This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Siquijor.
Siquijor is a laid-back island in the Philippines, in the very south of the famous Visayas archipelago. As with many islands of the Visayas, Siquijor Island is small but welcoming in what concerns budget travelers. This island is best known for the luminescence generated by insects during the night that gives it an atmosphere of something mystical. Because of these, the Spanish settlers gave it the name of Isla del Fuego -– Island of Fire -– to Siquijor Island. The most funny thing about the island is that, due to the luminescence, many Filipinos refuse to visit the island and Siquijor is known among them as a center of black magic and witches. Whether it's true or not, probably you will not find out while relaxing on the beach or making some incredible dives in Sandugan, or simply lazing around.
The main town -– where the main port is located -– is Siquijor Town, with enough tricycles to take you almost everywhere on the island. The most famous beaches are Sandugan –- also very good for diving –- and San Juan and Paliton on the west coast. But if you rent a motorbike, you can stop almost everywhere along the coastal road for enjoying your own private beach.
To get to Siquijor Island, there are direct ferries -- at least six daily -- coming from Dumaguete, but you can also take ferries in Bohol, Cabu City, and a few more ports around the Visayas –- all making a small stop in Dumaguete and reaching Siquijor easily. There are other options for bigger distances with slow boats but the schedules and timetables aren't usually fixed, so you will need local advice on this.
Siquijor's hostels are very nice and welcoming to backpackers. The cheapest hostels in Siquijor with a good relation between price and quality are located in Sandugan Beach. Also, Siquijor's hostels are the only place where you can get really good information about exploring the island.
Written by local enthusiast for Siquijor hostels
CoffeeMarks
