Siquijor is the island everyone is talking about in the Philippines 🇵🇭 But is Siquijor really as unique as everyone says, or is it just another busy tourist stop?
After hearing about this place since I first arrived in the country, I decided to skip the usual travel agencies and enlisted the help of three locals—Ann, Jenny, and Wen—to show me the real Siquijor. From pristine white sand beaches and massive cliff jumps to authentic mountain shamans, this island turned out to be completely different from places like Siargao or Palawan.
The Honest Reality of Siquijor Island
In this complete Siquijor travel guide, we rent motorbikes right off the ferry from Dumaguete and explore the absolute best things to do on the island. We kick things off at Paliton Beach, the most famous sunset spot on Siquijor, to check out its soft sand, private coves, and local food stalls where we dive into real Filipino food. We also brave the island's local nightlife, hitting up Monkey Business for live reggae and jumping into the packed weekend beach party at JJ’s Backpackers.
But Siquijor is famous for its supernatural side. We drive deep into the mountains on some incredibly rough roads to experience an authentic shamanic healing ritual. Before heading up, we stop at the enchanted, 400-year-old Old Balete Tree for a natural fish spa.
We also went down to the multi-tiered Cambugahay Falls to hit the jungle rope swings, conquer the terrifying 15-meter cliff jump into the neon-blue waters of Salagdoong Beach, and take a 15-minute hike through the woods to find secluded spots like Monkey Beach and the rocky, high-energy Secret Beach to see if they are actually worth the trek. If you are planning a trip to the Visayas, here is what you need to know before you go.
Key Takeaways & Price Breakdown for Your Itinerary:
Getting There & Moving Around: Taking the ferry from Dumaguete to Siquijor costs 350 PHP ~ $5.70 USD one way. Renting a motorbike is by far the best way to see the island, costing approximately 350 PHP ~$5.70 USD per day.
Authentic Shaman Cleansing & Balete Tree: A breakdown of meeting a traditional healer in the mountains 150 PHP ~$2.50 USD and visiting the Century Old Balete Tree and Fish Spa 20 PHP ~$0.33 USD entrance fee).
Adrenaline Spots & Entry Fees: Catching the rope swings into the multi-level Cambugahay Falls 50 PHP ~$0.81 USD entrance where we even had an injury, and cliff jumping into the deep blue at Salagdoong Beach 50 PHP ~ $0.81 USD entrance.
Beaches & Nightlife Costs: Relaxing at Paliton Beach 30 PHP ~$0.50 USD entrance and heading down to the beachside stage at the JJ's Backpackers Party 20 PHP ~$0.33 USD entrance fee.
The Truth About Monkey & Secret Beach: What to expect from the hidden jungle hikes, meeting the local fishermen, and why these spots look completely different than a typical sandy beach.
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Welcome to Siquijor!
Siquijor is a place I've been hearing about since I came to the Philippines.
This island is known for its white sand beaches, crystal clear water, stunning waterfalls,
laid-back vibes, and a mystical reputation like nowhere else in the Philippines.
So this week I've enlisted the help of three Filipinas, Anne, Jenny, and Nguyen.
To take me around the island and show me what I've been missing. Let's jump in.
And our first big stop on the island is the beach because
what is a tropical island without beautiful beaches?
What is the name of this beach?
And it is the most popular beach here on Siquijor.
And you can probably see why. It has super soft sand,
calm water, there's little coves you can go into and get yourself a private beach.
They also have some food, drinks, you can go paddle boarding and do some souvenir shopping.
Oh look at that, a little voodoo doll.
Is that how you got me?
I think so too.
You'd be better a good guy or else.
There's also some great photo spots where you can go and go on a swing that takes you
out over the water as well as some cool sand castles to get your photo taken in front of.
And getting here was actually really easy.
We took the ferry over from Dumaguete. It took about 30 minutes.
When we got here we grabbed a nice local lunch.
Are you hungry?
I'm hungry.
So today we're gonna serve you a Filipino food.
This is not white people's food, it's Filipino.
