Miked's Travel PH

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Located in the most northern part of the province of Cebu, Bantayan Island is rich with beautiful white sand beaches, amazing scenery, and century-old churches. The island is divided into 3 municipalities namely, Bantayan, Madridejos and Sta. Fe. Most resorts and beaches are located in Bantayan and Sta. Fe.

Paradise! (Photo from Den Balingit)

How To Get There

Going to Bantayan Island is quite a trip, but surely it is worth it. Coming from Cebu, it requires land & sea travel.

FROM CEBU

Go to Cebu North Bus Terminal in Mandaue City and ride a bus bound to Hagnaya Port.
Fare: P165+, Travel time: 4 hrs, First trip: around 2-3 AM

Take a ferry in Hagnaya Port going to Santa Fe, Bantayan Island.
Fare: P180 with a terminal fee of P10, Travel time: 1hr, First trip: 3 AM, Last trip: 5:30 PM

From Santa Fe, just walk a few meters to the tricycle waiting area, then ride a trike to your resort of choice.
Fare: P100 per trike, or depends on your negotiation skills.

Optionally, you can ride a direct bus to the town of Bantayan for P200. The bus will be loaded onto the ferry but, you will still need to pay the ferry fare.

*The first trip by ferry going back to Hagnaya from Santa Fe is 6:30 AM and last trip is 4:30 PM.

Destination: Bantayan

Hagnaya Port

FROM LEYTE

Take a ferry in Palompon to Pulambato Port in Bogo City, Cebu.
Fare: P250, Travel time: 2.5-3.5 hrs, Daily trip: 7:30 AM - around 10 AM

Ride a bus to Hagnaya Port. Fare: Less than P50, Travel time: 30-45 mins

Boarding a RoRo bound to Bantayan Island

FROM MASBATE

Take a ferry (RoRo) in Caitingan Port in Masbate to Pulambato Port in Bogo City.
Fare: P460+, Travel time: 5.5 hrs, Daily trip: 12 PM - around 5:30 PM

Ride a bus to Hagnaya Port. Fare: Less than P50, Travel time: 30-45 mins

Passenger Terminal in Santa Fe, Bantayan Island

Where To Stay

Most beaches and resorts are located in the towns of Bantayan and Santa Fe, so you will want to look for accommodations on these towns. Here are some budget friendly accommodations you can check.

Ritzy's/Althea White Beach Resort
Rates: P800 Fan Room for 2, P1500 AC Room for 2 | M: 0977-240-6258 / 0977-605-9196 | T: 032-438-9569

Nordic Inn
Rates: P700 Fan Room for 2, P1000 AC Room for 2 | M: 0998-554-6711

Mayet’s Resort
Rates: P600 Fan Room for 2, P1200 AC Room for 2 | M: 0927-545-8743 / 0921-761-8763 | T: 032-406-5668

Kota Beach Resort (Camp Sawi Location)
Rates: P1600 AC Room for 2 | M: 0956-276-4410 | T: 032-416-5013 / 032-438-9042

Santa Fe Beach Club (just taking a picture, we didn't stay there lol)

Getting Around the Island

You can ride a tricycle or motorbike on getting around places within the town. While multicabs/jeeps are the primary options on getting to another town. You can also rent a bike for P150 or motorbike P350 (not including gas) for a day.

Map of the island

Activities and Attractions

Here are some activities you can do and attractions you can see in Bantayan Island.

Paradise Beach, Alice Beach, Sugar Beach and Maricaban Beach - Visit these beautiful white sand beaches in Santa Fe.
Virgin Island and Hilantagaan Island - Rent a boat for P1000+ for a whole day tour and visit these nearby islands. The entrance fee on Virgin Island is P500 for first 2 pax, and a P100 for additional persons, while you can enter Hilantagaan Island for free.
Ogtong Cave - Take a dip in a natural pool in a small underground cave located inside Ogtong Cave Resort. There is a P120 entrance fee though, which also includes the use of their other swimming pools.
Explore the island via bicycle or motorbike - Rent a bike or motorbike and just roam the island and checkout the sights like Kota Ruins in Kota Park, Kota Beach, Baywalk, the fishing village of Madridejos, and Obo-ob Mangrove Eco Park.
Saints Peter and Paul Parish Church - Visit the five-century-old church that is also the oldest church in the province of Cebu.

