Backpacking Siquijor Travel Guide (2026): What to See, Do & Expect

We can’t skip over the island’s undeniable beauty. It was the standout island from my time travelling to the Philippines. The beaches look almost unreal, yet the island has still somehow maintained a raw and untouched feel. It’s not been overrun by tourism, like some of its neighbours. 

Of course, Siquijor’s reputation hasn’t always encouraged tourism numbers. For years, travellers avoided the island because of the island’s association with witchcraft, faith healers, and stories of “black magic.” While Bohol and Cebu boomed, Siquijor stayed quietly in the background.

Something that surprised me on my visit to Siquijor was the clear influence that the Spanish had on the island. Each town has its own Catholic Church, the colourful buildings bring life into the streets, and the locals casually greet you with “Como Estas?”

Siquijor is the perfect place to visit for travellers who want a mix of beach time, nature, adventure, slow travel, less tourism and a bit more character. I encourage you to leave all your apprehensions at home, pack your bags, and allow Isla del Fuego to show you why so many have fallen for it.  

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What Are The Major Attractions in Siquijor?

Siquijor is a mixed bag of goodness when it comes to things to do. From lush, green forests with flowing waterfalls to rich marine worlds full of vibrant corals, Siquijor is brimming with natural wonders to enjoy. Not only that, but Siquijor is also known for its unique culture and delicious food scene, too!

I love the saying “No plan is the best plan”… however, sometimes, a bit of planning can prove to be the best way to make the most of the limited time you have! These are my can’t-miss activities:

1. Snorkelling at Tubud Marine Sanctuary
2. Visit Cambugahay Falls (Go early! This place gets very busy)
3. Try local Filipino food
4. Take a ride on a Tricycle
5. Catch a sunset at the beach
6. Cliff-jumping at Salagdoong Beach

How Long To Spend in Siquijor?

The island is relatively small; you could tick off the main attractions within a few days. However, I’m big on “slow travel“, so I decided to spend a month on the island, and by the end of my stay, I was still discovering new places to explore.

Siquijor is my favourite island in the Philippines. The island really does have a special charm and endless places to explore. Sure, you could do 3 days, but if your itinerary can stretch a couple more, I’d recommend it.

Three days in Siquijor is perfect for first-timers who want a solid taste of what the island has to offer without rushing. This itinerary mixes beaches, waterfalls, heritage sites and a marine-focused day, so you get a bit of everything Siquijor is famous for.

Think of this as a flexible plan, not a super strict schedule. You can swap around the activities depending on what you want to do! The weather might force you to shift things around, as might your transport style.

There are tons of epic things to do in Siquijor, and squeezing it into three days is a challenge, but totally doable with the right plan. So, let’s get into my suggested 3-day itinerary.

Day 1 in Siquijor – San Juan

Your first day is all about beaches, snorkelling, and inland adventures. It’s a perfect warm-up to the island. San Juan is the best area to stay in Siquijor for this because all three stops (Paliton, Lungason & Tubod) sit along the same stretch of coast, making the day flow naturally without having to backtrack on yourself. 

I’d recommend starting your day with a coconut and a dip at Paliton Beach. This beach is gorgeous, but it gets bloooody busy! So getting there early is the best way to see this beach in all its shining glory. If you arrive before 9 AM, you might even have the beach to yourself – it genuinely feels like a different beach at this time of day. 

From Paliton, it’s a short ride inland to Lungason Falls. When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by friendly locals who will take your 20 pesos entry fee before heading straight down to enjoy the waterfall.  There is a rope swing here, but sitting pretty at 9 metres, it’s bloody high (well, it felt like it was to me!)

If you have enough time, I’d recommend asking the kind people at the entrance if you can get a guide to take you on the 12-zodiac waterfall tour. This takes a few hours but is pretty epic! You get to explore the other 11 waterfalls, which you can only do with a guide. The guides are super nice (ours was called Richard), and they take a donation at the end of the tour – be generous 🙂 

Wrap up your afternoon at Tubod Marine Sanctuary, one of the absolute highlights of Siquijor. It was one of my favourite snorkelling spots in the Philippines. Straight off the beach, you get to explore so much life under the sea! You can rent snorkels here, too. If you finish up around sunset, it’s also a cool place to enjoy a beer and watch the sunset. 

