Siquijor 2-Day Itinerary: Everything you need to know.
Are you planning a trip to Siquijor ? Here is the best 2-day Siquijor itinerary to help you make the most of your time on this magical island.
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Siquijor is a stunning island in the Philippines known for its enchanting landscapes, amazing waterfalls, crystal-clear waters, and rich local culture.
Whether you’re a nature lover, adventure seeker, or simply looking to relax by the beach, Siquijor has something for everyone (check out the best things to do in Siquijor here). If you only have two days to explore, this itinerary is the perfect way to experience the island’s highlights. From stunning waterfalls and hidden beaches to vibrant local spots and unforgettable sunsets, here’s your ultimate 2-day guide to making the most of your time in Siquijor.
Siquijor
Siquijor is a small, enchanting island located in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines, nestled between the islands of Cebu, Bohol, and Negros. Known for its mystical charm, the island is famous for its lush greenery, stunning waterfalls, pristine beaches, and rich local culture.
Siquijor is an absolute hidden gem, and by far my favourite island we visited in the Philippines.
Fun fact: Siquijor island is often referred to as Island de Fuego (the island of fire). This is due to the glow produced by swarms of fireflies in its forests at night. And trust me it’s hard not to miss them! They literally hit us in the face multiple times while out on our bike lol. But even if you are walking you will see them glowing throughout the bushes at night.
Where to stay in Siquijor
If it is your first time visiting Siquijor, I would highly recommend staying in San Juan. It is the main tourist destination on the island. All the restaurants I recommend in this itinerary are in San Juan. And all of the main attractions are just a short distance away via motorbike.
This area offers a variety of accommodations, from beachfront resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses, and is home to great dining, cafés, and bars for a relaxed evening vibe. We were so happy we stayed in San Juan!
We stayed in HenYuan Resort. It was perfect for us. This resort is not a luxury resort but it was in an ideal location and had everything we needed. It is ran by the loveliest couple who are willing to help you in any way possible.
It also has two fantastic pools (one is an infinity pool) and an area where you can walk into the sea to go snorkelling. This is where we saw some turtles! And watched the most beautiful sunset. We booked everything via Trip.com for the best prices.
Other popular hotels and beach resorts in Siquijor include:
- Coco Grove Beach Resort
- White Villas Resort
- Bermuda Triangle Bungalows
- Mad Monkey Siquijor (one of the most popular hostels in Asia)
- Glamping on the Beach
TIP: Book your accommodation for the Philippines in advance if you can because all of the good accommodation sells out early during busy seasons. We left it last minute and everywhere we really wanted was gone!
The Best Siquijor 2-Day Itinerary
Here is a jam-packed 2-day Siquijor itinerary. This Siquijor itinerary makes sure that you get to cover all of the main attractions the island has to offer, within the short timeframe you have.
I designed this itinerary in a way that attractions near to each other are covered together, to make sure you can get the most out of your 2 days in Siquijor. Also, you can check out my guide on The Best Things to do in Siquijor, to help you plan the best trip ever.
I hope you love this beautiful island, filled with hidden gems, just as much as I did.
Day 1: Arrival in Siquijor & Beach Hopping
When you arrive in Siquijor, get a tuktuk (tricycle) from the ferry straight to your accommodation. Once you check in, I recommend going straight out to rent a motorbike.
Renting a motorbike is the best and most convenient way to get around Siquijor island. We rented our motorbike from the resort we were staying in, Henyuan Resort. You can also rent a motorbike as soon as you get off the ferry. If not, you will find there are lots of places to rent a bike throughout the island.
Once you have your motorbike, it’s time to explore the beautiful white sand beaches of Siquijor.
Tubod Beach
Start the first morning off with some swimming and snorkelling at the stunning Tubod Beach. Like all the beautiful beaches in Siquijor, you will find it is lined with palm trees, white sand and crystal-clear water.
This beach is home to the Tubod Marine Sanctuary and is filled with colourful fish and beautiful corals. So, there is no doubt it is the perfect place to go snorkelling.
The only downfall here is the water is quite shallow, and the corals are very close to the shore. So, you need to be careful not to step on the reefs and damage them. Also be prepared to see lots of spiky sea urchins!
Lunch at Luca Loko
After a morning of swimming and snorkelling you will probably be pretty hungry. I highly recommend stopping in Luca Loko for lunch. Luca Loko is just a few minutes down the road from Tubod Beach.
The menu here is incredible and it has something to suit everyone. From insane smoothie bowls to Asian classics, a wide selection of vegetarian options and fresh seafood. It is one of the most popular places to eat on the island, and after visiting I can see why.
