De-mystifying Siquijor

One thing that you should be prepared for when traveling to off-beat destinations is the prospect of getting delays or a few little surprises along the way. I guess the unpredictability forms part of the excitement when you travel to these places, apart from its charm. This is what I had to endure when I decided to head south to Cebu, cross the waters to Dumaguete, and then cross over to Siquijor to attempt to de-mystify the island of fire.

Cambugahay Falls is the poster image of Siquijor's beauty.

As the RoRo tugged slowly across the channel, I remembered the mysticism that Siquijor is associated with. The island is believed to be the home of magic and sorcery. If local folklore is to be believed, it is a place where witches and warlocks exists. It is a place where you can get different talismans and potion depending on the type that you are looking for. It is these very same perception that got me interested with visiting Siquijor, although some may have a different shade to the idea of spending time there.

A view of Siquijor from the sea.

Siquijor is the 3rd smallest province in the Philippines, in terms of land area and population. It was first sighted in 1565 by the Spanish conquistadors and referred to it as "Isla de Fuego", Island of Fire, because of the eerie glow emanating from the island. The eerie glow was later on associated to the swarms of fireflies present in the island. It is an island made popular by its mysticism but is now slowly attracting travelers who simply want to experience a different kind of thrill.
 
"Welcome to Siquijor"
 
The greeting sign was enough to give me a shake that I was already in Siquijor. As people rushed to head outside the port, I took the time to just enjoy the serene and unassuming beauty of Siquijor that greeted me. The white sand shore, where the port juts out from, was a captivating sight and a real beauty that greets travelers. It is a great telltale sign that your trip is going to be an amazing one.

Welcome to "Islas de Fuego".

The first edifice to greet you is the Siquijor Church, also known as the Saint Francis de Assisi Church, as it stands a few meters away from the port. The century-old church was first established in 1783. The current structure of coral stones was completed in 1831. It now stands like a welcome arc with its landscaped lawn bearing the "Welcome To Siquijor" marker.

Siquijor Church greets you as you step into the island.

The simple facade of the Siquijor Church is reflective of the simplicity of the place. It reflected the simple way of life of the locals. It was simple and elegantly beautiful. Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to check out its interiors as our guide was already excited to show us around.

The belfry of Siquijor Church once served as a watch tower for the town.

A few meters from the church is the bell tower that was built in 1891. It also doubled up as a watchtower that warns locals of approaching raiders.
 
Unraveling the Mystic Beauty of Siquijor
 
After a quick drop-off at the resort and a much-needed lunch, we were off to a tricycle tour of the island. They say that you can tour the island in three hours but I recommend that you set aside at least 5 to 6 hours  to enjoy it to the fullest. In our case, we missed out a couple of amazing sites because the darkness of the night had already set in before we can even complete the circumferential road of Siquijor.
 
Capilay Spring Park
 
Right at the heart of San Juan is a public park known for its natural cold spring pools. It is a favorite hangout of locals where kids and the kids-at-heart can enjoy the cool waters of the spring. The best part of it is its access is free of charge.

A view of the Capilay Park Spring from the nearby hill.

I tried to climb the stairs leading to a grotto just to try to get a better angle of the park. I met some shy locals along the way and I asked them where the waters of the pool come from. No one knows where the water source is.

The grotto of the park gives a great commanding view of the park.

Meanwhile down by the pool, the sound boisterous laughter rings around the park. A group of young boys have been jumping around into the pool. They are all trying to outdo each other with their tumbling acts. This is how kids should play nowadays - pure fun while out in the sun.

The park is open to the public and is a favorite cooling spot of the locals.

I found my own spot by the wayside of the pool. I cannot miss out on this one. I dipped my two feet into the cold springwaters of the pool. It was a welcome relief for my tired feet after a long journey to the island.
 
Century Old Balete
 
Philippine folklore tells you to stay away from a Balete tree, a local tree that is believed to be the home of deities and spirits. Stories have been told that these deities invites you to come with them to their kingdom where lavish feast are prepared for you. Once you partake of their meals, it is the point where you can no longer return to your earthly home.

The great Balete Tree of Siquijor.

On this side of the Philippines, Siquijor marvels at its century-old Balete tree without fear. It is a tourist destination complete with a freshwater spring pool where you can soak your tired feet. The water source comes from the foot of the 400 year old Balete. The massive tree is enchanting that you would completely forget all the warning that you were told about getting close to a Balete tree just to get that perfect shot with it.