Then we rented motorbikes and went over to our accommodations
before we headed down here to enjoy this amazing nature.
What a gorgeous spot.
I'm so glad that we came over and this is definitely the most convenient beach to come to
from Dumaguete. Probably the best one on Negros Oriental.
And this beach that we're on right now is actually the most famous spot on the island for
sunset. Unfortunately it is a bit cloudy today so i'm not sure there's going to be one,
but that is not going to stop us from going and doing a little swimming,
relaxing and just hanging out in the shade for a bit.
And then we'll check back in after sunset or whatever it turns out to be.
Well we sort of had a sunset.
We did.
It was still nice to sit on the beach enjoying the clouds moving by.
But you know what, it happens sometimes and I still got to be at the beach with
my Filipina and two other ones so I mean you can't really call that a bad day.
Not at all, especially when you are looking at this beautiful ocean here
and have some small drinks and snacks.
That's right we had some San Miguel apple if you haven't tried it.
What is it?
We were trying balut.
Oh and they ate balut which is like a partially formed fetus of a chicken in the egg.
I'm judging you.
No, don't judge me.
I'm Filipina.
I think we are gonna head back to our place now and grab some dinner and go to that JJ's...
Backpackers.
Backpackers nightclub action.
We will see you tomorrow to do some really fun stuff and tell you how the night went.
See you then.
I think you might take one of your toes.
Okay I'm good.
Good morning everyone and welcome back.
How are you today?
I'm good.
Did you sleep well last night?
I did sleep well last night especially after the fun that we had.
It was party party.
We had dinner at Monkey Business for some delicious food and live reggae
and then we went to JJ's Backpackers and it was crazy.
It was full pack of people.
They're down on the beach looking up and there's this huge stage inside
where the crowd was jumping, singing.
I think Jenny got a little bit crazy too.
Yeah she did.
So where are we right now?
Right now we are here at the famous called Baliri tree.
Oh the Baliri tree and don't the locals believe that it's possessed by spirits?
And it's also a foot spa so right in front of it there are hundreds of fish
that start from this big and nibble to this big and take a bite.
Yes it tickles.
And it's an absolutely massive tree.
Hundreds of years old.
So beautiful and it's so big you can actually go into the roots and take photos.
Yes you can.
So cool and I think now we are going to be going to try and find a shaman to do a cleansing for us.
I hope I'm not getting a helling.
That doesn't sound very good to me.
All right let's go hop on the motorbike and go and see what shaman-tastic time we can have.
Let's go.
Do you feel cleansed?
I actually do feel cleansed.
That's good.
That was you know very peaceful.
Relaxing and I feel like the bad spirit from my body's out.
Yes the bad spirits are out.
Thankfully I was getting scared there for a little bit.
But yeah you know like coming up to a shaman like this it was a journey to get here.
Oh my god yeah like we are climbing up from mountains to mountains to mountains
and the road is not good.
It isn't but I think that's part of the thing about you know your spirit when you have to go
on the journey to get there and you know like we all four went in and got our cleansing and just
her presence you know like she's so peaceful she's tiny her voice is so soft you know she
took my hands in her hands and was like you have some bad energy.
You do not.
I mean but maybe it's hidden deep down in there but she burped out my bad energy.
You know like I actually do feel lighter now and I think again this is an island that's
for that spirituality for that cleanse to become renewed and I'm so glad that we came up.
Yeah I'm so glad and then like when she touched my hand she was like you have a problem with your
back and yes I have because like when I was 20 years old I got an accident and I think I couldn't
walk for like two weeks because there's something happened to my tailbone so she kind of knew that.
Yeah.
It's quite impressive.
Yeah I mean and then she looked at me and said you have a pain in your neck
and then she pointed at you.
I do not.
But yeah this was this was so nice.
I'm so glad that we did it if you're ever on Siquijor it's definitely something that I
recommend doing and it was only 150 pesos each to have the cleansing done so that's like two dollars.
And she said we cannot go shower today so let's be stinky tonight.
