Screw the rumors! Siquijor’s spellbinding charm has nothing to do with mystical beings and so-called engkantos and faith healers. I’ve been there and I came out safe and longing for more. It’s probably one of the more underrated and under-appreciated destinations in the Philippines, with very few tourists compared to the more popular ones. Still, packing your backpacks for a weekend at the Island of Fire will surely stick as one of your most memorable trips of the year fo’sho!
See, the charm of Siquijor relies on its laid back atmosphere. Not much extreme, exhilarating adventures unless you plan to explore its 40 plus caves or consider trekking the inner island to confirm if there are really any mystics within. But how do you get there exactly?
HOW TO GET TO SIQUIJOR
For now, a trip to Siquijor is only possible by going through Dumaguete first as there are no flights that go there directly. Sorry, but you really have to make an extra effort to go there and it could possibly be the same reason very few tourists visit the place. Once at the post of Dumaguete, you’ll find several ferrys and fastcrafts that would take you to Siquijor in less than an hour. Just make sure you take note of the last trips going back to Dumaguete.
As an alternative, you can fly to Cebu from airlines like Airphil Express, and from there catch a fastcraft that would make a short stopever in Dumaguete before heading to Siquijor. So it’s best to plan something in Dumaguete as well because no matter what to do, there’s no way for you to skip the place.
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WHAT TO DO IN SIQUIJOR
For a place dubbed as the Island of Fire, there’s surely too much water activities in the place. 80% of the sites we visited had some sort of H20 involved so bringing your swimsuits and underwater cameras might be in order. The place exudes a laid back atmosphere like no other. Seriously, the silence was borderlining creepy town. If you are looking for a rocking night life, this isn’t the place for you.
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WHERE TO STAY IN SIQUIJOR
Picking a place to stay for a vacation is as important as the vacation itself. Whether you pick a budget-friendly inn or a resort that prioritizes comfort and relaxation, picking the right one that would fit your itinerary is . While there are several hotels and resorts in the island, due to budget constraints, we opted for this quaint inn well-loved by the backpackers.
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PERSONAL EXPERIENCES
Travelling offers the best possible way to find yourself. When you’re away from your comfort zone, you may discover new things that can define who you are.
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SUGGESTED 2D/1N ITINERARY FOR SIQUIJOR
If you’re visiting Siquijor for the first time, I would suggested following this itinerary. The following is based on my opinion of what a first time visitor should prioritize there that is also realistically doable in the time allotted. Experience a little bit of history, nature, and adventure in a single weekend!
