Siquijor's Hidden Gems: Off-the-Beaten-Path Discoveries

Beyond the Instagram Spots

Siquijor already feels off-the-beaten-path compared to Boracay or Palawan. But even here, there’s a divide between the well-trodden tourist trail and the places that remain genuinely undiscovered.

This guide is for travelers who’ve done (or want to skip) Cambugahay Falls and the Balete Tree, and are ready to discover the Siquijor that locals love—quiet beaches, forgotten viewpoints, and experiences that won’t appear on every travel blog.

Hidden Beaches

Kagusuan Beach

The Secret Cove

Tucked away near Cantabon Cave, Kagusuan Beach is what Siquijor’s beaches looked like before tourism arrived. Rocky cliffs frame a small cove with crystal-clear water, and you’ll often have it entirely to yourself.

What Makes It Special:

• Genuinely empty most days
• Natural rock formations create tide pools
• Small jumping rocks for mild adventure
• No facilities = no crowds
• Raw, untouched atmosphere

Practical Details:

• Location: Maria municipality, near Cantabon Cave
• Access: Ask locally for directions; signage is minimal
• Facilities: None—bring everything you need
• Best Time: Morning for calm water

Tips:

• Combine with Cantabon Cave visit
• Bring water and snacks (nothing nearby)
• Water shoes essential for rocky entry
• Not great for swimming at low tide

Tambisan Beach

The Fishermen’s Shore

On the eastern coast near Lazi, Tambisan Beach is a working fishing beach where boats launch each morning. No resorts, no tourists—just a long stretch of sand used by local fishermen.

Why Visit:

• Authentic glimpse of island life
• Beautiful sunrise location
• Photogenic fishing boats (bangkas)
• Potential to join a morning fishing trip
• Completely non-touristy

Practical Details:

• Location: Lazi municipality, eastern coast
• Best Time: Dawn for fishing activity
• Access: Follow coastal road from Lazi

Tips:

• Be respectful—this is a working beach
• Great for photography but ask before photographing people
• Chat with fishermen about buying fresh catch
• Not ideal for swimming

Salagdoong’s Hidden Beach

Past the Crowds

Everyone knows Salagdoong for its cliff jumping platforms, but few venture past the main area to discover the quieter beach stretches beyond.

What to Find:

• Walk 10-15 minutes past the main resort
• Smaller, secluded beach coves
• Fewer people (often empty)
• Good snorkeling away from jumpers

Tips:

• Bring your own supplies—no vendors
• Start walking left (south) from main beach
• Rocky sections require careful navigation

Lesser-Known Waterfalls

Lugnason Falls

The Local Swimming Hole

While tour buses head to Cambugahay, locals often swim at Lugnason Falls—smaller but just as beautiful, with a fraction of the crowds.

The Experience:

• Single-tier falls into natural pool
• Shaded jungle setting
• Local families picnicking
• Peaceful atmosphere
• No rope swing crowds

Practical Details:

• Location: San Juan municipality
• Entrance: ₱20-30
• Access: Signposted from main road; short walk from parking

Why It Works: Lugnason won’t make your Instagram explode, but if you want to actually relax and swim without dodging rope swingers, it’s perfect.

Kawasan Falls (Siquijor’s Kawasan)

Not the Famous One

There’s a Kawasan Falls in Siquijor, entirely unrelated to the famous Cebu waterfall. It sees minimal visitors and offers a genuinely off-grid jungle experience.

What to Expect:

• Smaller falls, deep natural pool
• Requires short jungle hike
• May need local guide to find
• Few or no other visitors

Finding It: Ask in Larena municipality for directions. Local guides available for small fee (₱100-200).

Cabugsayan Falls

The Forgotten Cascade

In the forested interior, Cabugsayan Falls remains unknown to most visitors. The trek to reach it is part of the adventure.

The Experience:

• 20-30 minute hike through forest
• Multi-tiered falls
• Untouched natural setting
• Potentially no other visitors
• Real sense of discovery

Practical Details:

• Location: Interior highlands
• Access: Requires local guide recommended
• Entrance: Small donation to village

Secret Viewpoints

Mount Bandilaan Summit Path

Beyond the Park

Most visitors stop at the Mt. Bandilaan National Park entrance for the butterfly sanctuary. But trails continue to viewpoints that survey the entire island.

What to Find:

• Hiking trails through native forest
• Panoramic island views
• Stations of the Cross leading to summit
• Cooler mountain temperatures
• Minimal other hikers

Tips:

• Start early for comfortable hiking
• Bring water—no facilities on trails
• Clear days offer views to Cebu and Negros
• Ask park staff about trail conditions

Nakabalo Infinity Pool View

Sunset Without the Beach

While everyone watches sunset from Paliton Beach, Nakabalo offers an alternative: an infinity pool overlooking the ocean from the hills above San Juan.

The Experience:

• Pool access at Nakabalo Guesthouse (₱600-1,000)
• Credit usually applies to food/drinks
• Elevated vantage point
• Lounge chairs and cocktails
• Sophisticated alternative to beach sunset

Tips:

• Arrive 1-2 hours before sunset
• Reservations recommended in peak season
• Not widely advertised—ask locally

Larena Port Sunrise

The Underrated Viewpoint

Larena’s port faces east, offering arguably the island’s best sunrise views—but almost no one thinks to visit.

