SIQUIJOR ITINERARY | PERFECT 3 DAY TRAVEL PLAN

Want a detailed Siquijor itinerary?

We’ve been to Siquijor and must admit it’s a pretty damn beautiful island. While Siquijor is relatively small compared to other islands in the Philippines it’s not short on things to do!

So if you plan to visit Siquijor it’s always a good idea to have a solid Siquijor itinerary. This way you’ll already know about the best tourist spots in Siquijor and what are the best places to stay and consequentially you’ll manage to cover more interesting activities as opposed to going there with no plan.

Jacqueline next to a cascade in Siquijor with turquoise water
Jacqueline under the cascade at Cambugahay falls

This Siquijor itinerary guide covers 3 full days and is easy to follow. Even though 3 days may not be enough time to cover everything there is to do in Siquijor, it is still a good amount of time. In 3 days you’ll visit all of the best spots in Siquijor, swim in the crystal clear waters, experience the cascades and simply enjoy the laid back lifestyle on this tropical and mystical island in the Philippines.

Siquijor Itinerary – Quick Start

If you’re excited and can’t wait to start planning your itinerary for Siquijor, below I have listed the very basic things you should know like how to get to Siquijor and where to stay in Siquijor. This way you can book any ferry tickets and accommodation in order to have peace of mind on your day of travel and find the best accommodation options hopefully at a better price.

How to get to Siquijor?

Getting to Siquijor can be done from either Dumaguete or from Bohol. Therefore, regardless where in the Philippines you are, first you’ll need to get to one of these places in order to take the ferry.

South Cebu: if you’re in the Southern part of Cebu (Moalboal or Oslob) the best route is to take a bus down to Liloan port, cross over to Sibulan port by ferry (every 30 minutes) and then take a 15 minute tricycle to Dumaguete port for the ferry to Siquijor. read this guide Moalboal/Oslob to Siquijor. or book fast ferry tickets from Dumaguete to Siquijor here.

Cebu City: If you’re already in Cebu City or anywhere in North Cebu, the best option is to take the fast ferry from the port in Cebu City. Currently the only option is the fast ferry that departs Cebu City at 1:00pm. This ferry is not direct, instead the route first goes to Bohol to drop-off and pick-up passengers and continues on the journey to Siquijor. you can check availability and reserve seats here.

Anywhere else: If you’re anywhere else in the Philippines, then the best option is usually to fly to Cebu (or Bohol or Dumaguete if you find direct flights) and then take the ferry. There is no airport in Siquijor.

Where to stay in Siquijor

Choosing the right place to stay in Siquijor is an important decision. While Siquijor is relatively small compared to neighboring islands like Bohol and Cebu, you don’t want to stay in an area that doesn’t have amenities such as restaurants and maybe some nightlife.

Most tourists visiting Siquijor stay in San Juan. This is where you’ll find the largest concentration of accommodation including beachfront properties, guesthouses and budget options. And restaurants, beach bars and night life are all within walking distance. There is also a number tourist spots in an nearby to San Juan. Tubod Marine sanctuary is in the main tourist part and Paliton beach and Lugnason falls are both within a 10 minute drive away or less.

Budget options:Chery’s GuesthouseBritney’s homestayToris Backpackers ParadiseRoyal Cliff ResortResidencia DiosaStella’z guesthouse

Mid Range:Kobe’s Beachfront HavenAMK traveller’s hubRoom-Cola InnAA Jungle GuesthouseUptown Guesthouse

Upper Range:FIG Sunset View ResortBermuda Triangle BungalowsRhumbutan Beach HouseInfinity SANDS ResortTropical Fun Ta Sea RentalsNakabalo Guesthouse

“If you’re looking for a unique stay in Siquijor, check out these 3 recommended options. They’re not directly in San Juan but they are all truly amazing!!”

Siquijor Itinerary – 3 Day Overview

Day 1
Pink sunset on a tropical beach in Siquijor
Sunset at Paliton beach
Day 2
Jacqueline inside a pool in cantabon cave
Jacqueline in the pool at cantabon cave
Day 3
Jacqueline on a bamboo raft in a turquoise pool near a a cascade
Jacqueline on a raft at Cambugahay Falls

SIQUIJOR ITINERARY DAY 1

LUGNASON FALLS

Lugnason Falls should be high on the list and is probably one of the best things to do in Siquijor.

If you are in Siquijor at the right time, Lugnason Falls is a beautiful cascade above a vibrant blue pool. And all is surrounded by a tropical landscape with loads of tall palm trees.

If you are interested in some fun, take a plunge into the pool from above the cascade or or use the Tarzan swing hung from a tree.

Lugnason is also very accessible since it only takes 15 minutes to get there from the main tourist strip in San Juan.

Keep in mind that Lugnason Falls is a seasonal activity and highly depends on the amount of rainfall.

