Siquijor Island has many attractions to begin with – from the more relaxed zen sightseeing experience to the nerve palpitating cliff diving! It is for you to choose! I think we need to go over the list now!
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St. Francis de Assisi Church
The church is basically close to the sea port. In fact one can easily spot it after passing by the gate. You can never get lost because of the very conspicuous welcome signage.
The church is not grand nor towering, but knowing that it was built a long time ago is something that makes it exceptional. The inside of the church is pretty basic but you can feel that antique vibe once you come in.
If you are a Catholic Christian or someone who has an appreciation for history and culture, then this is a go. A 30-minute stay may be enough for this tour. Take time to say a prayer and take some pictures afterwards.
Capilay Spring Park
This is a pool of natural spring water situated in a park. At first, you may think that it is a swimming spot, but having the fishes in the pool, you will start believing otherwise. I think swimming was allowed before, but a new ordinance has prohibitted it just recently.
I am not sure if it was just me, but there was not much of an activity in the place. The park is instagrammable though and the best part of it is – no entrance fee! Take pictures, spend time for 15 to 30 minutes and you are all set to your next destination!
400 Year-old Balete Tree
In the Philippines, Balete trees are believed to be mystical. In Tarlac, these trees are considered eerie and are regarded as dwellings of supernatural creatures like elves or wicked spirits.
Honestly, I was a little scared at first knowing I will be close to a 400-year old Balete tree, but when I saw how tourists enjoy the cold waters, I decided to do the same thing.
Located in Lazi, this spot is along the National Highway. If you are bound to this place, you will never get lost because tourists usually flock as this is a very popular place.
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For a donation of P10.00, you can experience the Fish Spa. Fish spa, if a little uncommon in your country, is basically a pool or a sanctuary where you dip a part of your body (usually feet) and let the fishes feast on your dead skin cells or calluses. A very ticklish experience (at least for me) but a very relaxing one.
The place is really good and there are even souvenir shops and food stations to complement the Siquijodnon experience. You may also opt to stay a little longer, but I think a 30-minute to an hour stay is enough for this place especially if you planned on sauntering the Island for just a single day.
Bonus scenery
San Isidro de Labrador Parish Church/ Lazi Church and the Lazi Convent
The Lazi Church was founded in 1857 and is dedicated to St. Isidore the Laborer. It is also known for its convent which was declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines.
Like the St. Francis de Assisi church in Siquijor, Siquijor, this church is not towering and not heavily ornated. But personally, I find this church very attractive. It’s vintage texture and pinkish tint is so likeable and very pleasing to the eyes! I even did a quick pictorial in front of its door and made it my FB profile picture 🙂
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The Lazi Convent on the other hand is regarded as the largest and oldest convent in South East Asia if not in whole Asia. It houses a museum which you can visit for P20.00 to see very old religious artifacts and wood carvings of saints. You need to take note though that taking pictures is prohibited inside the museum.
If you opted to visit the place, make sure to take time and reflect, pray harder and take good memories of the church.
Mountain view tour in Maria
Kuya Loloy (my tour guide) brought me to the highlands of Maria, Siquijor to see breath taking views of Cebu, Dumaguete and Bohol. My pictures do not seem to give justice because the aforementioned islands were not that evident, but still, it was a great view!!! It did have that Batanes vibe or was it just me?
It is always refreshing to see something not so usual especially for someone like me who grew up in the plains. Better prepare your cameras and touch up for your pictorials if you decided to add this on your tour.
Guiwanon Spring Park
The mangrove park was the last part of the tour. It was the second time (first was in Alibijaban, Quezon) for me to see the mangroves upclose and it is just amazing how these trees get to live in the water with all their roots looking like stilts.
Just along the Circumferential Road, Guiwanon Spring Park is very much accessible. You just need to pay P10.00 and you are good to saunter the place.
The wooden pavement on stilts is a simple beauty. You will have that rural feel like people use natural materials to get on with daily life. I loved the simplicity of the place on top of the lush scenery and relaxing breeze.
For those who wanted to stay in the place, the park has 3 tree houses to choose from. From P250 to P350 a night, a simple Siquijodnon experience is waiting for you. Just be informed that the rooms are far from regal so be prepared for a little discomfort.
The Park also has an activity area for gatherings and events. I am not just certain how many persons it can accommodate but similar to the tree houses, the Pavillion is pretty simple. For around P1,500, you can have the Pavillion for a day. It has a very relaxing view too and you can have a glimpse of the whole mangrove park!
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Guiwanon Spring Park is really just more of a sight seeing place and a haven to appreciate nature. It may be a dull moment for others, but personally, I love the place. It is a good place for children, a perfect spot for a conversation and a relaxing break from stress.
My Siquijor experience is one of my best tours so far. I will visit this again and spend more days! For only a one-day tour that I spared, there sure are good places that I have missed from this mystic island. Until we meet again!
Contacts
For Habal Habal, tour guide services and motorbike rentals, please contact:
Jose “Kuya Loloy” Paglinawan
+639353623541 |+639184964952
For any question regarding Siquijor Travel experience, please don’t hesitate to message me.
jiyon the soloist 