Fresh water springs from the base of the century-old Balete Tree.

There is nothing to be afraid off, although, I did try to knock on its doors.

Having a foot spa in its cool waters was a welcome relief from the heat.

Did I get spooked out during the visit?

I surely did when I dipped my feet into the pool. For a minimal fee of Php5, you get to experience small fish nibbling on your feet's dead skin cells. You would get spooked though when the larger ones,   similiar to the large tilapia, start approaching your feet - a great and fun way to get spooked under the shade of a Balete Tree.

The fish had a feast with me feet.

Simbahan at Kumbento ng Lazi
 
Established in 1857, the Lazi Church was built and completed in 1884 and was dedicated to Saint Isidore the Laborer. The church was built from sea stones and wood. It is one of the oldest churches in the country and was declared as a National Historical Landmark in 1984. The modest design of the church emits a serene atmosphere as the afternoon ray hits its facade.

The simple facade of Lazi Church exudes a serene atmosphere.

Walking inside the church, I was impressed by the simple beauty of the church. It reminded me of the old churches of Bohol. The simple interior complemented the simple facade of the church. The aquamarine ceiling stands out together with the two pulpits near the altar. The two-tierred retablo serves as the main centerpiece of the church.

The elegant beauty of the Lazi Church's interior.

The simple altar of Lazi Church.

You can stroll by the church's courtyard and be amazed by its simplicity. You can enjoy admiring the bell tower adjacent to the church as you enjoy the peace and quiet that Lazi Church offers.

The Lazi Convent was being refurbished at the time of our visit.

Just right across the church is the Lazi Convent, one of the largest convent built during the Spanish era. The convent has a "bahay na bato" design with a dimension of 42 meters by 38 meters. Unfortunately, the convent was undergoing refurbishment at the time of our visit so we can only admire it from a distance.
 
Cambugahay Falls
 
It took me a long time to muster my courage to take the leap and when I finally did, it was one hell of an experience, although I knew that I looked awkward. The spirits around Cambugahay Falls were probably laughing at me. Don't worry because I was also laughing with them, as well.

Cambugahay Falls is great destination for cheap and adrenaline-pumping thrills.

Just a few minutes away from the Lazi Church was the three-tierred waterfall of Lazi - the Cambugahay Falls. The falls is a favorite destination where people can take a relaxing dip into its fresh cold springwaters. But more than taking the dip, Cambugahay Falls is popular among travelers because of the sheer thrill that it gives - jumping off from the top of the falls or swinging your way directly into the pool at its base.

The second tier of the Cambugahay Falls.

The first tier of the Cambugahay Falls.

One needs to traverse down the stairs to get to the waterfalls, from the main road. There are two areas where you can jump or swing - the first and third tier of Cambugahay. Swing ropes are already in place to get you started and, once you are warmed up, you can then proceed to jumping off from the top of the falls.

In deep contemplation whether I was going to jump. I did.

Trust me. The experience of swinging it out like Tarzan or jumping off the falls like Indiana Jones is not mysticism. It is a thrilling experience.
 
Santa Maria Church
 
The sun was starting to set as we raced way to Salagdoong before it got totally dark. We made a short stop at the town of Maria which is believed to be the home of the "mambabarangs", according to our guide. Out of curiosity, I asked if there was truth to these rumors of "mambabarang"  in Siquijor. Our guide confirmed that they do exist and that they lived in the mountains. He even offered to bring us to one of them to which I declined at that time. I think that I am not yet ready to face one legit "mambabarang".

The Sta Maria Church at dusk.

We stopped by the roadside where we can get a good look at another famous church, which I just recently found out, in Siquijor. The dusk setting in, and the thought of "mambabarangs", gave the church an eerie feel. The minimalist facade of the church and the adjacent squat belfry showed that the church is ripe with age.

The Sta. Maria Church is the home of the Black Magic Maria.

The "Simbahan ng Santa Maria" is the home of the the Santa Rita de Siquijor, also known as the Black Magic Maria. The image of Santa Rita holds a skull and an "inverted" crucifix. It stares can also interpreted differently by many. The image was also believed to have once roamed the island only to return to its place before the break of dawn. Unfortunately, I was not able to explore much of the simple interior of the church or view the said image as we were in a rush to our next pit stop.
 
