Siquijor Island was undoubtedly our favourite place in the Philippines.
It was just one of those places where every single thing we did was so much fun, from the best sunsets we have ever seen to the amazing natural waterfalls we swam around in all day.
Not wanting to gatekeep this incredible little island, we’ve put together a travel guide that describes exactly how you can spend 3 perfect days on Siquijor Island, based on our unforgettable experience.
If you’re interested in a wider view of how to spend more time in the Philippines (which includes Siquijor Island), check out our Ultimate 3-Week Philippines Itinerary.
How to Get to (and from) Siquijor
As a small island with no airport, you can probably guess that the best (and only) way to reach it is on a boat.
Typically, visitors will come from Moalboal, Cebu, Bohol or Dumaguete, as these are the closest ports as well.
From Moalboal
There are very few direct ferries to Siquijor from Moalboal, so you will most likely need to hop on a ferry from Liloan Port in Santander to Sibulan, which is just outside of Dumaguete, and then jump on another ferry from a different port in Dumaguete that’ll take you to Siquijor.
You can reach Liloan Port by bus or van (about a 1.5 to 2-hour ride), where you can buy your ferry ticket at the ticket counter on the day for about 135 PHP per person (including luggage). These ferries tend to run once per hour and take around 30 minutes.
Once you’ve arrived in Sibulan Port, you’ll then need to take a trike to Dumaguete Port which will take around 20 minutes. You can barter with the driver but expect to pay between 200 to 300 PHP.
Your driver should take you to the ticket offices, just have a look around to see which ferry is operating the next service. The tickets to Siquijor will be about 253 PHP per person. There is a waiting room at the Dumaguete Port so you can relax with a snack and drink whilst you wait for your ferry. The ferry from Dumaguete will take about 1 hour.
TIP – make sure you have cash for the ferry terminal fees / environmental fees. They can vary in cost wherever you are in the Philippines.
From Dumaguete, Cebu & Bohol
Ferries run direct from Dumaguete, Cebu, and Bohol, making it accessible from many popular travel spots. If you’re already in Cebu, there are fast ferries from Cebu City that will take you to Siquijor via Dumaguete.
If you want to purchase your tickets ahead of time, check out the 12Go links below:
Dumaguete – Siquijor – it takes 45 minutes to 1h 30m and costs between £4 – £7
Cebu – Siquijor – it takes 4h 40m and cost about £26
Bohol – Siquijor – it takes between 2 – 3 hours and costs between £6 – £12
Once you arrive in Siquijor, you’ll find a flood of trike drivers waiting to take you to your accommodation. After you have been dropped off, you will find that the island is best explored by scooter (seriously, it’s a bit of a must!)
Where to Stay in Siquijor
We stayed in San Juan, which is a great base for exploring the island. This area is known for its beach resorts and chilled-out vibe, and is often regarded as the best area to stay.
Here are a few options depending on your budget:
- Budget: For backpackers, JJ’s Backpackers Village offers affordable dorms and private rooms with a relaxed beach vibe.
- Mid-Range: If you want a bit more comfort without breaking the bank, try Glamping Siquijor by the Beach, offering cosy, eco-friendly tents just a stone’s throw from the sea.
- Luxury: Looking to splurge? Coco Grove Beach Resort is one of the most popular luxury spots, with multiple pools, beachfront dining, and tropical vibes.
- Our recommendation: MandalaTribe Treehouse. These beautiful treehouses are set back in greenery and tranquilness off the mainroad in San Juan. Our stay included breakfast each day as well as unbeatable service – and cute dogs!
Siquijor 3 Day Travel Guide
Now for the fun bit – what to do in 3 days on this paradise island…
Day 1: Arrival & Check-in, Sunset on the Beach, Delicious Dinner
We’ll keep this first day light, since most people arrive in the afternoon meaning you won’t have loads of time to shoot around the island.
Use today to get your bearings, have a drink at sunset, and enjoy our favourite local restaurant that serves some of the best Filipino food!
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Arrival & Check-in
This sort of goes without saying, but get your trike driver to drop you at your hotel after your ferry and check-in to your accommodation. Get settled before heading out to explore.
Hire a Scooter
Be sure to rent a scooter to explore the island! Scooter rentals are typically around PHP 300-500 (£4-£7) per day. Trust us, you’ll want the freedom to roam at your own leisure.
Ask your accommodation if they provide scooter rentals or if they can recommend a reputable place nearby. If you’re not comfortable on a scooter, be prepared to spend more on trikes, as they can add up.
Have a quick drive around and get your bearings. There are some nice shops you can scope out as well as restaurants all around the San Juan area.
Always remember to take pictures and videos of your scooter before you take it away to document any scratches or marks. This way you won’t get charged for anything that’s not your fault!
Always give a cash deposit for your scooter. Some places will ask for your passport or other ID as a deposit, but it’s definitely not recommended – if there is any damage, they can ask you to pay an amount of their choosing and withhold your passport until you pay (rather than just keeping the deposit you left).
Paliton Beach for Sunset
For the BEST sunsets in Siquijor, head to Paliton Beach.
The white sands, calm blue waters, and incredible pastel colours that fill the sky make for an unforgettable place to relax as the sun dips below the horizon.
Grab a cold beer, cocktail or a coconut from one of the local beach vendors. It’s the perfect place to unwind after your day of travelling.
Despite it being one of the most popular spots on the island to watch the sun set, yet it never feels too crowded – and we went there 3 nights in a row!
