Siquijor is undoubtedly one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in the Philippines. 

In 2020, it received 143,286 same-day visitors and 37,651 overnight visitor arrivals, according to the Department of Tourism. Those figures were taken during the height of the pandemic, and you can imagine how many more tourists will visit the island now that many restrictions have been lifted. Aside from visiting Siquijor’s gorgeous beaches, picturesque waterfalls, and other natural wonders, people also flock to the island because of its mystical side. 

The Booon of Mysticism to Siquijor

Siquijor is said to be a place covered in mystery. For decades, many have believed the island to be home to witches, sorcerers, and other strange creatures. However, the truth is Siquijor is just like any other small island in the country. Its people, called the Siquijodnon, are equally hospitable and friendly as any Filipino. It also has that laid-back atmosphere you would get in any rural area. Furthermore, the six towns that make up the island are also rapidly adapting many of the conveniences we see in our modern world– including Internet access. 

Siquijor, the Healing Island

While the island has embraced a modern lifestyle, its residents haven’t forgotten its healing culture. Instead of deterring people from going to the province, Siquijor has positively spun the misconceptions surrounding their island. 

During the Holy week, many healers, known as “mananambal,” gather at Mt. Bandilaan to bless their herbs and potions. Many travelers visit the event to witness their ritual and to be healed using the island’s unique healing practices. 

Siquijor is also known because of the Bolo-bolo ritual, a form of “white magic” that is said to cure illnesses and curses. An ancient healer usually performs this healing method by blowing into a glass filled with water and a mysterious black stone through a bamboo straw. 

How to Experience Siquijor’s Mystic Charms? 

Mysticism is part of the culture and appeal of Siquijor. Getting one of our tour packages will help you experience the island’s unique traditions without worrying about accommodation and transportation.

Book and Visit Siquijor

Siquijor has plenty of picturesque and memorable places worth sharing on your social media account. Many of Siquijor’s tourist spots are very accessible and are close to one another. Thus, you can visit several places in just one day. 

If you are looking for fantastic places where you can take new display pictures or souvenir photos, we recommend going to these places:

1. Francis of Assisi Parish

This century-old church is just a stone’s throw away from the Siquijor Port and is one of the first attractions you will see as you board the island. The church also features a lush garden and a nearby bell tower. 

2. Salagdoong Beach Cliff Jumping Spot

Salagdoong Beach is famous for its powdery white sand and turquoise waters. You can also do a lot of water activities here, such as kayaking and snorkeling. If you want to take a great photo of this beach, go to the cliff jumping spot, which gives you a great view of the nearby sea. 

3. Old Balete Tree

This balete tree in Campalanas in Lazi is believed to be 400 years old. It is also the oldest and most massive tree on the island. A man-made pool sits at the bottom of the tree’s roots, where a school of small fishes often swim. 

4. Cambugahay Falls

Cambugahay Falls features three-level waterfalls with a large pool at the lowest level. People go here not only to swim but also to cliff dive or use swings to launch themselves into the water. You can also take photos on top of a bamboo raft. 

5. Larena Triad Restaurant 

If you want a good view of the island and its coastline, head over to this resto on top of the mountain. They have a unique al fresco dining area that features a dome shaped-roof. You can also use their view deck to take selfies or groupies. 

How to Create a Fun-Filled Itinerary When You Visit Siquijor? 

If you only have a day or two to visit Siquijor, you must check the travel time between the places you want to visit. You can also get one of our tour packages, so you won’t have to worry about transportation and accommodation. 

Book and Visit Siquijor

Siquijor has been called many names since recorded history. The Spaniards called it “Isla del Fuego,” or the island of fire, because of the fiery glow from the fireflies that inhabit it. 

Siquijor has also been called the “healing island”  because of the folk healers and shamans who practice their craft to this day. The island province also has a Healing Festival, celebrated every holy week to show that their process is sacred and meant for good intentions. 

Folk Healing Traditions in Siquijor

Some people who are ill often go to Siquijor to try out their alternative healing methods. Aside from spiritual healing, Siquijor is also known for its unique herbal medicines and traditional massage. 

Bolo-Bolo 

Bolo-bolo is believed to be a form of “white magic” meant to cure curses or natural illnesses. The healer performing the ritual uses a glass of water, a bamboo straw called bacagay, and a black stone. If a patient’s illness is profane, some practitioners decline to treat them and instead recommend that they see a doctor.

Herbal Healing

Siquijor also has herbal healers who brew traditional potions to alleviate the symptoms of various diseases. The potions are usually made from herbs, roots, insects, and tree bark from what the locals refer to as enchanted forests. 

Charms and Protections

Several establishments on the island also sell various kinds of charms and protections to ward off evil spirits and bad luck. These items often come as amulets, bracelets, crosses, and other trinkets. 

Healing Culture in Siquijor

Aside from traditional healing, the island also provides a different kind of healing– one that is focused on wellness and relaxation. The island has many things to offer tourists, from its pearl-white beaches to its historical sites, that will surely cure anyone’s weariness. 

The island also has a laid-back vibe that will help you find inner peace. As more people discover the many hidden wonders of the Siquijor, the name “healing island” may find new meaning, especially in our modern world. 

How to Best Enjoy Your Time on The Healing Island?

Knowing about the local practices, including their healing culture, will help you know about the culture and traditions of the Suiquijodnon, the island natives. 

Getting one of our tour packages will also help you appreciate the island’s life without worrying about where to get accommodation and transportation. 

