Siquijor Top 15 Must-See Places & Things to Do
+ Hidden gems & Off the Beaten Path Tips
Often overlooked in favor of its more famous neighbors, Siquijor is a hidden gem packed with natural wonders, rich culture, and a touch of magic. Far from the usual tourist trails, this enchanting island offers untouched beauty, local legends, and unforgettable experiences. From crystal-clear waters and postcard-perfect beaches to mystical waterfalls surrounded by lush jungle – Siquijor is a true paradise for explorers and nature lovers.
In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey to the top things to do in Siquijor and share a few insider tips and hidden spots to make your trip to this magical island even more unforgettable.
Note:
Tourism is slowly but surely picking up on Siquijor. In recent years, entrance fees have been introduced at some attractions that used to be free to visit. Don’t worry though – these fees are usually very small. At a few spots, visiting is now only allowed with a local guide. This is part of a broader effort to manage the growing number of visitors and to ensure safety – both for travelers and for the island’s fragile ecosystems.
That said, there are still countless places you can explore on your own. So please: treat nature with the respect it deserves.
#1 Cambugahay Falls
Cambugahay Falls is probably the most famous attraction on Siquijor – and for good reason. Surrounded by lush jungle and crystal-clear water, the falls offer a stunning and relaxing setting.
The falls are made up of five tiers, each flowing into natural pools that are perfect for swimming and cooling off. One of the highlights? You can swing out over the water on a rope and drop straight in – a classic Siquijor experience! There’s even a small cave you can swim into if you’re feeling adventurous.
Tip: Get there early – it’s usually much quieter in the morning!
Opening hours:
8 am – 5 pm daily
Fees:
₱50 entry, ₱20 per rope swing –
or ₱50 for unlimited swings
#2 Paliton Beach
Paliton Beach is the most popular beach in San Juan – especially when it comes to sunsets. Thanks to its perfect location on the island’s west coast, the sun sets either directly over the sea or behind the mountains of a neighboring island (depending on the time of year), painting the sky with stunning colors. You’ll find a few swings hanging from palm trees, and small stalls selling drinks and snacks in a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere.
Tip: Many people miss this: Paliton is actually bigger than it looks. Right next to it, there’s a second beach area listed on Google Maps as “Little Boracay” – though locals don’t use that name. Instead, they call it “Big Paliton.” You can reach it by walking a slightly hidden path around the cliffs connecting both beaches.
Opening hours:
Always open
Fees:
₱20 entrance + ₱20 parking
#3 Sambulawan
Underground River
The river winds its way through an underground cave system, offering an adventure that combines exploration and relaxation in a truly unique setting. What makes this spot special is that you can actually swim and walk inside the cave – something you won’t find at most other underground rivers in the country. You’ll move through crystal-clear, chest-high water, navigate narrow passages, and admire the stunning rock formations in all their glory.
Tip: Bring water shoes or sandals, as the rocks can be very sharp.
Opening hours:
9 am – 5 pm daily
Fees:
₱250 entrance (includes life vest & flashlight) + tip for a guide
#4 Lagaan Falls
Lagaan Falls stretches over two tiers and features a small cave you can swim into, plus two ropes to swing over the water – one lower and one higher. There’s also the option to slide down the rocks from one tier to the next.
The best part? Lagaan Falls is much less crowded than Cambugahay Falls. If you’re lucky, you might have the place almost all to yourself. A guide is mandatory here, but don’t worry – they’ll also take some cool photos and videos of you.
Tip: If you come early in the morning, you’ll most likely be alone.
Opening hours:
8 am – 5 pm daily
Fees:
₱50 entrance + tip for a guide
#5 Salagdoong Beach
Crystal-clear water and a huge rock rising right out of the sea make Salagdoong famous – especially for cliff jumping. You can jump from a platform about 7 meters high, if you dare! There are also lower platforms and slides for a more relaxed experience. There’s a restaurant at the nearby resort, but alcohol is not allowed on the beach itself.
Tip: Water shoes or sandals are recommended, as there are quite a few coral pieces in the water and on the beach right now.
Opening hours:
Usually from 8 am – 5 pm
Fees:
₱50 entrance + ₱20 parking
#6 Tubod Marine Sanctuary
Tubod Marine Sanctuary on Siquijor is a beautiful protected area for marine life and a popular spot for snorkelers and divers. The underwater world here is amazing, with crystal-clear water and great visibility. You’ll find colorful coral reefs, turtles, and lots of tropical fish in all shapes and colors – and you don’t even have to swim far from shore to see most of it. Swim out a bit further, and there’s even more to discover.