Just FYI, as you head down the road on your scooter there will be an entry fee of about PHP 20 (£0.30) per person to access the beach – a small price to pay for some of the best sunsets we’ve seen in our entire lives!
Dinner at Bahar B’ar
As it’s your first night, treat yourself to an incredible dinner after a tiring day of travelling.
If you’re craving local flavours with a modern twist, Bahar B’ar offers great seafood and island vibes. They often have live music too, adding to the great atmosphere here. It’s ranked as the number 1 restaurant on Tripadvisor – and it did NOT disappoint.
After dinner head to Kalipay Snack Corner for a homemade ice cream or waffles to finish the night off.
Day 2: Waterfalls & Wonders
Your first full day on Siquijor Island is going to be an epic one!
The waterfalls here are unrivalled and provide endless fun for the adrenaline junkies – from rope swings to big jumps – yet they can also offer a tranquil experience as you float on your back taking in the jungle canopy that surrounds you. It really can be, and often is, both – part of the magic of the island!
Make sure you’ve packed a day bag with swimwear and a towel, because you’re going to be in-and-out of waterfalls all day.
Morning: Lugnason Falls
Start your day early and scooter over to Lugnason Falls. This hidden gem offers a serene atmosphere and is less crowded than other waterfalls on the island. Take a refreshing dip – and try out the rope swing if you’re brave enough!
There is no entry fee here – unlike the other falls on the island – although you may be charged a small fee for parking, which is around 10 PHP (£0.15).
You will find the hidden falls down a short path off the mainroad which is clearly sign posted – but you can find the entrance here.
Old Enchanted Balete Tree & Fish Spa
Next up, head over to visit the Old Enchanted Balete Tree, a centuries-old tree with a mystical aura. Underneath the tree is a spring-fed pool where tiny fish nibble at your feet for a natural spa experience. It’s not the most authentic/adventurous experience but is a fun little stop before you head to lunch.
Lunch at Firefly Treehouse Café and Bar
For lunch, make your way to Firefly Treehouse Café and Bar.
The drive down the road to this hidden cafe is a little bumpy but is so worth it for an amazing cafe in a charming spot that serves healthy, locally sourced food. The owners are super friendly and their dogs are super cuddly too!
We definitely recommend the kumquat juice – it was amazing!!! You can even stay here overnight, check out their page on Airbnb.
Afternoon: Laga-An and Kawasan Falls
After lunch, head to the nearby Laga-An Falls. You’ll need to go with a local guide who will be at the entrance to enter. The guide is ‘free’ but you are encouraged to tip them when you return. Your guide will lead you down to the falls, where you can enjoy the amazing natural water slide and rope swing.
As you will start to understand, Filipino guides go above and beyond in photography and filming, so you will leave with some fun memories on your phone of your time at these falls.
After enjoying Laga-An, you can ask your guide to take you down to Kawasan Falls, which is in the same area and is even less busy – we had it completely to ourselves when we visited! There’s a jumping platform and a few caves to explore around the falls down here.
It’s an adventurous and scenic afternoon that perfectly captures Siquijor’s natural beauty.
Sunset
We were obsessed with the vibes of Paliton Beach, and we’re sure you will be too. In our opinion it’s the best place to be in the early evening. So head over here again, grab a drink and chill out as the sun sets.
Dinner at Dolce Amore
Bahar B’ar’s traditional Filipino food was a standout dining experience during our trip to the Philippines, where the overall food scene didn’t blow us away compared to the high standards of other Southeast Asian countries.
So if, like us, you’re in the mood for pizza, Dolce Amore near Paliton Beach offers some of the best Italian dishes on the island, including delicious wood-fired pizzas.
They get pretty busy, so either arrive early or book in advance.
Day 3: Exploring the Heights of the Island
Already on day 3 of 3?! Life is cruel like that sometimes. Your last day will give you the chance to see the island from a new perspective, as well as visit one more popular waterfall as you say goodbye to this brilliant little island.
Morning: Walk to the Island’s Tower Viewpoint
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Siquijor and the surrounding seas by hiking up to Island Tower Viewpoint. This short, 143-step climb is a rewarding way to start your day with a little exercise and a whole lot of stunning scenery.
Mount Bandilaan National Park
Afterwards, explore Mount Bandilaan National Park (which is where you’ll find the viewpoint), the highest point on the island. Wander along one of its many trails, or simply enjoy a scenic drive through the park. It’s also home to healing rituals and folklore, adding to the island’s mystique.
Swim at Cambugahay Falls
Cambugahay Falls is one of Siquijor’s most famous spots. This is no doubt the busiest waterfall we went to, and although we loved the tranquillity of the other falls mentioned above, this one had such a fun atmosphere – it was filled with people and families!
There are quite a few steps to walk down to get to the falls but it is well worth it. The multi-tiered waterfall is perfect for swimming, with cool, turquoise water and a couple of rope swings for the adventurous.
It costs around PHP 20 to get in and there might also be a small charge for parking when you arrive.
On the short walk to the entrance you will go past many vendors selling snacks and drinks, perfect to take down with you to enjoy as you chill around the waterfalls.
Siquijor is a place that has truly stayed with us, and we think about going back A LOT. It’s filled with natural beauty, adventure, and a dash of island magic.
It was definitely one of our favourite spots in the Philippines, so whether you’re diving into crystal-clear waterfalls or watching the sunset on the amazing beaches you’re sure to leave with unforgettable memories.
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