History has it that Siquijor Island gives off a strange glow from afar when the Spaniards first sighted it in 1556. The "glow" came from a great swarm of fireflies which abound in the island along with molave trees where the insects had lived. This is why the colonizers called the island Isla de Fuego (Island of Fire), the former name that the island province uses as moniker.
Siquijor has been feared long ago for its voodoo-ish reputation — those mystical traditions and stories of sorcery that has kept the province from tourists' eye. But those horror tales are already left in the past. The country's third smallest province capitalized in this supernatural characteristics and became an emerging tourist destination.
1. St. Francis of Assisi Church (Siquijor Church) | Siquijor, Siquijor
Completed around 1830s, Siquijor Church is the oldest church in the island. It stands few meters from Siquijor port, welcoming island visitors upon setting foot.
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| Siquijor Church |
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| Siquijor Church's bell tower stands few meters away from the church |
2. Beaches of San Juan | San Juan, Siquijor
San Juan, among the towns of Siquijor, has the highest concentration of beach resorts in the island. A great stay next to fine white sands, clear and shallow waters, and palm-lined coasts — that's what San Juan has to offer.
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| Palm Village Guesthouse at Brgy. Lala-o, San Juan, Siquijor |
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| San Juan beach |
3. Capilay Spring Park | San Juan, Siquijor
Situated at San Juan downtown, serving as the town's public plaza. It has a deep emerald green pool whose waters come from a natural flowing stream, surrounded with manicured garden amenities.
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| San Juan's public plaza |
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| Capilay Spring Park's swimming pool |
4. Lugnason Falls | San Juan, Siquijor
Part of a 1.5-kilometer nature trail that features 12 water cascades named after the signs of zodiac. Known as Aquarius Falls, it's the grandest and dive-able among the waterfalls of Zodiac Falls Adventure Eco-park.
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| Empty and barely trickle Lugnason Falls |
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| Naturally-formed rock formation |
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| Cancer Falls, one of the 12 Zodiac Falls |
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| Kiddie guides at Lugnason Falls |
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| Sagittarius Falls, one of the 12 falls |
5. Old Balete Tree | Lazi, Siquijor
Speaking of being enchanted, what's more bewitching than a huge, century-old balete tree? Under the shade of Lazi's old balete tree is a wide basin with school of fishes intended for a therapeutic spa.
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| Siquijor's old and "enchanted" balete tree and the fish spa basin below |
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| Hugeness of the balete tree |
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| Tickling fish spa |
6. San Isidro Labrador Church (Lazi Church) | Lazi, Siquijor
Located along a quiet, acacia-laden street in Lazi. It has rustic façade and interiors, adding a charm to it's location that presents a rural feel. Built in 1857.
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| Lazi Church stands at an acacia-laden street in Lazi |
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| Lazi Church's facade |
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| Lazi Church's interior |
7. Lazi Convent | Lazi, Siquijor
Stands across Lazi Church. Built 30 years after the church, it was the oldest and once the biggest convent in Asia.
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| Lazi Convent before its restoration in 2017 |
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| Lazi Convent's grand staircase; the convent was emptied to give way for its restoration. |
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| One of Lazi Convent's hallway |
8. Cambugahay Falls | Lazi, Siquijor
Three-tier waterfalls with a wide but not-that-high water curtains. In its topmost cascade, Tarzan swing enthralls every daring soul.
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| Cambugahay Falls' topmost water cascade |
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| Cambugahay Falls' second cascade |
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| Preparing to take off |
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| A local swinging like Tarzan at Cambugahay Falls |
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| Behind Cambugahay Falls' water curtain lies a mini cave |
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| Established stairs down to the falls |
9. Salagdoong Beach | Maria, Siquijor
It boasts off its creamy shores and the gigantic coral rock perched along its shoreline where anyone can take an exhilarating jump into the open sea.
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| Turquoise waters of Salagdoong |
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| Huge coral rock formation of Salagdoong Beach |
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| Man-made slide directly dropping into the open sea |
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| The huge coral rock bisects the shore creating a twin beach — the shorter one resembles a mini cove. |
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| Salagdoong Beach Resort's concrete table cottages |
10. Cang-Isok House | Enrique Villanueva, Siquijor
Oldest surviving structure in Siquijor, said to be built more than a hundred years ago. Some stories deemed the house haunted.
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| Cang-isok House |
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| Cang-isok is located on a piece of land between the shore and the highway. |
11. Larena Triad Restaurant and Bakeshop | Larena, Siquijor
Situated at a highland in the town of Larena, the sweet shop offers a spectacular view of Siquijor's coastline and a good place to catch the sunset.
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| Siquijor coastline viewed from Larena Triad |
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| Larena Triad's snack bar |
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| Larena Triad's dome-shaped eating area, where everyone can savor their meal together with a calming vista |
READ ALSO: Siquijor in 24 Hours: Trip Guide and Itinerary
Do you know other destinations in Siquijor that's worth a glimpse? Share it and let everyone know the enchanting beauty of the so-called mystic island!
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DJ Rivera is an I.T. professional, entrepreneur, travel blogger, writer and the online publisher of PinoyTravelogue.com based in Rizal province, Philippines. Click here to know more.
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