Things to do in Siquijor: 60 tourist spots and activities



Siquijor is small, but its tourist spots are spread around one coastal ring road and a hilly interior, so the order you see them in matters more than the list itself. This page covers 60 places: 9 from our Must Do selection, 21 from our Secret Addresses, plus dive centres, spas, gyms and a handful of stays that are an experience in themselves. Each one links to its full page with prices, access notes and photos.

The page is organised by type: beaches, snorkelling and diving, waterfalls and springs, caves and nature, viewpoints, heritage, healers, wellness and other experiences. Places flagged (must-see) are the classics almost every visitor does; (hidden gem) marks quieter spots that need a bit more effort. Further down you will find a route by area, a "which spot for which need" table, practical tips and an FAQ.

Our number one tip: plan by area, not by ranking. San Juan, on the west and south-west coast, has the beaches and most dive centres. Lazi, on the south coast, groups Cambugahay Falls, the church and convent of San Isidro Labrador, the Balete Tree and Sambulawan. Maria, on the east side, has the quiet beaches. Most entrance fees run from ₱20 to ₱100, so carry small notes.

Siquijor beaches

The west coast around San Juan is where the beach bars and sunsets are. The Maria coast is quieter and less developed.

  • Paliton Beach (must-see): a west-facing white-sand beach in San Juan, known for sunsets, tree swings and low-key beach bars. Environmental fee ₱20.
  • Small Paliton Beach (hidden gem): Cangbusyo Beach, the smaller neighbour of Paliton. Very (too?) busy at sunset, good for socialising, with flyer distributors and "volunteers" selling things.
  • Salagdoong Beach (must-see): white sand in Maria with two cliff-jumping platforms, roughly 5 and 10 metres, among the best jump spots on the island. Entrance ₱50, parking ₱20 for a motorbike or ₱50 for a car.
  • Monkey Beach (hidden gem): a quiet cove in Maria with pale sand and palm trees. The water is shallow and not for swimming, but it is a calm escape from the crowds.
  • Secret Beach (hidden gem): a rocky beach with turquoise water, reached through Liloan Forest. The last stretch of road has no signage at all: go with a local guide the first time.
  • Kagusuan Beach (hidden gem): a low-key stretch on the Maria coastline that sees far fewer visitors than the San Juan beaches.
  • Bacong Beach (hidden gem): on the eastern side, away from the main strip. Pick it if you want sand mostly to yourself rather than beach-bar crowds.
  • Lapac Beach (hidden gem): a quiet stretch in Maria, good for an uncrowded swim or for watching the sunrise over the water.

Snorkelling, diving and freediving

Two marine sanctuaries let you look for turtles without a dive licence.

  • Tubod Marine Sanctuary (hidden gem): a protected reef near San Juan with parrotfish, moray eels and regular turtle sightings in shallow, calm water. Snorkelling entrance ₱100, swimming without gear ₱20, gear rental ₱100, optional guide ₱300. The zone is marked by buoys.
  • Tulapos Marine Sanctuary (hidden gem): near Enrique Villanueva, for snorkelling with sea turtles, giant clams and, occasionally, blacktip reef sharks. Entrance ₱100 per person, plus a compulsory guide at around ₱250-300 for two.
  • Sublue Underwater Siquijor: try an electric underwater scooter in the calm, current-free water near Sitio Calambagui, Lazi.

For diving, the island has several PADI centres, most of them in San Juan.

  • Sea Pearl Divers: the best-rated of the centres we list, 4.9/5 from 170 TripAdvisor reviews. Fun dives from ₱2,150, Open Water from ₱21,500, across 34+ dive sites.
  • Last Frontier Dive: PADI 5-Star Instructor Development Center, Green Fins-certified, maximum 4 divers per guide. Fun dives from ₱2,000 (shore) or ₱2,150 (boat), Open Water ₱22,000. 4.7/5 from 70 reviews.
  • Vibrations Dive Center: small eco-conscious centre at Anapog Resort, Tubod. Shore dives from about $34, Open Water ₱22,000, instruction in English, French and Spanish. 4.8/5 on TripAdvisor.
  • Bahura Dive: PADI 5-Star resort in Lazi run by marine biologist Rachel Cole, with a house reef and a turtle cleaning station. Courses from ₱3,500; Apo Island day trips on Tuesdays and Saturdays from ₱5,900.
  • Apo Divers Scuba and Free Diving: scuba and freediving, rates from ₱2,500 to ₱28,000 including equipment, boat and transport.
  • Siquijor Divers Center: San Juan centre listing power snorkelling at ₱2,500.
  • Swake Freedivers Siquijor: a dedicated freediving school in Tubod, San Juan, with structured courses on a calm stretch of the west coast.