Tip: Most of the beach belongs to the Coco Grove Resort. You’re free to explore the area, but you’re not allowed to relax on the private beach with your towel.
Opening hours:
6 am – 9 pm daily
Fees:
₱100 entrance
₱100 rental for snorkel and mask
#7 Mount Bandilaan
National Park
The park covers a large area in the island’s interior, giving visitors the chance to experience the untouched beauty of tropical flora and fauna. With its lush rainforests and a wide variety of plants and animals, it’s a true paradise for nature lovers and hikers.
A special highlight is the Observation Tower, perched on a hilltop, offering a spectacular 360-degree panoramic view of the island and the surrounding sea. From here, you can admire Siquijor’s breathtaking landscape from above and enjoy the peacefulness of this remote natural area.
Tip: The tower is not only a great viewpoint but also an ideal spot to watch the sunset. Just be sure to be very careful if you’re there after dark!
Opening hours:
Always open
Fees:
Free
#8 Lugnason Falls
Less known, less visited but absolutely beautiful, unique, and centrally located. You can jump from different heights off the cliffs into the water, which looks almost glowing green here. Of course, there’s also a Tarzan vine to swing over the waterfall and drop into the water.
Tip: Many people miss this: behind Lugnason Falls are the Zodiac Falls – 12 waterfalls named after the zodiac signs. Recommendation: ask at the entrance about the Zodiac tour. A guide will take you through hiking trails and dense forest to these hidden waterfalls.
Opening hours:
8 am – 5 pm daily
Fees:
₱20 entrance
#9 Cantabon Cave
In this limestone cave, you can wade through cool, crystal-clear water and bathe in fresh spring water. You’ll squeeze through narrow rock crevices, admire fascinating stalagmites and stalactites, and spot catfish and bats along the way.
Local guides from the nearby Cantabon community lead the tours and make sure you safely navigate the 800-meter-long cave. Since the cave is only visited by a few tourists each day, there might not always be someone on-site. If you don’t see anyone right away, just ask the locals nearby.
Tickets are bought in the small village at the “Sagrada Familia” church, before you head to the cave entrance.
Tip: You’ll get wet! 🙂 Ideally, bring water shoes or sandals, as the ground can be slippery and the rocks sharp. Also, a waterproof backpack or pouch for your valuables is highly recommended.
Opening hours:
No official opening hours. Ask nearby residents – they can arrange a guide.
Fees:
₱20 entrance + ₱500 guide (for about 3 people)
For larger groups, prices are negotiable and an additional guide will join.
#10 Tulapos Marine Sanctuary
Located in Enrique Villanueva, Tulapos Marine Sanctuary is the oldest sanctuary on Siquijor, covering a total of 24 hectares. There’s a huge coral garden where you can spot clownfish, parrotfish, groupers, lionfish, and turtles. It’s also home to barracuda schools, though they usually hang out around 40 meters deep, so you’ll rarely see them while snorkeling. With a bit of luck, you might even spot a blacktip reef shark here. Snorkeling with a guide is mandatory — but they’ll also help you capture great photos and videos.
Tip: You can snorkel here at both high and low tide, but it’s a bit more comfortable at high tide. At low tide, you’ll have to wade through shallow water for quite a distance before you can start snorkeling.
Opening hours:
7 am – 5 pm daily
Fees:
₱100 snorkeling, ₱100 free diving, ₱250 guide (for 2 people), ₱500 videographer, ₱300 scuba diving
Rental fees: ₱50 mask/snorkel, ₱100 short fins, ₱150 long fins, ₱600 GoPro, ₱300 small paddle boat, ₱500 large paddle boat
#11 Old Enchanted Balete Tree
This ancient Balete tree (Ficus indica) is estimated to be between 400 and 600 years old, making it the oldest tree on Siquijor. It holds a special place in Filipino folklore, believed to be inhabited by spirits and magical forces.
The main attraction for visitors is the fish foot spa, where you dip your feet into a pond and let the little fish nibble on them – which can be quite ticklish!
Tip: Between 6 am and 8 am, it’s still pretty quiet here. After that, most tourists arrive and the laughter really picks up.
Opening hours:
6 am – 6 pm daily
Fees:
₱20 entrance
#12 Lazi Church & Convent
Lazi Church and the nearby convent are among the oldest and most impressive historic sites on Siquijor. The church, officially known as St. Isidore de Labrador Church, was built in the 19th century by Spanish colonialists and stands out with its stunning architecture. Its massive coral stone façade and charming interior, decorated with intricate wood carvings and artistic details, make it a must-see. Right next to the church is the Lazi Convent, one of the oldest and largest monasteries in the entire Philippines.
