Lonely Planet Philippines suggests “one of the best ways to experience Siquijor is by following its coastal road in one big, fascinating circle.”



The 72km round-trip can be taken in one whole day using a rented tricycle or a scooter. Traffic is almost non- existent in some parts and the feel of the clean air is quite refreshing (albeit a sore bottom). The experience would literally make you feel closer not just to this small island but also to its pretty friendly people with their ready smiles.  Here’s a list of ten things to see and do that will leave you with a smile of your own. = )



Start the tour at around 7a.m., you can start counter-clockwise from the town of Siquijor whose “pantalan” (pier) is surrounded by one of the finest water you can find in a Philippine port- its clear as glass and is quite tempting to take dip in!  Find a bakery that sells the Siquijor Torta, a filling gold-colored pastry.  



St. Francis of Assisi Church



A short walk from the pier is a small coral-stone church with a belfry dating back to 1783 and dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi.  The fortress- like belfry (used to serve as a watchtower for pirates) can be climbed via a creaky spiral staircase and affords a bird’s eye view of the surroundings. 



Capilay Spring Park



Up next is the little town of San Juan where you can find a swimming pool fed by a natural spring. Although the Calipay Spring Park needs better upkeep, with litter strewn all over the water, a mountain spring feeds fresh water and fish swim all around the pool.



Bolo-Bolo Ritual



You can ask your guide or tricycle driver to take you to one of Siquijor’s famous attractions- the native bolo-bolo healer. Their very existence has lent to the province’s reputation as a place of magic and the occult but they are not the sinister witches as we have been led to believe.  If you’re open to it you would most possibly be taken to a person who specializes in treating maladies. An experience with Conching Achay is truly a fascinating one as she “removes” ailments with the use of a piece of rock, a bamboo straw and a glass of water. A donation is always “welcome” since this is her livelihood- and also to just be sure. 8 )



Coco Grove Beach 



Following the road to Tubod, try to drop by the Coco Grove Beach Resort (if you’re not actually a guest but if you are lucky you!), the province’s    longest-running resort (and for good reason) which occupies prime real estate as far as beaches are concerned. Its tropical gardens, nicely appointed cottages, a helpful staff and a great view of the sea makes Coco Grove the type of place you won’t bother leaving in the duration of your vacation. Room rates range from PHP2,800 for a standard room to PHP8,600 for a suite with all the fixings (US$118- 210).  Ask the desk for Macky, you won’t regret it! 



Balete Free Fish Spa 



You can make a quick stop over at a massive Balete Tree near the road. Beneath the shade of its branches is a clean pool where you can dip your feet and watch the fish nibble at your toes for a free fish spa! 



St. Isidore Labradore Church & Convent 



When you reach the quaint little town of Lazi, spend some time exploring the oldest convent in the Philippines.  Finished in 1884, the stone and coral edifice served as a retirement and recreation facility for Spanish friars. Climbing the massive wooden stairs brings you to spacious interior with narra wood everywhere: the floor, panels and posts. There is also a small museum containing religious artifacts and photographs.  Across the acacia tree-lined boulevard is the stone church which dominates the town. Climbing the belfry provides a nice view of the surroundings. 



Cambugahay Waterfalls



A must-do of your road trip is a visit to this multi-tiered natural watering hole!  It’s a short distance from the road but one has to be careful going down the steep steps but the trek will be rewarded by a multi-cascaded waterfall that is surrounded by rich vegetation and is one of the best places to simply “chill out” by relaxing in the clean, fresh turquoise waters. Be wary of your belongings though as some theft has been reported (you can have your guide look after your stuff). 



Salagdoong Beach



Located near the northeast tip of the island, this beach classifies as a “what-could-have-been”. The signature rocky outcropping has been marred by concrete steps, platforms and water slides. There are concrete boxes masquerading as “cottages”.  The one great plus in Salagdoong is past the beach:  the water is a clear shade of aquamarine and is truly a joy to swim in.  The “improvements” could have been done better. It would have been better if they left it as it is.



Oldest House in the Visayas



After Salagdoong, the other notable stop on the return trip back to our resort via the north coast was what our guide claimed to be the “oldest” house on the island and possibly the entire Visayas region.  Just a stone’s throw away from the sea, the two-story structure is still a regular dwelling but looked like a precarious house of cards. You can add “most decrepit” to the list but it's still standing!



Triad Coffee Shop



By the time you’re nearing the end of the tour you’d be passing the bustling port of Larena. What better way to cap the day’s events by having dinner with a sunset view. The Triad Coffee Shop is on top of a high hill (getting here will take some work since the road is steep in some places) and looks like a UFO from afar. There is a selection of hot and iced coffee and the place also serves standard Filipino meals. But the real reason for all that effort is the splendid view of the island and the surrounding sea.  Perfect for meeting the sunset! 



So there you have it! An easy way to make Siquijor less mysterious and  on the cheap!






HOW TO GET THERE:



There are no airports in Siquijor. From Manila, regular flights to Dumaguete City leave NAIA 2 and NAIA 3.  Take a tricycle to the port where you can take a fastcraft to Siquijor (45 minutes).