Itinerary

Here's a 2-day, 1-night itinerary for travelers that are making a side trip to Bantayan Island.

DAY 1: CEBU - BANTAYAN + LAND TOUR
- 03:00 AM: Cebu North Bus Terminal to Hagnaya Port (4hrs)
- 07:00 AM: Ferry from Hagnaya Port to Santa Fe, Bantayan Island (1hr)
- 08:30 AM: Early Check-in or Leave Baggage in Accommodation/Breakfast
- 09:00 AM: Start Land Tour
- 05:00 PM: Back to Accommodation
- 06:00 PM: Dinner/Free time
DAY 2: ISLAND HOPPING
- 06:30 AM: Wake up time
- 07:30 AM: Breakfast
- 08:00 AM: Island hopping
- 03:00 PM: Back to Accommodation
- 04:00 PM: Free time/Sunset at Kota Beach
DAY 3: BACK TO CEBU or JUMP TO MALAPASCUA
- 05:00 AM: Wake up time
- 06:00 AM: Santa Fe Port to Hagnaya Port Ferry (1hr)
- 07:00 AM: Travel back to Cebu (4hrs) or Maya Port for Malapascua (2.5hrs)
- (if back to Cebu) 12:00 NN: ETA CEBU
- (if proceed to Malapascua) 09:30 AM: ETA Maya Port
- 10:00 AM: ETA Malapascua

What are you waiting for?

If you are planning on an El Nido trip but have no idea how, well, here's a travel guide and itinerary that will surely help you. This guide will provide you information and instructions on how to get there, accommodations, tour packages and daily expenses. All of that within a budget of 7,000 pesos!

Big Lagoon

How to get there

El Nido is located on the northernmost part of Palawan Island. Options to get here from Manila/Cebu are via air or sea travel. There are direct flights from Manila to El Nido (via AirSWIFT) but it is expensive. Here are the options on how to get to El Nido.

From MANILA/CEBU via Puerto Princesa

Take a flight from NAIA/Cebu-Mactan Airport to Puerto Princesa International Airport.
If by BUS, ride a tricycle at the gates (fare is P8) of the airport then get off at Junction 1 then ride a multi-cab (fare P13) to San Jose Terminal .
Ride a bus going to El Nido either Cherry or Roro Bus (fare is P385 ordinary, P480 A/C, and discounted for students). Travel time is around 6 hours.
The last bus stop will be at El Nido Integraded Bus Terminal where there are tricycles that can take you to your accommodation.
You can also charter a tricycle going to San Jose Terminal for P100 (try to haggle).
First and last trip of buses from Puerto Princesa - El Nido and El Nido - Puerto Princesa is 04:00 AM and 10:00 PM.

If by VAN, ride a tricycle to either, San Jose Terminal, or Robinson's Place (where there is a transport terminal) then ride a van going to El Nido.
Travelling by van is a little faster than bus, but fare is higher P500 (P550 if they will pick you up at the airport), travel time is around 5 hours.
Earliest trip of Puerto Princesa to El Nido start at 5:30 AM and last trip is around 8:30 PM.

El Nido bound bus in San Jose Terminal

From CORON

Check ferry schedule here and book a trip from Coron to El Nido.

Travel time, in good weather is around 5-7 hours for ordinary passenger boat (fare P1400++) while fast craft operated by Montenegro Lines is around 3 and a half hour (P1700).

Northern Palawan

Where to Stay

El Nido have many accommodations that you can choose. From budget and backpacker friendly to luxurious resorts. In this guide, we'll focus on budget friendly accommodations. Here are some budget friendly accommodations located in the town proper.

