Siquijor "The Island of Fire"

Siquijor

     Siquijor is a small island in Visayas region known for its black magic and witches.  But that doesn’t stop us from seeing what it has to offer.

     From Dumaguete City, we went to Port of Dumaguete to buy tickets from Delta Fast Ferries that cost Php 160 each and a terminal fee of Php 15 only.  It is the fastest mode of transportation going to Siquijor.

     We were greeted with a beautiful view the moment we arrived at the port of Siquijor.  It was the only port I saw with a beautiful white sand beach.

     A man working at the port helped us get a tricycle driver to tour us around the island for a day.  We rented the trike for Php 1000 only.  Good thing he is a certified tourist guide!

Capilay's Spring Park

     Our first stop was at Capilay's Spring Park where residents and tourist take a plunge during hot summer days.

Enchanted Balete

     Next we visited the oldest Enchanted Balete tree in the island.  It is believed that evil spirits dwell in it and some local herbal doctors seek their power from this tree.  Underneath its roots is spring water with small fishes living in it.  We even fed them with bread.

Lazi Church or St. Isidore Church
Lazi Church or St. Isidore Church

Lazi Church or St. Isidore Church
inside the Lazi Church

Convent of Lazi
Convent of Lazi

     Then, we stopped at Lazi Church and Convent.  Lazi Church was built on 1857 by the Augustine Recollect priests.  It was made of coral stones and hard woods tiled the flooring.  Across the church you can see the Convent of Lazi.  It was built on the year of 1887 and considered as one of the biggest in the country.

Cambugahay Falls
Cambugahay Falls

     Another long minutes of drive, we parked at the Cambugahay Falls entrance.  Across the parking area, we walked down a series of concrete steps finding the first pool.  It is deep enough to dive from the bank.  I even saw a sexy Caucasian man dived at the pool and managed to take a photo of him. :D You can walk up a few more steps to find the two pools above but not as deep as the first one.

Salagdoong Beach
Salagdoong Beach

     On our way to Salagdoong Beach, trees on both side lined the street.  So beautiful and relaxing to look at.  At the end of the road, Salagdoong Beach Resort greeted us with a beautiful patch of white sand.  Since all of us were so hungry to death, we had our late lunch here and enjoyed the food we ordered.

St. Francis de Assisi Church
St. Francis de Assisi Church

St. Francis de Assisi Church
Bell Tower of St. Francis de Assisi Church

     Last stop was at St. Francis de Assisi Parish Church and Bell Tower.  It stands right in the town center of Siquijor.  It was built on the 1870 and made up mostly of corals.  It was intentionally positioned to that area to welcome guest with blessings upon arrival.  A separate bell tower was erected to forewarn and protect the village from pirates.

     It is a small island with many attractions to see, but our time was limited and we need to catch the last boat going back to Dumaguete.  Luckily, we arrived on time.

     So far, all I can say that there is nothing to be afraid of to visit this beautiful island.  All the stories about evil creatures in Siquijor are just a folklore stories.



Travel Date: December 12, 2011
Location: Siquijor, Philippines

Comments

Martin said…
Wow! Great post. Dumaguete and Siquijor will be our next destination together with my friends. The info here will come in handy. :)
January 26, 2012 at 11:52 PM
Bubbles said…
Thanks Martin! :)
March 17, 2012 at 9:58 PM
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