Book and Visit Siquijor

Siquijor is rapidly becoming one of the best destinations in the Philippines for local and foreign tourists. The island province boasts pristine beaches, majestic falls,  historical sites, and outdoor activities that are sure to be memorable. 

However, one of the challenges in planning to visit Siquijor is knowing the best time to go there. This article will tell you the best months to travel to Siquijor and what to expect during your stay on this island paradise. 

Visit Siquijor During the Dry Season

Like the rest of the Philippines, Siquijor has a tropical monsoon climate. There are only two seasons in the country- wet and dry. 

The dry season between November and May is the best time to visit Siquijor. You usually have the best beach weather during this period, especially during the summer months of March to May. If you want to go swimming, visit the beach during high tide since the water is deeper. 

Visiting the island during the wet season, from June to October, is less preferred because of the heavy rains and occasional storms. On a positive note, visiting the island during these months is best if you want to visit the waterfall, which is more spectacular during these times.

Explore Siquijor During Fiestas

Visit Siquijor the day before and during fiestas or local festivals if you want to be part of the celebration. Fiestas in the Philippines often involve a lot of eating, cultural performances, and street parades. Some locals may even invite you to their homes and offer you a buffet meal. 

Below are some of the most popular festivals on the island and the date they are celebrated. 

How to Have a Great Time in Siquijor? 

The best way to have a fantastic trip in Siquijor is to maximize your itinerary and fill it with the activities you love doing. Getting one of our tour packages will help you settle everything in your Siquijor trip schedule, from accommodation to transportation. 

Book and Visit Siquijor

Siquijor is a tiny, serene, and laid-back island in the Central Visayas region, also known as the “healing island.” It’s one of the best places to travel in the Philippines because of its fascinating shoreline, rich culture, and awesome locals. 

If you are someone who loves to travel, then consider adding Siquijor to your bucket list. Here are a few good reasons to do so:

1. Amazing Beaches 

Siquijor has several picturesque beaches with powdery white sands and turquoise blue waters. You can also do many aquatic activities, such as kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, and swimming. Some of the best beaches on the island include Salagdoong Beach and Sabas Beach. 

2. Stunning Waterfalls

The island is also home to many breathtaking waterfalls, such as Cambugahay Falls, which has three levels and a vast pool at the bottom. Lugnason Falls and Lagaan Falls feature vibrant blue water and are perfect for cliff jumping. 

3. Beautiful Old Churches

Many towns in Siquijor have a centuries-old church dating to Spanish colonization. For example, the neoclassical style San Isidro Labrador Church in Lazi was completed in 1884. We recommend you visit the Our Lady of Divine Providence Church in Maria and St. Francis of Assisi Parish near the Siquijor Port. 

4. Majestic Caves

For people who love spelunking or exploring caves, Siquijor has a lot to offer you guys! Cantabon cave has an underground river system and unique white rock formations such as Angel’s Bath and Shower Bell. Dacanay cave and Balji cave are also great sites to consider. 

5. Abundant Seafood 

Siquijor is teeming with aquatic life, and the locals have several unique seafood dishes you can try. We recommend their Sutukil establishments, where they usually prepare seafood in three ways– grilled, soup, and ceviche. 

How To Get Your Money’s Worth When Travelling Siquijor?

Many of Siquijor’s famous tourist spots are close to one another, and you can fit in a few of them in a day in your itinerary. Please choose one of our trip packages and let us help you have a great time on the island.

Book and Visit Siquijor

Cebu City, located in the south-central region of the Philippines, is a bustling port and one of the country’s largest cities. It is a rich and historic city with roots dating back to the pre-colonial era. 

Short History of Cebu City

The city’s colonial past dates back to the arrival of Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in 1521. He landed on the island of Homonhon in Samar, then moved on to the nearby island of Limasawa, where he held the first Catholic mass in the Philippines. 

Magellan then sailed to Cebu, where he met Rajah Humabon, who became one of the first Christian converts. Magellan also named the island “Sugbo,” which eventually became “Cebu.”

Historical Places to Visit in Cebu

1. Magellan’s Cross

According to legend, Magellan planted the cross when he landed on the island. Today, it’s a reminder of the city’s Christian roots and an enduring symbol of its cultural heritage. Your visit to Cebu isn’t complete without a selfie in this tourist spot. 

2. Santo Niño Basilica 

The Santo Niño Basilica is one of Cebu’s most significant and iconic landmarks. It is home to the Santo Niño de Cebu, a baby Jesus statue given to the Rajah Humabon by Magellan. The basilica was built in 1565.

3. Fort San Pedro

This military defense structure was built by the Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi. It is located in the area now known as Plaza Independencia, and it served as the first Spanish settlement in the country. 

4. Casa Gorodo Museum

The Casa Gorordo Museum is a historic house built in the 19th century. It was the home of the Gorordo family, a prominent Cebuano family during the Spanish colonial period. The house is now a museum that showcases the lifestyle of well-off families during the Spanish colonial times.

5. Colon Street

Known as the oldest street in the Philippines, Colon Street is a bustling commercial hub in downtown Cebu City. It was named after Cristóbal Colón, the Spanish name for Christopher Columbus, and has been the center of trade and commerce in the city for centuries.

How to Get a Tour of Cebu’s Historical Places

Exploring Cebu’s colonial past is like going on a treasure hunt. If you want to find the best spots to visit, book one of our tour packages in the Queen City of the South.