SIQUIJOR x Dumaguete: An Unforgettable Summer Ender

After our trip from Manjuyod Sandbar, we headed straight to the Mystical Island of Siquijor.

Siquijor is a small province situated in Visayas. A ferry boat from Dumaguete, Negros Oriental is the easiest way to access the island. Siquijor is popular because of its rumored myticism. Locals are believed to be masters of "barang" or witchcraft. I don’t know if that’s true but luckily we never had an encounter and there is nothing to fear really, I know two things that is true about the place, it is safe and it is indeed magical.

Many natural attractions are found in Siquijor, a one day tour is not enough to witness all of it. Though we only stayed a limited time, I can say that that trip is truly unforgettable.

HOW TO GET THERE

From Cebu to Dumaguete please click this link right here.

From Dumaguete to Siquijor, ride a fastcraft boat at Dumaguete Port. Fare is Php140 for adults. It only takes an hour to arrive there.

WHERE WE STAYED

We stayed at Charisma Beach Resort during our entire trip. Their rooms are very clean and the staffs are very friendly. What I like about the resort is it is beachfront where you can see the sunset and swim or chill at the beach after you get home from the day tour or before you check out of the resort. Their room rates are fine too, not too expensive but not too cheap.

Check them here... charismabeachresort.com

Or contact them at Facebook

WHERE TO EAT

Charisma Beach Resort offers food but it is quiet pricey. We asked some of their staffs if they knew any other place where we could eat and they told us about GAAY Restaurant. We had our meals there 2 times, the food is great. They serve fresh sea foods and grilled pork and chicken. You can also request how you want the seafood to be cooked.

We also ate at the beach resort’s restaurant, had our breakfast and dinner there. Food is just okay. You can also play dart and billiard in there.

Before we went to Cambugahay falls, we had our lunch at a small stall near the said falls.

GETTING AROUND

The Tricycle driver that drove us going to the resort was also the one we contacted for the day tour. When you set your foot at Siquijor, many tricycle drivers will come to you and offer you for a day tour. They’re not bad at all so don’t get scared. There are fixed fare rates established by the government so every tourist will know. A tricycle can accommodate up to 5 passengers. We only availed the whole day island tour which is priced at P1,000 plus a fare of P250.

Motorcycle rentals are also available for those who have a driver’s license. Vans and Multicabs as well if you’re a group of more than five.

ISLAND TOUR INCLUSIONS

1. Old Balete Tree which is said to be 400 to 500 years old. It has a pool where you can get a free foot spa. Well, the fishes are going to bite your skins off. There is also a shop near this big enchanted tree where you can buy souvenirs like a love potion - yes it exists - key chains and etc.

2. Hapitanan Café and Restaurant is where you can take a picture of your awesome pose with the popular witch's broomstick. This place has a very nice view.

3. Historical Lazi Church and Convent. Lazi Church is one of the oldest churches in the island of Siquijor, so ancient. You can never say that it's been developed when you see its structure.
On the otherhand, right across the church, you can find the Lazi Convent which is said to be the largest convent in Asia.

4. Cambugahay Falls, my favorite place in Siquijor, the highlight of my trip. You SHOULD definitely come in here and NEVER miss trying the Tarzan Swing.

5. Salagdoong Beach Resort is a place where every cliff divers would want to go. The cliff is extremely high and the water is too deep, so if you can't endure swimming then do not jump at all.

Here’s our budget and travel itinerary for Cebu – Dumaguete – Siquijor

(Saturday)
10:00 PM	ETD to Dumaguete	P420

(Sunday)
4:00 AM	ETA Dumaguete
	- Breakfast	P100
6:00 AM – 2:00 PM	*Manjuyod Sandbar SIDETRIP*
3:00 PM	ETA Dumaguete Port
5:00 PM	ETA Siquijor	P140
	- Tricycle to Charisma Beach Resort	P75
	- Check in Resort (Room rate P1,400 per night x 2 = 2,800/ 4 = P700)	P700
	Dinner	P200
Expenses for Day1: (excluding Manjuyod Sandbar trip)		P1,635

(Monday)
7:00 AM	Breakfast	P150
8:00 AM	Start of Tricycle Tour
	(P1,250 / 4 = P312.50)	P312.50
	- Balete Tree	P10
	- Parking fee (P20/4)	P5
	- Lazi Church and Convent	P20
11:00 PM	Lunch (Include driver)	P150
12:00 PM	Continue tour
	- Cambugahay Falls
	- Tour guide	P50
	- Parking Fee	P5
	- Salagdoong Beach Resort
5:00 PM	End of Tour / Back to Hotel
	Dinner	P200
Expenses for Day2:		P902.50

(Tuesday)
12:00 PM	Breakfast / Check out	P150
1:00 PM	ETD from Siquijor	P140
2:00 PM	ETA Dumaguete Port
	- Lunch	100
	- Sans Rival Pasalubong (Silvanas P165 per box)	165
	- Tricycle to Sibulan Port	P25
5:00 PM	ETD to Liloan Port	P70
5:30 PM	ETA Liloan Port
	- Bus to Cebu City	P300
9:30 PM	ETA Cebu
Expenses for Day3:		P950


APPROXIMATE EXPENSES:		P3,487