Siquijor Itinerary, Travel Guide & Budget {The Philippines}
- Kate Colliety
- Apr 3
- 9 min read
Updated: 6 hours ago
Siquijor is one of the most enchanting islands in the Philippines. Known to the locals for witchcraft, we saw the magic in the golden beaches, mystical caves, breath taking waterfalls and the marine life surrounding the island.
Siquijor is a must-visit destination for any beach lover, and for travellers seeking a laid-back island experience.
We spent our first few days in the Philippines exploring Siquijor and starting to discover what the Philippines has to offer as a destination. We learned to ride a scooter along its winding coastal roads, tasted some of the best chicken we’ve ever had, and grew more confident as full-time travellers. Siquijor has since become one of the most meaningful places we’ve visited, and we can’t wait to share its magic with you.
Whether you're looking for things to do in Siquijor, planning your Siquijor itinerary, or figuring out the best way to get there, this Siquijor travel guide has you covered!
Contents
Why Visit Siquijor
Unlike the neighbouring island of Cebu and other popular areas such as El Nido, Siquijor offers a more relaxed vibe. It is famous for its healing traditions, unspoiled nature and welcoming locals.
After reflecting on our two months in the Philippines, Siquijor had our favourite cave, Cantabon, our favourite waterfall, Cambugahay, and some of the best sunsets we’ve ever seen… They were only beaten by Port Barton in Palawan.
Discover The Top Things To Do In Siquijor!
On our way, we created a Google Pinned Map with all the places we visited in Siquijor. Grab your Pinned Map today and start planning your adventure! Don’t miss out...click here to view for free!
Known locally as the "Island of Fire" due to the swarms of fireflies that create a glowing spectacle at night, Siquijor lives up to its magical name…Although we never did find any actual witches!
Not only is Siquijor an island paradise, but it's also a budget-friendly destination. With low-cost accommodations, affordable transport, and delicious local food, you can enjoy the island on a tight backpacker’s budget.
How To Get To Siquijor: Siquijor Travel Guide
There are several ways to reach Siquijor depending on your location:
Cebu To Siquijor
Cebu is the main hub of the central Visayas region, and where we recommend flying to when visiting the Philippines as it is a much closer international access point than Manila when looking to island hop.
The most budget-friendly option, favoured by backpackers, is to travel overland to southern Cebu by bus or private taxi before taking two smaller ferries to Siquijor. This is the same route we took from Moalboal to Siquijor and the same applies from anywhere on Cebu. If you’re traveling in a group or family then it makes sense to get a private taxi to the Port of Liloan. The steps are as follows:
Bus or Private taxi to Liloan Port
Ferry to Sibulan Port (30 mins, ₱130)
Tricycle to Dumaguete Port (20 mins, ₱75)
Overall your travel time from Cebu to Siquijor can vary based on the travel option you choose and we recommend you read Our Full Travel Guide On How to Get From Cebu to Siquijor.
Bohol To Siquijor
By far the most convenient and best way to get from Bohol to Siquijor is via a direct ferry which takes 1.5-2 hours and arrives into Siquijor Port in the north of the island. This transport route currently only runs once per day and is popular with many locals & tourists especially in high season, so we recommend you book your tickets in advance to make sure you get on.
Coming from Dumaguete, Manila, Siargao or Tagbilaran?
Best Time To Visit Siquijor
The best time to visit Siquijor is during the dry season, from November to May, when you can fully enjoy the island’s natural attractions. The wet season (June to October) brings occasional rain showers but fewer crowds. We visited in April and found the island not to be super crowded plus we had perfect weather!
Siquijor Tourist Attractions Map
Explore the Waterfalls
Cambugahay Falls Siquijor – One of the most famous waterfalls on the island, perfect for swimming and rope swinging. Arrive at opening time to avoid crowds!
Lugnason Falls – A hidden gem with refreshing waters and fewer crowds.
Relax on Siquijor’s Best Beaches
Paliton Beach Siquijor – Known for its white sand, palm trees, and stunning sunsets.
Salagdoong Beach Siquijor – A popular beach with a cliff diving platform.
San Juan Beach – A laid-back beach with beachfront resorts and restaurants.
Discover Siquijor’s Caves
Cantabon Cave Siquijor – A must-visit for adventure seekers looking to explore underground rock formations. Our favourite spelunking experience!
Cambanac Cave – A lesser-known cave that requires a local guide to access.
Visit Mt. Bandilaan National Park
The highest point on the island, offering stunning panoramic views.
Features mystical healing rituals and nature trails.
Discover The Top Things To Do In Siquijor!
On our way, we created a Google Pinned Map with all the places we visited in Siquijor. Grab your Pinned Map today and start planning your adventure! Don’t miss out...click here to view for free!
Tubod Marine Sanctuary Siquijor – One of the best spots in Siquijor for snorkelling, filled with vibrant corals and marine life.
Tulapos Marine Sanctuary – A top dive site where you can see schools of fish and sea turtles.
Siquijor diving spots include Dive Point Siquijor, which is great for both beginners and advanced divers.
Convinced to visit Siquijor? Find Siquijor’s hidden gems with 19 Best Things To Do In Siquijor, Philippines: Top Tourist Attractions Map
When looking for somewhere to stay in the Siquijor area, choosing the right location is important! Although the island is small, you’ll want to be based near restaurants and attractions. That’s why we recommend all travelers stay in the San Juan area.