El Nido Sands Inn

Rate: Fan:P600++ | A/C:P1300 | T:(048) 723-1916 | M: 0917 773-3324 / 0999 452-5843

Our Melting Pot Hostel (OMP)

Rate: Dorm: P400 | M: 0906 412-7861 | E: omphostel.elnido@gmail.com

Bunakidz Lodge

Rate: P800++ | M: 0912 405 9509

Mam Olson Pensionne House

Rate: A/C: P800++ | M: 0927 919 0722

El Nido Bay Inn

Rate: A/C: P1800++ | M: 0927 560-8535 / 0998 987-2995 | E: info@elnidoinn.com

The town of El Nido

Tour Packages

The main activity in El Nido is island hopping. Tour packages are standardized and is grouped into 5 tours, Tour A, B, C, D and E. Tours A to D are island hopping tours while Tour E is a land tour around the town. Depending on season, tour package rates vary. Tour providers usually have a standard rate for each tour, but there are some that give discounts for big groups and if you have a good haggling skills.

Tour A - Rate per person: P800 (off-peak) to P1200, destinations are: Big and Small Lagoon, Simizu Island, Secret Lagoon, Seven Commandos Beach

Tour B - Rate per person: P900 (off-peak) to P1300 destinations are: Pinagbuyutan Island, Cathedral Cave, Cudugnon Cave, Entalula Island, Snake Island

Tour C - Rate per person: P1000 (off-peak) to P1400 destinations are: Hidden Beach, Matinloc Shrine, Secret Beach, Helicopter Island, Star Beach

Tour D - Rate per person: P800 (off-peak) to P1400 destinations are: Bukal Island, Ipil Beach, Nat-Nat Beach, Cadlao Lagoon, Paradise Beach

Tour E (Land tour) - Rate per person: P1500 destinations are: Nacpan and Calitang (Twin) Beaches, Marimegmeg Beach, Nagkalit-Kalit Falls

Lagoon Tours

* Usually, a whole day is spent for each tour in El Nido, but, if you have limited time, you can combine tours as well. Tours B and D are usually combined as well as Tours A and C.
* For your E, you can just rent a motorbike (P350 to P500, not including gas) and ride to the destinations above.

Activities and Attractions

Aside from island hopping, here are some other activities you might want to do in El Nido.

Scuba Diving/Snorkeling - Witness El Nido's rich marine life. There are over 30 diving sites to check in El Nido.

Snorkel snorkel

Climb Mt. Taraw - Have an extreme activity by climbing Taraw Cliff and to see the breathtaking view of the town and Bacuit Bay. If you don't want to live dangerously, you can also try a safer way to go to the summit via the canopy walk for P500 per person.

View from Taraw Cliff (Photo from Cess Catangal)

Tour the town via Motorbike - Rent a motorbike and visit the inland beaches like Nacpan, Calitang and Marimegmeg (Las Cabanas) Beach. Then take a 1-2 hour hike to Nagkalit-Kalit Falls (best to visit during wet season).

Always wear your helmet!

Zip Line in Marimegmeg (Las Cabanas Beach) - Try out the 750-meter zipline from Las Cabanas Beach to Depeldet Island. A one-way ride cost P500 (sitting position), P700 (superman) and a two-ride cost P900 (sitting), P1100 (superman).

Enjoy the sunset in Corong-Corong Beach - Take a break and relax for a moment, having a drink after a long day in Corong-Corong Beach just nearby Las Cabanas Beach.

Eat out! - Try out some popular restaurants in the town like Trattoria Altrove for its pizza, Squidos for grilled dishes, Art Cafe for breakfast, Angel wish for seafood and L’Assiette Ice Cream for you've guessed it, ice cream!

Pizza from Trattoria Altrove

Itinerary

Make the most of your time visiting El Nido. Here's a 5-day, 4-night itinerary for your trip.

Day 0: ARRIVAL in PUERTO PRINCESA

06:00 PM: ETA Puerto Princesa Airport
06:15 PM: ETD Puerto Princesa to El Nido
12:00 AM: ETA El Nido/Check-in/Sleep

Day 1: TOUR B & D: Caves and Islands!

07:00 AM: Breakfast
08:00 AM: Start of Tour B and D
04:00 PM: End of Tour
05:00 PM: Back to Town

Day 2: TOUR A: Lagoons and Beaches!

07:00 AM: Breakfast
08:00 AM: Start of Tour A
04:00 PM: End of Tour
05:00 PM: Back to Town

Day 3: TOUR C: Beach Bum Haven!

07:00 AM: Breakfast
08:00 AM: Start of Tour C
04:00 PM: End of Tour
05:00 PM: Back to Town

Day 4: TOUR E: DIY Land Tour!

