Miked's Travel PH

Showing posts with label siquijor. Show all posts

World class diving site, gorgeous beaches, amazing sand bar and breathtaking waterfalls, this awaits you in Negros Oriental and Siquijor Island! So, here's a travel guide and itinerary that can help you for this awesome trip!

Negros Oriental x Siquijor

How To Get There

Negros Oriental is located at southeastern part of the shoe-shaped island of Negros Oriental. It faces Cebu and the island of Siquijor. Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental's capital is the main entry point from Manila. It is also the jump of point when going to the island of Siquijor.

Negros Island seen from Lilo-an Port, Cebu

FROM MANILA/CEBU - DUMAGUETE
There direct flights from Manila/Cebu going to Dumaguete City. An hour flight from Manila and around 40 minute flight from Cebu. It can also be reached from Cebu by land and sea travel.

By air, take a direct flight from NAIA/Cebu Mactan Airport to Dumaguete Airport.

At Dumaguete Airport, you can take a tricycle to get you to your inn.

By sea travel, there are ferries that can you from Manila to Dumaguete (via 2go Travel for a day travel time) and Cebu to Dumaguete (via RoRo ferries).

By land travel from Cebu, go to South Bus Terminal and ride a bus bound directly to Dumaguete.

If the direct Dumaguete bus is not available, ride any bus bound to Santander then get off Lilo-An Port.

Take a ferry in Lilo-An Port bound to Sibulan Port (a 30 minute trip/PhP 62.00).

In Sibulan Port, ride a jeepney (PhP 8.00 minimum fare) going to Dumaguete City.

Ceres Bus Terminal (but not in Bacolod)

FROM BACOLOD - DUMAGUETE
Land travel from Bacolod City in Negros Occidental is also available.

From Bacolod Southbound Terminal, ride a bus to Dumaguete for around PhP 300.00. Travel time is around 5-6 hours.

Larena Port in Siquijor

FROM DUMAGUETE - SIQUIJOR
There are no commercial flights available going to Siquijor so the only option by getting here is via sea travel.

Take a fast craft ferry (an hour travel time/PhP 200+) or RoRo (an hour and a half/PhP 130.00) from Dumaguete port to Larena port in Siquijor.

Tagbilaran Port

FROM BOHOL - DUMAGUETE/SIQUIJOR
Oceanjet ferries have two daily trips from Tagbilaran to Dumaguete. The first trip leaves at 08:00 AM and the last trip is at 05:45 PM. Lite Shipping Corporation, have trips every Tue, Thu and Sat at 08:00 PM from Tagbilaran to the town of Larena in Siquijor.

For a more detailed guide about Siquijor, you can check this travel guide.

Where To Stay

There are a lot of options where you can stay in Negros Oriental. For travelers going to certain parts of the Negros Island, Dumaguete is the main choice on where to stay since it is where airport, seaport and bus terminals are located. Here are some places you can stay in Dumaguete, Siquijor and other towns that is included in this guide's itinerary.

DUMAGUETE CITY

Harold's Mansion: +63 035 225-8000

Island's Leisure Boutique Hotel and Spa: +63 917 424-6558 / +63 915 349-1132

Bethel Guest House: +63 035 422-8000 / +63 917 320-1484

We heart Dumaguete!

MANJUYOD

Manjuyod Sandbar Stilts: +63 35 402-8338 / +63 917 300-5945

Stilts in Manjuyod

APO ISLAND

Liberty Lodge and Dive: +63 920 238-5704 liberty_apo.island@yahoo.com

Mario's Homestay: +63 920 238-5704 liberty_apo.island@yahoo.com

Apo Island Beach Resort: +63 906 361-7254 marspascobello@hotmail.com

Resorts in Apo Island

SIQUIJOR

You can check here in this travel guide, the places you can stay in Siquijor Island.

We also hear Siquijor!

Getting and Touring Around

Dumaguete City, the towns of Manjuyod/Bais, Valencia, Daquin (Apo Island), and the island of Siquijor are our destinations in this travel guide. Getting around Dumaguete is easy. You can do it by walking around , ride a jeepney, rent a motorbike. For Manjuyod/Bais and Daquin (Apo Island), you will need to take a bus to get there. In Siquijor, motorbike is the also primary option on getting around.

You can check on the links below for some information on getting to this certain destination.