I had the tuna and salmon poke bowl for lunch, and it was an 11/10. If you love a poke bowl, you must try this!
Coral Cay Beach (Solangon Beach)
After enjoying a delicious lunch at Luka Loko, it is time to see the next beach. Coral Cay Beach is just a few minutes away from Luca Loko on a motorbike.
Coral Cay beach is a hidden gem in Siquijor. It is a stunning white sand beach, with no crowds. We had the beach all to ourselves. It is the perfect place to relax after a long day of travelling to Siquijjor. Here you can sunbathe, have a swim and even have a drink if you wish at Coral Cay Resort beach bar.
Tip1 : If you only have a limited amount of time available, I would skip Coral Cay beach and go straight to Paliton Beach for a swim and to catch the sunset!
Tip 2: If you have a lot of time to explore on day 1, I recommend you head to Salagdoong beach. This beach is about a 45-minute drive from San Juan. Another amazing beach with the option to go cliff jumping.
Paliton Beach for Sunset
Finally, the stunning Paliton Beach. Paliton beach is renowned for its white sand and crystal-clear waters. It is very similar to White Beach in Boracay, just smaller and less crowded.
I recommend finishing the day off at Paliton beach for a stunning sunset swim. Be sure to check what time the sun is setting and stay from the very start until finish. We stayed from around 4pm to 7pm and the change of colours in the sky was incredible.
Dinner at Marco Polo
Once you have finished watching the sunset on Paliton Beach, I recommend going for some delicious pizza and pasta at Marco Polo. This is a lovely beachfront Italian restaurant not too far from Paliton Beach.
They serve delicious Italian starters such as the classic bruschetta, garlic bread and mixed salad. As for the main course, they have a range of pizzas and pastas to choose from. This was by far the best pizza I had on my trip to the Philippines. However, if Italian food is not for you, I have put together a list of other places to eat in Siquijor, which you can add to your 2 day itinerary instead. (Find the list down below this itinerary)
Day 2 : Waterfalls, Lazi Village & Views
Day two is jam-packed and full of adventure. Once you have rented a motorbike and are prepared for a nice early start, you can tick all the best spots off of your Siquijor bucket list.
Cambugahay Falls
Cambugahay Falls is the most popular tourist attraction in Siquijor, and honestly after visiting I can really see why. Not only is this a stunning three-tiered waterfall, with pools of turquoise water, but it’s also a haven for adventure seekers. So, if you love the adrenaline rush like I do, you will love it here. It’s my favourite place to visit in Siquijor in this 2 day itinerary.
You can swing into the pools from a rope swing at each tier of the waterfall. They have swings from various heights, so if you’re not so brave, you can choose one of the smaller rope swings. Of course, I had to go for the highest swing. We were the only people there that day that were brave enough to go from the highest. But I mean to say I had probably the most fun I had on my whole entire trip here!
You will pay a small fee to enter Cambugahay Falls. It cost 20 PHP (30 cent) per person, and then if you want to use the swing ropes it’s an additional 50 PHP (83 cent) per person. However, once you pay you can swing off the ropes as many times as you like!
Brunch at Twenty 4 Café
After an adventurous morning at Cambugahay Falls, you will be hungry. We were starving so we drove back towards Lazi Village (about a 5–10-minute drive from Cambugahay Falls) and stopped in Twenty 4 Café.
The menu here is incredible. It has something for everyone. From toasted sandwiches, to burgers, pizzas, Filipino dishes and a full vegan menu! You can even order freshly baked breads. I went for the fish tacos, and they were incredible. (Again, if this is not for you, check the list of my recommended restaurants in Siquijor below and add one them to your 2 day itinerary instead).
Twenty 4 Café is located in the heart of Lazi village, so if you have time, it’s definitely worth taking some time to explore around here. After we finished our lunch, we took a drive through the streets here and stopped by the harbour for a bit. The water was so calm and crystal clear.
Old Enchanted Balete Tree
On your way back towards San Juan, stop at the Old Enchanted Balete Tree. This is a 400-year-old, enchanted tree with a natural fish spa. Let tiny fish nibble on your feet and relax in the refreshing waters beneath the ancient tree. It’s a beautiful spot for relaxing after a day of adventure.
When you are coming down from Cambugahay Falls and Lazi Village it is easy to make a quick stop at the Old Enchanted Balete Tree. You will be passing by on your way to Lugnason Falls.
Lugnason Falls
Another stunning waterfall on Siquijor island is Lugnason Falls. This is a lesser-known waterfall, so it is ideal for those looking to escape the big crowds. Although it is smaller than Cambugahay falls, you can have just as much fun (if not more) here.