Salagdoong Beach
 
I wouldn't say that it was not the best time when we visited Salagdoong Beach but we were lucky to have seen the last ray of light just in time as soon as we stepped into the sandy shores of another famous spot in the island.

Salagdoong Beach at dusk.

The local government was able to develop the beach to become a tourist spot in Siquijor.

We were lucky to have caught a couple of guests trying out cliff jumping as this is one spot famous for it. There are two platforms where you can dash, jump, and free fall into the cool saltwaters of Salagondoong. This is one activity that I missed out and I am rearing to do on my next visit soon.

The best way to conquer your fear is to dash and cliff jump in Salagdoong.

Salagondoong Beach is a real beauty even during the night. The local government has managed to make a simple park with simple accomodations for those who want to stay overnight in Salagondoong. Too bad though that we had so much fun during the trip that we were a little too late to appreciate its beauty. No worries because this is one spot worth checking out soon.

Salagdoong is one place that I look forward to going back to in Siquijor.

Laidback San Juan
 
After a tiring day of touring most of the famed spots of Siquijor, it was nice to wake up to a crisp and laid back morning in the island.

It is great to wake up to a sunny Siquijor morning.

The town of San Juan is known for its amazing picture perfect white sand beach lined with coconut trees. So it is not a surprise that most of the resorts are found along this stretch. It is the PERFECT place for those who simply want to chill out by the beach where you can simply find a spot under the shade of coconut trees, read a book, and sip your coffee or favorite drink. Every now and then, you would greeted by travelers, most of them are foreigners by the way, who are exploring the side of your beach or you would hear young children playing by the sand.

San Juan Beach is photogenic with its long stretch of white sand beach and lined coconut trees.

Local kids at play by the beach.

I was not surprised that most of the people I met were either foreign travelers or locals as I could still classify Siquijor as an offbeat destination. We did explore the beach stretch and it was like a big playground for different ages. There are makeshift swings, made from old rubber tires that you can gamely hop on. It will definitely bring back the child in you. If that is not your type of game then there are hammocks where you can take a snooze or simply explore the rock formations at the far leftmost end of the beach.

Letting loose the inner child in me on a makeshift swing.

You can also explore the beach and the nearby rock formations in San Juan.

The locals are very welcoming to their guests. We chanced upon a group of locals harvesting sea urchins which they sell to foreign guests. These local delicacy is often added to omellete to give it a different flavor. I wanted to bring home a bottle but I was told that you need to eat it within the day of the purchase so I had to scrap off the idea.

Sea Urchins are harvested by locals. It is a local delicacy that is best served omlellete-style.

The only thing that is probably a downside of San Juan is that the beaches along this side, except for a few exceptions, are not ideal for swimming. The part of the beach that gets covered by water is a mix of sand and loam which gives you an odd sensation once your feet sinks into it. Nevertheless, there are other activities that you can do like kayaking which most resorts offer.

Although the shores of San Juan may not be the perfect spot to swim, it is the perfect place to chill.

Post Travel Notes
 
Siquijor goes beyond its much-talked about public perception of being a place of magic and sorcery. It is a place of natural beauty that sooner or later will start catching up on regular travelers as evidenced by the sprouting of resorts in the island. It is a place where nature's beauty gives travelers a different adrenaline-pumping adventure. It is a place where you get to face, challenge, and conquer your fears in a fun and unforgettable way.

Siquijor is an enchantress.

Siquijor goes beyond mystical. It is enchanting. It has that unique charm that made me fall in love with the place. This is the place that I visited where I can say "nabitin ako". I want to explore and enjoy its peaceful atmosphere again.

Siquijor was able to cast its spell on me that made me fall in love with it that I am yearning to visit it again soon.

Siquijor casted its spell on me that I am excitedly thinking of going back to the island soon.
 
Getting There: Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific have daily flights to Dumaguete City from Manila. The flight takes about an hour. You can take a trike from the airport to the Dumaguete Port where you can take the RORO or the Fastcraft to Siquijor. RORO trips may change depending on the season while the Fastcraft have regular trips to Siquijor that leaves Dumaguete around after lunch.
 
To get a full Siquijor trike tour, you can get in touch with Kuya Richard at +63908 7533611. He can also help you find a great place to stay depending on your preference.