Siquijor is an infamous place of dark magic, aswang, and witch doctors. I heard all of these stories when I was growing up. When I got the chance to travel to this tiny, secluded island I took it and booked a flight to Dumaguete. I knew very little about this place but its mystique piqued my curiosity. After arriving in Dumaguete, my friends and I went directly to the pier to book a boat ticket to Siquijor. The trip took 1 hour and 30 minutes. As soon as we arrived we hired a tricycle to go around the island.
Tricycle Tours
Church Hopping
San Isidore Church
Our first stop was the San Isidore Church. The baroque style architecture harkens back to the days of the friars and Spanish rule.
St. Francis of Assisi Church
The next church on our tour is the St. Francis of Assisi church in Siquijor town proper. This church is the oldest church on the island which was built in 1781.
St. Francis of Assisi
Around Town in 4 Hours
Balete Tree
Our next stop was the 400-year old Balete Tree. The Balete Tree is surrounded by mystery and stories that were told and retold. The oldest tree in Siquijor is said to be home to evil spirits and creatures that lurk in the night. But on a scientific level, the Banyan or Balete Tree preys on other trees till it's big enough to completely suck the life out of it. After snapping a few photos we were on our way to our next stop.
Capilay Spring Park
We took a short stop to Capilay Spring Park where locals and tourists alike can take a dip to douse the scorching heat of the sun. There is no entrance fee to this attraction.Taking the Plunge in Cambugahay Falls
Cambugahay Falls
Our next stop was Cambugahay falls located in Lazi, Siquijor. There is a P20 parking fee for visitors. It was easy to get down the hundred steps to the falls. We were captivated by the blue waters and natural beauty of the falls. The cascading falls were a sight to behold. When we got there, there were already tourists taking a dip and taking the plunge.
After seeing the locals and foreign tourists swinging on this vine, I decided to try it myself. It was a fun experience swinging and diving into the cool waters.
I also ended up jumping off one of the levels of the falls. The jump was around, if I'm not mistaken, between 10-15 feet which was not very high but still fun to do. The only thing magical about Siquijor is its beautiful countryside and natural wonders.
On a side note, our tricycle driver told us that there is one family of witch doctors that lives in the mountains.
Aside from these attractions there are also beautiful beaches, caves, and a mountain in Siquijor. You can easily go around the island on a tricycle or a rented motorbike for P250/day. The tricycle's price will depend on your negotiating skills.
