Two Days in Siquijor: The Perfect Weekend Escape
A relaxed yet comprehensive 2-day Siquijor itinerary balancing adventure and beach time. Perfect for weekend warriors from Dumaguete or Cebu.
Why Two Days is the Sweet Spot
Two days in Siquijor hits the perfect balance: enough time to see the highlights without rushing, but compact enough for a weekend trip. You’ll circle the entire island, hit every major attraction, and still have time to linger at a beach bar watching the sunset.
This itinerary works best arriving Friday afternoon and leaving Sunday evening.
Day 1: Southern Loop - Waterfalls & Heritage
Morning: Arrival & Setup (8:00 - 10:00 AM)
Getting There: Take the morning ferry from Dumaguete (7:00 AM departure, 8:00 AM arrival).
Upon Arrival:
- Head to your accommodation to drop bags
- Rent a scooter (₱400-500/day) - we’ll be riding a lot
- Grab a quick breakfast if needed
Recommended Stays (San Juan area):
- Budget: Charisma Beach Resort (₱800-1,200)
- Mid-range: Islander’s Paradise (₱2,000-3,000)
- Splurge: Coco Grove Beach Resort (₱5,000+)
Late Morning: Cambugahay Falls (10:30 AM - 1:00 PM)
Start with the island’s star attraction while you’re fresh and the crowds are light.
The Experience:
- Three tiers of turquoise waterfalls
- Natural swimming pools at each level
- Famous rope swings and bamboo rafts
- Lush jungle setting
Tips:
- Go early (before 11 AM) for fewer people
- Bring waterproof bag for valuables
- The rope swing at the second tier is the best
- Bamboo raft ride: ₱100 (worth it for photos)
Cost: ₱30 entrance
Lunch: Local Eats in Lazi (1:15 - 2:00 PM)
The town of Lazi has authentic local eateries:
- JJ’s Backpackers - Traveler favorite, Western options
- Local Carinderia - Cheapest, most authentic
Try: Kinilaw (Filipino ceviche) or Sinigang (sour soup)
Afternoon: Heritage Trail (2:00 - 4:30 PM)
Stop 1: San Isidro Labrador Church & Convent (2:00 PM)
The Lazi Church complex dates to 1857 and includes one of the largest convents in Asia.
- Coral stone construction
- Centuries-old wooden interiors
- Peaceful courtyard gardens
- Free entry (donations appreciated)
Stop 2: Balete Tree (3:00 PM)
The famous 400-year-old banyan tree, believed to be home to supernatural beings. The fish spa at its base is a unique experience.
- Fish spa: Included in ₱20 entrance
- Great photos with hanging roots
- 30-45 minutes is enough
Stop 3: Capilay Spring Park (4:00 PM)
A natural spring-fed swimming pool popular with locals. Good for a quick cooling dip.
- Entrance: Free
- Bring swimwear
Evening: San Juan Beach Life (5:00 - 9:00 PM)
Head to San Juan for sunset and dinner.
Sunset Spot: Paliton Beach (15 min from San Juan)
- Palm tree silhouettes
- Less crowded than main beach
- Bring a drink and snacks
Dinner Options:
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Salamandas | Pizza, Italian | ₱250-400 |
| Baha Bar | Fusion, Cocktails | ₱200-350 |
| Coco Grove | International | ₱300-500 |
| Monkey Business | Bar food | ₱150-300 |
After Dark: San Juan is the only place with nightlife. Most beach bars stay open until 10-11 PM, later on weekends.
Day 2: Northern Loop - Adventure & Beaches
Morning: Salagdoong Beach (8:00 - 11:00 AM)
Start your second day with Siquijor’s famous cliff jumping spot.
What’s There:
- 10-meter cliff (expert jumpers only)
- 5-meter platform (beginners welcome)
- Crystal clear swimming area
- Resort facilities (showers, changing rooms)
The Cliff Jump:
- Water is deep and safe
- Lifeguards on duty
- Watch others first if nervous
- Don’t jump if you’ve been drinking
Cost: ₱40 entrance + cottage rental (₱200-500)
Mid-Morning: Butterfly Sanctuary (11:30 AM - 12:15 PM)
A quick, pleasant stop showcasing local butterfly species and native plants.