Tip: Official opening hours aren’t always strictly followed, so the convent often only opens around 8 am or 9 am.
Opening hours:
Officially: 7 am – 5 pm daily
Fees:
Lazi Church: free
Lazi Convent: ₱20 entrance
#13 Hapitanan
Along the main road in Lazi, you’ll find the quirky spot Hapitanan — which roughly means “a place you just pass by.” This is where the famous flying broomstick photos in Harry Potter style are taken. If you’re not sure what that means, check out the pictures in the Google reviews.
After your broomstick flight, the place offers more small photo spots, a cozy little mini café with a garden area and fantastic views, plus a souvenir shop. Entrance and using the photo setups are free, but small tips help keep the magic of this place alive.
Tip: Don’t expect a huge attraction here. It’s more of a charming, fun spot run by locals, meant to make you smile and slowly gaining cult status. Just hopping around for the flying broom photos will bring out the kid in you.
Opening hours:
6:30 am – 5 pm
Fees:
Free / tip-based
#14 Marelle's Seashell Museum
Very informative, well-organized, and unique. At Marelle’s Seashell Museum, you’ll find countless shells and marine treasures from the most remote corners of the Philippines.
You can visit the attached restaurant before or after your tour of the amazing collection. They serve a super tasty breakfast with huge portions. Usually, people come here to eat and check out the museum on the side, since it’s quite small. And who knows – you might just find the perfect souvenir in the gift shop to take a piece of your sea adventure home with you.
Tip: Restaurant guests get free entry to the museum.
Opening hours:
Officially: 7 am – 10 pm daily
Fees:
₱100 entrance
(or free for restaurant visitors)
#15 Siquijor Butterfly Sanctuary
The Butterfly Sanctuary in Siquijor is a peaceful spot where visitors can get up close to the beauty and diversity of native butterfly species. Surrounded by lush nature, you can observe a variety of butterflies in their natural habitat — and the colorful butterflies make great photo subjects.
The sanctuary also serves to educate visitors and protect these fascinating insects, which play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance. While the sanctuary itself isn’t very large, the drive there through the beautiful nature is an experience in itself.
Tip: The best time to see the most butterflies is between 8 am and 3 pm, when most species are active.
Opening hours:
No official hours, but visitors can usually visit between 8 am – 5 pm
Fees:
₱100 entrance
Siquijor Hidden Gems
Hidden Gem #1 Holy Mountain
On this sacred mountain stands a huge white cross next to an open-air church, offering spectacular views over the island and the vast sea. A narrow path leads up to the church, with steep drops on both sides — creating an amazing backdrop. The journey itself is beautiful, and you can either hike up or take a scooter. Locals regularly hold masses here, but tourists rarely find their way up.
Tip: Not only is the path to the church a great hike, but the entire surrounding area offers fantastic trails. So if you want to explore off the beaten tourist track, this is the place to go!
Opening hours:
Always open
Fees:
Free
Hidden Gem #2 Cangbangag Falls
Cangbangag Falls is the highest waterfall on Siquijor and is rarely visited by tourists, so you’ll almost always have it all to yourself. The waterfall is completely uncommercialized — no entrance fees, no snacks or drinks for sale. That’s partly because it’s not the easiest spot to reach; you’ll need to do a short hike to get there, which adds a bit of adventure. It’s a magical feeling to discover a place like this deep in Siquijor’s jungle.
Tip: Drive close to the waterfall and ask the locals. For a small tip, someone can guide you there. Or you can go on your own (recommended).
What you need to know: After parking near the falls (the nearest road on Google Maps), you follow a small path crossing two tiny streams. Once you’re almost out of the jungle and see a large field on your right, there’s a small hidden trail on the left leading down back into the jungle. From there, just follow the dense path through the jungle all the way to the waterfall.
Opening hours:
Always open
Fees:
Free
Hidden Gem #3 Secret Beach
The Secret Beach on Siquijor, also known as Bacong Beach, is a secluded and untouched spot on the east side of the island. It’s only accessible via a hiking trail that leads through the Liloan Forest. The beach features rocky terrain and scattered rocks in the water, creating a peaceful and picturesque atmosphere. Since it’s less known, it offers a quiet alternative to the island’s more touristy spots. It’s also a great place for snorkeling, though the waves can get stronger during high tide.
Tip: There are no shops selling drinks or snacks here, so make sure to bring your own supplies.
Opening hours:
Always open
Fees:
Free
