Island of Fire - Siquijor

When Ed texted me that they already arrived in Dumaguete, I hurriedly checked-out at Hotel Nicanor and went to Silliman University to meet them, Silliman University is the oldest American institution in Dumaguete City. We had our breakfast first before we headed to the Port of Dumaguete. Siquijor is only accessible by ferries and fast crafts, thanks to ocean jet that we reached the Mysterious Island of Siquijor in less than an hour for just Php 200.00 inclusive of terminal fee.

When we arrived at the Port of Siquijor, Our tour guide was already there, waiting for us.

Meet Kuya Joam. He is the guy sitting on the tricycle with my friend Regin.

The ever unswerving and very popular Kuya Joam, He was very funny and helpful tour guide, He never stop talking about so many things regarding the place, including the "tsismis" about mangkukulam and mambabarang. But don’t worry, because he promised us that people there are not detrimental and I trusted him.  For just a fee of Php 1000, Kuya Joam will not fail your expectations, contact him at 0927-6932095.

Our first stop was in Capitol just to get a map of the province, but unfortunately, there were no people in the capitol at that time and I dunno why, is it because we were there during their lunch time? Luckily, we saw  this big map and then Kuya Joam told us the following places that were going to explore. I also learned that Siquijor has only 75 kilometers road so you can actually explore the entire island in a day.

See that? Kuya Joam knows everything about his province.

Comfort Room

Our next destination was St. Francis of Assisi Church and Belfry of Siquijor. This is not far from the port. According to our tourist guide, St. Francis of Assisi was the oldest church in the whole province.

St. Francis of Assisi Church

Me, Ed and Regin

Belfry

Jump Shot

Our next destination was Salagdoong Forest and Beach. Along the way, we also saw mangroves and the oldest surviving house in Siquijor, Cang-Isok House

Mangroves

Cang-Isok House

Salagdoong Forest

lost in this beautiful forest

Cliff Jumpin

Brave me, huh? Well I thought I'm the only one in our group who can’t do this cliff jumpy thing but hell yeah! I was the only one in our group who did this.

Beach of Salagdoong is truly breathtaking. The view of rock formations, clear water and shores are perfect, and it is not crowded though it is a public beach. Entrance fee is 15Php per head, plus another 15PHp for parking fee (for our tryk). They have restaurant and cottages for those who want to stay there for a night. 

Salagdoong Beach

Salagdoong Beach

After Salagdoong Beach, we continued our trip and went to Sta. Maria Church, It was built in 1880 with the advocacy of Nuestra Senyora de Providencia (Our Lady of Divine Providence) 

Sta Maria Church

San Isidro Labrador Parish was our next stop, it is considered as one of the few remaining Baroque Churches in the Philippines, and a candidate for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Just across this church is the Lazi Convent..

San Isidro Labrador Parish

Lazi Convent

Cambughay Falls and the famous old balete tree was our next destination.

135 steps going down to the falls

Tanzan, King of the Jingle.

Finally, Im not alone doing this.. :)

Balete Tree

Instant Spa - lots of small fishes

After our whole day tour, we decided to spend our night at JJ’s Backpackers Village. Ed and I rented a tent for 250Php, and it can accommodate 2 small people na haha, Murang mura na at tig 125 lang kami, whoa!! but Regin slept in a dorm type room and he paid 350Php, sya na ang nakakaangat sa buhay!! There's also a small resto in the village, and I swear, the food was very delicious

Appetizing food of JJ's Backpackers Village

AMAHUNGRY

Morning View..

Singing "Pusong Bato" haha

with the very accommodating owner of the village, Ate Jessa.

Before we finally said adieu to Siquijor, Kuya Joem brought us to Capilay Spring Park and to the secret beach, actually I forgot the name of this beach so let me just call this a “secret beach”.  

White sand and very fine

My very own paradise

  

 

Capilay Spring Park

This is open for public. You can swim here for free.

 Siquijor is definitely one of the places that are worth visiting. I certainly enjoyed my vacation in the island of fire.