Read the full post > LUGNASON FALLS IN SIQUIJOR

Surrounded in huge coconut trees and a tropical landscape the man made water system and a big concrete pool contrast with their natural surrounding at Lugnason Falls

TUBOD MARINE SANCTUARY

The Tubod Marine Sanctuary (beach) is easily the best tourist spot in Siquijor for those wanting to explore what lies beneath the clear waters. You should definitely add this one to your Siquijor itinerary.

Tubod beach is right in the heart of San Juan. You can easily get there on foot by crossing through a path next to Coco Grove Beach Resort (popular top rated resort)

We just needed a few paddles into the water to realize how colorful the ocean bed is here. Loads of corals, sea urchins and blue starfish, giant clams, and hundreds of fishes cruising around the water.

Snorkeling gear can be rented from the beach.

Read the full post > TUBOD MARINE SANCTUARY – BEST REEF IN SIQUIJOR

A clownfish (nemo) taking a peak out of his home in a swaying marine plant

GET WRECKED BEACH BAR

The name of this place doesn’t really describe the place that accurately. The first time we went we didn’t really know what to expect.

As it turns out, Get Wrecked Beach and Sports Bar sits directly on the beach. And the laid-back ambiance is in tune with the overall island vibe.

Although a low-key beachfront property, Get Wrecked serves up some of the best burgers and tacos on the island. And their terrace facing the ocean is a great spot to enjoy the sunset if you want to stay close to your accommodation.

PALITON BEACH

Staying in San Juan definitely has its perks. One of which is being very close to Paliton beach for sunset.

It only takes a glimpse to realize how beautiful Paliton beach is. A white sandy bay lined with coconut trees and surprisingly almost no development. Don’t worry, the beach has its own local makeshift mini stall where you can buy fresh coconuts and cold drinks and beers.

We can’t really say what Paliton beach is like during the day since we only ever came for the amazing sunsets. But the reef seems to be too shallow for swimming at least for some distance.

Read the full post > PALITON BEACH – BEST SUNSET BEACH

The clouds created a colourful viw in the sky while the sun slowly disappeared at Paliton Beach

SIQUIJOR ITINERARY – DAY 2

CANTABON CAVE

In the foothills above San Juan there is a hidden Siquijor tourist spot. This activity is literally hidden away and the only way to see it is to pass through a hole in the ground.

Cantabon Cave is an adventurous tourist activity in Siquijor. It isn’t a challenging cave exploration and anyone with a basic fitness level will manage.

The cave exploration starts by signing up with the booking office where guides and gear are provided (mandatory). And from there a 10-minute walk leads to the cave entrance.

Hundreds of stalactites hang from the top of the cave. The trail through the cave is along streams of water and natural water holes deep enough for swimming.

Cantabon Cave is an interesting 1 hour activity and is worth adding to your Siquijor itinerary for a good combination of things to do.

View the full post > CANTABON CAVE – EXPLORING CAVE POOLS & STALACTITES

Somewhere in the middle of the trail inside the cave, there is a big natural pool where Jacqueline ended up swimming

LOCONG FALLS

The clearest waterhole in Siquijor is beneath a mini cascade named Locong Falls. It is a beautiful place at the end of a trail through a tiny village in the town of Lazi.

Locong Falls isn’t even listed on Google.Maps. And we were fortunate enough to have the entire area to ourselves.

As I said, the Locong waterfall isn’t any that stunning and the total height is only 5 feet. But the crystal clear water, a jump from above the cascade and a tarzan swing in a secondary pool below surely make up for the cascade.

Read the full post > Locong Falls – Crystal Clear Waterhole

A 3 meter cliff jump over Locong Falls

KAWASAN FALLS AND CAVE

And while you are cruising around the area, add Kawasan Falls to your Siquijor itinerary.

There is an interesting 10 minute trail down to the cascade and pool through trees along a rugged path. And you will need a guide to see the cascade. That seems to be mandatory.

We came to Kawasan falls not knowing what to expect. Our guide lead the way along the trail.

At some point the trail opens up onto a blue pool. Kawasan falls may not be very popular but we found it quite interesting. And spent the time Tarzan swinging and exploring a small cave that the only way of reaching it is to swim through the cascade.

While you’re in the area you can check out another cascade named Cabusayan Falls.

Read the full post > KAWASAN FALLS AND CAVE

The tarzan swing at kawasan falls

OLD ENCHANTED BALETE TREE

The Old Enchanted Balete Tree is a 400 year old big and somewhat creepy looking tree. With loads of vines hanging down and huge roots creeping out of the ground and at the end of a blue pool with little fish.

It is one of Siquijor’s tourist attractions that is still till this day enshrined in myth and mystery. It is believed that some folks also do their rituals. Yet we didn’t see any kind of rituals of anything related to that extend.

The tree is on the way back to San Juan and makes for a pleasant stops for a few snaps of the 8 meter tree. And you can also get a natural foot scrub thanks to fish in the pool that will nibble away any dead skin on your feet.

