Siquijor Packing List: What to Bring (And What to Leave)

Packing Philosophy for Siquijor

Less is more on a small tropical island. You’ll be on a scooter, walking to waterfalls, and living in swimwear. Heavy luggage is just heavy luggage.

The Test: If you wouldn’t wear it to a waterfall, do you need it?

Essential Packing List

Documents & Money

Must Have:

• Passport (or Philippine ID for locals)
• Driver’s license (for scooter rental)
• Cash in Philippine Pesos (₱5,000-10,000 recommended)
• Credit/debit card (backup, limited use)
• Travel insurance documents
• Hotel/ferry booking confirmations (printed or downloaded)
• Emergency contact information

Pro Tips:

• Withdraw cash before arriving—ATMs are limited
• Bring more cash than you think you need
• Small bills (₱20, ₱50, ₱100) are useful
• Keep backup cash separate from wallet

Clothing

Swimwear:

• 2-3 swimsuits/trunks (they take time to dry)
• Rashguard (sun protection + reef safety)
• Quick-dry shorts (doubles as swimwear)

Daily Wear:

• 3-4 lightweight t-shirts/tanks
• 2 pairs of shorts
• 1 light long pants (for evenings/churches)
• Light cardigan or long-sleeve shirt (sun/church/AC)
• Underwear (quick-dry preferred)
• 2-3 pairs of socks (if bringing closed shoes)

What NOT to Bring:

• Heavy jeans
• Formal clothes
• Multiple pairs of shoes
• Anything you can’t get wet

Footwear

Essential:

• Reef-safe water shoes or sport sandals
• Flip flops for beach/casual

Optional:

• Light sneakers (for cave/hiking)
• Nicer sandals (for dinners out)

Why Water Shoes Matter:

• Coral and rocks at beach entries
• Slippery waterfall rocks
• Cantabon Cave exploration
• Protect from sea urchins

Sun & Swim Protection

Non-Negotiable:

• Reef-safe sunscreen (chemical sunscreens kill coral)
• Sunglasses
• Hat or cap

Highly Recommended:

• Waterproof phone pouch
• Dry bag (for scooter/boat rides)
• Goggles or snorkel mask (if snorkeling is planned)

About Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Look for sunscreens WITHOUT:

• Oxybenzone
• Octinoxate
• Octocrylene

Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are reef-safe.

Tech & Electronics

Essentials:

• Phone + charger
• Power bank (outages happen)
• Universal adapter (Philippines uses Type A/B)
• Offline maps downloaded

Photography:

• Camera (if not using phone)
• Waterproof camera/GoPro (for waterfalls, snorkeling)
• Memory cards
• Chargers and cables

Connectivity:

• Pocket WiFi or local SIM card (buy in Dumaguete or port)
• Headphones

Health & Toiletries

Medicine:

• Personal prescriptions (bring enough for trip)
• Motion sickness tablets (for ferry)
• Pain relievers
• Antihistamine (insect bites)
• Anti-diarrheal
• Bandages and antiseptic
• Oral rehydration salts

Toiletries:

• Toothbrush + toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Shampoo/conditioner (small bottles)
• Soap or body wash
• Razor
• Feminine hygiene products
• Contact lenses + solution (if applicable)

Tropical Extras:

• Insect repellent (mosquitoes exist)
• After-bite cream
• Aloe vera (for sunburn)

For Specific Activities

Waterfalls:

• Waterproof bag for valuables
• Water shoes
• Rashguard
• Towel (quick-dry best)

Cantabon Cave:

• Old clothes you don’t mind ruining
• Closed-toe water shoes
• Change of clothes for after
• Waterproof bag
• Towel

Diving/Snorkeling:

• Dive certification card (if diving)
• Dive log (if diving)
• Own mask (if you have one you love)
• Rashguard

Church Visits:

• Clothes covering shoulders and knees
• Light cardigan/sarong for coverage

Day Bag Essentials

What to carry while exploring:

• Water bottle (refillable)
• Sunscreen
• Phone in waterproof pouch
• Cash and cards
• Sunglasses
• Small towel
• Snacks
• Insect repellent

What to Buy on Arrival

Don’t pack these—easily available in Siquijor:

In Siquijor:

• Water (buy big bottles: ₱30-40)
• Snacks
• Basic toiletries
• SIM card (if not bought in Dumaguete)
• Sarongs/cover-ups
• Flip flops (if needed)
• Souvenirs (obviously)

In Dumaguete (before ferry):

• SIM card with data
• Anything you forgot
• Sunscreen (more options)
• Specialty items

What NOT to Bring

Leave These Home:

Packing by Trip Length

Weekend (2-3 Days)

Can fit in a small backpack (20-30L):

• 2 swimsuits
• 2 shorts
• 3 shirts
• Basic toiletries
• Minimal electronics
• One pair of shoes + flip flops

One Week

Small duffel or carry-on size:

• Add 1-2 more of each clothing item
• Full toiletry kit
• Possibly laptop if needed
• More medicine/first aid

Extended Stay (2+ Weeks)

Larger bag or do laundry:

• Same as above
• Plan for laundry (most places offer service)
• Consider larger dry bag

Baggage for Ferry/Transport

Important Notes:

• Ferries allow reasonable luggage (no strict limits)
• Large bags may have small fee
• Scooters can’t carry huge bags
• Backpack > rolling suitcase on island

Recommendation:

• One main backpack/bag (40-50L max)
• One day bag (small backpack or crossbody)
• Dry bag for water activities

Climate Considerations

Dry Season (Dec-May)

• Less rain gear needed
• More sunscreen
• Hat essential

Rainy Season (Jun-Nov)

• Light rain jacket or poncho
• Waterproof bag for electronics
• Quick-dry everything
• Umbrella (small, compact)

Any Season

• It’s always hot—pack accordingly
• AC can be cold—bring light layers
• Humidity is high—nothing fully dries overnight

Printable Checklist

Documents & Money ☐ Passport/ID ☐ Cash (₱5-10k) ☐ Driver’s license ☐ Bookings ☐ Insurance

Clothing ☐ 2-3 swimsuits ☐ Rashguard ☐ 3-4 shirts ☐ 2 shorts ☐ Long pants ☐ Cardigan

Footwear ☐ Water shoes ☐ Flip flops ☐ Optional: sneakers

Sun Protection ☐ Reef-safe sunscreen ☐ Hat ☐ Sunglasses

Tech ☐ Phone + charger ☐ Power bank ☐ Offline maps ☐ Camera

Health ☐ Prescriptions ☐ Motion sickness ☐ First aid basics ☐ Insect repellent

Water Gear ☐ Waterproof phone pouch ☐ Dry bag ☐ Quick-dry towel

Final Packing Tips

1. Test your waterproof pouch before submerging your phone
2. Roll clothes to save space and reduce wrinkles
3. Wear your bulkiest shoes on travel days
4. Pack a change of clothes in your day bag for ferry day
5. Bring a trash bag to separate wet/dirty items
6. Leave room for souvenirs (healing oils, crafts)
7. Photocopy important documents or store digitally
8. Label your chargers (everyone has the same one)

The Minimalist Challenge

Can you pack for Siquijor in carry-on only? Absolutely.

The Ultra-Light List:

• 2 swimsuits
• 2 shorts (1 doubles as swim)
• 3 shirts
• Underwear
• Flip flops + water shoes
• Toiletry bag
• Electronics pouch
• Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
• Day bag

You’ll do laundry, rewear items, and have a much easier time on scooters and ferries.

The best packing for Siquijor is light packing. You’re going to an island where the main activities involve water, sunshine, and freedom. Pack like you mean it.

Ready to go? Check our Getting to Siquijor guide for your journey planning.