If you’re tired of going on vacation to Philippine islands like Palawan, then you should instead go to the more peaceful Siquijor Island.
And since it’s a hidden gem, it’s small enough to explore and thoroughly enjoy yourself with your family and friends.
There are so many fun activities to do in the water and on land that will keep your adrenaline pumping throughout your stay.
You don’t believe it? No problem, by the time you’re done exploring these 13 best things to do in Siquijor, Philippines, you’ll confirm that small sometimes means mighty.
13 Best Things To Do in Siquijor, Philippines
1. Paddleboard at Paliton Beach
There are so many fun water activities to do in Siquijor, and if you don’t know where to start from, well, you can go paddleboarding at Paliton Beach.
Paliton Beach is the most beautiful beach on this island, so you’ll be surrounded by white sand and clean turquoise water.
There’s no entrance fee on the beach, but you’ll have to rent a paddleboard from the small beach shack.
And when you’re done paddling, you can buy coconuts, rum cocktails, beer, soft drinks, or snacks from the local vendors and just enjoy the tropical vibe.
However you plan your day, make sure you at least watch the sunset on this beach- it is one of the most beautiful things to do in Siquijor, Philippines.
And if you’re heading out for the day, here’s a quick list of what to pack for a beach day so you don’t forget anything important.
2. Snorkelling at Tubod Marine Park
If you’re wondering what to do on Siquijor Island, then you should try snorkeling at Tubod Marine Park, the best place to snorkel on this island.
Since it’s a protected marine reserve, you’ll see colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, and even a sea turtle.
Renting the snorkel gear is affordable, but you’ll have to pay a park fee before you’re allowed to enter.
It’s best to visit around 11 AM when the tide is high so you won’t damage the reef or step on urchins.
This experience is amazing, making it one of the best things to do in Siquijor Island.
3. Free Diving with Apo Divers
If you are on the island with your friends, family, or a partner and you’re looking for what to do as a group, then this is a good option.
To free dive, you’ll need to be in peers to be safe. So with Apo Divers, you can either take their beginner course or an advanced trip to explore the island.
First, you’ll start by doing calming yoga and breathing exercises on land before you are taken to the water to learn how to dive, the safety basics, and the buddy rescues.
Once you’ve gotten all that, the real adventure begins. Free diving is easily one of the most adventurous things to do in Siquijor.
If you’re planning to visit other dive spots nearby or hop to another island, use our distance calculator to help figure out how far everything is.
4. Scuba Dive at Apo Island
If you’re a certified diver, then one of the things to do in Siquijor will be scuba diving, especially at Apo Island.
This island has about 12 diving sites, all filled with sea turtles, colorful coral gardens, and lots of tropical fish.
You’ll have to rent the scuba diving gear from Siquijor Divers, but the adventure is worth the cost.
And even if you’re not a certified diver, you can take diving tests or courses and become certified here.
Or if diving is not your thing, then go boating, kayaking, or snorkeling. Anyway, as long as you’re on this island, you’re guaranteed a fun time.
5. Jump Cliffs at Salagdoong
If you want an adrenaline rush during your stay, then the most thrilling thing to do in Siquijor is to jump off the cliffs at Salagdoong.
This is the island’s number one cliff jumping spot, and even if you’re not going to jump, the views alone are worth the journey.
For the jumpers, you’ll need to pay an entrance fee and sign in to a logbook before you are given access to this cliff-jumping platform.
It’s good to jump during the high tide, so until then you can swim, relax, take pictures, and when you feel you’re ready, jump.
This spot also has free moped parking and lots of local vendors where you can get snacks, food, and drinks.
6. Eat & Chill
Just like in most places, one of the best things to do on this island is to explore their local food.
If you’re feeling very adventurous, you can try street foods, which are mostly delicious, but just that you may not have any idea of what you’re eating. This also adds to the local fun experience.
But if you want familiar meals, you can go to Marco Polo for some delicious wood-fired pizza or Luca Loko for smoothie bowls and milkshakes.
If you want to try local Filipino meals, then you should head to Bu Cafe, where you’ll also enjoy the best fruit shakes on this island.
The meals here are just like the local food in the Philippines, tasty and full of flavor. When you’re done eating, just relax with a cold drink in hand and watch the beautiful sunset before heading to your hotel.
