BEAUTIFUL SCENERIES

IN

SIQUIJOR

Siquijor is the southernmost island in the Central Visayas Region

and a province of the Philippines. Its capital is the same as municipality

named Siquijor. The island can be found northwest of Cebu and Negros,

northeast is Bohol and to the south, across the Bohol Sea is Mindanao.

Places to See in Siquijor:

Aside from its white sand beaches, Siquijor is home to

many eco-tourism adventures and historical/cultural/

religious attractions. Below are some of the places you

may want to see in Siquijor.

1. Camp Bandilaan

It is the highest peak in Siquijor. It is also considered

as a forest sanctuary. Within its slopes is a

 Butterfly Sanctuary where known plants used by

butterflies as food and cocoon anchors are cultivated.

Stations of the Cross lead to three giant crosses

 located at the mountain’s highest point.

2. Cantabon Cave

According to GoSiquijor.com, Cantabon Cave

is the most famous cave of Siquijor’s 45 caves.

The cave’s long, winding and difficult trek is both a

challenge and a delight to any spelunker

(one who explores caves chiefly as a hobby).

 Inside the cave runs a subterranean stream while

 beautiful stalactites and stalagmites abound the cave’s

huge chamber.

The cave remains undeveloped but preserved and

protected by the local government. It is about 300m long

and about 10m wide. Visitors are required to bring along

a lamp or flashlight because it is very dark inside.

It is also necessary that visitors equip themselves with

a helmet (which is now available in Cantabon Barangay Hall),

shoes that can withstand rocky slopes,

and clothes to get dirty.

  

  

  

  

3. Cambugahay Falls

 

 

 

 

 

this beautiful waterfalls consisting of three cascading

 waterfalls is just 2 kilometers outside of Lazi.

It does not have a spectacular drop but the water

 is so clean and fresh and the pools so deep that

 it makes for excellent swimming.

  

  

The Cambugahay Falls are just a short walk from the

parking area. Cross the road and walk down a series

of concrete steps to the first pool. It is deep enough to

dive from the shore. You can go up two more levels

and reach equally beautiful pools but they

do not seem to be as deep.

  

  

  

  

4. Enchanted Balete Tree

 

 

 

 

It is believed to be the oldest tree in Siquijor.

Because of its eerie outline created by hundreds of roots

and vines hanging down, a 400 year old tree is believed

to be enchanted according to Siquijor’s Tourism website.

An enchanting tree is not only a site to behold but also

provides water to its residents.

Note: It is located just beside the national highway on the way

to Lazi, Siquijor. There’s no entrance fee to this site. However,

there’s an optional donation box on-site if you would like

 to help in the preservation of this tree.

 

 

 

 

5. Capilay Spring Park

 

 

The park has a natural spring converted into a pool

 situated in San Juan. Many locals use its cold

water for swimming and its ground for picnics.

Note: There’s no entrance fee for this spring park as of this writing.

It is conveniently located in the town center of

San Juan just in front of its municipal hall. On weekdays,

 you can have the park for yourself while it can get

crowded on weekends. 

  

  

6. Guiwanon Spring Park Resort

Guiwanon Spring Park Resort have wooden bridges

 and nestling nipa huts above the ripples of

shallow waters that feed the fertile ground of mangroves.

 Equally it is a sanctuary of various marine habitats.

  

 

7. Sanctuaries

 

Tulapos Marine Sanctuary – is the biggest of the several marine

sanctuaries in the island. It is home to abundant species of fish,

corals and other underwater life. A two-storey mangrove tree

house provides a vast view over the sea and the shoreline.

However, the tree house was non-functional during our visit.

Butterfly Sanctuary – It is located in Camp Bandilaan.

You may ask a guide on site to locate this sanctuary.

We were not able to visit this place because there was

no one on duty to guide us. 
 

8. St. Francis de Assisi Parish Chruch and Bell Tower

It is located in the town center of Siquijor, Siquijor.

 It is also the first historical/religious attraction you’ll see

when you arrive in Siquijor’s pier.

9. St. Isidore Parish Church and Convent

Construction started in 1884 under the supervision of

Fray Toribio Sanchez, using indigenous coral stones and local hardwood.

 Completed and blessed in 1891, it is spacious and measures

42 by 38 meters the biggest among the oldest in the Philippines

and the whole Asia.

By virtue of Presidential Decree No. 260 dated August 1,

1973 as amended by Presidential Decree No. 375, dated January 14, 1974

and No. 1505 dated June 11, 1978 the Lazi Convent is declared as

one of the historical landmarks of the Philippines by the

Philippine National Historical Commission.

10. Siquijor Festivals

Though not a place, these are the major festivals in

the island that you should see in person.

Solili Dance - Being a traditional marriage ritual.

The Solili Dance serves as one of the highlights of the

week-long Siquijor Charter Day celebration every September.

Folk Healing Festival - Herbalists in the island are known

to produce medicinal potions believed to have effective healing

powers made from a variety of tree barks, roots, herbs,

insects & other ingredients gathered every Friday

 of the Lenten season. Preparation takes place on a black Saturday,

where the herbs are thrown into a large cauldron

filled with coconut oil. They are also famous with their love

 potions known to charm people and bring good luck.

Note: This is one of the reasons why Siquijor is known for

its witchcraft and sorcery. It’s up to you if you will believe it or not.

This place is a far cry from my last trip on my Florida holidays

which was really enjoyable but lacked the culture of this

fantastic place and I would definitely love to go back.

It offered fantastic value for money and was great to

see the beautiful scenery and would highly recommend a visit.