3 Days in Siquijor: Complete Island Guide

Overview

Siquijor may be small—you can drive around the entire 72km coastline in about 2 hours—but it packs an incredible amount of natural beauty, mystical heritage, and authentic Filipino culture into its compact frame. This 3-day itinerary ensures you experience the best the “Island of Fire” has to offer.

Whether you’re drawn by the famous turquoise waterfalls, the island’s mystical reputation, or simply seeking an escape from the tourist crowds, this guide will help you make the most of your time.

Before You Go: Essential Preparation

Getting to Siquijor

The most common route is flying into Dumaguete (via Manila or Cebu) and then taking a ferry. Multiple ferries depart daily:

Ocean Jet: Fast ferry, 1 hour, ~₱250
Montenegro Lines: Slower but cheaper, 1.5 hours, ~₱150

Pro Tip: Book your ferry tickets online during peak season (December-May) to guarantee your spot.

What to Pack

Reef-safe sunscreen (mandatory at marine sanctuaries)
Waterproof phone case for waterfalls
Light rain jacket (weather changes quickly)
Cash in Philippine Pesos (ATMs are limited)
Modest clothing for church visits

Day 1: Arrival & Golden Hour Magic

Theme: Get oriented, secure transportation, and witness the island’s legendary sunset

Morning: Ferry Arrival & Setup

Arrive at either Siquijor Port (main town) or Larena Port (north). Right at the port, you’ll find scooter rental shops—this is your first priority.

Scooter Rental Tips:

Cost: ₱350-500 per day (~$7-10 USD)
Always test the brakes and horn before leaving
Take photos of any existing scratches
International license technically required but rarely checked

Afternoon: Check-in & Explore San Juan

Head to San Juan on the west coast—this is the island’s tourism hub with the best concentration of restaurants, bars, and accommodations.

Recommended Stays:

Budget: JJ’s Backpackers (₱400/night)
Mid-range: Salamandas Resort (₱2,500/night)
Luxury: Coco Grove Beach Resort (₱6,000+/night)

After settling in, take a casual ride to explore the nearby coastline. Stop for lunch at Baha Bar or Monkey Business for fresh seafood and cold drinks.

Evening: Paliton Beach Sunset

No trip to Siquijor is complete without witnessing the sunset at Paliton Beach. Arrive by 5 PM to secure a good spot.

The beach is lined with palm trees that create the perfect silhouette against the orange sky. Local vendors sell fresh coconuts (₱50) and grilled corn.

Dinner Recommendation: Head back to San Juan and try the BBQ stalls near the main road—incredibly fresh and cheap.

Day 2: Waterfalls & Adventures

Theme: Experience the island’s most famous natural attractions

Early Morning: Cambugahay Falls (7 AM)

This is the island’s crown jewel, and timing is everything. Arrive at 7 AM when the gates open to have the three-tiered waterfall almost entirely to yourself.

What to Expect:

Entrance Fee: ₱30 (~$0.60)
Life Jacket Rental: ₱50 (mandatory for the rope swings)
Tarzan Swing: The iconic rope swing over the turquoise pool

Spend about 2 hours here, swimming between the three tiers. The middle tier has the best rope swing; the highest tier is the quietest for photos.

Practical Info:

Bring water shoes (the rocks can be slippery)
Leave valuables locked on your scooter
There’s a basic changing area but no hot water

Mid-Morning: Old Balete Tree & Fish Spa

A 10-minute drive from Cambugahay brings you to the 400-year-old Balete Tree—a massive banyan tree draped in aerial roots that looks straight out of a fantasy movie.

At the base is a natural spring where you can dip your feet and let the fish nibble away dead skin. It tickles like crazy at first but becomes oddly relaxing.

Details:

Entrance Fee: ₱20
Hours: 8 AM - 5 PM
Time Needed: 30-45 minutes

Lunch: Local Eatery in Lazi

Head to Lazi for an authentic local lunch. Try Lazi Chicken—the town’s signature dish of crispy fried chicken that rivals any fast food chain.

