SIQUIJOR: The Circumferential Coastal Island Tour

The day came for my day tour as I charged my digicam and prepared for my tour. My tricycle drive-slash-tour guide picked me up from my guest house and we went along the circumferential road in counter clockwise direction. Here are the spots that we’ve visited grouped into six towns:

1. Paliton Beach

Private beach (cordonned area)

Public beach (where fishermen unload their catch)

We first went to public part of the beach where fishermen boats bound. My guide told me that name Paliton came from Visayan word meaning “buying area” where fish trade used to take place until present. There was a fenced area indicating that part was sold already and screams “No Trespassing”.

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.

Accommodation at Marine Sanctuary

3. Capilay Spring Park

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.

4. Saint Augustine of Hippo Parish

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.

5. Enchanted Balete Tree

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.

6. View Deck

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!        
         

7. San Isidro Labrador Parish

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.

8. San Isidro Labrador 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.

9. Cambugahay Falls

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.

10. Our Lady of Divine Providence Parish

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.

11. Salagdoong Beach

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

Source: http://marxtermind.com/a-tricycle-tour-in-siquijor/

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.

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

Source: http://pinklover.snydle.com/places-to-visit-in-siquijor.html

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):

Reference: http://www.mysiquijor.com/images/11by17100.jpg

Siquijor Welcome Park

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). 

Selfie with Kuya Ricky's trike

May you have a trip to this mystic island soon! (n_n)

NEXT: SIQUIJOR: Foodtrip and Pasalubong

SIQUIJOR: Afternoon tour at the provincial capital

I slept within the one-hour ride and when I saw a glimpse if the port, I opened my eyes and we’re ready to disembark. Following the passengers’ queue going out of the port, I found my way walking until I got to my accommodation in the island for 2 nights: Das Straum Guesthouse.

Welcome to the Port of Siquijor!

It looks like a mansion on the outside: Dastraum Guesthouse

On my way, I saw the famous triangular park with bell tower, church and welcome sign greeting tourists in the island.

I left my things first and paid for my accommodation (Php826 for 3D2N via Agoda site).

Roaming around the town by walking is the best to know the place. First stop is the Saint Francis of Assisi Parish near the port or commonly known as Siquijor church. The church is made of stone and in cruciform layout. The adjoining convent was likewise made of stone rubble. 

The bell tower stands independently from the church in the middle of the plaza. This arrangement suggests that the tower also served as a defensive structure, a watchtower to warn the people of approaching danger.

Established in 1783, the original convent a few meters away from the church was made like a fort to fight the frequent marauding of pirates. Now, it is within the school grounds and serves as the church’s museum.

The place is relatively peaceful as I led my way to the municipal hall and public market. 


I saw motorcycles parked beside the covered court and one of the owners offered me a habal-habal ride to capitol as I knew beforehand that it’s very far from town center (Php20 one way). Found out that this is the fastest way to roam around from point to point as tricycles usually reserved for passengers with large baggage and transport from one town to another, unless you’re in a group of 3 or more.

Arriving at the capitol grounds, it rained very hard so I sought refuge at one of the huts nearby. Then I went inside the capitol to go to tourism office to have some guide maps for my trip the next day. The staff led me to the office and I humbly asked for maps and they handed me pamphlets. I do this to have more information about the place and luckily, I was able to do this in a weekday. I went back via habal-habal and ate dinner before going back to guesthouse.


NEXT: SIQUIJOR: The Circumferential Coastal Island Tour