This waterfall is pretty tall, and if you love an adrenaline rush like we do, you can jump from the top of the waterfall into the turquoise water below. You also have the option to swing into the pool from a rope swing. This rope swing is even higher (and much scarier) than the one at Cambugahay Falls.
The locals also hangout here, and you will see them doing all sorts of tricks from the rope swing into the water. It is very impressive. If you are brave enough, you can join in with them.
Mount Bandilaan
After an adventurous morning exploring Siquijor’s best waterfalls, head to Mount Bandilaan. This is the highest point of the island, offering a full 360 view of Siquijor.
The drive to Mount Bandilaan can take 30-40 minutes from San Juan town. Be prepared to get your heart racing, as the roads become less maintained and unpaved the higher you get up. I must note that if you are not an experienced or confident driver, then this might not be for you. However, you do have the option to take a tour, and it will bring you here (along with other attractions) without the stress of driving yourself or you can book a private car to take you.
Tip: Check the weather before you go. If it is a very cloudy day, you will not have a clear view from the top. Unfortunately, by the time we got up here, it had become very cloudy. In fact, we were literally inside of a cloud.
Sunset & Dinner at BU Café
The BU Café is located on the side of the mountain as you come down from Mount Bandilaan. Therefore, it is the perfect spot to catch your last sunset in Siquijor.
This is a stunning café built into the side of the mountain, offering a panoramic view of the sun setting. BU café has such a cool and cozy aesthetic to it. You can lie out on a hammock off the front of the café and indulge in their incredible menu.
They had great snacks such as chicken dippers, empanadas, smoothie bowls and insane shakes. And if you’re extra hungry you can get a full main course such as stir-fries, pastas, burgers and much more. The shakes were on average 200 PHP (€3.30), and they were sooo big (perfect for sharing) and beautifully decorated. If you don’t want to have dinner here, add one of the restaurants I recommend in Siquijor below to your 2 day itinerary instead.
If you are coming from San Juan town to BU Café, the drive is pretty easy. You can follow Google Maps, and it’s practically a straight drive up the hill for about 15 minutes. You will see lots of motorbikes parked outside so it is hard to miss it.
And there you go, you have covered the best of Siquijor in two days.
You can follow this Siquijor 2 day itinerary exactly as it is, or if you want you can change it to suit your needs. Below you will find other popular places to visit in Siquijor, along with my restaurant recommendations. Or check out the best things to do in Siquijor, for more inspiration!
Two Day Siquijor Itinerary : Summary
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Other popular places you can add to your Siquijor Itinerary
If you have more than two days in Siquijor, there are plenty of additional attractions to explore. From hidden beaches to nature or exciting nightlife, here are some great places to check out. Don’t forget to also take a look at my full list of the best things to do in Siquijor for even more inspiration or if you want to tailor this 2 day itinerary to better suit your needs.
Salagdoong beach
Salagdoong beach is another stunning beach in Siquijor with crystal clear waters. Known for its cliff-jumping platforms, this beach lets you jump from 5–10-meter heights straight into the turquoise sea. However, if this is not your thing you also have the option to lie out and relax on the beautiful white sand beach.
Party at JJS Backpackers
Siquijor is a peaceful island with very little nightlife. However, JJS Backpackers is the go-to spot if you do want some nightlife, live music, and social vibes. Hundreds of people make their way to this beachfront hostel at the weekend, particularly on a Friday and Saturday night. Here you can meet fellow travellers, enjoy some drinks and dance the night away to the live music.
Butterfly Sanctuary
If you’re a nature lover, you will love Siquijor’s Butterfly Sanctuary. Home to a variety of colourful butterflies, it’s a peaceful place to walk around, take photos, and learn about the island’s efforts to protect its butterfly population.
Guided tour
You can also explore the best of Siquijor with a full guided tour. This is great for those who want to see all the most popular destinations on the island, but don’t want to plan the route or drive themselves via motorbike.
This tour includes:
- The Old Enchanted Balete Tree
- Cambugahay Falls
- The Butterfly Sanctuary
- Mount Bandilaan
- Visiting a healer
If you want to take the stress and hassle out of navigating your way around Siquijor for 2 days then adding a guided tour to your itinerary is a great idea. Especially if you are not comfortable driving a motorbike. You can check out the different tour options and prices that are available in Siquijor here.
Kawasan Falls & Cave
Kawasan Falls is another amazing waterfall in Siquijor. Although it is not as popular as Cambugahay Falls, it is equally as beautiful. Like most waterfalls in Siquijor you have the option to relax in the turquoise pools of water or you can be adventurous and swing from a rope swing into the water. But what makes this waterfall different is that you have Kawasan Caves nearby to explore.
