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.
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
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.
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
|