300
Siquijor via Dumaguete or Tagbilaran
There are daily trips from Manila to Dumaguete via Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines or by Boat. 2Go Travel has a vessel with a weekly schedule to and from Manila and Dumaguete.
Other shipping lines are cruising the Dumaguete to Siquijor route for as low as P120 fare ticket. There are also regular trips from Tagbilaran, Bohol to Larena, Siquijor.
Travel tips
Should you decide to visit the island, bring along light clothes, swimwears and gears, huts and sunblock creams.
A wonderful experience which can’t be measured in dimes or dollars. Why don’t you visit Siquijor and experience the Magic and Get Enchanted???
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