Backpacking in Siquijor (11 Best Tourist Spots)

1. Capilay Spring Park

It was a few minutes' travel from the port, where I was welcomed by a strong thunderstorm. I had no choice but to bring out my raincoat and use it. This spring park has a pool with three chambers. The free-flowing fresh water is cool, can quench the striking sun's heat, and help tired muscles. This place serves as a venue for family gatherings with beautiful landscapes, cottages, and shots.

Cambugahay Falls - Things You Need To Know

Cambugahay Falls is a 3-tiered waterfall with free-flowing, cool, crystal-clear waters. The area surrounding this stunning waterfall has luscious greens that create a relaxing ambience. If you want a thrilling experience, try the prominent "Tarzan swing." Get a water massage! Water rafts can be rented, with a local, to go to the spot where the waters are falling. Brace yourself because the sound of the rushing water will make your day a lazy day. Also, locals are great photographers.

Guiwanon Spring Park Resort, Siquijor

The Guiwanon Spring Park Resort is a man-made resort in the middle of a mangrove forest in Luyang, Siquijor. Tourists need to walk on the wooden pathway, passing by some of the cottages that can be rented. The scenery in the area is good because of the greens, accentuated by the trunk and roots of the mangrove plants. At the end of the park is an open hall where you can stay and relax with the cool sea breeze. Entrance fees are to be collected. READ: My Solo-Backpacking in Negros Oriental, Siquijor, and Bohol

Tori's Backpackers Paradise

Tori's Backpackers Paradise is the cheapest place to stay in Siquijor. The receptionist greeted me at their small reception area with a smile and a genuine "Good Morning, Sir!". At that very moment, I thought that this place was perfect. I only paid 350 pesos for an overnight stay, a great deal, right? This resort is backpacker-friendly because of its low price, and they have a dormitory-type room where visitors can meet other visitors. I was sad because my visit was off-season, and only three visitors were in the resort. If you want privacy, that's not a problem because they also have private rooms.

Siquijor Church

The Siquijor Church greets all the visitors as it is situated near the port. It was established in 1783 by the secular priests. It was built using coral stones, and cogon was initially used for roofing. What's unique about this church is the bell tower, which was built a few meters away. Like some other old churches in the Philippines,  its convent was a hiding place from the pirates and other invaders. Today, it is the centre of Catholicism in the province, but for a non-Catholic like me, this church is the living witness of the past survived by the province and its people.

Enjoyed the ambiance of Salagdoong Beach

I can't deny that Salagdoong Beach has crystal clear waters with a fine white sand shoreline, but there are also sharp stones and corals. Want a more thrilling experience? This beach has two cliff jump stations that you can try. The ambience in the area is relaxing because of the man-made landscape, which is also picture-perfect. Your day will end with a stunning sunset, with the cool sea breeze blowing. Also, this beach is a prominent destination in Siquijor, so tourists are expected to visit it.

Lazi Church and Convent

The San Isidro Labrador Parish Church, commonly known as the Lazi Church, is one of the main tourist destinations in Siquijor. I was stunned by the appearance of this Church and its convent. The parish became independent in 1857, but the current stone structure, which is neoclassical art, was completed in 1884. It was built using seashells, coral, and wood. In 1972, it was declared a national cultural heritage. Today, it is newly renovated, with the walls covered in white.

Century Old Balete Tree, Siquijor

The Century Old Balete Tree is one of the faces of Siquijor and must be visited in the province. It is a fig tree family, or the "stranger tree", because it grows beside other trees and sometimes kills the host tree by strangling it. In Philippine folklore, balete is the house of the tikbalang (horse demon), dwende (elves) and diwata (fairies). This old tree, according to stories, is mythical.

My Solo-Backpacking Itinerary in Negros Oriental, Siquijor, Bohol

Total Expenses: 11,015.84 Pesos

MONEY ON HAND: 10,424.00
EXPENSES WITHOUT AIRFARE: 9,175.4 PESOS
Flights via Cebu Pacific: MNL-DGT - 627.84 Pesos. TAG-MNL: 1,212.60 Pesos