Siquijor Quick Facts: Pronunciation, Population & Essentials
Essential quick facts about Siquijor Island - pronunciation guide, population, geography, weather, and practical information for travelers.
How to Pronounce Siquijor
See-kee-HOR (stress on the last syllable)
The name comes from the Spanish interpretation of the local word for the island. Break it down:
- Si = “see”
- qui = “kee”
- jor = “hor” (like “horror” without the “or”)
Quick Stats at a Glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Visayas, Philippines |
| Coordinates | 9.2°N, 123.6°E |
| Area | 343.5 km² (132.6 sq mi) |
| Coastline | 72 km (45 mi) |
| Highest Point | Mt. Bandilaan, 557 m |
| Population | ~99,000 (2020 census) |
| Municipalities | 6 |
| Province Status | Since 1971 |
| Capital | Siquijor Town |
Geography
The Six Municipalities
- Siquijor (capital) - Main port, central hub
- San Juan - Tourism center, best beaches
- Lazi - Historic church, Cambugahay Falls
- Maria - Rural, Cave Cantabon
- Enrique Villanueva - Eastern coast, quiet
- Larena - Second port, north coast
Island Shape
Siquijor is roughly oval-shaped, running northwest to southeast. You can drive the entire coastal ring road in about 2 hours without stops.
Weather & Climate
Best Time to Visit
February to May (dry season)
- Least rainfall
- Calm seas for diving
- Best waterfall conditions
Rainy Season
June to November
- Afternoon showers common
- Occasional typhoons (rare direct hits)
- Greener landscapes
Temperature
| Season | Temperature |
|---|---|
| Hot (Mar-May) | 28-35°C (82-95°F) |
| Cool (Dec-Feb) | 25-30°C (77-86°F) |
| Average | 27°C (81°F) |
Money & Banking
ATMs
| Location | ATM |
|---|---|
| Siquijor Town | BDO, Landbank |
| San Juan | Limited (sometimes at resorts) |
| Other areas | None |
Important: ATMs can run out of cash, especially on weekends. Bring enough pesos for your entire stay.
Credit Cards
- Accepted: Large resorts, some restaurants
- Not accepted: Most local shops, markets, tricycles
Currency
Philippine Peso (PHP)
Approximate exchange rates (verify current rates):
- 1 USD ≈ ₱56
- 1 EUR ≈ ₱60
- 1 AUD ≈ ₱36
Language
Official Languages
- Filipino (Tagalog-based)
- English (widely spoken)
Local Language
Cebuano (also called Bisaya) is the primary local language. Most people also speak English and some Filipino.
Useful Cebuano Phrases
| English | Cebuano | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Kumusta | koo-MOOS-tah |
| Thank you | Salamat | sah-LAH-mat |
| Yes | Oo | oh-oh |
| No | Dili | DEE-lee |
| How much? | Pila ni? | PEE-la nee |
| Beautiful | Gwapa (f)/Gwapo (m) | GWA-pa/GWA-po |
| Delicious | Lami | LAH-mee |
Emergency Contacts
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| National Emergency | 911 |
| Police (Siquijor) | (035) 344-2010 |
| Hospital (Provincial) | (035) 344-2135 |
| Coast Guard | (035) 344-2025 |
| Fire | (035) 344-2555 |
Hospital
Siquijor Provincial Hospital
- Location: Siquijor Town
- 24-hour emergency room
- Basic medical services
For serious emergencies, patients are evacuated to Dumaguete.
Transportation Quick Reference
Getting There
| Route | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Manila → Dumaguete (flight) | 1h 15m | ₱2,000-5,000 |
| Dumaguete → Siquijor (fast ferry) | 1 hour | ₱250-350 |
| Dumaguete → Siquijor (slow ferry) | 1.5-2 hours | ₱150-180 |
Getting Around
| Mode | Cost |
|---|---|
| Scooter rental | ₱350-500/day |
| Tricycle (short trip) | ₱20-50 |
| Tricycle (island tour) | ₱1,500-2,000/day |
| Habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) | ₱100-300 |
Entrance Fees Summary
| Attraction | Fee |
|---|---|
| Cambugahay Falls | ₱30 |
| Balete Tree | ₱20 |
| Salagdoong Beach | ₱40 |
| Cantabon Cave | ₱350+ (guide required) |
| Butterfly Sanctuary | ₱30 |
| Lazi Church | Free (donations welcome) |
Accommodation Price Ranges
| Category | Per Night |
|---|---|
| Budget (hostels, basic rooms) | ₱400-800 |
| Mid-range (resorts, guesthouses) | ₱1,500-3,500 |
| Luxury (beachfront resorts) | ₱4,000-10,000+ |
Food Prices
| Item | Typical Price |
|---|---|
| Local meal (carinderia) | ₱50-100 |
| Restaurant meal | ₱150-400 |
| Beer (local) | ₱50-80 |
| Fresh coconut | ₱30-50 |
| Coffee (cafe) | ₱80-150 |
Internet & Connectivity
- Mobile Networks: Globe and Smart have coverage
- 4G/LTE: Available in towns, spotty in remote areas
- WiFi: Available at most accommodations (varies in speed)
- SIM Cards: Available at ports and town centers (bring ID/passport)
Electricity
- Voltage: 220V
- Frequency: 60Hz
- Plug Type: A & B (US-style, two flat pins)
- Outages: Occasional, especially during storms
Time Zone
Philippine Time (PHT)
- UTC+8
- Same as Singapore, Hong Kong, Manila
- No daylight saving time
Practical Tips
- Bring cash - ATMs are limited and can run out
- Download offline maps - Cell coverage is spotty
- Book ferries ahead during peak season
- Rent a scooter - Best way to explore
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen - Protect the coral
- Dress modestly for church visits
- Carry water - Stay hydrated in the tropical heat
This quick reference guide covers the essentials. For more detailed information on any topic, explore our in-depth guides.
