Siquijor is a small, remote island in the Philippine Visayas with a reputation for witchcraft that far exceeds its actual spookiness. What it delivers instead: turquoise waterfalls, uncrowded beaches, friendly locals, and some of the most memorable sunsets you’ll find anywhere in the country. This is the complete Siquijor travel guide.
More than any other place I visited in the Philippines, arriving in Siquijor gave me an immediate sense of peace. The island is about as authentic as the country gets, with beautiful tropical scenery and very sweet people. The witchcraft reputation keeps some visitors away, which is honestly their loss and your gain.
I spent five days exploring the island by motorcycle and found bliss. This guide covers everything you need to plan the trip: how to get there, when to go, what to see, where to stay, and how much to budget.
Quick tips for Siquijor 🇵🇭
- ✈️ Getting there: Fly to Dumaguete and take the 1-hour ferry. Use 12Go Asia to find and book the best ferry and transfer prices.
- 🏨 Where to stay: Coco Grove Beach Resort is the island’s best resort. For more options, search Agoda for deals in Siquijor.
- 🏍️ Getting around: Rent a motorbike on arrival. It’s the only way to do the island justice. Budget around PHP 400–500 per day.
- 🌊 Best time to visit: February to May for dry, sunny weather.
- ✅ Travel insurance: Always worth having. I use Heymondo: for being a reader you get 5% off.
In this guide:
Is Siquijor worth visiting?
How to get to Siquijor
Best time to visit
How many days do you need?
Top things to do
Siquijor beaches
Getting around
Where to stay
Where to eat
Budget and costs
Travel tips
Siquijor review
Is Siquijor worth visiting?
Siquijor is absolutely worth visiting, particularly if you want to experience the Philippines away from the resort crowds. The island combines pristine beaches, stunning waterfalls, and genuine local culture in a compact, easy-to-explore package. It’s less developed than Bohol or Boracay, which is exactly what makes it special.
The witchcraft reputation comes from a long tradition of folk healing and herb medicine on the island. In practice, you’ll find a safe, welcoming place that’s perfect for a few days of slow travel. Coming from busier spots like Bohol or Palawan, the contrast hits you the moment you step off the ferry.
Siquijor works best for travelers who want to explore independently, rent a bike, and take their time. If you’re looking for nightlife or large resort infrastructure, look elsewhere. For beaches, waterfalls, genuine Filipino culture, and sunset views that will ruin sunsets everywhere else for years: this is your island.
How to get to Siquijor
The easiest way to reach Siquijor is to fly to Dumaguete in Negros Oriental and take the 1-hour ferry across. Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines both serve Dumaguete from Manila daily. Use Kiwi to compare prices. From Dumaguete, a short tricycle ride takes you to the port.
Sunlight Air launched direct flights from Cebu to Siquijor in December 2025. Check their website for current schedules, as this route is relatively new and times may change.
Ferry routes to Siquijor
Siquijor has two ports: the main Siquijor Pier and Larena Port on the northwest side. These are the main ferry options:
| Route | Operator | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dumaguete → Siquijor | OceanJet, GL Shipping | ~1 hour | Most popular route, several daily departures |
| Tagbilaran (Bohol) → Siquijor | OceanJet | ~2 hours | Good for island-hopping from Bohol |
| Cebu City → Siquijor | OceanJet, Lite Shipping | 4–10 hours | Faster with OceanJet; Lite Shipping is cheaper but slow |
| Liloan Port (south Cebu) → Larena | Maayo Shipping | ~3 hours | ~PHP 295; great if coming from Oslob whale sharks |
Schedules change regularly. I suggest using 12Go Asia to book in advance and recommend OceanJet for the Dumaguete route: faster boats, more comfortable seats.
When is the best time to visit Siquijor?
The best time to visit Siquijor is between February and May, when the dry season brings consistently sunny days, calm seas, and ideal conditions for beaches and waterfalls. March to May is the warmest period. February and March offer the best balance of good weather and fewer tourists compared to the Easter peak.