Day 2 in Siquijor – Lazi

Day two is centred around activities near the town of Lazi, it’s all about waterfalls, heritage sites and cliff-jumping! These stops sit along the same loop, so the day flows naturally without long detours. You could shift around and stay the night in Lazi to reduce your travel time back to San Juan.

I’d suggest heading to Cambugahay Falls as early as you can. We arrived just before 8 am (the time it opens), and there were already a handful of other tourists waiting to go in. Getting there early enough means that you can spend a couple of hours soaking in the turquoise waters, launching from rope swings and exploring the upper levels without the crowds. By midday, it’s chaos, especially over the weekend. 

Once you’ve enjoyed the falls, you can make a stop on your way back into town at Lazi Church and Convent. It’s a quick stop (1 hour should do ya), but it breaks up the day beautifully. The church is one of the oldest in the Philippines, and the convent gives you a glimpse into the island’s Spanish influence and deep Catholic roots.

From here, you can head to Salagdoong Beach and enjoy a dose of cliff jumping (or just a scenic end to the day, watching the jumpers!) You can swim, kayak or enjoy a nice meal by the sea. Don’t forget to check the tides for that day, as you won’t be able to jump when the tide is low.

If you have time, the Enchanted Balete Tree is worth a stop if you’re passing by. This is an attraction for those of you interested in the magic of the island. The base of the tree is home to a spring whose origin is, apparently, unknown. You can even buy yourself a mild love potion if you’re in the mood for something a lil’ fun. 

Day 3 in Siquijor – Apo Island

Day three is more of an “upgrade day”. It’s ideal for those who want a bigger adventure focused entirely on marvelling at the mesmerising marine world. Apo Island is one of the best places in the Philippines for sea turtles, colourful coral and conservation work. If you’re craving a day in and on the sea, this is it.

Apo Island can be done in two ways:

• Arrange it independently: this is doable if you’re confident with logistics. You’ll need to get yourself to Siquijor to Dumaguete, travel to Malatapay Market in Dauin, and take a local boat from there. It’s cheaper, but A LOT more effort, and the experience depends heavily on the boat crew you end up with. I’d suggest just booking it via Coco Grove or another operator. 
• Join a tour: this is the easiest option. Most tours include transport, lunch & snorkelling gear. (and a guide who knows where the turtles hang out!). Coco Grove Beach Resort is the most popular operator, offering snorkelling trips for around 2,800 pesos (about $50 USD). 

However, if the Apo trip isn’t in budget or you just can’t reaaaally be bothered with a big trip, you can easily turn day three into a slow Siquijor day. Hire a scooter, beach hop, snorkel, stop in the cafes and enjoy a few sunset San Miguels! Choose your vibe! Big adventure, or slow living 🙂 

From cliff jumping and waterfall chasing to lounging on the beach and discovering historic churches – whatever you’re into, there will be something for you on this mystical island.

You’ll want to note down the activities that most interest you and then figure out where you want to base yourself for minimal transport time. Although I did love the motorbike rides around the island… it is always easiest to base yourself close to your favourite activities.

These were some of my favourite things to do in Siquijor:

1. Snorkel at Tubod Marine Sanctuary

• Best for: Snorkellers, beach lovers
• Area: Tubod, San Juan
• Cost: ₱100 (about $1.80 USD)
• Time needed: 2 hours, or up to a whole day if you want a relaxing day at the beach.
• Good to know: Go at high tide for the best experience. At low tide, the reef can be shallow, making entry trickier and visibility lower.

Hidden just behind Coco Grove Resort in San Juan, you’ll find the BEST snorkelling on the island. It’s a protected marine reserve that is literally the size of five rugby fields, packed with marine life. You could spend hours exploring this underwater paradise.