06:00 AM: Breakfast
06:30 AM: ETA Taraw Cliff
07:00 AM: Climb Taraw Cliff
09:00 AM: ETA Summit of Taraw Cliff/Descent
12:-- PM: End of Descent/Lunch
01:00 PM: Hire Motorbike/Start tour
01:45 PM: Nacpan and Calitang (Twin) Beaches
03:00 PM: Nagkalit-Kalit Falls
04:00 PM: Marimegmeg Beach (Sunset)
06:00 PM: ETD El Nido Town
07:00 PM: Dinner/Back to Hotel

Day 4: (OPTIONAL Early Fly Out)

08:00 PM: Checkout/Travel back to Puerto Princesa
01:00 AM: (Day 5): Check-in to Lodge/B&B
--:-- AM: Catch earliest available flight

Day 5: GOING HOME

07:00 AM: Breakfast
08:00 AM: Checkout/ETD El Nido
02:00 PM: ETA Puerto Princesa

Sand bar in Snake Island

Expenses

Here's a breakdown of what it'll cost per day on a 5-day El Nido 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. The other expenses are shared by a minimum of 2 pax.

Day 0: Puerto Princesa - El Nido Traveel

Fare - Trike Airport to Junction: PhP 8.00
Fare - Multicab in Junction to San Jose Terminal: PhP 12.00
Food Dinner: Karinderia in Bus Terminal: PhP 50.00
Fare - A/C Bus to El Nido: PhP 480.00
Fare - Trike from El Nido Bus Terminal to Accommodation: PhP 25.00
Food Water - 12 Liters: PhP 190.00
Total: PhP 765.00

Day 1: El Nido Check-in/First Tour

Accommodation - Mam Olson Pensionne House: PhP 800.00 / 2 (pax) = PhP 400.00
Food Breakfast - Free Coffee + Pandesal: PhP 10.00
Tour - Tours B & D (with lunch) from Lagoon Tours (+63 926 304 9680): PhP 1,000.00
Food Dinner - Eatery in town proper: PhP 100.00
Total: PhP 1,510.00

Day 2: El Nido Island Tour

Accommodation - Mam Olson Pensionne House: PhP 800.00 / 2 (pax) = PhP 400.00
Food Breakfast - Free Coffee + Cup Noodles: PhP 20.00
Tour - Tour A (with lunch) from Lagoon Tours (+63 926 304 9680): PhP 800.00
Others (optional) - Kayak in Small Lagoon: PhP 300.00 / 2 = PhP 150.00
Food Dinner - Eatery in town proper: PhP 100.00
Total: PhP 1,470.00

Day 3: El Nido Island Tour

Accommodation - Mam Olson Pensionne House: PhP 800.00 / 2 (pax) = PhP 400.00
Food Breakfast - Free Coffee + Bread and Spread: PhP 25.00
Tour - Tours C (with lunch) from Lagoon Tours (+63 926 304 9680): PhP 1000.00
Food Dinner - Eatery in town proper: PhP 100.00
Total: PhP 1,525.00

Day 4: El Nido Land Tour

Accommodation - Mam Olson Pensionne House: PhP 800.00 / 2 (pax) = PhP 400.00
Food Breakfast - Tapsilogan in town proper : PhP 80.00
Tour Guide - Taraw Cliff: PhP 300.00 / 2 (pax) = PhP 150.00
Food Lunch - Eatery in town: PhP 100.00
Transport - Motorbike Rental + Gas: PhP 350.00 + 150.00 = 500 / 2 (pax) = PhP 250.00
Food Dinner - Eatery in town proper: PhP 100.00
Total: PhP 1,080

Day 5: El Nido to Puerto Princesa

Food Breakfast - Eatery in town proper : PhP 70.00
Fare - Trike from Accommodation to El Nido Bus Terminal : PhP 25.00
Fare - Bus from El Nido to Puerto Princesa: PhP 480.00
Food Lunch - Eatery in Puerto Princesa : PhP 60.00
Fare - Trike + Multicab from Bus Terminal to Airport: PhP 20.00
Total: PhP 685.00

Total Expense: PhP 7,005

What are you waiting for?

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.

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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!