1. Paliton Beach
Private beach (cordonned area) |
Public beach (where fishermen unload their catch) |
2. Paliton Marine
Sanctuary
I was brought to a more secluded part of Paliton. It was early in the morning as we visited the marine sanctuary to check. It has more refined white sand and the serene scenery entices you to swim on its calm towers. Scuba diving, snorkeling and accommodation services are also available for tourists alike.
I was brought to a more secluded part of Paliton. It was early in the morning as we visited the marine sanctuary to check. It has more refined white sand and the serene scenery entices you to swim on its calm towers. Scuba diving, snorkeling and accommodation services are also available for tourists alike.
Accommodation at Marine Sanctuary |
The
spring-fed swimming pool is situated at the heart of town plaza. No swimming
signboards were put as there are fish living on its waters.
The
San Juan church is made of tabique –
brick panels piled on each other. The bell tower
retained its original lower part in contrast with modern façade. It sits on top
of the hill and above the spring park, offering a good view of town center.
As
the caretaker told us, the 400-year old tree is believed to be enchanted
because of its eerie outline created by hundreds of roots and vined hanging
down.
The fish spa in the balete tree is a must-try as the fishes nibble the dead skin and cleanse the visitors’ feet, with Php10 entrance fee. I dipped my sandy feet in the cold water and I felt their teeth nibbling on mine. I raised it quickly when a large tilapia or janitor fish was about to bite me. OMG! I was nervous but they went away quickly.
The fish spa in the balete tree is a must-try as the fishes nibble the dead skin and cleanse the visitors’ feet, with Php10 entrance fee. I dipped my sandy feet in the cold water and I felt their teeth nibbling on mine. I raised it quickly when a large tilapia or janitor fish was about to bite me. OMG! I was nervous but they went away quickly.
The
highest point of circumferential road offering the view of Lazi bay and
environs. For selfies and amazing view, you can climb at the top of water tank
nearby. Be careful!
The
church was constructed by the Spaniards in 1884, using indigenous coral stones
and local hardwood. The church has preserved its original wooden flooring. It
was declared a National Cultural Treasure
together with the nearby convent.
Reputed
to be the biggest among the oldest convents in the Philippines, the Spaniards
started the construction in 1887 and was completed in 1894. It as a width of 38
meters and length of 42 meters. Declared as historical landmark by the National
Historical Institute, it is believed to have been the vacation house for the
Diocese’s priests at that time. It was still under renovation so we’re not able
to go inside.
The
most famous among the falls in Siquijor, visitors may choose from either a
river or a forest trek to get to the waterfalls. Secluded and relatively
unexplored, the waterfalls beckons trekkers for a refreshing dip. I used to go
to hidden falls with hours of walking before you get on it. In my case, just
alight at the marker with stone stairs landing down to the falls and in less
than 5 minutes, you’re already there. The pool right inform of us has a dept
ideal for diving. Hence, a Tarzan swing lets you dive on its cold waters. Few
walks on its upstream will welcome you to a wide cascade of falls perfect for
selfies. This part has shallow waters perfect for dipping.
The
centuries-old church is also made of tabique. Its altar and structure was built
during the Spanish administration.
What sparked my interest is the image of Saint Rita of Cascia that was infamously called “Black Magic Mary”. Housed in a glass cabinet, myth says that she walks by night and returns to her place with grassy and muddy feet. Dispelling the myth, the story of saint was displayed to tell her story as a model of unwavering faith. Hence, she was regarded as patron of desperate and impossible causes.
What sparked my interest is the image of Saint Rita of Cascia that was infamously called “Black Magic Mary”. Housed in a glass cabinet, myth says that she walks by night and returns to her place with grassy and muddy feet. Dispelling the myth, the story of saint was displayed to tell her story as a model of unwavering faith. Hence, she was regarded as patron of desperate and impossible causes.