Why It Works:

• Unobstructed eastern horizon
• Working port atmosphere
• Coffee available from local vendors
• Potential early ferry departures add drama
• Zero tourist infrastructure

Authentic Local Experiences

San Antonio Mountain Barangays

Where Healers Live

Most tourists experience Siquijor’s healing traditions during the crowded Holy Week festival. But the mountain barangays of San Antonio are where traditional healers actually live and work year-round.

The Experience:

• Meet mananambal (healers) in their homes
• Purchase authentic lana (healing oil)
• Learn about medicinal plants
• Far more intimate than festival crowds

How to Arrange:

• Ask at your accommodation for connections
• Hire a local guide who knows healer families
• Approach with genuine respect (not as spectacle)
• Small donations/payment appreciated

Maria’s Interior Villages

True Rural Philippines

The mountain villages in Maria municipality offer glimpses of agricultural life untouched by tourism. Rice terraces, small farms, and communities living as they have for generations.

What to Experience:

• Rice planting/harvesting (seasonal)
• Local markets
• Home-cooked meals
• Forest walks with local guides
• Zero tourist infrastructure

Tips:

• Rent a scooter and simply explore
• Be respectful of photographing people
• Basic Tagalog/Cebuano helps
• Expect curious (friendly) attention

Lazi Sunday Market

The Real Local Market

Skip the Siquijor Town tourist stalls and visit Lazi’s Sunday market—a genuine local market where islanders buy their weekly supplies.

What to Find:

• Fresh produce from island farms
• Local snacks and delicacies
• Dried fish and seafood
• Household goods
• Authentic local atmosphere

Practical Details:

• When: Sunday mornings (6-11 AM)
• Location: Lazi town center
• Tips: Bring small bills; vendors don’t always have change

Evening Basketball Games

Filipino Culture in Action

Every evening, barangay basketball courts across Siquijor come alive with pickup games. This is Filipino culture in its purest form—competitive, social, and welcoming to spectators.

The Experience:

• Watch (or join if you’re good)
• Chat with locals
• Understand what matters in daily life
• Often near local eateries

Where to Find Games:

• Every town has courts
• Games start around 5-6 PM
• Larger crowds on weekends

Off-Radar Dining

Carinderias (Local Eateries)

Skip the Tourist Restaurants

While San Juan has excellent international restaurants, genuine Filipino food comes from carinderias—simple local eateries found in every town.

The Experience:

• Point to what looks good (turo-turo style)
• Filipino home cooking
• Meals from ₱50-100
• Zero tourists, zero pretension
• Language barriers are part of the fun

Where to Find:

• Near markets in any municipality
• Along main roads in smaller towns
• Busy ones = good food

What to Try:

• Adobo (chicken or pork)
• Sinigang (sour soup)
• Kare-kare (peanut stew)
• Laing (taro leaves in coconut)
• Whatever looks freshest

Roadside BBQ

Evening Street Food

As evening falls, roadside BBQ vendors set up across the island. These aren’t tourist-targeted—they serve islanders heading home from work.

What to Order:

• Isaw (grilled intestines)
• BBQ pork skewers
• Chicken feet
• Grilled corn
• Paired with local beer

Finding Them:

• Main roads through towns
• Usually near sari-sari stores
• Look for smoke and plastic chairs
• Most active 6-9 PM

Practical Tips for Exploration

Getting Off the Path

Transportation:

• Scooter essential for hidden spots
• Tricycle drivers know local areas (negotiate day rate)
• Walking unlocks places wheels can’t reach
• GPS doesn’t always work—ask locals

Preparation:

• Offline maps downloaded
• Cash in small bills
• Water and snacks
• Basic first aid
• Flexible expectations

Mindset:

• Embrace getting lost
• Accept that some “hidden gems” might be underwhelming
• The journey is part of the experience
• Be genuinely curious about local life

Responsible Exploration

Do:

• Ask permission before photographing people
• Respect private property
• Leave no trace
• Support local businesses
• Share locations thoughtfully (don’t blow up secret spots)

Don’t:

• Expect tourist-level facilities everywhere
• Complain about lack of infrastructure
• Photograph without consent
• Disturb wildlife or natural settings
• Publicize exact locations of sacred/sensitive sites

Creating Your Own Discoveries

The Exploration Method

The best hidden gems are ones you find yourself. Here’s how:

1. Take random turns: On your scooter, pick roads that aren’t on your map
2. Talk to locals: Ask “Where do you like to swim?” or “Where’s your favorite view?”
3. Wake up early: Empty island in early morning, locals’ routines visible
4. Stay longer: Day 3 and 4 are when real discoveries happen
5. Skip the highlights: Counter-intuitive, but freeing

The Right Questions

Instead of asking where tourists go, ask:

• “Where do local families go on Sundays?”
• “What’s the best beach for locals?”
• “Where can I eat what your family eats?”
• “Is there a waterfall without tourists?”

Final Thoughts

Siquijor’s magic isn’t really in any specific location—it’s in the island’s atmosphere of timelessness and mystery. The best experiences often come from unplanned moments: a conversation with a healer’s granddaughter, a sunset from an unmarked cliff, a meal at a stranger’s suggestion.

The hidden gems aren’t just places; they’re the experiences that happen when you slow down, get curious, and let the island reveal itself.

The spots in this guide are starting points, not destinations. Use them to get off the tourist trail, then trust your instincts and see what you discover.

That’s when Siquijor gets really interesting.

For more exploration, see our guides to Getting Around Siquijor and Healing Traditions.