Dumaguete – Siquijor: It’s Okay to Travel Solo To A Place Where Paranormal Phenomena Abound – Laagsparkles

Everyone knows what Siquijor is. It is known as the Mystic Land of Fire—and as the popular tale says—it’s a remote island where paranormal phenomena abound. It’s also famous for magic potions, sorcerers, and witches.

So, I traveled to Siquijor on my own and spent one night on the island considering it as one of the best gifts I ever had from my parents. Knowing that I will be traveling in solo, worried expressions and concerns from my loving family and friends embraced me to the point that I ended up doubting the decision I made because the thing that I will be doing is dangerous. Yet, it is the moment that it really becomes so attractive to me.

Okay, so this is my story.

Because of several tries on beseeching my parents—the last-minute decision was made. I was allowed to travel in solo. I asked my closest travel blogger friend of mine Marjorie of Dakilanglaagan to make a simple itinerary for me and she did. When I got to Dumaguete, I said to myself to visit Siquijor first. I thought Siquijor is just part of the island but it’s not. It’s one and a half hour away from Dumaguete City (silly of me ). Luckily, I have the itinerary to me and finally emplaced my feet on the threshold of Sibulan Port. I don’t know what to do at first, I even scolded myself why did I even do this kind of unplanned trip? I was not prepared and got no time to search on the internet about this mystical place—I was very dependent on the itinerary I got from Marj. Then, I hate myself for the first time, because I was not serious about my decision.

 

Places to visit in Siquijor

DAY 1 – SIQUIJOR

Paliton Beach

Capilay Spring Park (San Juan)

Old Enchanted Balete Tree

Salagdoong Beach

St. Isidore de Labrador Church

Cambugahay Falls

Tori’s Paradise

I never thought that I was able to visit all these places with additional side trip! The idea of visiting this superstitious island with no proper decision and itinerary wasn’t bad after all.

For me, I never have considered Siquijor superstitious or otherworldly. The island is a synergy of natures beauty and mystery already. It is one of the most underrated destinations where I love the beaches, amazing diving sites, beautiful waterfalls and their historical places.

I am thankful to Dakilanglaagan for her help. Traveling outside Cebu City for the first time is a bliss. This may not be that far yet, this may be my starting point to go beyond far.

Amazing photos from Siquijor

Photo credits to Laagsparkles

Photo credits to Laagsparkles

Photo credits to Laagsparkles

Photo credits to Laagsparkles

Photo credits to Laagsparkles

Photo credits to Laagsparkles

Photo credits to Laagsparkles

Photo credits to Laagsparkles

Photo credits to Laagsparkles

Photo credits to Laagsparkles

Photo credits to Laagsparkles

Photo credits to Laagsparkles

 

Places to visit in Dumaguete

Day 2 -DUMAGUETE

Photo credits to Laagsparkles

Photo credits to Laagsparkles

Photo credits to Laagsparkles

Photo credits to Laagsparkles

Photo credits to Laagsparkles

Photo credits to Laagsparkles

Photo credits to Laagsparkles

Photo credits to Laagsparkles

On my second day, I traveled around Dumaguete City. It was a fine day that I decided to walked around and feel what it was like to be in a place you’re not familiar with. I tried their public transportation and kept wandering around. I even took some shots which I cried over it after because I accidentally deleted some photos of my Dumaguete – Siquijor adventure from my photo gallery.

It was so good that I wanted to extend my stay but I couldn’t. I learned that when traveling solo, it is very fundamental to the soul. It’s like learning to survive because there will be a chance that some journeys in life by any chance can be traveled alone.

 

ITINERARY

CEBU-DUMAGUETE

*DUMAGUETE TOUR

• Sinking Bell Tower
• Sillimann School Tour
• Rizal Boulevard
• Twin Lake (Balinsasayaw)

DUMAGUETE-SIQUIJOR

*SIQUIJOR TOUR

• Capilay Spring
• Guiwanon Spring
• Beaches in San Juan
• Balete Tree and Fishisa
• Cambais Falls
• Salagdoong Mangroves
• Salagdoong Beach / Cliff jump
• Churches
• Mt. Bandilaan
• Cambugahay Falls
• Star Gazing at night

Budget

• From Cebu South Bus Terminal – Ride a bus to Liloan Port (fare P200.0). It will take 4-5hrs for the road trip
• Foods and other necessary expenses (P400.00)
• From Liloan Port to Sibulan Port (fare P62.00 regular). Travel time will take 30-45 minutes.
• From Sibulan Port to Dumaguete Port (fare P50.00)
• From Dumaguete Port to Montenegro (fare P130.00). Travel time will take 1.5 hours
• Terminal Fee (P20.00)
• Tori’s Paradise- Siquijor (resort I checked-in for one night P350.00)
• Total Entrance Fees (P100.00)
• Guide Fee – Siquijor (P800.00)
• From Siquijor to Dumaguete (P100.00). Travel time will take 1.5 hours
• Pumboat from Sibulan Port to Liloan Port (45.00). Travel time will take 30-45 minutes
• Liloan Port to South Bus Terminal (P200.00)

Total Expenses: P2, 457.00

Tips

• Budget your money very well
• Decide on your destinations
• Pack lightly
• Be patient
• Stay low-key to avoid unwanted attention and smile always because it’s a way to open conversations
• Take local transit. It’s really fun!
• Travel like a local
• Be safe

Recommendations

• For Siquijor Tour Guide, I would like to recommend Raul Gom-os. He’s very friendly and accommodating. He will tell you the stories behind those beautiful tourist spots in the island.
  Contact: +639355965465
• For a place to stay in Siquijor, I would like to recommend Tori’s Paradise. A relaxing place and everyone is so kind and accommodating. I also love the sunset’s view there.
  Contacts: (035)4809684|09122095781 torisparadise@gmail.com/torisparadise.com

 

 

“It’s a long ride home with nothing but me for the the the company. I bore myself sometimes. Not often. Just now and again.”
― David Hewson, Macbeth