Riding in Siquijor

Contact Numbers

Habal-habal for Casaroro/Pulang Bato: Kuya Fernando +63 999 456-0396 / Kuya Elvin +63 935 991-4969

Dolphin Watching and Manjuyod Sandbar: Manong Jesus +63 620 253-8099 / +63 935 862-3595

Tours in Siquijor: Manong Borognoy +63 917 371-1764 / +63 997 271-4652

Attractions and Activities

Here are the main attractions that make Gigantes Islands a hidden paradise!

Tour Dumaguete City - Take a walking tour and visit several sights like Siliman University, one of the oldest universities in the country, Dumaguete Belfry (aka Campanario de Dumaguete), one of Dumaguete's famous landmarks and Rizal Boulevard, another famous landmark where you can relax and have some snacks in "Tempurahan".

Tempurahan in Rizal Boulervard

Eat Silvanas (Dumaguete) - Have some dessert in Sans Rival Cafe where you can have this famous guilty pleasure dessert from Dumaguete. Don't forget to bought pasalubong!

Creamy, delicious Silvanas!

Chasing Waterfalls (Valencia) - Witness the natural wonders of Negros Oriental by visiting both Casaroro Falls and Pulang Bato Falls in Valencia. Then take a dip in Red Rock Hotspring.

Casaroro Falls!

Dolphins and Manjuyod Sandbar (Bais) - See some awesome dolphins in Tañon Strait and be amazed by the beauty of Manjuyod Sandbar.

Manjuyod Sandbar

Apo Island (Dauin) - Dive in one of the country's best marine sanctuaries and swim with the amazing sea turtles!

Swim with sea turtles!

Explore the Mystical Island of Siquijor - Rent a motorbike to visit the century-old churches, swim in the beautiful beaches, snorkel in marine sanctuaries, take a dip in waterfalls and many more!

Cliff jumping in Salagdoong Beach

Balinsasayao Twin Lakes (Sibulan) - Go bird watching, swimming, boating or just appreciate nature and the beauty of the twin lakes, lake Balinsasayo and lake Danao.

Eat from local places (Dumaguete) - Have a food trip from some of Dumaguete's local food establishments. From Silvanas of Sans Rival, Chicken Inasal of Jo's Chicken Inato, Dumaguete Express of Hayahay, and Brick Oven Pizza's of Nevas! As my friend used to say, Heaven!!

Heaven!

Take a side-trip to Southern Cebu - Take a side trip to Oslob and visit Tumalog Falls, Sumilon Island, and Cancua-Ay Beach or to Samboan's waterfalls or to Badian for canyoneering!

Cancua-Ay Beach

Itinerary

Make the most of your time visiting Negros Oriental and Siquijor. Explore and do the activities above in 4 days. Here's an itinerary with an optional side-trip to Oslob, or if you will be coming from Cebu.

Day 0 - Optional: CEBU

06:00 AM: ETA Cebu City
06:30 AM: ETD South Bus Terminal to Badian/Oslob/Samboan
--:-- AM: Activities (check here for south cebu)
07:00 PM: ETD Liloan, Cebu to Sibulan, Negros Oriental (via boat)
08:00 PM: ETA Dumaguete/Check-in

Day 1: SIQUIJOR: Churches, Waterfalls, Beaches!

07:00 AM: ETA Siquijor from Dumaguete
07:15 AM: Check-in/Breakfast
08:00 AM: Siquijor Church
--:-- AM: Capilay Spring Park or Lugnason Falls
--:-- AM: Enchanted Balete Tree
--:-- AM: Lazi Church
12:00 NN: Lunch
--:-- PM: Cambuhagay Falls
--:-- PM: Kaugusan Beach
--:-- PM: Salagdoong Beach
--:-- PM: Tulapos Marine Sanctuary
06:00 PM: Back to accommodation/Rest

Day 2: SIQUIJOR/DUMAGUETE: Faith Healers and Caving/City Tour

06:30 AM: Wake up time/Breakfast
07:00 AM: Visit Faith Healers
--:-- AM: Caving in Cantabon Cave
--:-- AM: Hike Mt. Bandilaan
12:00 NN: Checkout/Lunch
03:00 PM: ETD Siquijor to Dumaguete (last ferry trip is at 3 PM)
03:45 PM: ETA Dumaguete/Check-in
04:00 PM: Walk around Dumaguete City

Day 3: MANJUYOD/VALENCIA: Dolphins and Sandbar/Waterfalls

04:30 AM: Wake up time/Breakfast
05:00 AM: ETD Dumaguete to Bais
06:30 AM: ETA Bais
07:00 AM: Dolphin Watching and Manjuyod Sandbar
11:00 AM: ETD Bais to Dumaguete
12:30 PM: ETA Dumaguete (have a quick lunch)
01:00 PM: Casaroro and Pulang Bato Falls (with red rock hot spring)
06:00 PM: ETD Valencia to Dumaguete