I’ve snorkelled all over Southeast Asia, but this one tops the charts for me. Especially, as it’s just off the beach! Whether you’re learning to snorkel or are a free-diving pro, this spot is the best. Think… sea turtles, vibrant coral and THOUSANDS of tropical fish. The entrance fee was 100 pesos ($1.80 USD), and they also rent snorkels and fins for an additional cost.

As it’s located in San Juan, it’s ideal to combine with nearby activities such as Paliton Beach, Lugnason Falls or Maite Marine Sanctuary (if you want more snorkelling!).

2. San Isidro Labrador Church and Convent

• Best for: Culture lovers, Catholic travellers, architecture fans, or a cloudy day option.
• Area: Lazi
• Cost: Free for the church, 50c for the convent.
• Time needed: 1-2 hours.
• Good to know: This is one of the oldest and most important heritage sites in Siquijor. Dress modestly if you plan to enter the church.

More commonly referred to as Lazi Church, the San Isidro Labrador Church is the oldest on Siquijor Island. It has a neoclassical style and is made of sea stones and wood, with its floors still in their original form.

It was declared a National Historic Landmark by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines in 1984 and was recently named a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines in 2012. Right across from the church is the convent, which now functions as the Siquijor Heritage Museum.

It makes the perfect stop between waterfalls as it’s just a short drive from Cambugahay Falls. You could also combine with a snack stop in Lazi town. There are a few small bakeries and carinderias nearby if you want a quick merienda before heading to Salagdoong or the Enchanted Balete Tree.

3. Cambugahay Falls

• Best for: Waterfall lovers, swimmers, rope-swingers, first-timers to Siquijor
• Area: Lazi
• Cost: Entry 50 pesos ($0.90 USD), rope swing 50 pesos ($0.90 USD).
• Time needed: 1.5-3 hours
• Good to know: Arrive early – ideally before 8 AM. By mid‑morning, this place gets packed with tourists and locals, and the rope‑swing queues can get long.

Once you arrive at Camburgahay Falls, you’ll have to buy your ticket, and then it’s a 10-minute walk along concrete steps that will lead you down to Cambugahay Falls, the three-tiered waterfall. The water level in this area is not deep, which is why most visitors enjoy it here. There is also a rope tied to a tree for those who want to swing and jump into the water!

This place can be pure bliss if you arrive at opening time (8 am). But if you arrive at midday or on a weekend, it can be chaos as it’s one of the main attractions on the island. Arrive early and make the most of a couple of quiet hours before crowds arrive.

Pair a trip to the falls in the morning with the Lazi Church & Convent. They’re just a few minutes away and make a perfect cultural breather after the adrenaline on the Cambugahay Falls rope swing!

4. Visit Salagdoong Beach

• Best for: Cliff-jumpers, stronger swimmers, adrenaline junkies, or a scenic stop to watch the jumpers.
• Area: Olang, Maria
• Cost: Free
• Time needed: 1-2 hours
• Good to know: Cliff jumping is the main draw. There are two platforms (around 7m and 10m), though water levels and conditions vary. Always check the tide and swell before jumping.

Salagdoong Beach may have simple facilities, but whatever it lacks in infrastructure, it makes up for with its natural beauty. Anyone who has been here would agree that its water – layers of deep greens and light blues – is the main attraction.

Add to that the cliff jumping area with platforms for 5m and 10m jumps, and you have the best activity for the adrenaline junkies. Salagdoong Beach also has a restaurant, and we had lunch there before swimming and admiring the view!

5. Take a Guided Tour of the 12 Zodiac Waterfalls at Lungason Falls

• Best for: Adventurous travellers, nature lovers, anyone wanting a quieter alternative to Cambugahay
• Area: San Juan
• Cost: Free entry; guide donation recommended (usually ₱200–₱400 per group)
• Time needed: 1.5-3 hours, depending on how many waterfalls you visit
• Good to know: You need a guide for the full route. The trail isn’t marked, and the waterfalls are spread out through the forest.