While in Lazi, visit the San Isidro Labrador Church and adjacent Lazi Convent—one of the largest convents in Asia and a stunning example of Spanish colonial architecture.

Afternoon: Salagdoong Beach & Cliff Jumping

Drive 20 minutes east to Salagdoong Beach, famous for its cliff jumping platforms.

Cliff Heights:

5-meter platform: Perfect for beginners
10-meter platform: For the brave
15-meter (varies): Only for experienced jumpers

The water is deep and crystal clear. Even if you don’t jump, the beach is beautiful for swimming and has good facilities including a restaurant.

Entrance Fee: ₱40

Evening: Rest & Local Dinner

Return to San Juan for dinner. Try Coco Grove’s Restaurant if you want to splurge, or the local carinderia (small eateries) along the main road for authentic Filipino dishes.

Day 3: Mountains, Mysticism & Departure

Theme: Explore the island’s interior and mystical heritage

Morning: Mount Bandilaan National Park

Start your final day with a drive to Mount Bandilaan, the highest point on the island at 557 meters. The road winds through jungle, past farms, and offers occasional ocean views.

At the summit, you’ll find:

A viewing platform with panoramic island views
The Stations of the Cross pathway
Peace monuments
Cool mountain air—a nice break from coastal humidity

Optional: Cantabon Cave

Near Mount Bandilaan is Cantabon Cave, a spelunking adventure that takes you through underground rivers and caverns. A local guide is required (₱350 per group).

What to Know:

Difficulty: Moderate (involves wading, climbing)
Duration: 1-2 hours
Not recommended after heavy rain
Bring a change of clothes (you will get wet)

Late Morning: Butterfly Sanctuary

On your way back down, stop at the Butterfly Sanctuary for a quick visit. It’s small but charming, with various Philippine butterfly species and a garden setting.

Entrance: ₱30

Noon: Healer Visit (Optional)

Siquijor is famous for its mananambal (traditional healers). If you’re interested in this cultural experience, ask your accommodation to arrange a visit.

What to Expect:

Herbalism and natural remedies
Spiritual cleansing rituals
Respectful, non-touristy experience
Donation-based (₱300-500 suggested)

Afternoon: Departure Prep

Return your scooter (inspect together with the owner)
Have lunch in Siquijor Town if departing from the main port
Ferries typically leave at 1 PM, 3 PM, and 5 PM—confirm times the day before

Budget Breakdown

Category	Budget (3 Days)	Mid-Range (3 Days)	Comfort (3 Days)
Accommodation	₱1,200	₱6,000	₱15,000
Food	₱1,500	₱3,000	₱5,000
Transport (scooter)	₱1,200	₱1,200	₱1,200
Activities	₱500	₱1,000	₱2,000
Total	₱4,400 (~$80)	₱11,200 (~$200)	₱23,200 (~$420)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 3 days enough for Siquijor?

Three days is perfect for seeing the main highlights. You could easily spend longer if you want to relax, dive, or explore more remote areas, but 3 days covers the essentials without feeling rushed.

What's the best time to visit?

The dry season from February to May offers the best weather. Avoid July-September (typhoon season) if possible.

Is Siquijor safe?

Yes! Despite its mystical reputation, Siquijor is one of the safest islands in the Philippines. Crime is extremely rare, and locals are welcoming.

Can I drive a scooter without experience?

The island has minimal traffic and well-paved roads, making it beginner-friendly. However, if you've never ridden before, consider a tricycle tour for the first day.

Are there ATMs on the island?

Yes, but limited. There's a BDO ATM in Siquijor Town and occasionally at resorts. Bring enough cash for your entire stay as ATMs sometimes run out of money.

Final Tips

Download offline maps before arrival (Google Maps works offline if you save the area)
Respect the culture—Siquijor’s mystical traditions are sacred to locals
Don’t rush—the island rewards those who slow down
Stay hydrated—it’s hotter than you think
Leave no trace—keep the island beautiful

Siquijor truly is a magical place. Whether you come for the waterfalls, the healing traditions, or simply to escape the crowds, you’ll leave with memories of an island unlike anywhere else in the Philippines.

Safe travels! 🌴