Siquijor 101

Barely untouched and breathlessly captivating. These are just some of the words to describe the hidden beauty of Siquijor.

Siquijor is an island province about an hour and a half away by boat from Dumaguete. Widely known for voodoo, witchcraft, and supernatural beings, most tourists didn’t bother including Siquijor in their itinerary. But as time went by, the tourists became more daring and have been rewarded with the time of their lives. All the city business is concentrated in the town of Larena, so the rest of the island is a haven for relaxation and peace.

Here are some tips and crucial information for a safe and fun adventure in Isla del Fuego (Island of Fire).

If you can afford it, hire a tour guide. Get a tour guide to make sure that you don’t miss a scenic spot, since some of them don’t have signs along the road. Most of the houses in the island are far apart and there are roads that are uninhabited, so it’s quite easy to get lost, especially at night.

Experienced tour guides will also tell you stories of certain tourist destinations, so you can learn more about the island and its history. The tour fee will most likely include the use of a vehicle (depending on how many you are in a group).

It’s pretty hard to get cellphone reception (as well as WiFi) in the island, which shouldn’t be a problem since you probably plan to go there to momentarily disconnect from the world anyway.

Most of the resorts are closed during the rainy season (June to September), since there aren’t a lot of vacationers, so make sure that you inquire first before making online reservations.

During the rainy season, the beaches in the southern part of the island are extra littered with dried seaweed and palm fronds carried by the strong waves because of the monsoon, so it might not be as picturesque or as conducive for swimming as you hope. Most resorts will clean up their beachfront for the sake of their guests, but do not expect that you’re going to stroll along a pristine beach.

The people of Siquijor are very friendly. Do not let stories of voodoo and witchcraft and what-not keep you from connecting with the locals.

In fact, most locals will tell you that Siquijor is not an island of witches, but an island of healers.