How to Get to Siquijor: Complete Transportation Guide

Overview: Getting to Siquijor

Siquijor is an island province, which means the only way to get there is by boat. There’s no airport on the island, so all visitors arrive via ferry—typically from Dumaguete, though routes from Cebu and Bohol are also available.

Don’t worry—getting to Siquijor is easier than you might think, and the ferry ride itself is part of the adventure.

From Manila (Recommended Route)

The most common route for international and domestic travelers starts with a flight to Dumaguete City on the nearby island of Negros.

Step 1: Fly to Dumaguete

Multiple airlines operate daily flights from Manila to Dumaguete:

Airline	Frequency	Flight Time	Approx. Cost
Cebu Pacific	3-4 daily	1h 15m	₱2,000-4,500
Philippine Airlines	2-3 daily	1h 15m	₱3,000-6,000
AirAsia	1-2 daily	1h 15m	₱1,800-4,000

Booking Tips:

Book 2-4 weeks in advance for best prices
Tuesday and Wednesday flights are usually cheapest
Use Skyscanner or Google Flights to compare

Step 2: Airport to Port

From Dumaguete Airport (DGT), you need to reach the ferry port.

Options:

Tricycle: ₱100-150, 15 minutes to port
Grab/taxi: ₱150-200, 15 minutes
Hotel shuttle: Often complimentary if pre-booked

Step 3: Ferry to Siquijor

Ferries depart regularly from Dumaguete Port to Siquijor Port or Larena Port.

Ferry Options from Dumaguete

Ocean Jet (Fast Ferry)

The fastest and most popular option.

Duration: 45 minutes - 1 hour
Departures: 9:15 AM, 11:15 AM, 2:45 PM, 5:00 PM (times may vary)
Cost: ₱250-350 (tourist/business class)
Terminal Fee: ₱20
Booking: Online at oceanjet.net or at the port

Pros: Fast, air-conditioned, comfortable seats Cons: More expensive, fixed schedule

Montenegro Lines / GL Shipping

The budget-friendly slow ferry option.

Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours
Departures: Multiple daily (check current schedule)
Cost: ₱150-180
Terminal Fee: ₱20

Pros: Cheaper, more flexible schedule, can bring larger luggage Cons: Slower, less comfortable, no AC on some boats

RORO Ferry (Car Ferry)

If you’re bringing a vehicle (motorcycle or car).

Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours
Cost: ₱150 per person + vehicle fees
Vehicle cost: Motorcycle ~₱200, Car ~₱1,500

From Cebu City

Option 1: Via Dumaguete (Recommended)

Fly Cebu → Dumaguete (30 min, ₱1,500-2,500)
Ferry Dumaguete → Siquijor (1 hour)

Option 2: Direct Ferry from Cebu

Lite Ferries operates a direct route:

Route: Cebu (Pier 1) → Larena, Siquijor
Duration: 6-8 hours (overnight ferry available)
Schedule: Usually departures on Mon, Wed, Fri (verify current schedule)
Cost: ₱500-800 depending on class

Note: This is an overnight journey. Cabins are available but basic.

From Bohol

If you’re coming from Bohol (Tagbilaran), the easiest route is:

Ferry Tagbilaran → Dumaguete (2-3 hours)
Ferry Dumaguete → Siquijor (1 hour)

Or there’s occasionally a direct ferry:

Route: Tagbilaran → Larena
Operator: Ocean Jet (check availability)
Duration: 1.5 hours

Siquijor Ports: Which to Choose?

Siquijor has two main ports:

Siquijor Port (Main Port)

Located in Siquijor Town (capital)
Most ferries from Dumaguete arrive here
More facilities, ATM nearby
Good if staying on the west coast (San Juan area)

Larena Port

Located in Larena (north)
Some Ocean Jet and Lite Ferries routes
Closer if staying on the east coast
Smaller, fewer facilities

Booking Tips

Should You Book in Advance?

For Ocean Jet: Yes, especially during:

Holy Week (March/April)
Long weekends
December holidays
Peak season (Feb-May)

Book online at oceanjet.net or through 12go.asia

For Montenegro/GL: Usually no advance booking needed—just show up 30 minutes early.

Documents Needed

Valid ID (passport for foreigners)
Ferry ticket (printed or digital)
Cash for terminal fee (₱20)

Sample Itinerary: Manila to Siquijor

Day 1:

06:00 - Depart Manila (flight)
07:15 - Arrive Dumaguete
08:00 - Tricycle to port
09:15 - Board Ocean Jet
10:15 - Arrive Siquijor!

Total travel time: ~4 hours (plus airport procedures)

Returning from Siquijor

The return journey uses the same routes in reverse. Key tips:

Book return ferry in advance during peak times
Arrive at the port 30 minutes early
Check flight times carefully - allow at least 2-3 hours buffer in Dumaguete
Keep cash for terminal fees

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I just show up at the port?

For slow ferries, yes. For Ocean Jet during peak times, book ahead.

Is the ferry ride rough?

Usually calm, especially on Ocean Jet. If you’re prone to seasickness, take medication 30 minutes before boarding.

What if I miss my ferry?

There are multiple departures daily. You can usually catch the next one (may need to buy a new ticket).

Are there flights to Siquijor?

No. There’s no airport on the island. Ferry is the only option.

Can I bring luggage on the ferry?

Yes. No strict limits, but keep it reasonable. Large bags may have a small fee.

Getting to Siquijor might require a bit of planning, but once you’re on that ferry watching the island appear on the horizon, you’ll know it was worth the journey. The moment you step off the boat into Siquijor’s laid-back atmosphere, the travel fades away and the adventure begins.