Day 4: APO ISLAND/SIBULAN: Sea Turtles and Twin Lakes

05:30 AM: Wake up time/Breakfast
06:00 AM: ETD Dumaguete to Zamboaguita (45-minute bus ride)
06:45 AM: ETD Zamboguita to Apo (15-30 minute boat ride)
07:-- AM: ETA Apo Island, Dive or Snorkle
01:00 PM: ETD Apo Island to Dumaguete
02:-- PM: ETD Dumaguete to Balinsasayao Twin Lakes (around 30 minutes travel time)
05:-- PM: ETD Dumaguete Airport

Manjuyod Sanbar

Expenses

Here's a breakdown of what it'll cost per day on a 4-day Negros Oriental + Siquijor trip. This only includes expenses that are necessary like fares (except airfare), food, tour guides, entrance fees and accommodation. Tips and other expenses like "pasalubongs" are not included.

Day 1: Dumaguete - Siquijor

Fare - Special trip trike from Sibulan Port to Dumaguete): PhP 100.00 / 4 pax = PhP 25.00
Fare -Ferry Dumaguete to Siquijor PhP 130.00 + (terminal fee PhP 12) = PhP 142.00
Transport - Motorbike 24-hour rental PhP 350.00 + (3L gas PhP 132) = PhP 482 / 2 pax = PhP 241
Food Lunch - Barbeque + Puso rice = PhP 30.00
Accommodation - AC Room:Replica Manor PhP 1250.00 / 4 pax = PhP 312.50
Parking Fees - Cambuhagay: P10 + Salagdoong: P20 = PhP 30.00
Entrance Fees - Enchanted Balete: P5 + Salagdoong Beach: P25 + Tulapos Marine: P25 = PhP 55.00
Food Dinner - Karinderia = PhP 60.00
Total: PhP 895.50

Day 2: Siquijor - Dumaguete

Food Breakfast - Free! LOL! read here why!
Fare - RoRo Siquijor to Dumaguete PhP 130.00 + (terminal fee PhP 12) = PhP 142.00
Fare - Special trike from port to accommodation PhP 100 / 4 pax = PhP 25.00
Accommodation - AC Room in Dumaguete PhP 1200.00 / 4 pax = PhP 300.00
Food Dinner - Any eatery or fast food (or if you have budget try Hayahay) PhP 100.00
Total: PhP 567.00

Day 3: Manjuyod - Valencia

Fare - Trike from inn to Ceres terminal PhP 8.00
Fare - Bus from Dumaguete to Bais PhP 53.00
Food Breakfast - Coffee, pandesal and puto in Bais Market PhP 35.00
Fare - Roundtrip trike Bais - Port - Bais PhP 100 / 4 pax = PhP 25.00
Tour - Dolphin Watching + Manjuyod Sandbar (c/o Mang Jesus) = PhP 2000 / 4 = PhP 500.00
Fare - Bus going back to Dumaguete PhP 53.00
Fare - Trike from Ceres back to inn PhP 8.00
Accommodation - AC Room in Dumaguete PhP 1200.00 / 4 pax = PhP 300.00
Food Lunch - any karinderia PhP 60.00
Fare - Trike from inn to Valencia Jeep terminal PhP 8.00
Fare - Jeep to Valencia PhP 12.00
Tour - Habal-habal Casaroro Falls + Pulang Bato Falls + Red Rock Spring (Dumaguete drop-off after tour) PhP 600 / 2 pax = PhP 300.00
Entrance Fee: Casaroro: P10 + Pulang Bato: P25 + Redrock: P30 = PhP 65.00
Food Dinner - any karinderia again PhP 60.00
Total: PhP 1470.00

Day 4: Apo Island - Sibulan

Food Breakfast - Coffee, bread, noodles PhP 35.00
Fare - Trike from inn to Ceres terminal PhP 8.00
Fare - Bus from Dumaguete to Malatapay PhP 25.00
Transport - Round trip boat to Apo Island PhP 2000.00 / 4 = PhP 500.00
Entrance Fee: Apo Island PhP 100.00
Tour Guide: Apo Island PhP 300.00 / 4 = PhP 75.00
Others (optional) : Snorkel P100 + Life Vest P100 = PhP 200.00
Fare: Bus + Trike back to accommodation PhP 33.00
Food Lunch: PhP 100.00
Fare: Jeep from Dumaguete to La-laan, San Jose PhP 15.00
Tour: Habal-habal roundtrip Twin Lakes Balinsasayao PhP 400 / 2 pax = PhP 200.00
Fare: Jeep and trike going back to inn PhP 23.00
Total: PhP 1114.00

Total Expense: PhP 4,046.5

What are you waiting for?

