Siquijor

Hidden lagoon paradise with mystical waterfalls

Siquijor is a small island in the Philippines known for its natural springs and lush forests. The water here feels cool and clear, drawing visitors who want to relax or explore nature. Trails lead through dense green areas where birds call and trees provide shade. Local communities share simple meals made with fresh ingredients from nearby farms. Beaches have soft sand and gentle waves, making them good spots for swimming. The island’s pace encourages slowing down, letting people notice details like sunlight filtering through leaves or the sound of wind in tall palms.

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Island in Philippines

$$$

$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

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Safety: 5.8

General Safety:	7
Health & medical:	4
Accessibility:	4
Tap water:	4

Read details

3/5

In Siquijor, most locals speak basic English, especially in tourist spots and hotels. Visitors will find simple conversations about directions, food and services manageable, though learning a few Tagalog phrases helps.

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Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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Siquijor Summary

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Great for tropical beaches and waterfalls. Swim in turquoise cascades, relax on quiet beaches, go snorkeling and explore scenic coastal roads.

Place score

8.4

Best at:

Islands

Sea

Cosy towns

Beaches

Secluded

Personal score

Suited for

👶 6

Families

🧓 7

Seniors

👩 9

Solo

🛡️ 8

Travel Beginners

Philippines – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	220 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B Type A: Type B: Read about power adapters
Currency:	Philippine Peso (PHP) £1 ≈ ₱85.07
Cashless info:	Rating 3/5 Cashless payments are increasingly common, especially in larger cities and tourist areas, but cash is still widely used in rural areas. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is not mandatory in the Philippines, but it is appreciated. 10% is standard in restaurants. Small tips are welcome for taxi drivers and hotel staff.
Public drinking:	Public drinking is prohibited in many areas, but alcohol consumption is allowed in licensed venues.
Public smoking:	Smoking is allowed in designated areas, but smoking indoors in public spaces is generally prohibited.

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 911 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps:	Grab
Other:	The Philippines is known for its stunning beaches, unique wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. Be mindful of the weather, as typhoon season can affect certain regions.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Siquijor, Philippines

🌦️

Jan

🔥

Feb

🔥

Mar

🔥

Apr

🔥

May

🌦️

Jun

🌦️

Jul

🌦️

Aug

⛈️

Sep

⛈️

Oct

⛈️

Nov

🌦️

Dec

High season:	Jan. - May, Dec.
Shoulder season:	Nov.
Crowdedness:	2 (Few tourists)

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Climate details

Typhoon season roughly August to December can cancel ferries to Dumaguete, Cebu and Bohol

Holy Week (March or April): traditional healers gather herbs and hold rituals, island is busier and accommodation fills up

Best diving and island hopping November to May, rougher seas and lower visibility June to October

Don't miss

🏊‍♂️ Swim beside the turquoise lagoons of Cambugahay Falls
🌳 Explore the mystical Balete Tree at night for folklore tales
⛰️ Hike to Mount Busuanga and sunrise over the archipelago
🍤 Dine on fresh seafood in a beachfront shack near Lazi Church
🐠 Snorkel with colorful reef fish around Tañon Strait reefs

You've been here?

Why travel to Siquijor?

Siquijor, a small island in the central Visayas of the Philippines, offers travelers an authentic blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage without the crowds found on larger tourist destinations. The island’s coastline features clear turquoise waters, white sand beaches and dramatic cliffs that are ideal for snorkeling, kayaking or simply relaxing by the sea. Inland, lush rice terraces and terraced fields provide a peaceful backdrop for hiking and cycling, while the surrounding mangrove forests support diverse wildlife, including migratory birds and marine turtles. The island’s history is reflected in its well-preserved Spanish-era churches and traditional wooden houses, many of which have been converted into boutique inns or local eateries. Visitors can explore the historic San Juan Bautista Church or wander through the quaint streets of Lazi, where artisans craft intricate wood carvings and woven textiles. Siquijor’s culinary scene highlights fresh seafood, coconut-based dishes and regional delicacies such as “kakanin” (rice cakes) made from local ingredients. Siquijor is also known for its wellness traditions; several resorts offer yoga retreats, spa treatments using natural ingredients and guided meditation sessions overlooking the ocean. The island’s relaxed pace, friendly locals and commitment to sustainable tourism make it an ideal destination for travelers seeking a quiet yet enriching experience in Southeast Asia.

🏯Places worth seeing

1 Balicasag Island

🎡Places for activities

1 Balicasag Island

🏞️Natural landmarks

1 Balicasag Island

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Knowledge before you go

Pack light, breathable clothing; Siquijor’s tropical climate stays warm year-round.
Rent a motorbike for flexible island exploration, but always wear a helmet and check local traffic rules before riding.
Reserve accommodation in advance during the dry season (November to April) to secure better rates and availability.
Explore the island’s volcanic caves early morning; locals say sunrise light reveals hidden rock formations not visible later.