Home to the highest rope swing on the island, test your thrill level and see if you’re up for the 9m swing! The local kids can do some pretty cool tricks on it. However, make sure you check that it’s deep enough in the pool first – the first time we were able to do it, but the second day we arrived, there was a lot less water in the falls, so no swinging that day. You can also choose to jump off the rocks; these are still pretty high, but way more doable!

When we arrived, we asked for a guide to take us to the Zodiac Falls. Behind the first one (the busiest), there are 11 more stunning waterfalls to climb and explore. The guides are super kind and operate on a donation basis; we tipped 500 pesos ($9 USD) for two. Our guide was called Richard, and he was awesome.

It’s a great add‑on to a San Juan day. Pair it with Tubod Marine Sanctuary or Paliton Beach for a nature-packed but relaxed itinerary.

6. Visit Paliton Beach

• Best for: Sunsets, beach hoppers, snorkellers, photographers
• Area: San Juan
• Cost: Free or ₱20 (50c)
• Time needed: 1-3 hours (longer if you want more beach time)
• Good to know: This is Siquijor’s most famous sunset spot. If you want to visit when it’s quiet, avoid this time!

Paliton Beach is a very beautiful beach in San Juan town, and boy, does it pop off at sunset. During my time on Siquijor, I went to so many beaches where you’d hardly see anyone else around… I think it’s because they are all at Paliton Beach!

Although Paliton Beach is beautiful, it was a bit too busy for my liking at this time of day. I’d recommend trying it a bit earlier and catching the sunset at another epic spot on the island. However, it did have a buzz about it. Everyone enjoying the sunset, beer in hand – that’s always a vibe.

It’s the perfect end to a day exploring San Juan. Pair it with Tubod Marine Sanctuary, Lugnason Falls, or a scooter loop around the coast.

7. Enchanted Balete Tree

• Best for: Curious travellers, folklore lovers, families, and anyone doing the full island loop
• Area: Campalanas, Lazi
• Cost: Small entrance fee or donation (usually around ₱20 – 50c)
• Time needed: 10-30 minutes
• Good to know: Expect crowds at peak times. It’s a small area and can get busy, especially midday and on weekends.

For those who want to have a taste of Siquijor’s mysterious side, drop by the centuries-old balete tree along the highway of Lazi (near the Lazi Church and Convent). What makes this unique from all the other balete trees in the country is the cold spring found at its base, the source of which is unknown according to locals.

Small fish have made this spring their home, and you can dip your feet into the water for a fish spa. Some stalls sell snacks and souvenirs, including ‘mild’ love potions. The stronger ones, according to a vendor I asked, are only available upon request from faith healers!

8. Head for Dinner at Roch Cuisine

• Best for: Foodies, sunset lovers, couples.
• Area: San Juan
• Cost: 200-400 pesos ($3-6 USD)
• Time needed: 1-1.5 hours
• Good to know: Be sure to get there early(ish) as they stop serving when the food has run out, and you don’t want to miss the best part, the sunset view!

We loved this dinner spot and ate here so many times! The restaurant is set up every evening just next to the bridge in San Juan town. The ladies who run the restaurant cook up a storm earlier in the day – you can then select which Filipino dishes you want to try from their silver dishes laid out on a table.

Top tip: leave room for dessert, the mango cake is sooo good.

9. Go Diving or Snorkelling at Apo Island

• Best for: Snorkellers, divers, anyone after a big adventure day under the sea
• Area: Off the coast of Dauin (tours depart from Siquijor, usually San Juan or Lazi)
• Cost: Around ₱2,800-₱3,500 ($45-60 USD) for snorkelling; diving trips vary
• Time needed: Full day (6-8 hours)
• Good to know: Joining a tour is the easiest and most reliable way to visit. Most trips include transport, lunch, snorkel gear, and a guide who knows the best spots.

Apo Island is one of the best ecotourism destinations in the Philippines! Once threatened by irresponsible fishing practices, which have since ceased, Apo is now a marine success story. The diving here is spectacular, and it makes ya feel pretty good knowing that this was all saved because people cared <3

If you want to make life easy for yourself, then join a tour to see this special island! Contact Coco Grove Beach Resort to book in. You get a guide, lunch and pick up, so everything is sorted for you. All you gotta do is dive in and start cosplaying mermaids.