Siquijor has been known as a mysterious place and a land of sorcery and witchcraft. But, these impressions will change after visiting the beautiful island of Siquijor! So, here's a travel guide and itinerary for your trip in the Island of Fire!

Welcome to Siquijor!

How To Get There

The third smallest province in the country, the island of Siquijor is located southeast from Cebu and Negros and southwest from Bohol. The airport on the island does not serve commercial flights. The nearest airport that serves commercial flights is the Dumaguete Airport in Sibulan. Another option on getting to the island is via sea travel from Bohol and Northern Mindanao.

Port of Siquijor

FROM MANILA
Dumaguete City is the gateway to Siquijor if coming from Manila. There are daily flights from NAIA to Dumaguete Airport in Sibulan, Negros Oriental. The travel time is around an hour.

Take a direct flight from NAIA to Dumaguete Airport.
Ride a tricycle going to Dumaguete Port.
Take a fast craft ferry (an hour travel time/PhP 200+) or RoRo (an hour and a half/PhP 130.00) to Siquijor.

Note: A terminal fee of PhP 12.00 per passenger is to be paid on top of the ferry ticket. The earliest ferry trip from Dumaguete to Siquijor is at 05:00 AM and the last trip is around 04:00 PM. On the other hand, Siquijor to Dumaguete ferry trips are from 05:00 AM to 03:00 PM.

Dumaguete City

FROM CEBU
Siquijor is 25 kilometers southeast of Cebu. Coming from Cebu city, one needs to get to the most southern part of the province and then ride a ferry. The travel time from Cebu to Santander is around 3 to 4 hours but also depends on traffic.

Go to South Bus Terminal in Cebu City and ride a bus bound directly to Dumaguete.
If the direct Dumaguete bus is not available, ride any bus bound to Santander then get off Lilo-An Port.
Take a ferry in Lilo-An Port bound to Sibulan Port (a 30 minute trip/PhP 62.00).
In Sibulan Port, ride a jeepney (PhP 8.00 minimum fare) going to Dumaguete City and just walk to the port.
Then take a ferry from Dumaguete to Siquijor. The rates are mentioned above.

Note: The PhP 62.00 ticket of the ferry includes the terminal fee. The trips of Lilo-An to Sibulan is from 04:30 AM to 07:30 PM and Sibulan to Lilo-An is 05:00 AM to 08:00 PM.

Bato via Lilo-An

FROM BOHOL
Oceanjet ferries have two daily trips from Tagbilaran to Dumaguete. The first trip leaves at 08:00 AM and the last trip is at 05:45 PM. Lite Shipping Corporation, have trips every Tue, Thu and Sat at 08:00 PM from Tagbilaran to the town of Larena in Siquijor.

Tagbilaran Port

Where To Stay

There are a lot of options you can choose on where to stay in Siquijor. From high-end to mid-range resorts, budget hotels, and cheap but very nice homestays. There will be an accommodation that fits your budget.

A mural along the road in Siquijor

SIQUIJOR

Replica Manor (Dumanhog): +63 35 480-5554 / +63 929 840-1358 (Reccommended)

Blue Wave Inn Resort (Dumanhog): +63 35 480-9190 / +63 916 495-9858

Rady's Pension House (Pulanguta): +63 35 480-3111 / +63 35 480-9258

Buhisan Lodge & Refreshment (Poblacion): +63 35 480 5576 / +63 917 314-0235

SAN JUAN

One Sunset View (Solangon): +63 927 883-2296

Tori's Backpacker's Paradise (Maite/Tubod): +63 907 132-6666

U-Story Guesthouse (Tag-ibo): +63 926 685-8586

Salamangka Beach and Dive Resort (Catulayan): +63 917 588-6873

LAZI

Lazi Beach Club (Talayong): +63 927 682-1966 / +63 927 820-4716

MARIA

Salagdoong Beach Resort & Hotel Agripino (Olang): +63 935 111-7619

Princesa Bulakna Beach Resort (Candaping B): +63 909 553 9282 / +63 917 338 3745

LARENA

Palm Tree Guesthouse (Sandugan): +63 920 546-6498

Casa de la Playa (Sandugan): +63 35 377-2291 / +63 999 995-1680

Map of Siquijor (click the image to enlarge)

Getting Around the Island and Tours

There are several ways to get around the island. There are tricycles, multi-cabs, and jeepneys that can take you from one point to another. Tricycles and multi-cabs rates are per trip basis, which means you have to pay for the whole tricycle/multi-cab to get to your destination. You can also just hire them for a day to give you a guided tour around the island.

