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Know more about Siquijor, the Healing Island

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Know more about Siquijor, the Healing Island

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Located in the Central Visayas region, Siquijor is the third smallest province in the Philippines. Legend tells of a “King Kihod” as the source of the island’s name. Old residents also called the island “Katugasan” from the Molave (“tugas”) trees that cover the hill. Another version also tells of a priest who came to the island by sailing and when he went back to Bohol he was asked by the people at the beach where he had been, and he answered “Sequor” which means to follow the waves, and was misheard by them as Siquijor.

Discovered by Esteban Rodriguez and Juan Aguirre of the Legaspi Expedition in 1565, it was known to the Spanish conquistadors as Isla de Fuego or the  “Island of Fire” for Siquijor was literally lit by fireflies at night swarming the branches of its molave trees.

Siquijor, the first parish, was established in1783 under the administration of secular clergymen. In the years that followed until 1877, the parishes of Canoan (Larena), Tigbawan (Lazi), Makalipay (San Juan) and Cangmeniac (Maria) were founded by Augustinian and Recollect priests.

From 1854 to 1892, it was administered under the politico-militar province of Bohol. In 1892, it became a part of Negros Oriental and was made its sub-province in 1901. On September 17,1971, Siquijor was created as a province by RA 6396 with Larena as the capital. In 1972 or a year later, the capital was transferred to Siquijor town by Proclamation 1075.

Since the olden times people believe the island to be mysterious because of the presence of folk healers and their practices of spiritualism and up to these days  people still come to witness the preparation of the brews and really try the medicinal powers of the herbs, from health problems to the potions for love and favor.

Above all, it’s the Siquijodnon’s welcoming smile and warmth that make every visitor’s stay delightful and unforgettable.

References: https://siquijorprovince.com/about-siquijor/

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Siquijor is one of our favorite islands in the Philippines. It has everything you need: beautiful blue waterfalls, pristine beaches, and breathtaking sunsets. And the best part? It’s not as crowded (yet) as some of the other islands. This means you can truly enjoy an authentic Philippines island vibe. We spent 2 incredible days here and loved every moment! This Siquijor travel guide will show you the best things to do, the best places to eat, and where to stay.

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It is recognized as a center of mystic power and a capital of mystic activities and black magic. Siquijor is known for the infamous agimat and gayuma. In spite of this, Siquijor offers incredible sites and sights and is rapidly becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines.

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The Lazi Convent is located in the town of Lazi, southern edge of Siquijor. The Lazi Convent, along with the San Isidro Labrador Church, plays an important role in the religious and historical beliefs to the people in Siquijor. The convent was built under the supervision of an Augustinian Recollect Ministry named Father Toribio Sánchez back in 1884. The ground floor of the convent is made of coral stones while the second floor is made of hard wood with a timber and iron framework. Measuring to 42 meters by 38 meters, the Lazi Convent is said to be the biggest and the oldest convent in Asia. The construction was completed in 1891. The ground floor of the Lazi convent is made of stone corals due to the popular “Bahay na Bato” (House of Stone) structures in the Spanish colonial era. Unlike native nipa huts, Spaniards introduced the typical noble houses with open ventilation and elevated sections. Parts of the convention were destroyed and removed, however, the main structure remains the same.

The Lazi Convent is also the home of the Siquijor Heritage Museum, where religious artifacts and historical items are kept. Artifacts includes: old friar’s diary, carved wood of saints, bells, robes, mass instruments and other 19th century items. Up to this day, the convent stands next to the San Isidro Labrador Church to actively celebrate masses. After a mass, some priest would tour some visitors around the convent. The Lazi Convent in Siquijor was restored recently in June 2017 under the head of National Historical Commission in their project of preserving historical and heritage sites around the Philippines.

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As promised, Tubod Beach is one of the best tourist spots in Siquijor for snorkeling among a pristine colorful reef.

This is a lovely sandy beach right in front of the Tubod Marine Reserve so you can snorkel straight from the beach. The reef hosts a variety of tropical fish (including Nemo!) as well as clams and sea snakes.

It’s fairly deep but do take care not to knock the coral while you float. I would also recommend wearing some aqua shoes as sometimes there are sea urchins lurking in the shallows. Tubod Beach & Marine Sanctuary is located in the heart of the San Juan tourist area so it’s accessible via the Siquijor Circumferential Road.

