A 2-DAY WEEKEND ITINERARY IN SIQUIJOR

I have heard stories about Siquijor, not about its pristine beaches and waterfalls, but mostly about the advent of witchcraft and voodoo. Dubbed as the "Land of Barang", Siquijor attracts a lesser amount of tourists than the other nearby islands of Visayas. However, with its unparalleled scenery and coastal charm, Siquijor should be at the top of your list of must-see islands in the Philippines, my home country.

From Manila, you can fly to Dumaguete and get the last boat to Siquijor. Or if you're coming from other parts of Mindanao, like us, you can drive all the way to Dapitan in northern Zamboanga, ride the RORO to Dumaguete and get the earliest boat the next day to Siquijor. If you don't have enough time, a day trip to the island would suffice. Once you get to the port of Siquijor, a red tricycle marked "Postada" will meet you at the other end and you can discuss your preferred itinerary to the driver. We paid P1000 for a day trip around the island (and that's already the 4 of us). The drivers are very friendly, so don't hesitate to talk to them anytime or ask for a group photo.

OLD ENCHANTED BALETE TREE

According to the locals, the tree has been around for 400 years. A fee of P5 is needed before you can enter the area. They offer a "natural" fish spa. Natural I say, because the locals have said the fish came from the Balete Tree (woo, so magical), and it's been used as a form of treatment for people with joint pains and bunion.

LAZI CHURCH OF SIQUIJOR

This is the oldest Church in Siquijor that dates back to the Spanish settlement in the Philippines.

CAMBUGAHAY WATERFALLS
A hundred steps down and you'll see the three-tiered Cambugahay Waterfalls. Swing from the vine and into the clear basin of water.

SALOGDOONG BEACH

At 2pm in the afternoon, this is the perfect siesta spot. The beach, the weather, the view - it's just beautiful. Grab yourself a book, lounge around and enjoy the water. Or if you are like me, go cliff diving! We spent most of our afternoon here before heading back to Dumaguete.