You’ll also get time to explore the island, and if you’re not living your best beach bum life, I definitely recommend the 30-minute trek to the Habagat Trail, where you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of the coastline and marine sanctuary.

There’s good news for backpackers, solo travellers and budget travellers: it has a surprisingly strong budget and mid‑range accommodation scene. It is one of the easiest islands to stay in the Philippines for travellers who want comfort without wildly overspending!

Although the island is relatively small, choosing the right base still matters hugely. Where you stay will shape your daily routine, how social your trip feels, and how numb your bum gets on a scooter getting to waterfalls, beaches, and restaurants. 

Most travellers stay in San Juan for beaches and food, Lazi for waterfalls and culture, or Siquijor Town for convenience. Each area has a different feel, so your base really does affect your experience. You could stay in San Juan for a night while you explore this part of the island and move to Lazi if you want to enjoy a day of waterfalls.

Accommodation options in Siquijor fall into four main types:

• Hostels: Best for social travellers. Expect $10-35 USD dorm beds, shared spaces, and easy ways to meet people.
• Guesthouses: Simple, private, budget-friendly rooms ($6-20 USD). Great for couples or solo travellers who want quiet.
• Beachfront resorts: Mid-range to higher-end stays ($20-35 USD+), often with pools, air-con, and direct beach access.
• Airbnb-style stays: Cabins, bungalows, and homestays across the island, ideal if you want privacy, a dash of romance or a unique setting. The prices range hugely! 

The Best Places to Stay in Siquijor

Are you wondering which is the best part of Siquijor to stay in? Well, let me give you a few suggestions.

FIRST TIME IN SIQUIJOR

FIRST TIME IN SIQUIJOR

San Juan

San Juan gives first-timers the easiest, most complete version of the island, with beaches, restaurants, and activities all in one place. It’s the one area where you can settle in without needing to plan much, because everything you need is close by!

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COOLEST PLAY TO STAY

COOLEST PLAY TO STAY

Maria

Maria has the most dramatic coastline and secluded atmosphere, giving it a unique, off-the-grid feel that stands out from the rest of the island. It’s quiet, scenic, and perfect for travellers who want a steer clear of the crowds.

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ON A BUDGET

ON A BUDGET

Larena Town

Siquijor isn’t an expensive destination, but if you’re watching your budget, you can always drop anchor at Larena Town, one of the island’s two seaports. This place isn’t super touristy, so prices are quite reasonable.

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FOR FAMILIES

FOR FAMILIES

Lazi

Lazi has calm, spacious environment with a heap of nature activities that work well for kids and parents alike. It’s peaceful, safe, and close to waterfalls and heritage sites that make for easy family day trips!

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Siquijor is one of the more affordable islands in the Philippines, especially when compared with Palawan, Siargao or Boracay, where accommodation and food prices have shot through the roof in recent years. Daily costs on the island stay low thanks to cheap food and rooms.

It might not be as cheap as the more rural parts of the Philippines, and as tourism builds on the island, I’m sure the prices will, too. But for now, it’s pretty good bang for your buck. 

However, things like scooter rental, fuel and tours can start to nudge your budget up. There are plenty of free activities on the island, but transporting yourself around to them or paying for tours can get spenny.

I like to judge a place by how expensive its beer is, and the beer here is hella cheap at around 50 pesos a bottle ($0.90 USD).. The most popular beer on the island was San Miguel, which is top-tier. If you feel brave enough, you can try their Red Horse… but let me warn you, it’s potent.

A Daily Budget in Siquijor

Here is a breakdown of what you’ll likely spend (in USD) as a traveller in Siquijor:

A Few Free Things to Do in Siquijor

Siquijor proves that you don’t need a big budget to have a good ol’ time. Some of my favourite times on the island didn’t cost me a dime. Or, if they did, it set me back just a few bucks. It’s the perfect place for backpackers trying to stretch their pesos.

