Siquijor Island

Written by Hannah McKinsey, Jake Evans, Sophie King, John Santos
18/08/2025
Stone facade of St. Francis de Assisi Church with lush flora and blue sky.
Geia de la Peña, Pexels

Siquijor Island offers a captivating blend of unspoiled white-sand beaches, enchanting waterfalls, and vibrant marine sanctuaries, providing a tranquil escape. Beyond its natural beauty, the island is steeped in rich folklore and traditional healing practices, inviting curious travelers to experience its unique cultural charm.

For those looking to connect with other travelers, San Juan emerges as the island's primary tourism hub. Here, you will find a selection of hostels, relaxed beach bars, and eateries, fostering a low-key social atmosphere ideal for meeting fellow backpackers and enjoying the evening.

Top 6 Things to do in Siquijor Island

Activities on Siquijor Island revolve around exploring its natural waterfalls and pristine beaches, engaging in aquatic adventures, and delving into its rich historical and cultural narratives.

1. Cambugahay Falls

Visiting Cambugahay Falls offers a refreshing experience with its multi-tiered cascades and clear turquoise pools. The falls are ideal for swimming, and one can enjoy the popular rope swings and bamboo rafts. It's easy to spend a couple of hours here, reveling in the natural beauty and the playful atmosphere. Arriving early is recommended to avoid crowds.

Cost: Entrance Fee: PHP 20 per person. Parking Fee (motorbike): PHP 10. Rope swing and bamboo raft unlimited use: PHP 50.

Transport: Cambugahay Falls is located in Lazi, approximately 30 minutes from San Juan. Renting a scooter is the most popular and flexible option, costing around PHP 250-500 per day. Alternatively, a tricycle ride from San Juan to the falls costs approximately PHP 150-200 one-way, or around PHP 1,000-1,500 for a full-day island tour including the falls.

2. Salagdoong Beach

Salagdoong Beach is renowned for its cliff jumping platforms, offering exhilarating drops from heights of approximately 5 and 10 meters into the clear turquoise waters. Beyond the thrill, the resort area also provides a beautiful white-sand beach perfect for swimming and relaxation, with a scenic cove to admire. It is best to visit during high tide for cliff jumping.

Cost: Entrance Fee: PHP 50 per person. Parking Fee (motorbike/scooter): PHP 20. Beach hut rental: Approximately PHP 200 per day.

Transport: Salagdoong Beach is located on the southeastern side of Siquijor, in the town of Maria, about a 50-minute drive from San Juan. Scooter rental is highly recommended, typically costing PHP 300-500 per day. A tricycle ride from San Juan might cost around PHP 200-300.

3. Paliton Beach

Paliton Beach is a picturesque white-sand beach often referred to as Siquijor's 'Little Boracay,' offering calm, crystal-clear waters and swaying palm trees. It is an ideal spot for unwinding, swimming, and enjoying stunning sunsets. Tree swings are often available for a unique photo opportunity over the water. The atmosphere is relaxed and peaceful, away from party crowds.

Cost: Entrance Fee: Free. Some sources mention a PHP 20 entrance fee, which could be for specific access points or recent changes.

Transport: Paliton Beach is located on the western side of the island, a short ride from San Juan town. Scooter rental is the preferred way to reach it, costing PHP 250-500 per day. A tricycle from Siquijor port to San Juan or near Paliton Beach can range from PHP 250-500.

4. Old Enchanted Balete Tree

The Old Enchanted Balete Tree is a century-old tree steeped in local folklore and mystery, offering a unique cultural experience. At its base, a natural spring feeds a pool where small fish provide a natural 'fish spa,' offering a ticklish but memorable foot massage. The area around the tree is serene and offers a glimpse into Siquijor's mystical side.

Cost: Entrance Fee: PHP 20 per person. Parking Fee (motorbike): PHP 10.

Transport: Located along the Siquijor Circumferential Road in Lazi. It's approximately a 20-30 minute tricycle ride from Siquijor town, costing PHP 100-300 depending on the starting point. Buses also pass by, with fares around PHP 30-50. Scooter rental (PHP 250-700/day) provides maximum flexibility.

5. Lazi Church and Convent

The San Isidro Labrador Parish Church, commonly known as Lazi Church, and its adjacent convent are impressive historical structures built from coral stones and hardwood in the 19th century. The church is notable for its neoclassical style and thick walls, while the convent is one of the largest in the Philippines. Both are National Cultural Treasures and offer a deep dive into the island's Spanish colonial past and religious heritage. The convent now houses the Siquijor Heritage Museum, displaying church relics.

Cost: Free to enter the church and convent. Donations may be accepted for the museum or upkeep.

Transport: Located in Lazi town, it is easily accessible by scooter or tricycle as part of an island tour. A full-day tricycle tour including Lazi Church can cost around PHP 1,000-1,600 for the entire island.

6. Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

Siquijor's waters offer a vibrant underwater world, teeming with diverse marine life and healthy coral reefs. Numerous dive sites around the island, including protected marine sanctuaries like Tubod, provide excellent opportunities for both certified divers and beginners. Snorkeling is also a popular activity, allowing a glimpse into the rich biodiversity just beneath the surface.

Cost: Shore Dive (certified): PHP 1,650 - 1,800 per dive. Boat Dives (certified): PHP 1,950 per dive, or packages like 2 dives for PHP 3,400-3,900 and 3 dives for PHP 4,700-5,700 (including lunch for 3-dive packages). Discover Scuba Diving (for non-certified): PHP 3,200-3,500 for an introductory dive. Snorkel trip on dive boat: PHP 500. Note: Environmental/sanctuary fees (approx. PHP 150 per dive site/day) are usually excluded from dive prices.

Transport: Dive centers are primarily located in San Juan. They typically arrange boat transport to dive sites. For individual snorkeling, some resorts like Coco Grove Beach Resort have house reefs accessible directly from the beach.

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