How to travel to Siquijor

Siquijor, a small island in the Philippines, is accessible primarily by boat from mainland Cebu or nearby islands like Bohol. The fastest route involves departing from Cebu City’s Mactan-Cordova area, with ferry services operating daily to Siquijor Town (also known as Catmanila). Travelers can also take a combination of land and sea transport by boarding a bus or van to the port in Cebu, followed by a 2–3 hour ferry ride. Some private chartered boats offer direct trips from Bohol or Negros Oriental for those seeking convenience. The island’s compact size makes local tricycles or habal-habal (motorcycle taxis) ideal for short-distance travel once ashore.

Access summary

From Puerto Princesa Airport (PPS): Ferry to Siquijor (4–5 hrs).
From Dumaguete City: Ferry 1–2 hrs; from Cebu City: Ferry 6–7 hrs.
By boat from San Juan Port, Siquijor: 30 min local trip.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay in Siquijor

Siquijor offers a mix of beachfront bungalows, eco‑lodges and boutique inns that cater to both budget travelers and those seeking luxury. Prices typically range from ₱1,500 – 3,000 (£17.78 – 35.55) per night for basic rooms with shared facilities, while private villas or all‑inclusive resorts can command ₱5,000 – 10,000 (£59.25 – 118.50). Many accommodations emphasize sustainable practices, using solar power and locally sourced materials. The island is renowned for its “pahiyas” style cottages – colorful, hand‑painted structures that blend traditional Filipino aesthetics with modern comforts. For a more secluded experience, consider the small guesthouses tucked into mangrove forests or the hillside inns overlooking the sea, which often include complimentary breakfast featuring fresh seafood and tropical fruits.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

Coco Grove Beach Resort

Infinity Heights Resort

9.2

The Gabayan Riviera

8.9

Monkey Business Bungalows

Kawayan Holiday Resort

9.0

Explore more accommodations

How to get around Siquijor

Getting around Siquijor, Philippines, is best done by renting a motorcycle or car, as these offer flexibility to explore its scenic coastal roads and rural areas. Tricycles are common in towns but limited elsewhere. Ferries connect the island to neighboring regions like Cebu and Bohol via the Siquijor-Jinay-Panglao route. For shorter distances, tricycle taxis or habal-habal (motorcycle taxis) are affordable options. Public buses operate between major towns such as Siquijor City and Cabua. Taxis are available in urban centers but less frequent elsewhere. Walking is viable for compact areas like the capital’s historic sites. Ensure your vehicle has sturdy tires, as rural roads can be rough. Fuel up regularly, especially when venturing to remote beaches or waterfalls.

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

-76 %

Daily expenses in the region are around 76% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.

Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-19 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to PHP) is 19% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is considerably cheaper compared to the past.

Travel costs (Data for Talisay, Philippines - 121 km away)

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

	Backpacker	Mid-range	Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation	£22	£44	£117
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person	£9	£23	£64
🍝 Food per day	£12	£18	£49
🚕 Transportation per day	£2	£3	£4

Food & Drink

🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person	£7.50
🍛 Lunch Set, per person	£3.20
🍟 Fast food combo	£3.70
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day	£4.60
☕ Cappuccino	£0.65
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l	£0.85

Transportation

🚌 Public transport ticket	£0.32
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi	£2.40
⛽ Petrol, 1 l	£0.80

Other

🎞️ Cinema ticket	£4.30
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult	£10.50
🤧 Cold medication	£4.50
💇 Basic haircut	£2.80

Safety information overview

General safety

Siquijor remains generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and friendly locals. Tourists should stay vigilant in crowded markets, avoid isolated beaches after dark and keep valuables secure. Respect local customs, use reputable transport and follow standard beach‑safety guidelines.

Health & Medical

Siquijor offers basic medical care through local clinics and a small hospital, adequate for routine visits but limited for emergencies. Travelers should bring travel insurance, vaccinations and anti‑malaria prophylaxis; watch out for dengue, waterborne illnesses and occasional air pollution from nearby industrial areas.

Accessibility

Siquijor offers limited accessibility: most beaches and villages are reachable by foot or short boat rides, but uneven paths and few wheelchair ramps hinder mobility. Good signage and friendly locals help, yet plan ahead for stairs and narrow lanes if you need assistance.

Tap water

Siquijor’s tap water is generally safe for locals but not recommended for tourists without filtration; most visitors use bottled or filtered water. Public fountains are scarce, so carrying a reusable bottle and using local brands ensures reliable hydration throughout the island.