Siquijor, the island of healers and waterfalls
Siquijor is a small, quiet island province south of Cebu, long nicknamed the "Island of Fire" after Spanish sailors reportedly saw its mangroves lit up with fireflies. It is best known internationally for its mananambal, traditional folk healers who still practise herbal healing passed down through generations, most visible each Holy Week at the Healing Festival on Mt. Bandilaan. Beyond that, it is a laid-back island of white-sand beaches, jungle waterfalls and centuries-old Spanish churches, with none of the crowds of Cebu's bigger-name spots.
There is no direct route from Cebu, so every visit means a drive south plus two short ferry crossings. Cebu.travel arranges the Cebu-side leg: a private car from your hotel or Mactan airport down to Liloan port at Santander, timed to your sailing. From there it's a short public fast craft to Sibulan next to Dumaguete, then a separate Dumaguete-to-Siquijor fast ferry of about 45 minutes to an hour, landing at Siquijor town or Larena port. Because the trip stacks a long drive with two timed crossings, most visitors treat it as an overnight rather than a day trip.
How to get to Siquijor from Cebu City & the airport
- Private transfer to Liloan port (what we arrange)~3.5-5 hrs
A private car or van door-to-door from your hotel or Mactan airport down to Liloan port, timed to your sailing so you make the first ferry with time to spare. Request a quote for the fixed fare.
- Liloan → Sibulan fast craft~20-30 min
A short public crossing to Sibulan next to Dumaguete, with frequent sailings through the day; ticket paid at the port.
- Dumaguete → Siquijor fast craft~45 min-1 hr
A separate public fast craft from Dumaguete's port, run by operators such as OceanJet and Montenegro Lines, landing at Siquijor town or Larena. Confirm the current schedule close to your travel date.
- Ceres bus to Liloan (public)~3.5-5 hrs to Liloan
A public Ceres bus from the Cebu South Bus Terminal to Liloan, then you make your own way onward through Dumaguete to the Siquijor ferry. Cheapest, but a long day of connections with your luggage.
What to expect
Cambugahay Falls
A three-tier jungle waterfall near Lazi with turquoise catch pools, a rope swing, and a short walk down around 100 steps to reach it.
The old Balete Tree
A roughly 400-year-old balete tree growing over a natural spring, where small fish nibble your feet in the pool at its base.
Salagdoong Beach
A white-sand cove fringed by forest, with cliff platforms for jumping into the sea, including one at around 9 metres.
St. Isidore Labrador Church, Lazi
A 19th-century coral-stone church with a large adjoining Spanish-era convent, both worth a look inside and out.
Best time to visit
Dry season (roughly March to May) for the calmest crossings. Visiting during Holy Week lets you see the Healing Festival at Mt. Bandilaan, though it is also the island's busiest week, so ferries and rooms should be booked well ahead.
Siquijor: frequently asked questions
How do you get to Siquijor from Cebu?
Drive south to Liloan port at Santander (about 150 km, 3.5 to 4.5 hours from Cebu City, or 165 km from Mactan airport), take the short fast craft to Sibulan next to Dumaguete, then a separate Dumaguete-to-Siquijor fast ferry (about 45 minutes to an hour). Cebu.travel arranges the transfer to Liloan timed to your sailing, request a quote.
Can you visit Siquijor as a day trip from Cebu?
It is possible but very long: a 3.5 to 5 hour drive plus two separate ferry crossings each way leaves little time on the island itself. Most visitors stay at least one night on Siquijor so the crossings do not eat the whole trip.
Is Siquijor dangerous because of its reputation for witches or black magic?
No. The reputation comes from the mananambal, real folk healers who practise herbal medicine passed down through generations, most visible each Holy Week at the Healing Festival on Mt. Bandilaan. It is a genuine local tradition, not something for a visitor to be wary of, and Siquijor is generally a quiet, easygoing island to explore.
What is there to see on Siquijor?
The main draws are Cambugahay Falls, the centuries-old Balete Tree with its fish spring, cliff-jumping at Salagdoong Beach, and the coral-stone St. Isidore Labrador Church and convent in Lazi. It suits a relaxed one-to-two-night stay rather than a checklist of sights.