Tricycle queue near Siquijor Port

Multicab and Tricycle Rates

Renting a van (Urvan) for a day (including a driver) would cost around PhP 2500 and a multi-cab would be around PhP 1800. You can try to negotiate with the price, though. For van and multi-cab rentals you can contact the following numbers:

Borognoy: +63 917 371-1764 / +63 997 271-4652

Rudy: +63 936 200-4104

Tatah: +63 927 718-0003

Multi-cabs for larger group

You can also rent a motorbike and have a DIY tour on the island. You can rent a motorbike at the gates of Siquijor Port. A 24-hour motorbike rental is PhP 350.00 not including the gas.

Motorbikes for rent

Highway in Maria

Attractions and Activities

Upon arriving at the port of Siquijor, you will immediately see the clear turquoise water of the island. So you can just imagine how beautiful the beaches on this island is. But, aside from the beautiful beaches, Siquijor has more to offer. So here's some of the attractions you can visit on the island!

Visit the Century-old Churches - The island has some of the oldest churches in the country. Almost every town in the province has a church you can visit. To name a few, the Church of St. Francis de Asisi, or commonly known as Siquijor Church was built from 1795 to 1831 and San Isidro Labrador Parish Church or Lazi Church (also nominated for the UNESCO World Heritage) was built from 1887 to 1891. Lazi church also has a convent that is also a century-old structure.

St. Francis of Assisi Church or commonly known as Siquijor Church

Visit the Enchanted Balete Tree - Check out the 400-year old Balete Tree which is believed to be enchanted. You can also have a fish spa under the 400-year old tree for free and just relax for a bit.

The 400-year old Enchanted Balete Tree

Have a dip in its Waterfalls - The three tier waterfalls, Cambuhagay waterfall in the town of Lazi is probably the most famous waterfall on Siquijor. But, there is also another waterfall on the island you can also visit. It is Lugnason Falls in the town of San Juan. However, during peak summer season, Lugnason Falls dries up. These are the two known waterfalls on the island that has their own beauty.

Second level of Cambuhagay Falls

Cliff Dive in Salagdoong Beach - A tourist (especially the adventurous) favorite destination is the Salagdoong Beach. This is a developed beach resort that the local government runs. The beach has a slide standing on a cliff and a two diving board platforms (around 20 feet ant 30 feet) where you can cliff jump.

Cliff jumping in Salagdoong Beach

Beach Hopping - There is definitely a lot of beaches you can visit on Siquijor. In every town, there is a beach you could go. In Siquijor, there are at least three beaches, Dumanhog, Balas-balas and Calalinan. In San Juan, there is Tubod and Paliton, where there is also a marine sanctuary. Kaugusan and Cang-abas beach in Lazi, the famous Salagdoong in Maria, Camogao in the town of Enrique Villanueva, and Sandugan Beach in Larena.

Tubod Beach in San Juan

Snorkeling/Diving in Marine Sanctuaries - Aside from the beaches, Siquijor also has a rich marine life. There are many snorkeling and diving spots around the island. From beginner spots like Tulapos Marine Sanctuary that has the maximum depths of 22 meters to the more advanced Paliton Wall that is hailed as one of the best dive sites on Siquijor,

Marine creatures in Tulapos Sanctuary

Visit Man-made and Natural Parks - You could visit Capilay Spring Park that sits right in the middle of town proper in San Juan. There is also the man-made forest Salagdoong Forest Reserve just before Salagdoong Beach Resort. There is also Guiwanon Spring Park in Larena where you can have a nature trip.

Add caption

Visit the Faith Healers - Visit the folk healers in Brgy. Cantabon and see them perform their healing techniques. You can also buy some love potions from them.

Explore Cantabon Cave - Siquijor has also some caves you can explore. There is Cantabon Cave in Brgy. Cantabon, a barangay near Mt.Bandilaan (You can also have a side trip to Mt.Bandilaan) where a lot of faith healers also lives. Aside from Cantabon, there are still more cave in Siquijor but I'm not just sure if it is open to the public.

Itinerary

You can have a day tour in Siquijor to see the must-see attractions, but to see more of its beauty and experience its culture, it is better to have more than a day. So here is a 2-day, 1-night itinerary for you!