Yeah we'll be stinky tonight and now that we've been cleansed we are going to head
down the mountain to hang out with the locals at Jenny's friend's birthday party.
Yes actually it's my best friend uh his uh her son got a birthday today so we got
invited.
I think there's going to be some pig roasting maybe a little bit of karaoke.
Yes and some hair tricks.
I like that.
We're back and fully loaded.
I'm so full.
I know me too so much food there so many friendly people
and the karaoke was pretty good I don't know if you saw this one but wow.
And don't forget the lechon.
Oh gosh that pig was massive and so delicious.
Apparently we are late we arrived it's like almost half of the pig is gone.
That's how good it is.
And right now we are going to go and cool down at the...
Camboga High Falls.
That's right it's supposed to be absolutely amazing so stick around
because you just might waterfall in love with this place.
Are you ready?
I'm ready.
How many steps is this?
135 to 138.
What do you mean 238?
Do they add steps in?
135 to 100.
All right.
Wow it's so beautiful the jungle everywhere.
It's so easy to go down it's gonna be so hard to go up.
Wow look at that.
Welcome to Camboga High Waterfall.
Oh thank you.
We're gonna go out there so we can jump jump jump.
All right let's do it.
It is so gorgeous here.
This might be my favorite waterfall I've been to in the Philippines.
The water is so blue there's multiple levels and you can just see it all cascading down.
Wow what a place.
Right now I'm walking across this little natural bridge
to get over to where we're gonna do one of the swings.
I am ready.
You better be ready.
Are you ready Jenny?
Yeah I'm shaking.
You can do it.
Though it might be higher because you're shorter.
Shut up.
I'm scared now.
You have to like boost my confidence that I can do it.
You can do it.
All right I'm up next.
It was so much fun.
And after Jenny went I was like it can't be that hard.
Yeah and look what you got.
Oh no.
Look what you did to her head.
I think she got it.
Oh shoot are you okay?
Is it really big?
No no you can barely notice.
But I did it.
I'm such a big girl.
And how was your jump?
It's okay.
When I swam and I got under the water my bra is gone.
Where was the camera?
We want to go and see some warm waterfalls.
Yeah let's go see some warm waterfalls.
Do it.
Let's go to the next destination.
In my heart is a waterfall.
Pockets and empty baskets.
In my heart is a waterfall.
Bleeding pine trees and lit up windows and poison arrows.
How's your head?
It's so low.
Oh you're barely noticeable.
Yeah but still pretty.
Wow this place is pretty amazing.
It is.
So far you love it?
I love it and thank you guys for showing me around this has been such a great day so far.
You're very very very welcome.
I feel like being out in nature like this all these tiers of the waterfall the jungle all around
and I mean look it's like everywhere you turn is just another beautiful
waterfall with this super clear water and what were you guys just doing over there?
Well we did our fairy walk so it's kind of like fairy walk at the same time monkey walk.
Well you look like a little angel out there.
Thank you.
My pleasure but I think maybe it's time to go and do a little bit more.
More jumping.
Where's our next stop?
So our next stop is Salag Doong beach where you can jump.
Clip jump?
Yes like 15 meters.
15 meters?
You better watch out for Jenny that's like 100 meters for her.
Yeah that sounds amazing.
Are you ready for it?
I'm ready for it.
Let's go.
Oh so we've arrived where are we?
We are in Salag Doong beach.
Yes and what are you eating right there?
Mango coffee tapioca.
Yeah.
It's a famous Filipino dessert.
Oh and this is like mamon together with a coconut inside.
Yeah bocayo.
Bocayo.
Caramelized coconut.
You have to eat that one.
Oh that's so good.
Wow is there any like voodoo love potion in this?
Yes.
Did you fall?
I already fell.
All right let's head down to the beach.
Oh my god look at the water.
That's amazing.
So beautiful.
It's time to go swimming and climb up there and jump.
Does it look like Simi Palawan?
It does look like a mini Palawan.
Wow it's gorgeous.
You'll go up?