7. Hike to The Lugnason Falls
When it’s flowing, the Lugnason Falls becomes a wonderland of natural cascades. But even during the dry season, this spot still offers beautiful rocky views.
The hike to the falls is easy and short, regardless of your fitness level. But if you’re a seasoned hiker, then you can continue on the Zodiac Falls trails.
This trail passes through a series of waterfalls, each named after an astrological sign.
Through this trail, you’ll see some of Siquijor’s hidden gems, hidden pools, and untouched natural greenery.
Hiking through the Zodiac Falls trails might not be for everyone, but one of the fun things to do in Siquijor is to see the Lugnason Falls, especially during the rainy season.
8. Visit the Old Enchanted Balete Tree
One of the magical things to do in Siquijor is to visit the Old Enchanted Balete Tree, which is one of Siquijor’s iconic and mysterious landmarks.
According to the stories, this tree, which is over 400 years old, is said to be a site of magic, healing, and ancient energy.
Even if you don’t believe in magic, you should still pay a visit to this tree at least for the natural spa treatment.
There’s a natural spring flowing from the tree’s roots, which has created a small pool, where you can dip your feet and enjoy the fish spa treatment.
This experience is soothing, tickling, and memorable, and one of the best things to do in Siquijor.
9. Swing At Cambugahay Falls
If you did your research about this island before visiting, then you should know one of the best things to do here is to rope swing at the Cambugahay Falls. This beautiful waterfall has about three levels of tropical paradise.
You’ll have to come early to truly enjoy the peaceful vibes and to take Insta-worthy pictures, but you’ll have to pay to enter and to be able to jump from the famous rope swings.
This is also a beautiful spot to chill, swim, or float on the bamboo rafts.
10. Explore The Butterfly Sanctuary
If you can make out the time, then a visit to this Butterfly Sanctuary is one of the cheap things to do in Siquijor, Philippines.
This beautiful and peaceful spot is hidden in the mountains in the Lazi district and is home to various local butterfly species.
Like, when was the last time you saw butterflies in their natural habitat?
Although you’ll have to pay a small fee, you’ll be able to wander and take pictures of the beautiful butterflies.
This sanctuary is also committed to the conservation of the native butterfly species, so your money here goes to good use.
11. Explore The Historical Churches
If you want to connect to the history and spiritual parts of this island, then one of the things to do in Siquijor is to explore the beautiful churches.
This island is filled with mostly Catholic churches, and the most popular one here is the St. Francis of Assisi Church, also known as Siquijor Church.
You can start your tour from there before heading to San Isidro Labrador Parish Church and Mount Carmel Church.
Then, to add a bit of paranormal mystery, stop at Our Lady of the Divine Providence Parish. These churches are a quiet place to reflect, pray, take pictures, and learn more about the history of this island.
It’s one of those experiences that let you really travel like a local, instead of just seeing the touristy spots.
12. Visit Cang-isok House
If you’re still wondering what to do in Siquijor, then you should make a quick stop at the oldest building on this island, the Cang-isok House.
This spot might not be the best-looking tourist spot on the island, but it has a lot of architectural and historical significance.
Stepping into this house feels like going back in time, and if you come during the tours, you’ll hear stories of all the families who have lived here before.
Even though you don’t plan to stay for long, visiting this spot is another way to connect with the locals, so you can be invited to their cultural events and activities.
13. Drinks At Baha Bar
After you’ve spent your day exploring the island, one of the relaxing things to do is to get drinks and enjoy the vibes at Baha Bar.
Siquijor Island doesn’t have a lot of these relaxing spots, so this one easily stands out for its food, drinks, and entertainment.
Baha Bar is a modern, cozy spot where you can enjoy tapas-style dishes and drink cocktails with friends. The cocktails here are made using local ingredients, and it’s very affordable.
The fact that this bar is also within walking distance of every accommodation on this island also makes it a good choice.
Conclusion
Siquijor Island is one of the best spots for freediving, swimming, scuba diving, and snorkeling in the Philippines, making it a good vacation spot.
But the network signal and wifi here are very poor, so don’t come here planning to get work done, just come for the adventures and a peaceful experience.
From exploring the historical churches to experiencing the fish spa treatment at the Old Enchanted Balete Tree, the experience you’ll get on this island is bound to be unforgettable.
So, when you next visit this island, don’t forget to add these 13 best and most fun things to your itinerary.
