Is Siquijor Worth Visiting? Our 3-Day Family Trip to the Mystical Island
If you ask me if Siquijor is worth visiting, my answer is yes. Definitely yes.
I put together this Siquijor travel guide to share everything I discovered about the island, from how to get there, what to do, and where to stay — because honestly, it deserves more than just a quick mention on someone’s bucket list.
My grandfather on my mother’s side is from Siquijor, so there’s really no reason why I wouldn’t want to visit the island someday. Growing up, Siquijor always felt familiar to me even before I got to experience it properly for myself.
And now I understand why Siquijor has become more trending these days.
The island is progressing, more tourists are discovering it, and many people are becoming curious about what makes Siquijor special compared to other destinations in the Philippines. But what I love is that despite the growing popularity, Siquijor still feels peaceful. It still has that calm island atmosphere that makes you want to slow down and stay longer.
Our Route Going to Siquijor
We traveled by land from Tubod, Lanao del Norte, then rode a ferry from Dapitan to Siquijor.
One important thing I learned from this trip is to always be aware of ferry schedules.
Ferries may not operate during storms or bad weather, and some boat trips are not available every day. If the sea becomes rough, trips can get canceled and you may need to wait before going home or continuing your travel.
So if you’re planning a trip to Siquijor, especially from Mindanao or nearby provinces, it’s really important to check updated ferry schedules ahead of time and prepare extra allowance in your itinerary just in case of delays.
Day 1: Exploring Lazi
On our first day, we visited Lazi.
One of the places we explored was the beautiful San Isidro Labrador Parish Church, one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. The old structure and peaceful surroundings make it feel timeless.
Even just driving around Siquijor already felt relaxing to me. The roads are peaceful, the views are calming, and life feels slower in a good way.
We also started realizing that there are actually so many things to do in Siquijor beyond the usual “mystical island” stories people talk about online.
Day 2: San Juan, Beaches, and the Balete Tree
The next day, we went to San Juan.
Before visiting tourist spots, we first stopped by a sanctuary in San Juan because some of our relatives live there. Moments like this made the trip feel more personal for me.
San Juan is honestly one of the places in Siquijor that I enjoyed the most. The long stretch of beach there is beautiful and peaceful. Compared to more crowded beach destinations, San Juan feels more laid-back and relaxing.
You can simply enjoy the ocean view, swim, watch the sunset, or spend quiet time near the shore without feeling rushed.
Aside from beaches, Siquijor is also known for waterfalls and cliff jumping spots.
Many tourists visit places like Cambugahay Falls because of its clear turquoise water and relaxing nature vibe. There are also cliff jumping spots around the island that adventurous travelers enjoy trying.
We also visited the famous Old Enchanted Balete Tree, one of the most iconic attractions in Siquijor because of its connection to local folklore and mystical stories.
Honestly, Siquijor has this unique atmosphere that’s hard to explain unless you experience it yourself. It feels peaceful, quiet, simple, and comforting at the same time.
Things to Do in Siquijor
Three days honestly isn’t enough to cover everything the island has to offer. Here’s a more complete look at what you can experience in Siquijor so you can plan better than we did.
Cambugahay Falls
This is probably the most popular attraction on the island, and for good reason. The falls have multiple tiers with clear turquoise water, and there are rope swings you can use to jump in.
It’s refreshing, fun, and beautiful all at once. There’s a small entrance fee and an additional fee for the rope swings, but it’s absolutely worth it. Families, couples, and solo travelers all enjoy this spot.
Salagdoong Beach
If you’re looking for a mix of adventure and a beautiful beach, Salagdoong is a great choice. There are cliff diving platforms at 5 and 10 meters high, and the marine sanctuary in front of the beach is one of the best snorkeling spots on the island. You might even spot sea turtles if you’re lucky. One side of the beach is calm for relaxing while the other is more active and exciting.
Paliton Beach
Often called one of the most beautiful beaches in Siquijor, Paliton is known for its white sand and calm, shallow waters. It’s a great spot for swimming, wading, or just sitting and watching the horizon. The beach faces west, making it one of the best places to catch the sunset.
Tubod Marine Sanctuary
For those who love snorkeling, Tubod Marine Sanctuary near San Juan is a must-visit. Just a few meters into the sea you’ll find colorful coral, starfish, anemones, and a variety of tropical fish. It’s best visited during high tide to avoid stepping on the coral, and water shoes are recommended because of sea urchins along the shore.
Old Enchanted Balete Tree
We visited this on our trip, and it’s one of those places that gives you a strange, unique feeling. The tree is centuries old and deeply connected to local folklore and Siquijor’s mystical reputation. There’s even a small fish spa set up at the base where you can dip your feet. Whether or not you believe in the legends, the atmosphere around the tree is genuinely eerie and fascinating.
Lazi Church (San Isidro Labrador Parish)
One of the oldest churches in the Philippines and a declared National Cultural Treasure, the Lazi Church is a must-see even if you’re not particularly religious. The thick coral stone walls, the quiet courtyard, and the old convent next to it make the whole area feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Cambugahay Falls is just a short detour away from here, so you can easily visit both in one trip.