Top Budget Accommodation In Siquijor
At Lazy Lizard you’re in the centre of San Juan but set back from the main road making it feel like you’re in the middle of the jungle. Lazy Lizard offers a bed in a dorm room or a private room plus a communal kitchen and sitting area. Although simple we choose Lazy Lizard for our Siquijor accommodation for five nights and with the prime location it is a perfect choice for people on a budget.
Top Luxury Resort In Siquijor
Coco Grove Beach Resort: Divers, Couples, Families
A little out of town you can find the most gorgeous 5 star resort, Coco Grove, probably one of the best places to stay in Siquijor. Situated right on the beachfront and with three swimming pools the resort has everything you need. They have their own private beach area, fitness centre, hot tub and kids club, making this ideal for a family vacation. They also have an on-site dive centre perfect for exploring the nearby Apo island. If you want luxury in Siquijor, Coco Grove supplies it as it is one of the best hotels in Siquijor!
Still looking for accommodation? Read our complete guide on where to stay in Siquijor.
Best Places To Eat In Siquijor
Y-Road - A small unassuming restaurant near Locong Falls that serves some of the best local food on the island.
Roadside Diner - remember in the introduction I mentioned we had the best chicken well roadside dinner is a local eatery that serves the best bbq chicken we’ve ever tasted and at a budget friendly price. If you’re in Siquijor you need to eat at Roadside Diner at least once!
Marco Polo Italian Restaurants - If you're looking for Western Food you can grab a great pizza here.
Siquijor 3-Day Itinerary Suggestion
We have put together a 3-day Siquijor itinerary, the island is small and this gives you enough time to see the highlights, however if you have more time we’d recommend 5 days to really enjoy everything it has to offer.
Day 1: Arrival & Beach Day
Arrive at Siquijor Port and get a trike San Juan
Check into accommodation near San Juan Beach and explore the town
Relax at Paliton Beach Siquijor for sunset
Day 2: Waterfalls & Adventure
Morning visit Cambugahay Falls
Visit the Old Balete Tree on the way Back to San Juan
Watch the Sunset and Enjoy dinner at RoadSide Diner
Day 3: Cultural & Scenic Spots
Explore Cantabon Cave Siquijor
Head off to your next destination in the Philippines!
If you have a spare day we recommend you head to Apo Island, where you can snorkel or dive and experience the marine life that calls Siquijor home!
Discover The Top Things To Do In Siquijor!
On our way, we created a Google Pinned Map with all the places we visited in Siquijor. Grab your Pinned Map today and start planning your adventure! Don’t miss out...click here to view for free!
Siquijor Travel Budget & Costs
Siquijor is an extremely budget-friendly destination. We found accommodation to be slightly more expensive than other places in the Philippines but we still managed to stick to a budget of £22 per person per day.
This budget allowed us to stay in a shared hostel, rent a scooter daily, enjoy local food, and experience all the island's main attractions without feeling restricted. You can explore how much we spent in the Philippines here.
Accommodation
We stayed at the Lazy Lizard Hostel (£18.32 per night), a perfect base for exploring the island. The price was higher than other accommodations we stayed in plus we had to opt for a shared dorm to stay on budget.
Budget tip: Booking in advance can secure better rates, especially during peak season.
Getting Around Siquijor
Getting to Siquijor for two people: £30.64
On the Island:
Scooter rental: £4.86 per day
Petrol: About £1.30 per day
Total for local transport: £18.47
Budget tip: Renting a scooter is by far the most cost-effective way to explore Siquijor. The island is small enough to drive to everything plus it’s a great place to learn to drive a scooter with quieter roads than other islands.
Food & Drink
For two people we spent an average of £7.45 per day on food and drink.
Budget tip: Local bakeries offer delicious breakfast options for less than £1. For dinner, beach-side restaurants serve fresh seafood for around £5 per meal.
Activities & Attractions
Most attractions in Siquijor are incredibly affordable for two people:
Butterfly Sanctuary: £2.77
Beach entrances: £0.55-£1.66
ATM Fees: £3.49
Total for all activities: £17.36
For less than £25 per person per day, we experienced pristine beaches, enchanting waterfalls, and the unique culture of this mystical island. The value for money is exceptional compared to more developed destinations in the Philippines and hopefully has convinced you to add Siquijor to your Philippines Backpacking trip!
Final Thoughts on Siquijor
We hope this Siquijor Travel Guide has been helpful, and we have to admit we're a little jealous that you're planning a trip to one of our favourite islands in the Philippines! We'd love to hear all about your adventure, but promise us one thing… make sure to visit Cambugahay Falls early as this is probably the biggest mistake people make when planning their Siquijor itinerary.
Top Tips For Travelling To Siquijor Island
If you’re visiting Siquijor here are our top travel tips:
Plan your transport - getting to Siquijor can seem confusing so make sure to plan your route and leave early on your travel day.
Arrive early to Cambugahay Falls to miss the crowds and experience the natural beauty of the area, we arrived at 8am.
Eat Local, we had some of our favourite food in the Philippines here, mainly from Roadside Diner!
Rent a scooter to explore the natural attractions. The island is small so it's the perfect place to learn to ride a scooter, just make sure you wear a helmet.
Travel Tools To Help You Plan
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Thank you for reading and enjoy your Philippine adventure. Reach out to us over on Instagram @KateandMikesTravels. We always love to hear from people who read our blogs!
For our Filipino friends: Maraming salamat sa pag babasa, hangang sa susunod nating pag kikita, mamimiss namin kayo, mabuhay ang pilipinas! Salamat
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