The 6 Municipalities of Siquijor: Complete Town-by-Town Guide

Siquijor Province is comprised of six municipalities, each with its own distinct character, festivals, and attractions. This guide covers everything you need to know about each town.

Siquijor Town (Capital)

The capital town of Siquijor is located southwest of the island, bounded by Tañon Strait. As the seat of provincial government and main gateway for tourists, it’s often the first taste visitors get of the island.

Key Information

What Makes It Special

Siquijor Port is the main gateway for tourists, with ships and fast crafts from Dumaguete City docking here. The town celebrates the Dilaab Festival or Fire Festival, commemorating Siquijor’s original name “Isla de Fuego” given by Spanish conquistadors who saw the island glowing with fireflies.

Must-Visit Attractions

• St. Francis of Assisi Church - Built in 1774, the oldest parish on the island
• Siquijor Port - Main arrival point with views of Tañon Strait
• Town Plaza - Central gathering place with local shops

San Juan

Once part of the sprawling town of Siquijor as a village called Capilay, San Juan became its own municipality on November 6, 1863. Today, it’s the tourism center of the island.

Key Information

What Makes It Special

San Juan rivals Lazi and the beaches of Maria in the grandeur of its diverse natural attractions. The Bugwas Festival highlights the town fiesta - “bugwas” means a gush of water from the ground, symbolizing a fruitful harvest for farmers and a rich catch for fishermen.

Must-Visit Attractions

• Paliton Beach - Famous sunset viewing spot with white sand
• Capilay Spring Park - Natural spring with crystal-clear healing waters
• Tubod Beach - Protected marine sanctuary
• Solangon Beach - Quiet beach ideal for swimming

Where to Stay & Eat

Most of Siquijor’s resorts and restaurants are concentrated in San Juan, making it the best base for tourists. You’ll find everything from budget hostels to upscale beach resorts along the coastal road.

Lazi

At the southern end of Siquijor lies the captivating town of Lazi. Founded by Recollect friars in 1857, the town was originally known as Tigbawan - named after a plant that grows along its bays.

Key Information

What Makes It Special

Known as the “Music Town” of Siquijor, Lazi’s musical heritage began with the late Telesforo Lumacad, who formed the Island Swing Orchestra in the 1950s. The Lumacad family has produced generations of musicians, and music remains at the heart of Lazihanon culture.

The Saging Festival showcases the usefulness of bananas in local life through street parades and cultural displays.

Must-Visit Attractions

• St. Isidore Church & Convent - Built 1884, one of few Philippine churches with preserved hardwood floors. The adjacent convent is the oldest and biggest in Asia.
• Cambugahay Falls - The island’s most visited attraction with three tiers of turquoise pools
• Centuries-Old Balete Tree - Nearly 500 years old with natural fish spa at its base
• Hapitanan - Famous “broomstick” photo spot overlooking Crocodile Hill

Maria

In ancient times, a beautiful and kind woman called Kangmenia lived in this village. The people loved her so much they named the village after her. When Recollect priests established a parish in 1880, they changed the name to Maria in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Key Information

What Makes It Special

The Lubi Festival is a lively cultural tradition showcasing the various products and uses of coconut - from its fruit to its palms and sturdy trunk. The festival includes street dancing, cooking competitions, and cultural performances.

Must-Visit Attractions

• Salagdoong Beach - Famous cliff jumping spot (5-10 meters) with pristine white sand
• Kagusuan Beach - Quiet beach with crystal-clear waters and coral boulder backdrop
• Mt. Bandilaan National Park - The island’s highest point at 557 meters

Enrique Villanueva

Once a barrio of Larena, this town was named after Governor Enrique Villanueva of Negros Oriental, who was instrumental in creating the municipality on January 1, 1925. Formerly known as Talingting, the area is home to unique species of birds, fish, and trees bearing the name “Talingtingon.”

Key Information

What Makes It Special

The town preserves the Pamukad tradition - a communal fish-harvesting activity with ritualistic dimensions. At the end of each Pamukad, fishermen share their catch with waiting families on the shore.

Local Delicacies

• Bibingka from Pari-an - Traditional rice cakes
• Pan Bisaya from Camogao - Native bread baked in traditional mud ovens
• Native breads from Libo - Various traditional pastries

Must-Visit Attractions

• LILIBETH’s Pan Bisaya - Traditional bakery using native mud ovens
• Elena’s Bakery “Otap Shop” - Famous for Premium Otap
• Local fishing communities - Witness traditional Pamukad when possible

Larena

Formerly known as Canoan, Larena was the original seat of government when Siquijor became a province in 1971 (the capital moved to Siquijor Town in 1972). Today, it remains the center of commerce and trade.

Key Information

What Makes It Special

Larena Port is the province’s major port, making the town a busy commercial hub. The presence of big commercial establishments, banks, and Siquijor State College keeps Larena vibrant.

The Cano-an Festival begins on May 1 with a culinary celebration called “Kan-anan ni Juan” (Juan’s Feast), followed by the town fiesta on May 2-3.

Must-Visit Attractions

• Larena Port - Alternative arrival point for some ferries
• Triad Coffee Shop - Hilltop cafe with views of Negros, Cebu, and Bohol
• Siquijor State College - The province’s main higher education institution
• Commercial center - Best shopping options on the island

Festival Calendar

Getting Around

Each municipality is connected by the island’s 75-kilometer circumferential road. You can:

• Rent a motorcycle (₱350-500/day) - Most popular option
• Hire a tricycle for half/full day tours
• Book a guided tour through local operators

The complete island loop takes 3-4 hours by motorcycle without stops, but plan a full day to properly explore.

Practical Tips

Contact Information

Provincial Tourism Office

• Phone: 0955 370 6991
• Email: siquijortourism@gmail.com

Provincial Tourism Officer

• Atty. Dale Louis D. Tudtud
• Phone: 0917 866 7004

Ready to explore? Check out our Coastal Tour Itinerary for a complete day trip covering highlights from multiple municipalities.