On the island of Siquijor where black magic resides, you can find the Old Enchanted Balete Tree. The Balete tree is part of the Ficus or fig family and the scientific name of it is Ficus benjamina Linn. They start their life by germinating on a host tree, they engulf the tree eventually killing it. This is where they get their name ‘Strangler figs’ as they effectively strangle the other tree. Siquijor is home to multiple beautiful balete trees however the ‘Old Enchanted Balete Tree’ has become a must visit for all tourists on the island, with its fish spa at the base.
Read on to find out everything you need to know before visiting one of Siquijor’s most popular tourist spots, the old enchanted balete tree, from folklore, entrance fees, location, how to get there and whether we think its worth visiting.
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Folklore About The Old Enchanted Balete Tree
The Balete Tree fits perfectly into Siquijor’s Black Magic vibe. Folklore states that mythical creatures live in the tree and perform rituals at night, these creatures include: fairies, elves and spirits. Some Filipino people are superstitious of the tree believing it to cause illness and suffering. Balete Tree leaves are also used in traditional medicines as a cure for wounds and headaches.
Where Is The Old Enchanted Balete Tree Siquijor?
It is located on the South Of the island, along a beautiful windy mountain road. We took our rental scooter up and it was a lovely drive along the quiet Siquijor roads however you could also get a trike or Jeepney from San Juan.
How To Get To The Old Enchanted Balete Tree Siquijor?
If you’re staying in the main hub of San Juan the Enchanted Tree can be found just a 20 minute scooter ride away. We recommend hiring a scooter while in San Juan as this is the best way to get around the island.
If you don’t want to scooter you can hire a trike.
Tip: Share the trike with other travellers heading in the same direction to keep costs down.
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How Much Does The Old Enchanted Balete Tree Cost?
If you’re on a tight budget you can see the tree from the roadside for free. The entrance costs ₱20 per person and although its a small area that you get access to, that includes dipping your feet in the fish pond which act like a natural spa… if you can call it that.
What Is At The Old Enchanted Balete Tree?
When you enter the site you are greeted by the 400 year old tree with its hanging roots, the tree is beautiful. If you arrive late or on a weekend the pools around the tree will be crowded slightly taking away from the mystical feel.
There are pools at the base of the tree (the water is provided by a natural spring) which are full of foot eating fish. Many people sit down and allow the fish to nibble at their toes while marvelling at the tree.
There is a small café onsite that serves cold drinks as well as a restaurant serving food. Apart from that there is nothing else to do at the Balete Tree, around the entrance are gift shops which you can enter without paying the entrance fee.
Should You Visit The Old Enchanted Balete Tree?
For us the experience was over crowded and we weren’t expecting to pay an entrance fee of ₽20 (maybe this is new). You can see the tree from the road and grab a souvenir from one of the souvenirs outside of the barrier. The island is very small and you’re bound to pass the tree while moving around so it’s worth a short stop even if you don’t end up paying.
If you’re wondering how to spend 3 to 5 days in Siquijor, we’ve got a detailed itinerary ready.
What’s Nearby The Old Enchanted Balete Tree?
The tree is located on the main road around the island so it is a great stop off to other places such as Salagdoong Beach or Cambugahay Falls.
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Siquijor’s Best Tourist Attractions
We stayed 5 nights on Siquijor and think this is the perfect amount of time to see everything the island has to offer. Here’s our highlights.
Top Pick: Cambugahay Falls
Visit early or don’t bother going, this is our top pick as it was so tranquil at 8am plus we saw an iguana!
Best Beach: Paliton Beach
One of the best snorkelling spots on Siquijor and a hotspot for traveller at sunset. The beach is lined with shacks selling rum for cheaper than water!
Off The Beaten Track: Cantabon Cave
The best cave on Siquijor and still a hidden gem on the island.
Other Blogs On Siquijor
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.
Spacing
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.
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Final Thoughts On The Old Enchanted Balete Tree
If you’re on the island for a couple of days this makes a good short stop on your way to another attraction. It’s interesting to find out about the Folklore surrounding the tree but you definitely won’t spend your whole day here. The old enchanted balete tree is also very popular with domestic tourists meaning on weekends and public holidays it gets super busy, taking away the mystical feel and relaxation of the fish “spa”, so we recommend visiting on a normal day. The entrance fee is minimal and as you’ll find on Siquijor, most of the attractions have a small entrance fee to access.
Looking to relax? Read our guide on Siquijor’s Best Beaches