Apo Island Day Trip
While not technically in Siquijor, many visitors do a day trip to Apo Island from San Juan. It’s considered one of the best snorkeling and diving spots in the Philippines, with thriving coral reefs and sea turtles almost guaranteed. Tour operators in San Juan can arrange this for you.
The Mystical Side of Siquijor
Siquijor is often called the “Mystic Island,” and that reputation didn’t come from nowhere. The island has a long tradition of local healers known as Mananambal, who practice alternative medicine using over 300 species of herbs that grow on the island. Every Holy Week, there’s also a Witch Festival held at Crocodile Hill that draws curious visitors from all over. Even if you’re skeptical, learning about this side of Siquijor’s culture is genuinely interesting.
Getting Around the Island
The easiest way to explore Siquijor is by renting a scooter or motorbike. The island is small enough that you can go around the entire coastal ring road in a few hours, and most attractions are along this route. Habal-habal (motorcycle taxis) are also widely available if you prefer not to drive yourself. Tricycles work for shorter distances within towns. Some visitors hire a tour guide or book a guided tour for the day, which takes the stress of planning out of the picture.
Why San Juan is the Best Base
If it’s your first time in Siquijor and you’re not sure where to stay, San Juan is the safest and most practical choice. It’s located on the west side of the island, which means stunning sunsets are basically guaranteed every evening. San Juan also has the largest concentration of restaurants, cafes, beach bars, and accommodations on the island, but it never feels overcrowded or too commercialized.
From San Juan, you can easily reach most of the island’s top attractions in under 30 minutes by scooter.
Here are some of the most recommended places to stay in San Juan:
Coco Grove Beach Resort
One of the most popular and well-known resorts in Siquijor, Coco Grove is located right beside some of the island’s best marine sanctuaries. If you love snorkeling and marine life, this is probably the best spot on the island for you. The resort has an outdoor pool, spa, fitness center, and beachfront dining. It tends to get fully booked, especially during peak season, so it’s best to reserve early.
South Mountain Resort
Perched in the hills above San Juan, South Mountain offers an infinity pool with sweeping views of the island and sea. Guests consistently praise the food, the cleanliness, and the genuinely caring attitude of the staff. It’s a peaceful, relaxing option if you want to feel like you’ve truly escaped somewhere special. The sunset views from here are reportedly breathtaking.
U Story Resort
A boutique resort along the beachfront, U Story is known for its beautiful bungalows, a great pool, and the reef right in front of the property. Guests have reported seeing sea turtles while snorkeling directly from the resort. The food is also well-reviewed, and the overall atmosphere is relaxed and intimate. It’s a solid mid-range option that feels more special than its price suggests.
Charisma Beach Resort
For those looking for a beachfront hotel with a pool and a more laid-back vibe, Charisma is a well-reviewed option in San Juan. It has sea view rooms, pool view rooms, a bar, and room service. It’s also adults-only, which makes it a great choice for couples or travelers who prefer a quieter environment.
Best Time to Visit Siquijor
Like most of the Philippines, Siquijor has two seasons: dry and wet. The time you visit can make a real difference in your experience.
The dry season runs from November to May, and this is when the island is at its best. You get clear skies, calm seas, waterfalls you can actually swim in, and ferries that are mostly reliable.
March delivers the driest conditions of the year, making it the clearest period for snorkeling and diving along the island’s marine sanctuaries. February and March are also considered the sweet spot. The weather is great but the crowds are thinner compared to the peak Easter rush in April.
The rainy season hits from June to October, and it’s not just a light drizzle. Heavy rain can last hours or even days. Roads get muddy, boat trips get canceled, and ferry delays become more common. That said, rainy season isn’t all bad. It’s low season, so things are cheaper and quieter. The island also becomes noticeably greener and more lush, which has its own kind of beauty.
If you want the best overall experience: good beaches, clear water for snorkeling, and reliable ferries, aim for November to May. And if possible, avoid September and October, which tend to be the roughest months weather-wise.
Tips Before You Go
- Book accommodation early. Even during the shoulder season, the best-rated resorts in San Juan fill up fast. If you have a resort in mind, don’t wait.
- Always check ferry schedules. Weather can cause cancellations with little warning, especially during the rainy season.
- Bring cash. Some smaller establishments and local spots don’t accept cards.
- Hire a guide or rent a scooter. The island is small but having your own transport makes everything so much easier.
- Respect local traditions. Siquijor has a deep and unique culture around healing and folklore. Approach it with curiosity and respect, not mockery.
3 Days in Siquijor Was Not Enough
Our 3-day trip felt too short for me.
There are still so many places we didn’t get to explore fully. I feel like Siquijor is the kind of island where you should stay longer and not rush your itinerary.
It’s not just about beaches or tourist spots.
It’s the overall feeling of the island.
The peaceful environment, slower pace, family connections, ocean views, waterfalls, beaches, and calm atmosphere all make Siquijor feel different from more crowded destinations in the Philippines.
If you enjoy meaningful travel, peaceful places, nature, and island destinations that still feel authentic, Siquijor is truly worth visiting.
And personally, I already know I want to come back and stay longer next time.