Even though many popular spots charge small entrance fees (20-50 pesos), there are still plenty of experiences that won’t cost you anything at all!

Here are a few genuinely free things to enjoy:

• Capilay Spring Water Park (San Juan) – this free swimming pool is right in the centre of San Juan and is the ideal spot to cool off in freshwater. The pool is surrounded by shade, and there are plenty of benches to chill out and relax on.
• San Juan Beach at Sunset – San Juan Beach is so underrated. Unless it’s high tide, the beach is not really swimmable. However, it’s the perfect sunset spot if you’re after some peace and quiet.
• Lazi Church – With no entrance fees, Lazi Church is a great free attraction to visit.

Top Tips – Travelling Siquijor on a Budget

• Eat at local carinderias: Street snacks and small local eateries are where you’ll find the cheapest (and tastiest) Filipino food. Tourist cafes in San Juan are great, but they’ll double or triple your food budget. 
• Choose the right base: the island is small, but where you stay matters. San Juan has cheap food and plenty of activities close by. Lazi is close to waterfalls. Plan your stay with that in mind.
• Share a scooter if you can: Motorbike rental is one of the biggest daily expenses. Splitting a scooter with a buddy instantly halves your transport costs.
• Mix free beach time with a few paid highlights: Not every day needs to be waterfalls and entrance fees. Balance your trip with free sunsets, beach hangs, and coastal cruising, then sprinkle in a couple of paid activities like Cambugahay or Apo Island.  
• Cook for yourself: Book a place with a kitchen and save money on going out. Head to the local fruit and veg shop and whip yourself up a meal. 
• Pack a travel water bottle: Save money – and the planet – every day <3

Why You Should Travel to Siquijor with a Water Bottle?

The island has a growing refill culture, with water‑refill stations in sari-sari stores, cafes, and guesthouses all along the main road. Most places charge just a few pesos for a refill, and many accommodations offer it for free. It’s simple: pull up on your scooter, hand over your bottle, and you’re topped up in seconds – be a responsible traveller and use em’ 🙂 

Locals take pride in keeping the island clean. You’ll notice:

• Minimal plastic bag use
• Clean beaches and coastal areas
• Community-led efforts to protect marine life

It’s also a budget win, as now you won’t be buying overpriced bottles of water from the supermarkets either – so I guess this is also a budget travel hack! Travel with a filtered water bottle instead and do your bit.

Siquijor is one of those year-round destinations that we loooove! The island’s weather pattern is more gentle than other parts of the Philippines, which means that even the rainy months can still offer up some stunning days. Each month can still vary dramatically, so let’s break this down by seasons…

The Dry Season (November – April) is best for beach days, snorkelling, island loops, and first‑timers.

This is when the weather is warm, and the downpours are scarce. Expect temperatures of 30+ degrees, reaching the mid-thirties on the islands. The hottest months and most humid are March to May, when temperatures will reach up to 36 degrees. 

January and February are the busy periods in Siquijor. This is when I visited, and I can confirm it was fuuuuuuuuckin hot – tick that air conditioning filter when looking for Airbnbs… you’re gonna need it.

The Wet Season (May – October) is best for budget travellers, flexible travellers, cooler temperatures and quieter beaches.

The ‘wet season’ normally puts people off; however, this is a great time to travel to Siquijor. The rains only last around an hour or so before the sun comes back out again. Expect temperatures of around 25-30 degrees, which is actually a pretty ideal heat for functioning in. Plus, things get cheaper around this time – music to my budget backpacker ears.

Typhoon Season (June – August). I would recommend avoiding this time unless you have a lot of flexibility in your schedule. The rain becomes much heavier over this time, and typhoons are common. Many flights and ferries will be cancelled or face delays.

If you decide to travel during this time, keep your itinerary loose, avoid tight connections and check weather updates before planning to move between the islands.

Siquijor is all about heat, beaches, waterfalls, scooter days, and snorkelling, so having a good packing list will make your trip way easier. You’ll be in and out of the sea, riding through sun‑drenched roads, and dealing with the occasional tropical downpour – so think lightweight, quick‑drying, and practical. The island is pretty relaxed and not overly conservative, but sun protection and being comfortable matters more than anything!  

