Commonly known by locals for its witchcraft, the island of Siquijor has become a popular tourist destination in recent years for all the right reasons, with an abundance of things to do. Nestled amongst nature with pristine surrounding ocean and dense untouched jungle with the perfect amount of tourism infrastructure, Siquijor is home to some of the best attractions for all types of travellers. Whether you’re a family looking to relax on the beach or a solo traveller looking for adventure, this gem of an island has it all. Read on to find out all of the top things to do in Siquijor, hand picked by us!
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19 Top Things To Do In Siquijor Map
Salagdoong Beach – Cliff Diving For The Adventure Seekers
At Salagdoong Beach you have the perfect mix of adventure and paradise. There are two main bays on the beach: one ideal for relaxing in the shallows and the other for snorkelling, if you’re lucky you might even see some turtles. There are also cliff diving platforms 5 & 10 meters high which can be used during high tide, meaning you can keep everyone busy for the whole day. Definitely a top thing to do Siquijor Island. Location 📌
Read more about Salagdoong Beach
Tubod Beach & Marine Sanctuary – The Best Snorkelling Spot On Siquijor
The real highlight of this beach is the Marine Sanctuary out front boasting some of the best snorkelling Siquijor has to offer, however if you’re looking for a white sand beach to relax on we recommend Paliton Beach just up the coast. At Tubod Marine Reserve, just a few meters into the sea you will see some of the best coral, starfish, anemones and more.
We recommend visiting at high tide to avoid stepping on the coral when entering the sea, also make sure to wear Water Shoes and watch out for the sea urchins that occupy the Siquijor Coast. Location 📌
Find Out More Information On Siquijor’s Snorkelling Spots
Locong Falls – Hidden Gem Waterfall
Perhaps one of the least crowded falls on the island, the hidden gem Locong Falls is a must visit if you’re looking for some serenity away from the chaotic roads of the Philippines. A little oasis hidden down a steep hill boasts great swimming, rock jumping and a rope swing, as well as bamboo benches to relax on. Located near the town of Lazi, you can combine a trip to Locong with visiting Cambugahay Falls early that day. Location 📌
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Kawasan Falls – Tarzan Rope Swing Over A Hidden Cave Behind A Waterfall
This is one of the smaller waterfalls on Siquijor, however still worth the visit if you have enough time. There is a natural pool to relax in as well as a hidden cave behind the falls, there are definitely less crowds here than most of the other falls in Siquijor (similar to Locong Falls), so if you prefer a smaller waterfall with less crowds and activities we recommend visiting these instead of the famous Cambugahay Falls. Location 📌
Paliton Beach – Best Beach For Sunset Drinks
One of the most famous beaches in Siquijor, and therefore busy, is Paliton Beach. Known for its stunning sunsets, silky smooth white sand, turquoise blue shallow water and row of bars selling rum and cokes or fresh coconuts. This beach is a must visit at sunset while on Siquijor, located only a 5 minute drive from the main town of San Juan it is definitely a top thing to do on Siquijor. Location 📌
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Lugnason Falls – Cascading Waterfall Surrounded By Lush Green Jungle
Nestled amongst picture perfect jungle lies Lugnason Falls, a popular alternative to Cambugahay Falls due to less crowds. Jump from the rope swing suspended above the pool, stand behind the cascading waterfall or simply relax in the bright blue water. Location 📌
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The Old Enchanted Balete Tree – 400 Year Old Tree With Feet Eating Fish
Yes, you read that right! A 400 year old balete tree with hanging roots stands tall over a natural spring beneath containing small foot eating fish, a very unique Siquijor tourist attraction. Although it was very busy when we visited which took away from the mystical feel, if you visit early and have this place to yourselves it is worth the visit. Location 📌
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Monkey Beach – Secluded Beach Used By Local Fishermen
This is called Monkey Beach for a reason! Local Monkeys can commonly be seen roaming the beach, however they won’t bother you if you leave them alone. This secluded beach is quite far off the beaten track meaning you’ll probably only bump into the odd local fisherman, make sure to bring a snorkel and have fun exploring. Location 📌
Follow our Siquijor itinerary based on our real experience exploring the island
Cambugahay Falls – The Most Beautiful Siquijor Attraction
The most stunning and certainly the most crowded tourist attraction in Siquijor, Cambugahay Falls is a multi-tier waterfall with four different levels. We arrived at 8am and the crowd was already building up, so we headed straight for level 4 and had the place to ourselves. Make sure not to miss this as it’s definitely one of the best things to do on Siquijor however we recommend going early or not at all. Location 📌
Read more about Cambugahay Falls
Tulapos Barracuda Point – A Cool Opportunity To Snorkel Or Dive With Schools Of Barracuda