Waterfalls and springs

Cambugahay is the famous one; the others are quieter. Our Siquijor waterfalls guide compares them in detail.

  • Cambugahay Falls (must-see): four numbered basins in Lazi, basin 1 for the highest jumps, basin 4 for the "fairy walk". Entrance ₱50 plus parking, rope swing ₱50 (unlimited jumps once paid), bamboo raft ₱50. Queues form on busy days.
  • Lagaan Falls (hidden gem): a two-level waterfall in Lazi with a natural pool, rope swing and rock slide, reached by a 15-minute forest walk. Entrance ₱50.
  • Locong Falls (hidden gem): Lazi again. Admission and parking around ₱30 to ₱50 depending on the source, Tarzan swing apparently included.
  • Lugnason Falls (hidden gem): a roughly 5-metre stepped waterfall in the jungle with a natural pool. Around ₱20 per person plus about ₱10 parking. The Zodiac Falls river trek is nearby with a local guide.
  • Cangbangag Falls (hidden gem): in Larena. The road is unsigned and genuinely rough: only for experienced, confident riders. Ask locals for directions.
  • Capilay Spring Water Park (must-see): a free mountain-fed spring park in San Juan with pools, shaded huts and a playground. Best in the dry season (December to May).

Caves, trees and wildlife

Two caves, two very different experiences: see our Cantabon vs Sambulawan comparison.

  • Cantabon Cave (hidden gem): a roughly 800-metre limestone cave. Entrance ₱20 plus ₱500 for a guide (up to 3 people), the municipal rate. Through a private tour operator, expect ₱500-1,500 all-in with transport. Allow two to three hours and wear water shoes.
  • Sambulawan Underground River (hidden gem): a guided underground river tour through 200 metres of limestone chambers, stalactites and bat colonies near Lazi. ₱250, guide and gear included.
  • Old Enchanted Balete Tree (must-see): a roughly 400-year-old balete tree in Campalanas, Lazi, with a spring-fed pool where small fish nibble your feet. 4/5 from 600+ TripAdvisor reviews. Entrance around ₱20 to ₱50, plus parking.
  • Butterfly Sanctuary (hidden gem): a netted conservation garden near Mount Bandilaan with dozens of native butterfly species. Go in the morning. Entrance ₱100.

Viewpoints and the sky

  • Pitogo Cliff (hidden gem): San Juan, with a 3-4 metre jumping platform over turquoise water. Entrance ₱30 plus ₱10 scooter parking. Numerous thefts have been reported in the car park: leave nothing valuable in your bag or scooter compartment.
  • Mount Bandilaan (hidden gem): the island's highest point (557 m), in the interior, with a forest trail and a hilltop chapel. Free entrance. Pairs naturally with the Butterfly Sanctuary and Cantabon Cave.
  • Holy Mountain (hidden gem): a hilltop chapel above Enrique Villanueva, 200+ steps up, with wide views and a sunrise worth the climb. Free. Directions in our Holy Mountain guide.
  • Hapitanan (must-see): a roadside stop in Lazi for the flying-broomstick photo, fresh coconuts and garden swings. Free, donation welcome.
  • Skydiving: a USPA-affiliated tandem jump over the coast and reefs, with HD video and photos. Listed from ₱24,650 per person for groups of two or more, up to ₱28,000; check the current package before booking.

For the best sunset spots, read 3 places to admire the sunset in Siquijor.

Heritage, signs and museums

  • Lazi Church (hidden gem): officially San Isidro Labrador Parish Church, a 19th-century building listed as a national cultural treasure of the Philippines.
  • Lazi Convent (must-see): the Spanish-era convent across from the church, built between 1887 and 1891 and now home to a heritage museum. Entrance ₱30. Do both in one stop.
  • St. Francis Church Signage (must-see): the "Welcome to Siquijor" sign in front of St. Francis of Assisi Church, a short walk from the port in Siquijor town. Often the first photo for anyone arriving at Siquijor town's port.
  • Siquijor Boulevard Signage (must-see): the "I love Siquijor" sign on the seafront Boulevard, not far from the port, with turquoise water behind you.
  • Marelle's Seashell Museum: a small private museum on the Circumferential Road in San Juan with roughly 3,000 shells and marine specimens, and staff who walk you through it.

