Mount Bandilaan National Park & Butterfly Sanctuary Guide

Mount Bandilaan: Siquijor’s Spiritual Heart

Rising 628 meters above sea level, Mount Bandilaan stands as Siquijor’s highest point and spiritual center. This protected national park encompasses mountain forest, endemic species, and sites sacred to the island’s traditional healers. For travelers seeking to understand Siquijor beyond its beaches and waterfalls, Mount Bandilaan offers a window into the island’s soul.

About Mount Bandilaan National Park

Geography & History

Mount Bandilaan National Park covers 1,951 hectares of Siquijor’s mountainous interior. The park protects the island’s watershed, remaining old-growth forest, and serves as a sanctuary for endemic wildlife.

Quick Facts:

Ecological Importance

The mountain’s forest hosts species found nowhere else, including:

• Endemic bird species
• Native butterflies
• Rare orchids
• Medicinal plants used by traditional healers

Much of this biodiversity remains unstudied, making Bandilaan a site of ongoing scientific interest.

Siquijor Butterfly Sanctuary ⭐

A Flutter of Color

Nestled on the slopes of Mount Bandilaan, the Siquijor Butterfly Sanctuary offers an intimate encounter with the island’s delicate winged residents. Unlike large commercial butterfly farms, this sanctuary maintains a more natural, low-key atmosphere.

What to Expect

• Enclosed garden with free-flying butterflies
• Multiple native species
• Photo opportunities throughout
• Educational displays about butterfly lifecycles
• Native plants that attract wild butterflies
• Peaceful garden atmosphere

Visiting the Sanctuary

Photography Tips

• Butterflies are most active 8:00-10:00 AM
• Wear neutral colors (bright colors may startle them)
• Move slowly and let butterflies come to you
• Morning light creates best photo conditions
• Macro lens helpful but not required

Quisol Mountain View

The Hidden Panorama

Before or after Bandilaan, stop at Quisol Mountain View—an overlooked viewpoint that offers sweeping vistas across the island and beyond.

What you’ll see:

• 360-degree panoramic views
• Siquijor’s coastline and interior
• Neighboring islands (Cebu, Negros, Bohol on clear days)
• Rice terraces and mountain landscape
• Sunrise and sunset potential

Getting There

Look for the “Quisol Mountain View” sign on the road toward the butterfly sanctuary. The viewpoint sits just off the main road with easy parking for scooters.

Practical Information

Hiking Mount Bandilaan

Summit Trail

A maintained trail leads to the Bandilaan summit, where you’ll find:

• A large cross marking the peak
• Picnic area with basic shelters
• Panoramic viewpoint
• Communication towers (slightly detracting)

Trail Information

What to Bring

• Water (1-2 liters minimum)
• Snacks
• Sunscreen and hat
• Rain jacket (afternoon showers possible)
• Camera
• Comfortable walking shoes

The Healing Festival Connection

Holy Week Gathering

Mount Bandilaan holds deep significance for Siquijor’s traditional healers. During Holy Week (especially Good Friday and Black Saturday), healers from across the island gather near the mountain to:

• Collect medicinal plants
• Prepare annual potions
• Perform blessing ceremonies
• Exchange knowledge
• Create remedies believed to be strongest during this time

Experiencing the Festival

Visitors can observe the gathering (with respect):

• Most activity occurs at dawn
• Photography by permission only
• Maintain respectful distance
• Small donations appreciated
• Not a tourist performance—genuine practice

Timing Your Visit

For the Healing Festival experience:

• Plan for Holy Week (dates vary yearly)
• Book accommodation months ahead
• Arrive before dawn on key days
• Hire a local guide for context

Man-Made Forest

A Mahogany Cathedral

On the road toward Bandilaan, you’ll pass through Siquijor’s man-made forest—a reforestation project that created an atmospheric corridor of tall mahogany trees.

Features:

• Towering mahogany trees lining the road
• Dappled sunlight through canopy
• Cooler temperatures than coast
• Popular photo stop
• Brief roadside attraction

Visiting Tips

• Stop for quick photos during Bandilaan trip
• Morning or late afternoon light is best
• Can get slippery when wet
• Usually quiet with few visitors

Suggested Itineraries

Half-Day Mountain & Forest Tour

Perfect for travelers wanting highland experiences without all-day commitment.

Route:

• 8:00 AM: Depart accommodation
• 8:30 AM: Quisol Mountain View
• 9:00 AM: Butterfly Sanctuary (45 min)
• 10:00 AM: Man-Made Forest photo stop
• 10:30 AM: Mount Bandilaan summit
• 12:00 PM: Return via scenic route

Full-Day Highland & Healing

Combine mountain attractions with cultural sites.

Route:

• 7:00 AM: Sunrise at Quisol Mountain View
• 8:00 AM: Butterfly Sanctuary
• 9:30 AM: Mount Bandilaan summit hike
• 12:00 PM: Lunch in Lazi
• 1:30 PM: Century-Old Balete Tree
• 3:00 PM: Cambugahay Falls
• 5:30 PM: Return to coast

Wildlife & Nature

Birds of Bandilaan

The forest supports numerous bird species:

• Philippine Hanging Parrot
• Rufous-lored Kingfisher
• Colasisi (Philippine parrot)
• Various hornbills
• Many endemic species

Best birding: Early morning, forest trails, with patience.

Medicinal Plants

Traditional healers have cataloged hundreds of medicinal plants on Bandilaan’s slopes. Look for (but don’t harvest):

• Luyang dilaw (turmeric)
• Lagundi
• Sambong
• Various forest orchids

Practical Information

Getting to Mount Bandilaan

By scooter (recommended):

• From San Juan: 30-40 minutes
• Road is paved but winding
• Some steep sections
• Well-signed route

By tricycle:

• Available from main towns
• Half-day hire: ₱800-1,200
• Driver waits while you explore

Facilities

At the park:

• Basic restrooms
• Picnic shelters at summit
• No food vendors (bring your own)
• No drinking water available

Nearby:

• Small stores in Cantabon
• Restaurants in Lazi (20 min)

Best Time to Visit

Tips for Visiting

1. Combine attractions into a half-day mountain tour—the sites are close together

2. Start early for cooler temperatures and better wildlife sightings

3. Bring water and snacks—no reliable food sources on the mountain

4. Don’t skip Quisol Mountain View—it’s free and offers the best panoramas

5. Time for butterflies: They’re most active morning hours when temperatures are moderate

6. Respect the healers if visiting during Holy Week—observe quietly and ask before photographing

7. Check weather: Afternoon clouds often obscure summit views

Comparing Mountain Experiences

Final Thoughts

Mount Bandilaan represents a different side of Siquijor—one that transcends beaches and tourist sites to reveal the island’s ecological and spiritual foundations. Whether you come for the butterflies, the panoramic views, or to understand the healing traditions that give Siquijor its mystical reputation, the mountain rewards those who venture inland.

The attractions here won’t take all day, but they’ll add depth to your understanding of this remarkable island. Bundle them together on a morning excursion, and you’ll discover why locals consider Bandilaan the true heart of Siquijor.

For more on Siquijor’s spiritual traditions, read our guide to healing traditions and the mananambal.