An
idyllic hideaway tucked in a cove 6 kilometers northeast of Maria. Fine white
sand covers the shoreline and a nearby islet provides a good vantage point of
the beach front area. A longtime favorite among locals during weekends for
beach picnic, the beach is idyllic for snorkeling and cliff diving. I was not
able to take a dive because I felt feverish, so after an hour, we proceed to
our next destination.
Sources: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Enrique_Villanueva_town_hall.JPG, https://www.vigattintourism.com/assets/article_main_photos/optimize/1345525494NEWQmG1n.jpg |
12. Lilibeth Pan Bisaya
I
searched on Siquijor must-eats and I found out that there’s a local baker in
the island famous for her baked breads. Good thing my guide knew her and we
stopped over her bakery along the highway to buy her breads. Baked in charcoal
ovens, assorted cheese-filled, meat-filled and rolled breads can be bought so I
brought back 2 pieces per kind and ate back at guesthouse. Lilibeth's Pan Bisaya is located at
Barangay Binoongan, Enrique Villanueva, Siquijor.
Source: http://marxtermind.com/a-tricycle-tour-in-siquijor/ |
Credits from : httpswww.flickr.comphotosbunadski7637655364 and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larena#/media/File:Larena_Port_01.JPG
|
13. Saint Vincent of
Ferrer Bell Tower
Father
Gaudencio Marquez was responsible in the construction of the hexagonal bell
tower when he became the head if the parish in 1885-1890. It was finished in
1889. The tower is made of coral stones and rubble. Nearby are the parish
church, town plaza and the municipal hall. The town center is situated on top
of the hill, overlooking Larena port.
14. Guiwanon Spring Park
Source: https://www.tripadvisor.ie/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g664445-d1550556-i130042479-Guiwanon_Spring_Park-Siquijor_Island_Visayas.html |
A
resort of wooden bridges and nestling nipa huts above the ripples of shallow
waters that feed the fertile ground of mangroves which is a sanctuary of
various marine habitats. Entrance is only Php10
Before
going back to guesthouse, I was brought to Siquijor’s famous maker of torta as
well as local souvenir shop to purchase some. It was a great experience roaming
around the island and bid farewell to my guide.
EXPENSES
GL
Shipping Dumaguete-Siquijor – Php150
Dumaguete
Terminal Fee – Php15
Das
Straum Guesthouse Accomodation (booked via Agoda for 3days-2nights) – Php826
Tricycle
Coastal Tour – Php1000
Balete
Tree Fish Spa Entrance – Php10
Cambugahay
Falls Parking fee (for tricycle) – Php20
Salagdoong
Beach Entrance Fee – Php25
Salagdoong
Beach Parking Fee – Php25
Guiwanon
Spring Park Entrance Fee – Php10
GL
Shipping Siquijor-Dumaguete – Php130
Siquijor
Terminal Fee – Php14
Red
Cross Donation – Php2
TOTAL:
Php2227
ITINERARY (Siquijor town point of origin with
route at counterclockwise direction):
Siquijor
Welcome Park
Reference: http://www.mysiquijor.com/images/11by17100.jpg |
Siquijor
Bell Tower
Saint
Francis of Assisi Parish
Paliton
Beach
Paliton
Marine Sanctuary
Capilay
Spring Park
Saint
Augustine of Hippo Parish
Enchanted
Balete Tree
Lazi
View Deck
San
Isidro Labrador Parish
San
Isidro Labrador Convent
Cambugahay
Falls
Our
Lady of Divine Providence Parish
Salagdoong
Beach
Lilibeth
Pan Bisaya
Saint
Vincent of Ferrer Bell Tower
Guiwanon
Spring Park
Siquijor’s
Best Torta
Siquijor
Pasalubong Store
Siquijor Tour Guide: Kuya Ricky Ultra 09084990054 (Smart)
and 09759105336 (Globe).
May you have a trip to this mystic island soon! (n_n)
NEXT: SIQUIJOR: Foodtrip and Pasalubong
Selfie with Kuya Ricky's trike |
NEXT: SIQUIJOR: Foodtrip and Pasalubong
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