Okay don't make sure sir.
I am ready.
This is the first time for me jumping here.
I mean you're jumping into blue.
Wow.
It looks amazing.
Are you scared?
No.
Oh my god.
Did you change your mind?
It's scary.
It's time to go there.
You got this.
Do it.
You're a Filipina.
You can handle it.
Go baby.
Okay Ann jumped.
Now it's my turn.
That's higher than you think it is.
Geez look at that.
Yes.
So good.
Maybe.
When's your turn?
Chicken.
Come on you can do it.
See look how easy that was.
That was so much fun.
I mean you're literally jumping into like a blue heaven right there.
The water did shoot straight up my nose and pop my ears.
But you know what?
Totally worth it.
You are not alone.
I am here with you.
And Gwen and Jenny.
Look at the water.
Man it is so gorgeous here.
This water is so unbelievably clear and blue.
I'm so glad we came here.
I think it's my favorite spot so far.
And I mean if you can't see why then don't come to Sikihor because you're just not gonna get it.
It is so beautiful.
You know the cliff jumping was amazing.
They have a bunch of different levels you can jump from.
So if you don't want to do the 15 meter like I did you can do the 13 like Ann.
Or there's a 10 meter smaller one around the cliff.
People are out kayaking, snorkeling, and just swimming.
But the beach here isn't like the Peloton beach where it was nice soft sand.
Here it's kind of corally.
They have some shaded places that you can sit in.
There are some rocks that you can go underneath to get out of the sun while you're in the water.
And just cool down.
What a day.
Even though Jenny's here we're still happy.
Next time you're jumping Jenny I don't care what you say.
Next time.
Next life.
But I think right now we are just going to chill for a little bit.
And then head over to our next stop.
What's that going to be?
It's going to be the secret beach.
It's a secret.
Oh no, I forgot.
It's the one with the...
Well I can't wait to check it out.
Maybe we'll even get to watch the sunset there.
And see you there.
Bye bye.
We have arrived at Secret Beach.
And it was about a 15 minute hike through the woods to get out here.
Do you feel that it's secret?
I do feel it's secret.
It was definitely tough to get here.
And then we stopped to get the Filipinas some food.
Because you do not want a hungry Filipina on your hand let alone three.
Yeah everybody's hungry.
And now we're going to head down to this what looks like a stunning beach down here.
We actually on the way here stopped by Monkey Beach.
It was another hike through the jungle.
We went down to the bottom.
It was actually pretty beautiful.
There was nobody there except for fishermen with their boats.
And one Filipina monkey out in the water.
That was me.
President.
And now we're going to hike down the steps here and check out this beach together.
Yes let's do it.
Though we were informed that there is no sunset on this beach.
So it's all right we can still go down and enjoy.
We will go to Coco Rico.
Okay.
This is my first time.
Nice.
Got some music playing.
Are you disappointed?
I mean I wouldn't say disappointed.
I think I was just picturing something a little bit different.
Like an actual beach with you know palm trees and stuff.
This is more like rocks with people sitting on the sides.
They also have some kayaking out there.
There's boat trips going out so people can take a cruise on the water.
And they rent snorkeling equipment here if you want to go out and take a snorkel.
They also have a floating raft where you can go out and do
some drone shots of you dancing on the on the water.
Yeah and that's why the reason why people is coming here it's because of that.
That was a trend somehow.
Well I mean I'm not complaining we had an amazing day out here.
Yeah we do.
Sorry I'm just exhausting.
I know me too me too.
Sigiur for my first time has really been impressive.
Yeah but we didn't visit everything.
We didn't visit all the tourist spots.
This is just a few.
Of course.
Of course I know there's a whole bunch more waterfalls.
They have some like little springs you can go in.
Sanctuary.
There's an ostrich farm.
They also have some caves that you can go in.
I mean you could come here and explore for a couple of weeks I'm sure.
I really appreciate these lovely ladies taking me out to do this.
It's our pleasure to serve you.
Oh thank you so much.
Salamat.
That was cute.
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