- Entrance: ₱30
- Time needed: 30-45 minutes
- Best in sunny weather
Lunch: Larena Town (12:30 - 1:30 PM)
The second port town has local restaurants and the only other ATM on the island.
Recommendation: Xtreme Bar & Restaurant - Good portions, reasonable prices
Afternoon: Complete the Circle (1:30 - 5:00 PM)
Finish your island circumnavigation with these stops:
Stop 1: Kagusuan Beach (2:00 PM)
A hidden gem on the east coast. Less visited than San Juan beaches.
- Small cove with calm waters
- Local fisherman atmosphere
- 15-minute steep walk down
Stop 2: Tubod Marine Sanctuary (3:00 PM)
Good snorkeling spot if you have gear (rentals available).
- Protected coral area
- Sea turtles occasionally spotted
- Entry: ₱50
Stop 3: Mt. Bandilaan Viewpoint (4:00 PM)
Drive up for panoramic island views. You don’t need to hike—there’s a road to the viewpoint.
- Best views from the healing garden
- Station of the Cross pathway
- Clear day = see Negros and Cebu
Final Evening: Sunset & Farewell (5:00 - 8:00 PM)
Option A: San Juan Beach Sunset Return to San Juan for one last sunset from the beach. Good for dinner and souvenir shopping.
Option B: Siquijor Town Sunset Watch from near the port if catching an early evening ferry.
Dinner Suggestion: Splurge on your last night at Coco Grove Beach Resort or Salamandas for wood-fired pizza.
Two-Day Budget Breakdown
Budget Traveler (₱3,000-4,000)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Ferry roundtrip | ₱500 |
| Accommodation (2 nights) | ₱1,200-1,600 |
| Scooter rental (2 days) | ₱800-1,000 |
| Entrance fees | ₱170 |
| Food (4 meals) | ₱400-600 |
| Gas | ₱150 |
Mid-Range Traveler (₱5,000-7,000)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Ferry roundtrip | ₱600 |
| Accommodation (2 nights) | ₱3,000-4,000 |
| Scooter rental | ₱900 |
| Entrance fees | ₱170 |
| Food (4 meals) | ₱800-1,200 |
| Activities (massage, etc.) | ₱500 |
Practical Tips
What to Pack
- Swimwear (multiple)
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Light rain jacket
- Sarong or cover-up
- Waterproof phone pouch
- Cash (₱5,000 minimum)
Scooter Tips
- Check brakes and lights before riding
- Fill up at Siquijor or San Juan (only gas stations)
- Drive carefully—roads have surprise potholes
- Helmet required by law
Weather Considerations
- Dry Season (Feb-May): Best time, book ahead
- Shoulder (Jun, Dec-Jan): Good weather, fewer tourists
- Rainy (Jul-Nov): Afternoon showers, pack rain gear
Weekend Ferry Schedule
Getting There (Friday)
| Origin | Departure | Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Dumaguete (Ocean Jet) | 5:00 PM | 6:00 PM |
| Dumaguete (Slow) | 6:00 PM | 7:30 PM |
Getting Back (Sunday)
| Origin | Departure | Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Siquijor (Ocean Jet) | 5:30 PM | 6:30 PM |
| Siquijor (Slow) | 4:00 PM | 5:30 PM |
Alternative Two-Day Themes
Beach Lover’s Weekend
- Day 1: San Juan beaches, Paliton, Solangon
- Day 2: Salagdoong, Kagusuan, Tubod
Adventure Weekend
- Day 1: Cambugahay Falls, Cantabon Cave
- Day 2: Mt. Bandilaan hike, cliff jumping
Cultural Weekend
- Day 1: Churches, Balete Tree, healers
- Day 2: Local markets, cooking class, village visits
Is Two Days Enough?
Two days covers the highlights nicely, but you’ll be on the move. If you prefer a more relaxed pace with beach time, consider three days. But for a weekend warrior looking to maximize their time, this itinerary delivers the full Siquijor experience.
The island will still feel slightly rushed, but you’ll leave having seen all the major attractions and experienced Siquijor’s unique charm.
Have more time? Upgrade to our 3-Day Complete Guide for a more relaxed experience.
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