Getting Around Siquijor: Local Transportation Guide

Transportation Overview

Siquijor is a small island (343 km²) with a single main ring road circling the coast and a few interior roads climbing into the mountains. Getting around is straightforward, but understanding your options will save time, money, and frustration.

The Good News: You can drive the entire ring road in about 2 hours without stops.

The Reality: You’ll want stops, and that’s where your transportation choice matters.

Transportation Options at a Glance

Scooter Rental (Recommended)

For most visitors, renting a scooter is the best way to experience Siquijor. The roads are manageable, traffic is minimal, and the freedom to stop anywhere is invaluable.

Rental Details

Cost: ₱350-500 per day

• Manual transmission: ₱350-400
• Automatic (recommended): ₱400-500
• Weekly discounts often available

What’s Included:

• Helmet (mandatory)
• Basic insurance (sometimes)
• Full tank (sometimes—check)

What You Need:

• Valid driver’s license (international or Philippine)
• Passport for ID
• Cash deposit or passport copy

Where to Rent

San Juan Area:

• Most resorts arrange rentals
• Shops along main road
• Higher quality bikes

Siquijor Port:

• Available upon arrival
• Compare conditions before choosing
• Can negotiate for multi-day

Larena Port:

• Fewer options
• Usually arranged through accommodation

Scooter Tips

Before You Ride:

• Test brakes thoroughly
• Check lights (headlight, taillight, turn signals)
• Verify gas level
• Take photos of existing damage
• Get rental shop’s phone number

On the Road:

• Drive on the right side (Philippines follows US rules)
• Helmet required by law
• Honk on blind corners (locals do)
• Watch for potholes (they appear suddenly)
• Dogs sleep on warm roads—be alert

Fuel:

• Gas stations in Siquijor Town and San Juan only
• Fill up before island exploration
• One tank is enough for full circuit plus sites

Road Conditions

Ring Road: Generally good condition with some rough patches:

• Paved throughout
• Occasional potholes
• Narrow in places
• Some steep sections

Interior Roads: More challenging:

• To Cambugahay Falls: Mostly good
• To Cantabon Cave: Rougher, steeper
• To Mt. Bandilaan: Paved but steep

After Rain:

• Roads can be slippery
• Watch for debris
• Interior roads may have puddles

Tricycles

The iconic Filipino three-wheeled motorcycle taxi. A sidecar attached to a motorcycle creates a covered passenger space.

Types of Tricycle Service

1. Hop-On Service (Point to Point)

For getting from A to B within or between towns.

Typical Fares:

Tips:

• Agree on price before boarding
• Fares increase at night
• Can be shared with other passengers
• Ask accommodation for fare guidance

2. Full Day Tour

Hire a tricycle and driver for a complete island tour.

Cost: ₱1,500-2,000 per day

What’s Included:

• Driver who knows all the sites
• Waiting time at attractions
• Flexible itinerary
• Local insights

Typical Tour Itinerary:

1. Balete Tree & Fish Spa
2. Lazi Church & Convent
3. Cambugahay Falls (extended stop)
4. Salagdoong Beach
5. San Juan area
6. Paliton Beach (sunset)

Advantages:

• No navigation worries
• Local guide included
• Good for non-riders
• Comfortable for groups (2-4 people)

Disadvantages:

• Less flexibility than scooter
• Driver waits = waiting for you
• Slower than self-driving
• Can feel rushed at sites

Booking:

• Arrange at ports
• Through accommodation
• Negotiate route and duration

Habal-Habal (Motorcycle Taxi)

A motorcycle with extended seat for passengers. More common in rural areas and for specific routes.

When to Use

• Short trips where tricycles aren’t available
• Steep routes (Cantabon Cave, Mt. Bandilaan)
• Quick hops between nearby points

Cost

• Short trip: ₱50-100
• Medium distance: ₱100-200
• Cantabon Cave (steep): ₱150-200

Safety

• Hold on securely
• Avoid with large bags
• Not recommended at night
• Helmets often not provided (ask)

Walking

Possible in town centers, but Siquijor isn’t particularly walkable for sightseeing.

Where Walking Works

Siquijor Town:

• Port area to town plaza
• Around market area
• Lunch break exploration

San Juan:

• Beach promenade
• Restaurant hopping
• Within resort clusters

Where It Doesn’t Work

• Between attractions (too far)
• Ring road (no sidewalks, sun exposure)
• To waterfalls from main road
• Interior/mountain sites

Self-Driving Tips

Navigation

Google Maps:

• Works well offline (download before arriving)
• Most attractions are marked
• Some locations slightly off
• Download Siquijor map for offline use

Landmarks:

• Church steeples visible throughout
• Barangay signs mark locations
• Ring road is basically a circle—hard to get lost
• Ask locals if confused

Safety

General:

• Drive slower than you think necessary
• Animals wander onto roads
• Children may run out
• Blind corners are common

At Night:

• Street lighting is minimal
• Harder to see potholes
• Animals less visible
• Not recommended for new riders

Weather:

• Afternoon rain in wet season
• Pull over if heavy rain
• Roads slippery when wet

Fuel

Gas Stations:

• Siquijor Town (Shell, Petron)
• San Juan (smaller stations)
• Fill up before interior trips

If You Run Out:

• Small stores sell bottled gasoline (sari-sari stores)
• Ask for “gasolina”
• More expensive than pump price

Parking

At Attractions:

• Usually free or minimal fee (₱10-20)
• Secure areas at major sites
• Don’t leave valuables

In Towns:

• Street parking fine
• Be mindful of blocking traffic

Route Suggestions

Full Island Circuit (2-3 hours driving)

Clockwise from Siquijor Town: Siquijor → San Juan → Maria (Salagdoong) → Lazi → Larena → back to Siquijor

Key Stops:

• San Juan beaches (30 min - 2 hours)
• Salagdoong Beach (1-2 hours)
• Cambugahay Falls (1.5-2 hours)
• Lazi Church (30 min)
• Balete Tree (30 min)

Southern Route (Half Day)

Focus on Lazi area:

• Balete Tree
• Lazi Church & Convent
• Cambugahay Falls
• Kagusuan Beach

Western Coast (Half Day)

San Juan focus:

• Paliton Beach
• San Juan restaurants
• Tubod Marine Sanctuary
• Guiwanon Marine Reserve

Cost Comparison

Budget Traveler (3 Days)

Option A: Scooter

• Rental (3 days): ₱1,200
• Gas: ₱200
• Total: ₱1,400

Option B: Mixed

• Tricycle from port: ₱100
• Day tour: ₱1,500
• Local tricycle hops: ₱300
• Total: ₱1,900

Conclusion

Scooter is cheapest AND most flexible if you can ride.

Final Thoughts

Siquijor rewards exploration, and how you get around shapes your experience. A scooter gives you the freedom to stop at every viewpoint, chase sunsets, and discover unmarked beaches. A tricycle tour provides local insight and stress-free navigation.

Choose based on your comfort level, not your budget—the difference is modest, but the experience varies greatly.

Whatever you choose, slow down. Siquijor’s magic reveals itself to those who resist the urge to rush from attraction to attraction. The journey around this small island is as memorable as any destination.

Planning your arrival? Read our guide to Getting TO Siquijor. Ready to book? Check out Where to Stay.