Here are the key things worth bringing:

• Reusable water bottle – Refill stations are everywhere and cost just a few pesos.
• Breathable, lightweight clothing – It gets hot, humid and sticky! Especially on scooter days.
• Swimmers & quick‑dry towel – You’ll be hopping between beaches and waterfalls constantly.
• Sarong or light cover‑up – Perfect for sun protection, beach days, and entering churches.
• Good rain jacket – Especially useful from May to October. A lightweight one is ideal.
• Snorkel + mask – Saves rental fees and lets you explore Tubod Marine Sanctuary anytime. Plus, having your own well-fitted mask is a game-changer. 
• Reef‑safe sunscreen – The sun is strong, and the reefs need protecting.
• Waterproof dry bag – Essential for waterfalls, boat trips, and spontaneous rainfall!
• Sturdy sandals or water shoes – Waterfall trails can be slippery; a pair of sandals with some grip will deffo come in handy.
• Portable power bank – Long scooter days using Google Maps and your camera can drain your phone fast.

Plus, a few more hostel essentials:

Product

Description

Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!

Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!

Ear Plugs

Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.

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Keep your laundry organized and stink free

Keep your laundry organized and stink free

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

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Stay Dry With a Micro Towel

Stay Dry With a Micro Towel

Sea To Summit Micro Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

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Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!

Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!

Grayl Geopress Water Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!

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Getting around in the Philippines does take a wee bit of organisation. So, grab a pen and take note.

How to Get to Siquijor

Most travellers reach Siquijor via Dumaguete, and it’s by far the easiest and most reliable route. Ferries run all day, the crossing is short, and the airport-to-port transfer is simple. If it’s your first-time visiting, this is the way you’ll want to go.

If you are BALLIN’ out, you can fly to Siquijor on a chartered flight from Cebu Airport. However, for us mere mortals, this is not likely to be our chosen mode of transport.

Let me take you through the most common routes to Siquijor:

1. Via Dumaguete (the most common)
   • Fly into Dumaguete-Sibulan Airport
   • Take a 15-minute tricycle to the port
   • Buy your ticket inside the port
   • Cross to Siquijor in 45 minutes/ two hours, depending on the ferry you get
2. Via Cebu or Bohol (also popular – this is the route I took)
   • If you’re already travelling around the Visayas, you can reach Siquijor directly from Cebu City or Tagbilaran.
   • I booked my tickets through Oceanjet and headed to Pier One in Cebu City. The process was pretty simple. I would definitely recommend booking tickets online, in advance- the ticket counters outside were BUSY.
   • The Cebu to Siquijor (via Bohol) trip took around 5 hours and was pretty straightforward with an online ticket.

Also, take note that there are two Siquijor ports on the island, Siquijor Town (closest to San Juan – the main tourist area) and Larena (further north). It’s important to know where your ferry will dock and if it’s close to where you’re planning to stay in Siquijor. You can jump on a tricycle when you arrive – be sure to haggle for a good price.

Travelling around Siquijor

The two main modes of transport on the island are scooters and tricycles. Both are great for different trips and types of travellers.

Scooters are the best option for most travellers, as they offer the most flexibility to explore the island where and when you want. The roads are smooth, traffic is light, and the coastal loop is beeeeautiful! It’s set you back anywhere between 250 and 500 pesos ($4.5-9 USD) per day, depending on the bike you choose and the season. If you’re travelling with a friend, sharing a scooter is a fab way to cut your transport costs in half and share the driving between you.

Tricycles are ideal if you’re not comfortable riding a scooter. They are the island’s main source of transport. You can hire them for point-to-point rides or even charter them for a full-day tour! A day costs about 1,000 PHP ($21 USD) and is cheaper for shorter rides. Most drivers will offer tours and motorbike rentals, too – so get chatting to negotiate a good deal!