The rainy season runs from roughly June to November, with the heaviest rainfall between August and October. Travel is still possible, but expect occasional road soakings and some waterfalls running at full, slightly chaotic force. I visited close to Christmas and found the temperatures pleasant (25–29°C), though we got completely drenched on the road back to our hotel three separate times. Part of the tropical experience, apparently.
Temperatures rarely drop below 20°C at any point in the year, so there’s no truly bad time to go if you’re flexible. Just pack a light rain layer if you’re traveling outside the dry season.
How many days do you need in Siquijor?
Plan for at least 3 to 4 days in Siquijor. Three days is enough to see the main sights and beaches at a relaxed pace. Four days lets you add a day trip to Apo Island without rushing anything else. I spent five days and still felt I could have stayed longer.
The island is small but the attractions are spread out around the circumferential road. Rushing through everything in two days is possible, but you’ll miss the whole point of the place. Siquijor rewards slow travel. The best moments often happen between stops, on an empty road lined with palm trees with no real destination in mind.
Sample Siquijor itinerary
| Day | What to do |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Cambugahay Falls · Enchanted Balete Tree · Paliton Beach sunset |
| Day 2 | Guiwahon Spring Park · Salagdoong Beach · Lazi Church and convent |
| Day 3 | Lugnason Falls · St. Francis of Assisi Church · Siquijor Port Beach |
| Day 4 | Day trip to Apo Island (book through Coco Grove) |
Top things to do in Siquijor
The island punches well above its weight for a place this size. Here are the highlights worth building your days around.
Cambugahay Falls
Three-tiered cascading falls in the middle of lush forest, with water so turquoise it looks edited. It’s warm (natural springs), perfectly safe to swim in, and one of the most-visited spots on the island for good reason. The short hike down is steep but quick.
A group of local kids has declared ownership of the vine swings and will charge you a small fee to use them. Pay up and swing anyway. It’s worth it.
Entrance fee: ~20 pesos | How to get there: Follow the Siquijor Circumferential Road toward Lazi, then follow signs uphill for about 10 minutes.
Century-old Enchanted Balete Tree
A 400-year-old tree in Lazi with roots and hanging vines that spread in every direction. It’s genuinely atmospheric. Locals believe it’s enchanted, which is plausible enough when you’re standing in front of it. There’s a small natural spring pool beneath it where you can dip your feet in for a fish spa, featuring fish that are noticeably larger and more ambitious than the ones you’d find at a mall.
Small stalls nearby sell local charms and potions. The experience sits somewhere between odd and unforgettable, which sums up Siquijor fairly well.
Entrance fee: ~10 pesos | How to get there: Right on the Siquijor Circumferential Road between Campalanas and Lazi. Hard to miss.
Lazi Church and convent
One of the most significant heritage sites in the entire Visayas, and one that doesn’t get nearly enough credit. The coral-stone church dates to the late 18th century and the adjacent convent is considered the largest of its kind in Asia. It’s still in active use, still standing in remarkable shape, and genuinely worth stopping for even if old churches aren’t usually your thing.
It sits on the east side of the island, making it a natural anchor for any circuit ride. Cambugahay Falls is just a short detour away.
Day trip to Apo Island
One of my top experiences in the entire Philippines. Apo Island is a small marine sanctuary about an hour off the coast of Siquijor where you can snorkel with sea turtles in remarkably clear water. Most tours leave from Dumaguete in uncomfortable outrigger boats. The better option is to book through Coco Grove Beach Resort in Siquijor: a proper boat, lunch on their private beach, and a genuinely luxurious experience compared to the Dumaguete alternative.
They prioritize their own guests, but we had no trouble booking a spot on short notice when we weren’t staying there.
For the full breakdown of every sight worth visiting, check my ranked top 10 places to visit in Siquijor.
Siquijor beaches
The beaches here won’t compete with Palawan or Panglao on pure postcard perfection, but what they lack in infrastructure they more than make up for in solitude. These are the ones worth your time.
