My Top 10 Places To Visit in Siquijor Island

Siquijor is a tiny and remote island in the Visayas. Apart from pristine waters and beautiful beaches, there are many other sights to keep you busy for a few days. These are the top places to visit in Siquijor, Philippines!

We were in Palawan when we met a friend who had been traveling around the Philippines for a few weeks. She mentioned her favorite place was Siquijor.

That’s when I decided to go.

Apart from the fact I read it was a bewitched island, I didn’t know much more. But I was motivated to find out. For five days we explored the island by motorcycle and found bliss. Here’s my top 10 list of places to visit in Siquijor!

10Places to visit in Siquijor

10Lugnason Falls

A wild trek through the forest leads to a set of 12 waterfalls, each one named after a sign of the Zodiac. I may have hit the wrong season because some of them can hardly be called “falls.”

The main ones are worth the visit either way. Just immersing yourself in that tropical forest is reason enough to go. The crowds that flood Cambugahay don’t usually make it this far, so you’ll likely have most of it to yourself.

9St. Francis of Assisi Church

Like everywhere in the country, Siquijor has a very Catholic population and churches are plentiful. If there’s a place to try church-hopping, it’s here.

The church of St. Francis of Assisi is a historical landmark on the island and probably the first one you’ll see. Built in 1774, it preserves the old colonial style of Spanish-era churches. The interior is understated, which somehow makes it feel more authentic.

What I found interesting is that the belfry (the bell tower) sits a few meters away from the main building, in the middle of the plaza. Local lore says it also served as a watchtower against invaders.

8Lazi Church and convent

If St. Francis of Assisi is the warm-up, Lazi is the main event. This coral-stone church on the south coast of the island is one of the oldest and most impressive in the entire Visayas region, and the adjacent convent is widely considered the largest of its kind in Asia.

The church dates to the late 18th century and has been recognized for its outstanding heritage value. It’s not a ruin or a recreation. It’s the real thing, still standing in remarkable shape, and still in active use by the local community.

Lazi sits on the east side of the island, which makes it a natural stop on any full-circuit ride. While you’re there, the nearby Cambugahay Falls are just a short detour away.

7Kagusuan Beach

One of the most beautiful remote beaches on the island, Kagusuan is a reward after a long drive and a trek through thick forest. The powdery white sand, dramatic coral boulders, and crystal-clear water make it feel genuinely untouched.

Access note (2025): The main entrance has been blocked for years by a private landowner, with a “no trespassing” sign and a guard at the gate. The beach itself is technically public, but reaching it requires hiring a local guide who knows the alternate paths. Several recent visitors have done it successfully this way, but it’s not a sure thing. Check locally before adding it to your itinerary and have a backup.

6Guiwahon Spring Park

This park in Luyang is a marine species sanctuary built on huge mangroves, right at the edge of the road. We almost drove past it. The entrance fee is a symbolic 10 pesos, and the reward is a network of bamboo and wooden bridges hovering above the water. Unexpected and oddly peaceful.

Little huts dot the trail, and some of the ocean views along the way are genuinely beautiful. It’s low-key and a bit rough around the edges, which is part of the charm. Budget about 30 minutes and you’ll leave happy.

5Siquijor Port Beach

One of my fondest memories of Siquijor was stepping off the boat and seeing that beach for the first time. Crystal-clear water in that impossible tropical color. A deserted white-sand stretch with lush forest behind it. Couldn’t have asked for a better first impression of an island.

I came back a few days later and it was just as empty. Arrive outside the ferry rush hours and you’re almost guaranteed a quiet, gorgeous stretch of beach to yourself.

4Century-old enchanted Balete Tree

This is simultaneously one of the most weird and interesting places I visited in the Philippines.

The 400-year-old tree in Lazi sits along the main road in Barangay Campalanas, with massive hanging vines and roots spilling in every direction. Locals believe it’s enchanted, and standing in front of it, you’re not entirely sure they’re wrong.

Right next to it there’s a small natural pool where you can dip your feet in for a fish spa. It’s wonderfully relaxing right up until you clock the size of some of those fish and question all your life choices.

Caretakers maintain the site and keep it clean. The whole experience is strange and memorable in equal measure.

3Salagdoong Beach

This beach in Maria, on the east side of Siquijor, is government-owned and open to the public for a small entrance fee. It’s the kind of place where the water does all the talking: two coves of crystal-clear blue, separated by dramatic rock formations.

The cliff diving platforms embedded in those rocks are the main draw. The higher one sits at around 22 feet. That’s firmly in acrophobe territory for me. By the time I psyched myself up to jump, the security guard closed it due to low tide. I may or may not have been quietly relieved.

The beach is also excellent for swimming and snorkeling. You can easily spend a full day here. Note: facility quality can be inconsistent, so manage expectations for the restaurant and amenities, but the beach itself remains beautiful.

2Cambugahay Falls

Located in Lazi, these three-tiered cascading falls are the most famous in Siquijor, and deservedly so. The short but steep hike down is absolutely worth it.

The water is that absurd, vibrant turquoise that makes you question whether it’s real. It flows from natural springs, which is why it stays warm year-round. You reach the falls through a small trail of rocks along the river, and every step feels like a preview of what’s coming.

Look out for the vine swings at the pool. There’s a small fee to use them, because a group of kids have essentially declared themselves the official vine committee of Siquijor. Just roll with it.

1Paliton Beach

Picking a beach as the best spot on a tropical island is almost too predictable. The neighboring island of Bohol has some top-notch beaches too. The entire country is basically a beach paradise.

But Paliton beach in San Juan earns its place. The row of enormous palm trees, the fine white sand, and the view toward the nearby islands all come together in a way that feels effortless. There’s a small entrance fee and it’s worth every peso.

Then there are the sunsets. Siquijor sunsets are something else, and Paliton is the best seat in the house. When I was there, the beach was thick with seaweed and it still grabbed the number one spot on my list. On a clean day, it must be unreal.

Where to stay in Siquijor

The island has more accommodation options than it used to, with San Juan being the main hub for travelers.

By far the best-known resort is Coco Grove Beach Resort, in San Juan. For what you get, this place is excellent value. I didn’t stay there (no availability when I visited), but it would have absolutely been my top choice. Fortunately, I enjoyed my stay at Garden Bungalow Resort and we even extended our stay.

Not happy with either option? I’ve put together a shortlist of top-rated hotels and resorts in Siquijor to help you find the right fit.

Siquijor island: the perfect tropical getaway

Yes, Siquijor has many beautiful places to visit, especially considering its tiny size. But this island is more than the sum of its sights.

The sweet spot is going from place to place and soaking it all in. Far from massive touristy resorts or over-developed infrastructure, this remote island is a genuine delight to explore. It’s safe, unspoiled, and charming at every turn.

And the people. Smiles are contagious here, and it’s impossible not to be in a great mood when everyone around you radiates one.

Learn more about Siquijor in my complete travel guide with budget and itinerary details.

Which other places to visit in Siquijor do you recommend? Share your experience below in the comments!