There are some bigger rides on the island. For example, getting from San Juan to Salagdoong Beach can take 45 minutes. There and back, in the heat, can be a big day. So, you may want to use a motorbike for the shorter distances and tricycles for the longer – whatever makes you tick!

Public jeepneys are also on the main highway, but these often only depart when they are full. So, you can be waiting a while before you go anywhere! If you are in a hurry and wouldn’t mind spending a bit more on transportation, then the tricycle is the better option. However, it’s a pretty neat experience.

Siquijor is one of the safest islands in the Philippines. Crime against travellers is extremely rare, and overall, the island has a super laid-back, community feel to it. Of course, as with anywhere you go, it’s important to keep your wits about ya and follow basic safety practices. 

Most safety concerns in Siquijor have absolutely nothing to do with crime and people; it’s more to do with how you travel. It’s the scooters, the roads, the drinking, the waterfalls and other water activities. It’s an island packed with adventure, which comes with an added layer of risk. 

Don’t drink and drive, ALWAYS wear a helmet, pack a first aid kit, and you should be fine! There are loads of steps that you can take to prevent shit from going wrong.

Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Siquijor

And as many preventative actions we take, bad stuff can still happen. Don’t be silly, get yourself some good travel insurance before you head on your adventure.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

In general, Siquijor isn’t typically a place that ex-pats head to looking for work. That said, I met a TON of Westerners who had retired on the island and a few digital nomads, too! The cost of living in the Philippines is pretty low, which makes the tropical lifestyle here even more appealing.

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The Digital Nomad Scene in Siquijor

To work in the Philippines, you technically need a work visa is required, which must be obtained by an employing company. Despite being popular with digital nomads, there is no digital nomad visa available (yet), and most simply enter on long-stay tourist visas.

However, I’m not going to beat around the bush here; Siquijor is absolutely beautiful, but it’s not built for serious remote work. The wifi is pretty shocking, and daily power cuts are a normal part of island life. If your job relies on daily calls, large file uploads or strict meetings/ schedules, this island will test your patience. 

But if you can roll with the occasional power blackout and don’t need rock-solid internet. Working from Siquijor is the nomad dream – think: beach breaks, creative work spaces and a totally laid-back environment. 

Volunteering in Siquijor

Volunteering in the Philippines is an amazing way to immerse yourself in the local culture and sprinkle a bit of good in the world while you do it. Not to mention the free accommodation and other perks that come along with it…

Although there are more opportunities in bigger islands like Cebu or Siargao, there are still a few good places in Siquijor. Think smaller community projects or hostels, rather than big mumma NGOs.

The most common volunteer options here include:

• Teaching or cultural exchanges in small community centres or local schools
• Eco‑projects on farms or homestays (gardening, composting, small-scale sustainability work)
• Hospitality help in guesthouses or hostels in exchange for accommodation
• Animal care on small local rescue projects (less common, but possible)

There is no special visa for volunteering in the Philippines for less than 90 days, but you’ll need to apply for the appropriate permit to stay long-term. Platforms like Worldpackers can be useful for finding legit hosts, but you can also reach out to community projects or hosts yourself. Volunteering suits travellers who want to slow down, stay longer, save a bit of dosh and have a more immersive experience!

There are countless beautiful islands in the Philippines, but finding a place that still feels relatively untouched by mass tourism is getting more difficult as the years go by. Resorts sprout up, the crowds settle in, and the old-school island magic becomes something you have to search a little harder for. 

Siquijor is one of those rare places that has held strong. It still has that slightly mystical energy that lingers in the back of everything. It feels calm, grounded and a little enchanted in a way you can’t quite explain until you’ve experienced it. 

A place of dreams, Siquijor will forever hold a special place in my heart. From discovering mind-blowing underwater worlds and cliff jumping into waterfalls, to learning more about the mystical healers and embracing the community vibe, it’s an island that has a way of staying with you long after you’ve left! 

I hope you found this Siquijor travel guide useful. It was so much fun reminiscing on my time on the island <3 Now go forth, fellow globe-trotter: adventure, swim, wander, buy the love potion (if you must!), and let the island work its magic on you.