List of beaches in Siquijor
- Paliton Beach (San Juan). The best beach on the island. A row of enormous palm trees, fine white sand, and sunset views that are almost unreasonably good. Small entrance fee.
- Salagdoong Beach (Maria). Government-owned and open to the public. Crystal-clear water divided by dramatic rock formations with cliff diving platforms at 5 and 10 meters high. Great for swimming and snorkeling. Note: facility quality (restaurant, toilets) can be inconsistent, but the beach itself is excellent.
- Siquijor Port Beach. Right next to the main ferry port. Surprisingly quiet and beautiful, especially outside the ferry rush hours. One of my favorite discoveries on the island.
- Tupod Beach. The main stretch of sand in front of Coco Grove. It’s a marine sanctuary, so the snorkeling is exceptional.
- Kagusuan Beach (Maria). Genuinely beautiful and remote, with dramatic coral boulders and powdery white sand. Access note (2025): the main entrance has been blocked by a private landowner. The beach is technically public but requires a local guide via alternate paths. Check access before making the long drive out.
How do you get around Siquijor?
The best way to get around Siquijor is to rent a motorbike or scooter. The island has one main circumferential road that loops the entire coastline, and attractions are spread well apart. Public transport is unreliable, so having your own wheels is the difference between a great trip and a frustrating one. Rental costs around PHP 350–500 per day, not including petrol.
If you don’t ride or prefer company, hire a tricycle driver for the day. They know the island well and will take you to most main sights for around PHP 1,000–1,500 per day depending on your itinerary. It’s less flexible but perfectly workable. Groups of 4+ are better off hiring a multi-cab, starting at around PHP 3,000 per day.
Tour agencies are rare on the island. Your hotel can usually arrange something if needed, and Coco Grove handles Apo Island day trips well.
Where to stay in Siquijor
The accommodation scene has improved a lot in recent years, with San Juan as the main hub for travelers. It’s the best base: close to the best beaches, a short drive to the main sights, and where most of the restaurants and tour operators are clustered.
Coco Grove Beach Resort
The island’s best-known resort, sitting directly in front of a marine sanctuary with 800 meters of private beach, two pools, a spa, and an aquatic center. For what you get, the price is excellent value. They also organize the best Apo Island day trips.
Book now >>
Garden Bungalow Resort
Tucked in the forest, only a short drive from town. Outdoor pool, spacious rooms, and staff who genuinely help you plan your days on the island. I didn’t plan to extend my stay here. And then I did.
Book now >>
Not happy with either? I’ve put together a shortlist of top-rated hotels and resorts in Siquijor, or search Agoda for the full range of options.
What and where to eat in Siquijor
Food is probably the island’s weakest point. Finding good value-for-money restaurants takes a bit of effort, and the Filipino food scene more broadly can feel underwhelming compared to the rest of Southeast Asia. That said, there are a few reliable spots.
Baha Bar
A restaurant and bar in San Juan with a great vibe and decent food. The tiger prawns are excellent. The bar next to the beach at sunset is one of the better places to end a day on the island. It gets busy and prices are slightly above average, but it’s worth it.
Bellview Kuzzina Bar
Close to the main port, decent food at a very good price. The coffee is imported and properly brewed, which puts it ahead of most places on the island on that front alone.
Triad Coffee Shop
A bakery and café in Larena with a gorgeous open view of the coastline. Their slogan is “The Best View of Siquijor” and it’s hard to argue. The menu leans toward pizza, burgers, and salads rather than local dishes, but the setting more than compensates.
What to eat in Siquijor
- Chicken Adobo: chicken marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, peppercorns, and bay leaves. A Filipino staple done well here.
- Kare-Kare: a hearty stew in a thick peanut sauce, typically with beef or oxtail.
- Bukayo: a coconut bread local to Siquijor. Worth trying at least once.
- Halo-halo: the Philippines’ most famous dessert. Shaved ice, jelly, sweet beans, coconut, and fruit in one glass. Strange, indulgent, and oddly refreshing in the heat.
