When talking about an out-of-town trip, we all know the usual suspects: Siargao, Palawan, Boracay, Cebu, Bohol, and the list goes on. As you fill in your travel bucket list, why not step out of your comfort zone and visit Dumaguete to Siquijor next?
Dumaguete aka the City of Gentle People is undeniably a growing tourist magnet through the years. But more than that, it’s also one of the best places to retire here in the Philippines. In fact, many expats now live and enjoy the life that the city has to offer. While Dumaguete is a relatively small province, it sure has a lot of historic, must-see, and picture-worthy spots to offer! It’s also a pretty good touch base for exploring nearby provinces, such as Siquijor.
Meanwhile, many travellers are well aware of the popular tales of the remote island that is Siquijor. Growing up, we were told stories about the island having mythical (and quite chilling!) things and creatures such as potions, black magic, witches, and sorcerers. But, what about we stop feeding ourselves with hearsay and just witness the captivating beauty of the island firsthand?
Tune in on this article as we give you reasons why a trip from Dumaguete to Siquijor should be part of your travel bucket list!
Also read: 15 Fairy Tale Destinations to Add to Your Bucket List
How to get to Dumaguete
By air
Multiple local airlines such as Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia Philippines offer daily flights from Manila or Cebu to Sibulan Airport in Dumaguete.
By ferry
Alternatively, travellers who wish to bring a car can opt to take a ferry via 2GO Travel at the Batangas Port.
Also read: 10 Rustic Airbnbs in Dumaguete for a Seaside Vacation
Best things to do in Dumaguete
Visit Silliman University
It’s not a trip to Dumaguete without a quick visit to Silliman University. While going to universities during out-of-town trips is not everyone’s cup of tea, it’s definitely worth the visit as it holds so much history behind its walls.
Established in 1901, Silliman University is the first American university in the Philippines and in all of Asia. They take pride in honing some of the best students and professionals in the country. We’ll leave up the rest of its historical details to the tour guide; so make sure you book a tour to Silliman University when you visit Dumaguete!
Slow down at Rizal Boulevard
Rizal Boulevard is one of the best places to slow down. The waterfront strip is lined with bars, street food vendors, restaurants, and more. It’s the perfect spot to chill, play volleyball, eat, drink, and watch the sunrise.
At night, Rizal Boulevard becomes even livelier with live performances, parades, and grilled barbecue for everyone to enjoy.
Tour Apo Island
If you’re in for an adventure and want to see turtles, then touring Apo Island is a must. The locals take pride in preserving marine life on and around this island; from its beautiful coral beds to fishes and, well, the star of the show –– turtles!
You can choose to bring your own snorkelling gear but it’s also available upon availing the island tour.
Also read: 10 Must-Visit Snorkelling Spots in the Philippines
Spend a beach day at Manjuyod Sandbar
Planning a visit during low tide is a must, so you can see the sandbar up and peaking from the water. While Manjuyod Sandbar is a sight to behold, there’s another main attraction that makes tourists really want to visit the island: dolphins, dolphins, and more dolphins! Book a private tour to see the dolphins in their natural habitat. Included in the tour is private time to swim in the crystal clear waters, bask in the sun and sand all day, and enjoy a scrumptious seafood lunch on the boat.
Also read: 10 Gorgeous Sandbars in the Philippines, From Manjuyod to Sumilon
Visit Forest Camp
Situated way up in the mountains of Valencia, Dumaguete is a laid-back type of resort that attracts travellers ready for the great outdoors. Forest Camp is only a 20-minute drive from Dumaguete City; it’s filled with natural pools, slides, hammocks, and a whole lot of outdoor activities that include ziplining, wall climbing, and camping.
Forest Camp is the perfect place to spend time with family and friends, whether that means swimming in the natural pools, lounging in the hammocks, or trying their mini skate park and zipline! Hammock houses, cottages, and tents are also available if you wish to spend overnight.
Eat, eat, eat!
Among other things, Dumaguete is well known (and loved) for its delectable food choices. A trip to Dumaguete is never complete without trying the different local restaurants and delicacies.
Some notable DumagetEATS to try: their own take on the local suman, Budbud Kabog, paired with sweet mango sauce and a hot cup of sikwate (hot chocolate). Adding to the list is Dumaguete’s sweet signature delight: silvanas. Their famous Sans Rival is a must-try and is, in fact, an in-demand pasalubong for your friends and family!
After exploring Dumaguete, it’s time to head on to Siquijor!
How to get to Siquijor
By ferry or fastcraft
Once you’re in Dumaguete, it’s quite easy to travel to Siquijor. You only need to ride either a ferry or a fastcraft from the port of Dumaguete going to Siquijor.
Riding a ferry is relatively cheaper compared to riding a fastcraft, although for travellers with motion sickness, this is not the best option since the ferry boat tends to rock a lot. Also, it takes approximately 90 minutes to get to the island when you ride a ferry.
On the other hand, riding a fastcraft costs more, but it guarantees a smooth, comfortable, and faster ride at 50 minutes from Dumaguete to Siquijor.
Ticket fares range from ₱200 to ₱500, depending on the type of boat.
Also read: 10 Airbnb Homes in Siquijor That You’ll Want to Book ASAP
Top things to do in Siquijor
Siquijor is a small island filled with many beautiful spots — it’s so small that you can drive around it in less than a day! Rent a motorbike for around ₱250 to ₱300 to experience touring the island by yourself in two hours (or less).
Visit Cambugahay Falls
First things first: Cambugahay Falls. It’s always the first spot tourists go to when they step foot on the island! It’s the most popular swimming hole in Siquijor, with three levels of waterfalls and a big pool with rope swings where you can jump from as many times as you want for ₱50. Since this is a popular tourist destination, make sure you visit as early as 8am to avoid huge crowds.
See the Century Old Balete Tree up close
Located down south of Siquijor in the town of Lazi is another popular tourist spot. This 400-year-old enchanted Balete tree is filled with mystical and spiritual stories, a place of dwelling that local shamans use for their sacred rituals. But don’t get spooked! The tree is beautiful and enchanting up close.
Haven’t experienced a fish spa ever in your life? There’s actually a small freshwater pond in front of the tree where you can dip your feet, allowing the fishes to nibble dead skin off of your feet!
Visit the Lazi Church
The Lazi Church or San Isidro Labrador Parish Church is Siquijor’s oldest and most significant Roman Catholic Church. Built in 1884, the church is all stone and hardwood with a bell tower attached to it, which was added as an extension the year after.
Just right across the street is a silent convent and museum that holds Siquijor’s artefacts and antiques. It’s a beautiful experience to tour the church and museum to learn more about the history of the island.
Drive up the Quisol Mountain View
Siquijor is already beautiful as it is, but wouldn’t it be nice to see the whole of the island from the top? Quisol Mountain View offers the best panoramic views of the island and its magnificent coastlines.
Located at the top of the hills of Lazi and Larena, Quisol Mountain View is only a 40-minute drive from the main town of San Juan.
Spend the afternoon at Paliton Beach
Located in San Juan is the most beautiful white-sand beach of the island: Paliton Beach. It’s a tourist spot nobody would want to miss as it is the perfect place to unwind and watch the sunset. After a full day of touring the island, the scenic sunset views, pristine waters, gently swaying palm trees, and cool breeze that Paliton Beach offers are definitely the cherry on top of your Dumaguete to Siquijor trip.
Also read: Antique Tourist Spots: Exploring the Hidden Province in Western Visayas
Has this article helped you decide on adding a Dumaguete to Siquijor trip to your travel bucket list? Plan your next trip ahead and enjoy a fun time down south of the Philippines!
