Siquijor
A small, friendly island of turquoise waterfalls, sunset beaches and old stone churches, best explored on a slow loop by motorbike or tricycle. Now reachable by direct flight from Cebu.
Siquijor is one of the smallest provinces in the Philippines, a hilly green island south of Cebu and east of Negros. The Spanish called it Isla del Fuego, the island of fire, after the fireflies that lit up its trees at night. Today it is loved for its quiet coastal road, blue-green waterfalls, white-sand coves and sunsets. Most visitors stay around San Juan on the west coast and spend their days riding around the island.
Why go to Siquijor
- An easy island loop by motorbike or tricycle.
- Cambugahay Falls, tiers of turquoise pools in the forest near Lazi.
- Heritage: the coral-stone Lazi Church and its huge old convent.
- Sunset beaches like Paliton, plus snorkelling and diving on healthy reefs.
- A gentle, friendly island culture with a long tradition of folk healing.
Things to do in Siquijor
Ride the island loop
A paved circumferential road of roughly 70 km circles the island through all six towns: Siquijor, Larena, Enrique Villanueva, Maria, Lazi and San Juan. Ride it in one long day, or split it over two for more swim stops, and aim to be back on the west coast for sunset.
Cambugahay Falls
Siquijor's best-known waterfall sits in the forest near Lazi. Water runs over several low tiers into clear, milky-turquoise pools that are good for swimming. Locals run a rope swing and bamboo rafts for a small fee. The entrance fee was reported at about ₱50 in 2025; check on arrival. Come early, before the tour groups.
Lazi Church and convent
The San Isidro Labrador Church in Lazi was finished in 1884, built of coral stone and hardwood. Across the road stands the Lazi Convent (1887-1891), one of the largest convents built in the Spanish era in the country. The church is a National Cultural Treasure, and the convent houses a small heritage museum of church relics (a small entrance fee usually applies). This is a place of worship, so dress modestly and keep quiet during Mass.
Salagdoong Beach
On the east coast in Maria, Salagdoong is a public beach park inside a shady forest of molave trees. It has white sand, very clear water and concrete platforms for cliff jumping, roughly 5 and 10 metres high. Only jump if you swim well, and check the depth first. A small entrance and parking fee applies.
Paliton Beach and the sunset coast
Near San Juan, Paliton Beach is a small strip of powdery white sand under leaning coconut palms, and it faces west, so it is the island's favourite sunset spot.
The old balete tree and Capilay Spring Park
In Campalanas, Lazi, a giant balete (strangler fig), said to be several hundred years old, stands over a small spring-fed pool. Small fish nibble your feet in the water; a small fee applies. In the centre of San Juan, Capilay Spring Park is a cool, spring-fed pool across from the municipal hall, where local families swim in the afternoon.
Snorkelling and diving
Siquijor has some lovely reefs close to shore. Around San Juan, marine sanctuaries such as Tubod are easy to snorkel from the beach, usually for a small fee. Dive shops visit walls and slopes such as Paliton Wall and Tongo Point. Never touch or stand on coral, and keep your distance from turtles. For a famous turtle reef nearby, see Apo Island.
Healers and folk traditions
Siquijor is known around the Philippines for its mananambal, traditional healers who prepare herbal oils and remedies from plants gathered in the hills. Each Holy Week, a Healing Festival celebrates this heritage. Treat it as living culture, not a show: visit a healer only with a local who knows them, ask before taking photos, and remember that herbal remedies are not a replacement for medical care. The spooky stories are folklore; Siquijor is a safe, welcoming place.
Where is Siquijor?
San Juan, Siquijor
Directions open in Google Maps, starting from where you are. Its travel times are estimates, and ferries and island boats may not be included.
Getting there from Cebu
Schedules change often and boats stop in bad weather, so check the operator's page a day or two before you travel.
- Fly direct. Since December 2025, Sunlight Air has flown from Mactan-Cebu International Airport to Siquijor Airport a few times a week. The flight takes about 1 hour. From the airport, take a tricycle or your resort transfer to San Juan.
- Fast craft via Tagbilaran. OceanJet runs a Cebu-Tagbilaran-Siquijor route, stopping in Bohol on the way to Siquijor port. Allow about 4-5 hours in total. Fares were reported at about ₱1,700-₱2,100 in 2026 (estimate). See our Cebu to Bohol ferry guide for the first leg.
- Bus and ferry via Dumaguete. Take a bus from the Cebu South Bus Terminal to Liloan port in Santander (about 3.5-5 hours), cross to Sibulan in Negros Oriental (about 20-30 minutes), then take a tricycle or jeepney to the Dumaguete port. Read our Santander guide for this crossing.
- From Dumaguete, fast crafts reach Siquijor port in about 45-60 minutes, and slower RoRo ferries in about 1.5-2 hours. Fares were roughly ₱250-₱600 in 2025-2026, depending on the boat and class (estimate). Allow a full day, about 7-9 hours, for the whole trip from Cebu City.
- When you leave the island, pay the tourism ecological fee at the Siquijor port ticketing office: ₱50 per person since 1 February 2026 (₱40 for students and seniors with ID).
Already in South Cebu? Liloan port is just south of Oslob; see our Moalboal to Oslob guide.
Getting around
Most travellers rent a scooter, usually about ₱300-₱500 a day in 2025-2026 (estimate), from their resort or shops near the port. Roads are paved but hilly, so ride slowly and wear a helmet. Or hire a tricycle with a driver for a day tour; agree on the price and stops first. A full-day tricycle tour was roughly ₱1,500-₱2,500 per vehicle in 2025-2026 (estimate).
Where to stay and eat
San Juan is the main tourist area, with beach resorts, guesthouses and cafes along the coast and the best sunsets. Siquijor town and Larena are handy for the ports and have local eateries and the most shops. Fresh fish and simple Filipino meals are easy to find, and San Juan has plenty of cafes.
When to go
The dry season, from about December to May, brings calmer seas and the best riding weather; March to May is hottest. From about June to November there is more rain, and storms can cancel boats, so keep a spare day. Holy Week is the busiest time, with the Healing Festival and many Filipino visitors, so book early.
Tips for a good trip
- Bring enough cash. ATMs are few and can run out, and many small places only take cash.
- Expect small entrance and environmental fees at most sights, plus the ₱50 ecological fee when you leave.
- Power cuts sometimes happen on the island, so carry a power bank and a torch.
- Wear a helmet, ride slowly and don't ride after drinking or in heavy rain.
- Never touch coral or turtles, use reef-safe sunscreen and take your rubbish with you.
- Dress modestly in churches, and ask before photographing people or healers.
Planning more island time? Pair Siquijor with Apo Island off Negros, or with Panglao and the Chocolate Hills in Bohol on the way. Our ferries from Cebu guide has more sea routes.
Photo gallery
Tap a photo to see it full size. Gallery photos come from Wikimedia Commons; each photographer's credit shows when you open the photo.
Watch before you go
Photo: "Paliton Beach, Siquijor, Philippines" by Checawey, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Last updated October 19, 2026
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