Destination: Century Old Balete Tree & Fish Spa, Siquijor
Where: Siquijor Circumferential Road, Lazi, Siquijor
What lies in the heart of Siquijor is a 400-year old Balete Tree. This tree is enchanting as it is also connected to a small blue pond with tiny fishes that nibble on your feet’s dead skin cells. Don’t worry, it won’t hurt. It’ll just tickle! It’s a great spot to just sit and relax. This place also has booths that sell love potions and voodoo dolls. They also have a coconut stand where you can buy buko for just PHP 30.
Entrance Fee: PHP 10
Destination: Cambugahay Falls, Siquijor
Where: Siquijor Circumferential Road, Lazi, Siquijor
If you’re going to Siquijor, Cambugahay Falls ought to be on your priority list. I’ve been to many falls in the Philippines, but this one is my absolute FAVORITE! If you’re a fan of The Notebook, you’ll get to live out the scene where Noah yells at Allie to rope swing and “Get in the water!“. Cambugahay let’s you take a plunge into its deep waters by monkey swinging into the waterfalls. Unlike other waterfalls, the water is just the right temperature and is perfect for cooling down especially on a warm afternoon.
Unli Rope Swing: PHP 20
Destination: Salagdoong Beach, Siquijor
Where: Maria, Siquijor
Our last destination in Siquijor was Salagdoong Beach. This beach has one of the clearest waters you will ever see. The different hues of blue are so inviting and will make you want to stay in the water the whole day. Moreover, if you’re into adrenaline rushing activities, you’ll LOVE their cliff diving spot. This spot is around 35 ft. above the sea. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart.
Entrance Fee: PHP 25
That’s me cliff diving into the water. Tip: Don’t think or look down, just JUMP!
DAY 4
Destination: Dolphin Watching & Manjuyod Sandbar, Bais City
Where: Bais City, Negros Oriental
On the last day, you can choose to visit Manjyod Sandbar or what we call the “Maldives of the Philippines”. To get there, you can ride at Ceres Bus Terminal going to Bais City for PHP 55. Afterwards, you can ride a tricycle to Canibol Wharf for PHP 50 to meet the boatmen who can take you to Manjuyod Sandbar. Going to Manjuyod Sandbar is a magical experience because you have the opportunity to see adorable dolphins along the way!
After dolphin watching, you will be taken to Manjuyod Sandbar which has amazing blue waters. Sometimes the sandbar is not visible especially if it’s high tide. If you want to visit this place, I suggest that you go on September because according to the boatmen, that’s when it’s low tide. Nonetheless, Manjuyod is still a great spot to swim and chill with friends.
Boat Rental: PHP 3,000 (fits 10-15 people)
WHERE TO STAY
Islands Leisure Hotel
Where: Hibbard Avenue, Bantayan, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental
If you’re looking for accommodations, you can opt to stay in Islands Leisure Boutique Hotel and Spa. This place is affordable and very cute. The design of the hotel is inspired by places all over the world like Europe and Southeast Asia. It’s inclusive of breakfast meals, free WiFi, access to dipping pool and also offers massage services. Moreover, it’s only 10-15 minutes away from the airport and 5 minutes away from the city proper where there are a lot of affordable eating places.
Contact Islands Leisure Hotel: 0915 349 1132
All in all, this trip will give you an adventure of a lifetime! There is an abundance of beautiful scenery, activities to try, as well as warm and kind people to meet. I definitely wouldn’t think twice of coming back to these places. Now, it’s your turn to make your own memories. Enjoy!