How much does Siquijor cost?
Siquijor is one of the more affordable islands in the Philippines. Daily costs are roughly in line with other parts of the country, and significantly lower than tourist hotspots like El Nido. The figures below are from my visit in late 2016 and will have increased since, but the relative picture holds.
Siquijor daily budget reference
- Accommodation: budget guesthouses from ~PHP 800/night; mid-range like Garden Bungalow from ~PHP 2,000/night; resort-style (Coco Grove) from ~PHP 4,000/night.
- Motorbike rental: PHP 350–500/day, not including petrol.
- Food: local restaurants serve mains from ~PHP 80; a decent lunch costs around PHP 200–300.
- Entrance fees: most sights charge PHP 10–50 per person. Budget PHP 200–300/day to cover this.
- Apo Island day trip: rates vary by operator; expect PHP 1,500–2,500 per person all-in through Coco Grove.
Traveling as a couple, you can live well on PHP 2,500–3,500 each per day including accommodation, food, transport, and activities.
Final Siquijor travel tips
- Rent a bike. Public transport is unreliable and the island is made for motorbike exploration. Most rental shops are at the port or in San Juan. The roads are generally in good condition.
- Always carry small change. Entrance fees are everywhere in the Philippines: sights, parking lots, even some churches charge a nominal fee. Have PHP 20–50 coins handy at all times.
- Bring sunscreen. The sun is intense and you’ll be outdoors all day. Pack a good SPF before you arrive. See my full guide on what to pack for Southeast Asia for everything else you’ll need.
- Book Apo Island early. If you want the Coco Grove day trip, ask about availability as soon as you arrive on the island, especially in high season.
Siquijor travel review
Siquijor is going as local as the Philippines gets. There are no pretentious resorts, no aggressive touts, no nightlife strip. What there is: an authentic island with charming people, genuinely beautiful sights, and some of the most memorable sunsets I’ve seen anywhere. For a first-time visitor to the Philippines, it’s easy to stick to more hyped islands. Don’t skip Siquijor. It gives you a perspective on the country that Boracay never will.
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Is Siquijor safe for tourists?
Yes, Siquijor is considered one of the safest islands in the Philippines. Crime rates are low and the local population is welcoming and friendly toward visitors. Normal travel precautions apply: don't leave valuables unattended on beaches, lock your motorbike, and avoid riding after dark on unfamiliar roads. The island's reputation for witchcraft is folklore, not a safety concern.
How long is the ferry from Dumaguete to Siquijor?
The ferry from Dumaguete to Siquijor takes approximately 1 hour. OceanJet fast ferries run several times daily and are the most comfortable option. Slower ferries operated by GL Shipping and Montenegro Lines also run this route and take slightly longer. Always confirm current schedules directly with the ferry companies before travel.
Do I need a visa to visit Siquijor?
Siquijor is part of the Philippines, so visa requirements depend on your nationality and the Philippines' general visa rules. Most nationalities can enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 30 days, extendable at immigration offices. Citizens of some countries require a visa in advance. Check the Philippine Bureau of Immigration website for the latest requirements before booking.
Can I visit Siquijor as a day trip?
Technically yes, but it's not recommended. The ferry from Dumaguete takes 1 hour each way, leaving you only 4-5 hours on the island, which is barely enough to see one or two sights. Siquijor is best experienced slowly over at least 3 days. If you're short on time, a day trip from Dumaguete is possible but you'll leave wanting more.
What is Siquijor known for?
Siquijor is known for two things: its reputation as a center of Filipino folk magic and healing, and its natural beauty. The island has a long tradition of herb medicine and folk healers (locally called mananambal), which gave it a mystical reputation among other Filipinos. In practice, visitors find pristine beaches, turquoise waterfalls like Cambugahay Falls, historic churches, and one of the most authentic island experiences in the Philippines.
Which island is your favorite in the Philippines? Let me know your experience in Siquijor in the comments below!
