SIQUIJOR ISLAND

Location: Central Visayas, Philippines Region: VII Coordinates: 9012’N 1230 30’E Total Land Area: 343.5 km2(132.6 sq mi.) Capital: Municipality of Siquijor Founded: September 17, 1971 Component Cities: 0 Municipalities: 6 Barangays: 134 Districts: 1 Time Zone: PHT (UTC+8) Zip Code: 6225 - 6230 Dialing Code: 35 Blogger’s Note: The small island of Siquijor which is considered as the third smallest province of the Philippines has six (6) municipalities, namely: Enrile Villanueva, Larena, Lazi, Maria, San Juan and Siquijor.

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St. Isidore de Labrador Church in Brgy. Catamboan, Lazi, Siquijor or simply known as Lazi Church built in 1884 through the supervision of the Recollects priests

Siquijor at a closer glimpse is an island full of charm with its tranquil and endless coastal beaches. It is just an hour travel through ferry from Dumaguete City. It is just a continuation of our Bohol and Cebu trips The first time I visited it wayback 1998, through a four-island (Cebu, Bohol, Dumaguete and Siquijor) tour package which I organized it by myself, was that, I was occupied with the idea of witchcraft which the place has been noted for. But my recent travel there turned out to be so successful and enjoyable one. Gone were the days filled where I was filled with so much pessimism about the place. My group instead has traveled around the island without any trace of hesitation. What we had in our mind was to maximize the tourist spots we might visit in this beautiful idyllic island.

The interior of St. Isidore de Labrador Church

It is surprising to see such a creative architectural design like this of St. Isidore de Labrador Church. Across is the Lazi Convent, which is said to be the biggest convent in Asia completed by Filipino artisans in 1884. Both the Lazi Church and the convent was declared as National Historical Shrines and are being maintained now by the local government.

The altar of St. Isidore de Labrador Church

St. Isidore de Labrador Church and its convent is just 15 kilometers away from the town of Lazi. It is very interesting to tour inside the two majestic structures for it will reveal what life was during its glorious days.

Lazi Convent - the biggest convent in Asia

Recalling the trip, we first landed in Siquijor Port and just a few meters away, one can see the laid back town and a few stores which offers basic commodities. Then from there, we visited the Saint Francis of Assissi Church.

Saint Francis of Assissi Parish Church built on February 1, 1783 by the Franciscan priests

Siquijor Port is in the Municipality of Siquijor province and Saint Francis of Assissi Church is a part of this municipality. After a short prayer inside the church and a quick tour around the town and the church's vicinity, we headed to the municipality of San Juan.

Part of Capilay's Spring Park

This natural spring park is very accessible for it is located at the heart of the town and is open to everyone for free. It is consist of three main areas, namely: the upper pool, the swimming pool and the laundry pool where it all empty to the nearby sea. To complete the fun, the local government has equipped the park with a playground, booths, and kiosks to cater for the needs of visitors most particularly the bigger groups and for family functions.

The Creepy 400-Year Old Balete (Dalaquit) Tree

Driving further had led us to the enchanted 400-year old Balete Tree in Barangay Campalanas, Lazi Municipality.

The cascading Cambugahay Water Falls

This water falls is just two kilometers north from the town of Lazi nestled in a forested area consisting of cascading multi-tiered waterfalls coming from a collection of water sheds from the neighboring mountains, natural springs and small rain forests which empties to Lazi Bay.

While waiting for a sumptuous lunch at the picturesque Larena Triad Cafe

The scenery on top of Larena Triad Cafe is just so spectacular most particularly during sunset. Staying at the cafe is so refreshing not only with the food that it serves but most particularly with the fresh air that you breathe and the high definition colors of the skies, far sea and the rich green down the hills.

The spectacular view from the top of Larena Triad Cafe

Taken at the Cantabon Cave during my first visit in Siquijor

Scaling Mount Bandilaan National Park

Check on the links for other tourist spots to visit in Siquijor as follows:

Siquijor Butterfly Sanctuary
Paliton Beach and nearby hotels and resorts
Hotel Agripino and Salagdong Beach
Salagdong Forest Reserve
Bulalakaw Forest Reservation
Mount Bandilaan National Park
Kagusuan Beach
Guiwanon Spring Park
Tulapos Marine Sanctuary
Cang-isok House
Our Lady of Divine Providence
Eugenia Cave

HOW TO GET THERE

From Manila to Siquijor

Budget airlines like Cebu Pacific have daily flights to Dumaguete City of Negros Oriental for an hour travel
From Dumaguete City Airport (Sibulan Airport), you can charter a tricycle going to Dumaguete Port
From Dumaguete Port, you can have a choice of a ferry where you can board to Siquijor for an hour trip

From Cebu City to Siquijor

From Cebu City, take a bus bound to Liloan, southern part of Cebu Province, from its South Bus Terminal. Travel time varies from 2.5 to 5 hours depending on the traffic conditions.
From Liloan Port (Cebu), take a ferry to Sibulan, Negros Oriental, with a separate charge on the terminal fee for about 30 minutes
From Sibulan Port, take a jeepney for Dumaguete City
From Dumaguete City, take a ferry of your choice which will take you to Siquijor for an hour travel