Siquijor
PHILIPPINES · CENTRAL VISAYAS
Waterfalls, quiet beaches and a full week exploring Siquijor
Siquijor rewards a slower trip. We spent about a week on the island, stayed in two different places near San Juan and used a scooter to reach beaches, waterfalls and viewpoints at our own pace.
Plan your Siquijor trip
Three decisions shape the trip: how you will arrive from Bohol, where you want to stay and whether you are comfortable exploring independently by scooter.
Getting there
We arrived by ferry from Bohol. Plan the sailing and your local transfer together.
Where to stay
We stayed near San Juan. Becano and The Bruce offer a choice between a large pool and direct beach access. Coco Grove is another option below, where we booked our Apo Island excursion.
Getting around
We rented a scooter at the port. A tricycle took us to our accommodation for a fee, and the scooter was delivered there afterwards. If you prefer not to ride, local transport or a guided island tour can make longer sightseeing days easier.
How we travelled from Bohol to Siquijor
We took the ferry from Tagbilaran Port in Bohol. Check the current sailing and baggage conditions before booking, and avoid a tight connection on the same day.
- Travel to Tagbilaran Port with enough time for check-in and baggage handling.
- Take the ferry to Siquijor and confirm the current arrival port before departure.
- Arrange the transfer from the arrival port to your accommodation.
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Where to stay on Siquijor
WHERE WE STAYED · POOL AND QUIET BUNGALOWS
Becano Restobar and Resort
The main advantage for us was the large pool directly beside the bungalows. Little Boracay in the Paliton Beach area is also within walking distance, making this a good option when you want a relaxed base close to the coast.
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WHERE WE STAYED · DIRECT BEACH ACCESS
The Bruce Luxury Private Cottage
Direct beach access was the main attraction for us at The Bruce. Our bungalow also had a kitchen, where we prepared our own breakfast each morning during our stay. It was a practical setup for relaxed mornings and spending more time by the water.
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UPSCALE RESORT · DIRECT BEACH ACCESS
Coco Grove Beach Resort
Coco Grove is a more upscale resort option on Siquijor, with direct beach access that makes it an appealing choice for a stay by the sea. We stayed at Becano and The Bruce, but got to know Coco Grove when we booked our Apo Island boat trip directly at the resort. If you are interested in the excursion, ask about current availability and what is included.
Affiliate link: if you book through this link, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Places we enjoyed around Siquijor
SNORKELLING
Tubod Marine Sanctuary
We visited Tubod Marine Sanctuary for snorkelling. Bring or arrange suitable equipment and check the local conditions before entering the water.
WATERFALL
Cambugahay Falls
Cambugahay Falls was one of several waterfall stops during our week. Allow enough time rather than treating every stop as a quick photo opportunity.
ISLAND LANDMARK
Century Old Balete Tree
The old balete tree is an easy cultural stop to combine with a longer scooter route through the island.
SUNSET
An elevated sunset spot
This elevated spot offers views across the coast and a relaxed setting for sunset. The restaurant also serves a selection of cakes and fresh fruit shakes, making it a pleasant place to stop for a break.
CASUAL EVENING STOP
Siquijor Boulevard
The food stalls around Siquijor Boulevard offered grilled food in an informal setting. We enjoyed them as a casual evening stop.
Exploring without a scooter
If you prefer not to ride, a private island tour offers hotel pick-up in San Juan and visits Cambugahay Falls and the Balete Tree. We explored independently by scooter, so check the current itinerary and inclusions before booking.
The tour booking link is an affiliate link. If you book through it, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Day trip from Siquijor
DAY TRIP
Apo Island
We booked our Apo Island tour directly at Coco Grove Beach Resort in Siquijor. We left early in the morning by boat and returned in the afternoon. The excursion included snorkelling over coral reefs, seeing sea turtles, time on the beach and lunch.
Apo Island is not part of Siquijor, and operators and sea conditions can vary, so confirm the route and inclusions before booking.
SUGGESTED ITINERARY
A relaxed one-week outline
Days 1–2 – Arrive and settle in: Arrive from Bohol, settle into your accommodation and become comfortable with the scooter and nearby roads.
Days 3–4 – Beaches and snorkelling: Combine snorkelling at Tubod Marine Sanctuary with smaller coastal stops without rushing across the whole island.
Day 5 – Inland Siquijor: Plan a longer inland route with Cambugahay Falls and the Century Old Balete Tree.
Days 6–7 – Slow down: Leave room for an Apo Island boat trip if sea conditions allow, alongside a slower beach day, sunset dining and any places you want to revisit.
OUR SIQUIJOR MAP
Explore our Siquijor travel map
Open the interactive map to see our accommodation, beaches, waterfalls, restaurants, both ferry ports, Siquijor Town, additional rental options and the Apo Island day trip.
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Practical notes
- Inspect the scooter and photograph its condition before leaving.
- Agree on the rental price, fuel arrangement, delivery and return point.
- Carry cash for smaller entrances, parking, local transport and restaurants.
- Check road and weather conditions before planning a full-island route.
- Siquijor Town is a useful stop for pharmacies, ATMs, groceries and other everyday essentials before travelling to quieter parts of the island.
Is Siquijor worth visiting?
Yes. A week gave us time to explore without turning every day into a full sightseeing route. That balance, together with the Apo Island excursion, made Siquijor one of the most memorable stops of our trip.
CONTINUE YOUR ROUTE
Where to go next
Combine Siquijor with Bohol for a varied Central Visayas route, or compare the other destinations from our Philippines trip.