A unique adrenaline rush for the adventurous travellers, Tulapos Barracuda Point offers a chance to snorkel or dive with large schools of Barracuda, as well as small black tip sharks and turtles. The water here is deep so make sure the water visibility is good before getting a guide. Location 📌
Cangbangag Falls – Tallest Waterfall On Siquijor
A strenuous hike through Siquijor’s thick jungle brings you to the tallest waterfall on the island. It is best visited around the wet season (June-November) during rainfall as Cangbangag Falls is known to dry up easily. It’s also worth noting this waterfall isn’t the easiest to get to, first you’ll have to drive off-road down a pothole filled entrance road and then hike the treacherous path down to the pool, but that’s what makes it an adventure! Location 📌
Mount Bandilaan – National Park Area With Multiple Of Siquijor’s Top Attractions Inside
If you’re looking for a break from the beautiful beaches and waterfalls Siquijor has to offer, you can escape into the mountains by exploring Mount Bandilaan National Park. You can hike through the rainforest, watch out for snakes, climb to the top of the viewing tower for panoramic views and relax in the healing park. Location 📌
It is home to some of Siquijor’s Best Tourist Attractions:
- Cantabon Cave – in our opinion one of the best cave tours in all of the Philippines
- Butterfly Sanctuary – loved by many, one man has set up a sanctuary in his garden
- Observation Tower – standing high above the ocean, this is Siquijor’s highest point
- Healing Park – completely secluded park, perfect for some peace and quiet
Sambulawan Underground River – An Adventurous Trek Through Narrow Cave Systems With Underground Wildlife
A unique spelunking experience, swimming through the crystal clear waters of the Sambulawan Cave System, be prepared to crawl through tight spaces in order to reach the various beautiful rock formations formed over hundreds of years, both stalactites and stalagmites. You will also trek through the multiple bat sanctuaries and run into all of the underground arachnids. For the best experience possible, we recommend visiting around 9am where there won’t be too many crowds. Location 📌
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Siquijor Diving
Siquijor has an extremely healthy underwater ecosystem making it one of the most travelled destinations in the Philippines for diving. While visiting you can stay at a dive resort to gain your PADI certification, or if you’re already certified you can also join dive trips to one of the many spots around the island. Siquijor offers the rare opportunity to dive with turtles, Barracuda, sharks, pristine coral and more, make sure to add this to the bucket list!
Best Siquijor Snorkelling Spots
If diving isn’t your thing, you can also snorkel around Siquijor, both Tubod Marine Sanctuary and Tulapos Barracuda Point can be snorkelled. If you’re venturing to Tulapos you will need a guide per two people, however Tubod can be done without one. Here are the top snorkelling spots in Siquijor:
- Caticugan Marine Sanctuary
- Tulapos Marine Sanctuary
- Salagdoong Beach
- Paliton Beach
- Tubod Marine Sanctuary
- Maine Marine Sanctuary
Siquijor Tourist Spots Map
Best Beaches In Siquijor
- Paliton Beach: perfect for sunset drinks
- Solangon Beach: un-crowded locals spot
- Tubod Beach: best snorkelling
- Monkey Beach: secluded fisherman’s beach
- Salagdoong Beach: cliff jumping & turtles!
- Islanders Paradise Beach: beachfront cottages on a budget
Best Waterfalls In Siquijor
- Cambugahay Falls: most beautiful but very crowded
- Lugnason Falls: most adventurous
- Locong Falls: most secluded
- Cangbangag Falls: the tallest
- Lagaan Falls: secluded & adventurous
Best Time To Visit Siquijor
How To Travel To Siquijor?
Siquijor is a relatively small Filipino island with a very small airport so the best way to get there is by ferry, however flights run daily from Cebu and take roughly an hour but expect it to cost!
Ferries run very often from the nearby islands of Cebu, Negros and Bohol making it easily accessible. One of the most popular routes is from Moalboal after flying into Cebu City, this is what we opted for and would highly recommend it.
Travelling To Siquijor? Read Our Moalboal To Siquijor Guide
We recommend using 12Go to book Ferries & Busses, also Rome2Rio for all of your travel planning needs in Asia.
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 – 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.
Best Places To Stay In Siquijor
$ Budget
Lazy Lizard Hostel
Lazy Lizard is a great budget option for your stay in San Juan. Up from the main road it is quiet, in the jungle and offers scooter hire. There’s options for private rooms or shared dorms.
$$ Mid-Range
Apo Diver’s Resort
Perhaps you want something more luxury or your here for the diving! Apo Diver’s Resort offers sea views on the beach front with a beautiful pool and chill out spot.
$$$ High-End
Coco Grove Beach Resort
Backing onto Tubod Marine Reserve this is a great luxury choice if you love snorkelling. The resort also boasts a large seafront swimming pool, free coffee and breakfast as well as an on-site restaurant.
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Tips For Visiting 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.