HIDDEN VALLEY GLAMPING BAR & RESTO

We only came across this place by chance. Well, actually we saw the point on our map while searching for something else and thought there would be a good view.

And as it turns out, the Hidden Valley Glamping Bar and Resto really does live up to its name.

Bar and Resto is a hut like structure leaning right over a valley and looking over a dense tropical landscape. The view is stunning leading all the way down to the ocean.

We came here a couple of times and the view never disappoints.

The process is the same as the previous map. Click on the map for first attraction and when you are ready for the next, enter the name and hit directions.

SIQUIJOR ITINERARY – DAY 3

CAMBUGAHAY FALLS

If you are planning a trip to Siquijor you should know by now about Cambugahay Falls. It is after all Siquijor’s most stunning waterfall.

Cambugahay Falls is a picturesque cascade over 3 different levels. And each tier of the incredible waterfall has its own pool with that vibrant blue color synonymous with many water-holes in the Philippines.

The contrasting color of the surrounding jungle, palms, and foliage create one of the most beautiful landscapes you will see in all of the Philippines. This should be enough to get most of you enticed!

Since it is a popular tourist attraction in Siquijor, we recommend going early in the morning.

If you don’t get there early, you can hang out in the second pool above. It is just as stunning and in fact; we spent most of our time there with almost no tourists.

Read the full post > CAMBUGAHAY FALLS – THE BEST WATERFALL IN SIQUIJOR

Again on the barge almost reached the chilly water of the cascade

MAN-MADE FOREST

In a region named Maria on the Eastern side of Siquijor there is a street lined with mahogany trees. With the long branches and leaves stretching all the way across, it almost like traversing a natural tunnel with almost no sun rays making their way through.

The Man-Made Forest is easily the most beautiful street on the island and a photo worthy tourist spot worth adding to your Siquijor itinerary.

And, at the end of the 2km stretch lined with trees on either side, there is Siquijor’s most beautiful beach….

SALAGDOONG BEACH

After about 5 minutes of cruising through the shaded canopy made of branches and leaves, we reached the Salagdoong parking area. All we could see was turquoise water.

Salagdoong beach is easily the most beautiful beach we came across in Siquijor.

And this place truly has it all, whether you come just to relax or for some fun, Salagdoong offers a bit of everything.

One of the main features of this beach are two cliff jumps. One is probably about 7 meters and the other is about 10 meters. These are optional things to do at Salagdoong beach.

The cliff jumping is an option for those looking for something a little more on the extreme side.

Read the full post: SALAGDOONG BEACH – MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACH & CLIFF JUMP

A 10 meter drop down into turquoise transparent water at Slagdoong Beach

BEST TIME TO VISIT SIQUIJOR

The best time of year to visit Siquijor is between February and late May. During these months you can expect nice and bright sunny days and the least chance of rain ruining your days in Siquijor.

The rainy season in Siquijor is between June and October. Rainy season doesn’t necessarily mean it rains non stop. Usually the rain comes in short burst of 1 or 2 hours and stops.

Although the rainy season could be a good option and you will get better accommodation rates and fewer tourists, after long or heavy rainfall it common for some waterfalls and pools to overflow.

This leads to waterfalls being dangerous and not accessible. Also, the water streams coming down through the jungle tend to turn that iconic blue water into more of a soily brown color.

HOW TO GET AROUND

SCOOTERS

The most common way of getting around Siquijor and exploring all the tourist attractions is by scooter. Siquijor is after all a relatively small island.

Getting around the island on your own 2 wheels is convenient and allows to go about at your own pace.

We cruised all the way around the island on a scooter, ventured through rural areas and through Siquijor’s countryside and rarely came across any messed up roads.

Scooters range in price depending on various factors. But approximately you can expect to pay between 250 – 350 pesos ($5-$7) a day. If you a keeping the bike for more than 1 day, negotiate a better rate.

SIQUIJOR ISLAND TOURS

Another great way of exploring Siquijor is with one of the island tours. This is especially a good option if you are traveling on a tight timeframe and want to visit various tourist attractions in a day. Or for those not confident riding a scooter, an island tour is the way to go.

Island tours cost around 1500 pesos ($30)

TRICYCLE

If you don’t rent a scooter and don’t want to go around tourist spots with an organized tour, the best option is by tricycle.

A tricycle is basically a close relative of Thailand’s famous tuk-tuk. A motorbike with a side car attached to it and can carry 3 or 4 passengers.

Tricycles charge around 150 pesos ($3) for a 15 minute trip. But if you intend visiting various spots in 1 day, you should negotiate a price for a certain amount of hours. This will give you the freedom to go around at your own pace.

Although the price isn’t as cheap as a scooter, you can share the cost with friends you meet along the way.

Tricycles cost is 1500 – 2000 pesos ($30-$40) for an 8 hour trip. If you divide that between 3 others, the price isn’t that bad after all.

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HEY, just so you know…

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