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The Cambugahay Falls is one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in Siquijor. These waterfalls form a three-tiered tumble of water that works its way down the lush jungle backdrop before forming its dazzling turquoise catch basin.

Whether you’re a photographer, a wild swimming fanatic, or a daredevil, Cambugahay Falls has something for everyone. The falls are located near Lazi in the south of the island. It takes around 40 minutes to drive there from San Juan via the Siquijor Circumferential Road.

The falls are accessible via a short stroll through the jungle which includes walking down around 100 stairs. They are open for tourists daily, 7 am – 5.30 pm. The earlier you visit the less crowded this popular swimming spot will be.

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On an island known for its voodoo, it’s no surprise that one of the most unique tourist spots in Siquijor is an enchanted tree. The Old Enchanted Balete Tree is 400 years old and is the oldest tree of its kind in the province. Balete trees are rumored to be the dwelling place of fairies, tree demons, and other supernatural beings. They are known as ‘strangler trees’ because they strangle nearby trees to death!

The Old Enchanted Balete Tree is free to visit between 6 am – 6 pm. You’ll notice a large basin of natural spring water at the foot of the tree.

The Enchanted Balete Tree is located in Lazi in the southern part of the island right off the Siquijor Circumferential Road.

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Lazi Church is the oldest Roman Catholic Church on the island. It was built in 1884 and constructed out of sea stones. The building features a bell tower and a striking red roof that looks great against a cloudless blue sky. Lazi Church is located in Lazi so if you book accommodation in the southern town you can walk to it. Otherwise, it’s a 30-minute drive from San Juan that you can coincide with the waterfalls and enchanted tree.

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Whether you're a coffee connoisseur, a traveler seeking tranquility, or simply curious to explore the local flavors of Siquijor, this coffee shop is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. It's more than just a place to grab a drink—it's an experience that embodies the essence of island life, where every sip tells a story and every moment is a chance to savor the beauty of Siquijor.

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Siquijor boasts a number of postcard-pretty beaches but most travelers agree that Paliton Beach is the most beautiful. The glistening white sand, the azure ocean, and the tropical foliage remind you that you are right in the heart of paradise!

I recommend heading to Paliton Beach for a late afternoon swim so that you can linger and watch a gorgeous sunset from the sand.

Paliton Beach is located in the northern tip of the San Juan area, in between Cangbusyo and Pontod beaches which you might want to visit at the same time.

There is no admission fee to visit the beach. It’s not very developed so there aren’t any resorts here but you can buy snacks and chilled drinks from friendly beach vendors.

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Sambulawan is located in Lazi, a town in Siquijor approximately 32 kilometers from the Siquijor port. Additionally, the famous and oldest church on the island, the San Isidro Labrador church, is also located in Lazi, making it a convenient stop after your Sambulawan adventure. The Sambulawan Underground River is a hidden gem that offers visitors a unique and thrilling experience. This underground river is known for its narrow passageways, which make it impossible for even a small boat to navigate. Instead, visitors can explore the river system on foot, as it stretches for approximately 200 meters. The entrance to the underground river is located in a lush forest, adding to the sense of adventure as visitors make their way to the river. Once inside, visitors will be surrounded by stunning rock formations, stalactites, and stalagmites that have been formed over thousands of years. The river system is also home to a variety of plant and animal species, adding to the natural beauty of the area. The Sambulawan Underground River is a popular destination for tourists looking to experience something off the beaten path. It offers a unique and unforgettable experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits. It is recommended to explore the underground river on foot with a guide to fully appreciate the beauty of this natural wonder.

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Pitogo Cliff, located at the southwestern side of the island facing the breathtaking Sulu Sea.

The serene cliffside gets its name from the Pitogo trees that grow in the area. Prior to being one of Siquijor’s popular travel destinations, locals used to gather and hangout by the cliffside to enjoy the scenery.

Whether you’re a beginner trying to conquer your fear of heights or a seasoned cliff diver looking for a new challenge, Pitogo Cliff offers a stunning backdrop for an unforgettable experience.

The highest point of the cliff reaches 40 feet, and it’s best enjoyed safely during high tide. But fear not, as there are also ten and 20-foot jumping-off points available, which can be used even during low tide.

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