Our journey continues as we leave Panglao Island behind and set sail for Siquijor, a hidden gem in the Philippines known for its turquoise waterfalls, serene beaches, and mystical reputation. This adventure takes us through ferry rides, stunning snorkeling experiences, breathtaking waterfalls, and an unexpected fish spa at an ancient balete tree.
Leaving Bohol: Ferry to Siquijor
Our morning started with checking out of our hotel in Panglao and grabbing a quick breakfast before heading to the Tagbilaran Ferry Terminal.
- Ferry Booking: We took an OceanJet ferry from Bohol to Siquijor.
- Ticket Price: 880 pesos per person.
- Delay: Our 3:20 PM ferry was delayed by about an hour due to rain.
- Terminal Experience: Comfortable waiting area with air-conditioning, food stalls, and surprisingly good Wi-Fi.
- Onboard Experience: Assigned seating (Seats 15F & 15G), smooth ride with Gravol-induced naps to avoid motion sickness.
We arrived in Siquijor in the dark, heading straight to our accommodation for the night.
First Morning in Siquijor: Breakfast & Beachside Vibes
To start our day, we grabbed breakfast before heading to our first adventure spot.
- Meal Choice: American breakfast (eggs, bacon, toast) & a mixed berry smoothie bowl with mango, bananas, and granola.
- Food Quality: Simple and delicious, but the mocha coffee was disappointing.
- Cost: 820 pesos (~$20 CAD) for two people.
Snorkeling at the Marine Sanctuary
Our first activity of the day was snorkeling at a Marine Sanctuary near our accommodation.
- Entrance Fee: 100 pesos per person.
- Snorkel Rental: Additional 100 pesos if you don’t have your own gear.
- Marine Life: Countless fish, a vibrant coral reef, and the highlight—a green sea turtle!
- Swimming Tip: Fins recommended for better movement underwater.
- Personal Rating: 10/10—best snorkeling experience ever!
Dave opted to stay on the beach, and after explaining that he wasn’t swimming, he was refunded 100 pesos that was mistakenly charged.
First Waterfall Stop: Siquijor’s Hidden Beauty
After snorkeling, we took a 10-minute drive to our first waterfall of the day.
- Entrance Fee: 20 pesos per person (environmental fee).
- Hike Down: Short but rocky and steep, requiring careful footing.
- Crowd Level: Surprisingly low—only about 10 other people were there.
- Water Temperature: Cold! But refreshing once you adjust.
- Unique Feature: Tiny fish in the water nibble at your feet—an unexpected natural fish spa!
Some visitors were jumping from the falls or using a rope swing, but we opted to enjoy a relaxing float in the cool water.
Dinner & Exploring Siquijor Town
After an afternoon of adventure, we took a break before heading back out for dinner.
- Restaurant Choice: Same place as the previous night because we couldn’t decide where else to go.
- New Drink Experience: Calamansi juice (tiny Filipino limes), available hot or cold.
- Flavor Profile: Extremely sour! Required a generous helping of sugar syrup.
- Food Quality: Consistently good, making a repeat visit worth it.
Day Two: More Waterfalls & A Giant Balete Tree
The next morning, we set out for another set of waterfalls, but Dave wasn’t feeling well, so we adjusted our plans.
- First Waterfall Stop: Busy by noon, but the upper levels were less crowded.
- Different Swimming Areas: Multiple tiers, each offering a unique vibe—some calmer, others more lively with swings and rafts.
- Post-Waterfall Treat: Ice cream cones for 30 pesos at the exit—perfect for cooling off.
Since Dave wasn’t at 100%, we decided to skip the second waterfall and visit the Old Enchanted Balete Tree instead.
The 400-Year-Old Balete Tree & Fish Spa
One of the most unique experiences in Siquijor was visiting a centuries-old Balete tree—believed by locals to have mystical properties.
- Fish Spa Experience: Tiny and massive fish nibbling at our feet.
- Surprise Factor: Some fish were so big they could fit an entire toe in their mouths!
- Creepy or Relaxing? The sensation was strange but oddly satisfying.
- Tree’s History: Estimated to be over 400 years old and considered enchanted by locals.
Final Thoughts & Travel Tips
✅ Siquijor’s Snorkeling: Must-do! Bring fins for easier swimming.
✅ Waterfalls: Start early to avoid crowds. Fish nibbling on your toes is an added bonus!
✅ Calamansi Juice: Be prepared for a super sour taste if unsweetened.
✅ Balete Tree Fish Spa: Expect bigger fish than at typical tourist fish spas.
✅ Motorbike Rental: The easiest way to explore Siquijor independently.
Next Adventure: Siquijor to Iloilo
We continue our Philippines island-hopping journey, navigating ferries, planes, vans, and tricycles to reach our next stop.
Stay tuned for more adventure-packed explorations!
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