However, it is important to note, for this waterfall it is mandatory to follow a guide as it can get quite steep on your way down to the waterfall.
How to get around Siquijor
Getting around Siquijor is quite easy and convenient due to its small size. However, the most popular way to get around the island is from renting a motorbike or a scooter.
With a motorbike, you have the freedom to travel around the island at your own pace and see all the places you really want to see. It is also a very affordable way to get around Siquijor, you can rent a motorbike for an average of 300-400 PHP a day.
We rented ours from the resort we were staying in, Henyuan Resort. But there are multiple locations throughout the island to rent a motorbike. You can even rent one as soon as you get off the boat at the pier.
If you are not comfortable with driving a motorbike or a scooter, you can hire a tricycle or rent a private car. Another option is booking a guided tour, which will take you to all the popular destinations on the island.
Where to eat in Siquijor
Siquijor has some amazing spots to eat in. I have mentioned my favourite places to eat in Siquijor in the 2-day itinerary above, however you might want something a little different. So here are some of the best spots to eat in.
- Twenty 4 (Not far from Cambugahay Falls. Insane fish tacos!) (day 2)
- Marco Polo (Pizza and pasta. The best pizza we had!) (day 2)
- Monkey Business (a menu to suit everyone)
- Tagbalyon (filled with classic Filipino dishes at very cheap prices)
- Shaka Café (for smoothie bowl lovers)
- Luca Loko (mentioned above- day 1)
- BU Café (also mentioned above- day 1)
How to get to Siquijor
Although the island is small, and some-what off the beaten track, it is very easy to get to via ferry.
Cebu to Siquijor
OceanJet operates a direct fast ferry from Cebu Pier 1 to Siquijor Pier, which takes around 5-6 hours. This is the most convenient option coming from Cebu. We took this one back from Siquijor to Cebu.
Bohol to Siquijor
You can take a fast ferry from Tagbilaran Port (Bohol) to Siquijor Pier or Larena Pier in Siquijor. Multiple operators, including OceanJet and Apekop Travel, run daily trips. The ferry ride takes 1.5 to 2 hours.
There is also a night time ferry with Lite Ferries. This goes from Tagbilaran Port (Bohol) to Larena Pier (Siquijor). However, this takes a little longer (4 hours). We ended up having to take this one as all of the fast ferries were sold out. So be sure to book in advance!
Packing tips for Siquijor
Here are my recommendations of things to bring outside of your usual packing list!
- Snorkelling Gear: I highly recommend bringing your own snorkelling gear, just for hygiene purposes. I’m not a fan of using a mouth piece knowing it was stuck in someone else’s mouth before me.
- Sunscreen: I found that the sunscreen on the islands was often quiet expensive, so if you can, definitely bring a bottle with you. It gets VERY hot! Check out my favourite sunscreen travel pack here.
- Waterproof Dry Bag: Having a waterproof bag is a must went travelling anywhere in the Philippines. It keeps all of your belongings dry while taking any boat trips. Yes, the water does splash up into the boat lol! And there is often times on trips that you will swim through water. So, if you want to take your belongings and phone/camera with you its essential. We would have been lost without our dry bag!
Planning a trip to Siquijor
- Flying to Cebu or the Philippines? ✈️ To find the best prices on flights click here.
- Spending a few nights in Siquijor? 🏨 find the best hotel prices here.
- Do you want a guided tour in Siquijor? 🗺️ you can book the best guided tour here.
- Need the best sim card for travel? 📱 here you are!
Tips when travelling to Siquijor
- I recommend taking cash with you, as ATMs are quite limited on the island. And most places do not allow you to pay with card. However, close by to Marco Polo Italian Restaurant you will find an ATM that accepts foreign cards.
- Book your boat tickets to Siquijor in advance, because they do sell out. We ended up having to take the late-night, slow boat to Siquijor as we didn’t book ours in advance.
- I also recommend that you book your accommodation as early as you can, again during busy seasons all the most popular places sell out. Also, the closer you leave it to arrival, the prices can increase. This is the case for all the islands in the Philippines during busy seasons.
- Try not to go during typhoon season if possible. We made the mistake the first time we visited the Philippines and went in July. Big mistake. A typhoon hit the islands, and all boat trips and activities were cancelled. To make it worse, all the flights got cancelled from leaving and we missed our flights to our next destination (Thailand).
Do you want to see more of Asia?
- Siquijor – The 12 Best Things to do in Siquijor
- What to do in Macau – One Day Itinerary
- Guilin and Yangshuo China – 3 Day Itinerary
- Yangshuo Guilin China – Everything You Need to Know
- Teaching English in China – The Ultimate Guide
Affiliate Disclaimer: Some links in this post are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and participant in other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