Healers and folk traditions

Siquijor's reputation for magic comes from its healers. Read our article on Siquijor's healers before you go.


Wellness: massages, spas, pools and gyms

Tubod, in San Juan, is one of the island's go-to areas for a massage: three of the places below are there.

  • Siquijor Massage: in the heart of San Juan, 4.5/5 from 17 TripAdvisor reviews. Thai massage, reflexology and traditional Siquijor massage in a forest-shaded setting. ₱300-₱525.
  • Laine's Massage Service: in Tubod, a short walk from Coco Grove. Not a hotel spa: a small neighbourhood place, which is exactly what built its reputation.
  • Seanelhy's Massage: the massage service of Tagbalayon Lodging House in Tubod, one house doing lodging, a carinderia and massage.
  • Estrella Massage Services: Purok 3, Tubod, a short walk from Tubod beach.
  • The Temple Spa: the spa at Coco Grove Beach Resort, open daily 10am to 10pm, Travelers' Choice 2024. 60 or 90 minutes: Swedish, hilot, hot stone, aromatherapy, Ventosa cupping.
  • Del Fuego Body Massage Spa: a small local spot on the Circumferential Road in Lazi. Full body ₱400 per hour, ₱450 with hot stones, 30-minute back or foot massage ₱250.
  • Secret Siquijor Report & Spa: a clifftop spa in the heights of Lazi, with a Kawa hot-spring bath and ocean sunset views.
  • Ananda Ashram Wellness Vibe: in the hills above San Juan, private one-on-one sessions: Reiki, guided meditation, herbal medicine, breathwork.
  • Runik: upscale pool and jacuzzi venue on the Circumferential Road in San Juan. ₱350, consumable at the bar or restaurant, gets you the pool, jacuzzis and loungers for the afternoon.
  • Glamping Village Sport Center: a two-storey gym at Glamping Village, Solangon. Free weights, machines, cardio. Day pass ₱150, open to non-guests.
  • Golden Gorilla Gym: small air-conditioned gym at Dragon Hill Farm, Can-Asagan. Day pass ₱150, monthly ₱1,800, Monday to Saturday 8am-8pm.

Other experiences

Stays that are an experience

Most of these sit in our New Experiences selection. Full accommodation options are in our where to stay in Siquijor guide.

  • Kamp Aninipot: hobbit-style dwellings and camping on a hilltop in Tacdog, with views over Siquijor Bay and sunsets.
  • MandalaTribe Treehouse: treehouses in a natural setting, about 1.1 miles from Paliton Beach. $40-73, 4.4/5 from 18 reviews.
  • Nakabalo Guesthouse: boutique hillside guesthouse in Cang-obao, San Juan, with infinity pool, sea views and an Italian-leaning restaurant. About $45-120 per night, 4.6/5.
  • Bermuda Triangle: 25 m² bungalows in the greenery at Maite with outdoor showers. 8.8/10 from about 460 reviews. Walking distance from bars, but no direct sea access.
  • Aquamare Beach Camp Resort: glamping domes with private pools on Sandugan beach, Larena, on the north-east coast. 8.6/10 from 478 verified reviews.
  • Blue Wave Inn: beachfront guesthouse in Dumanhog, about five minutes from the port, with a long infinity pool over the sea. Rooms from around ₱1,800, 3.5/5 from 60 reviews.

One day or two days: a route by area

No driving times here: they depend on your scooter, driver and stops. The logic is simply to group spots that sit in the same municipality.

One day: San Juan and Lazi

Morning in Lazi: Cambugahay Falls before the queues, then Lazi Church and Lazi Convent, the Old Enchanted Balete Tree and Hapitanan. Add Lagaan Falls or Sambulawan if you have energy. Afternoon in San Juan: Capilay Spring or Lugnason Falls, a snorkel at Tubod Marine Sanctuary, then Paliton Beach for sunset.

Two days: add the north, the interior and the east

Day two starts near the port in Siquijor town with the St. Francis Church and Boulevard signs. Head inland for Cantabon Cave, Mount Bandilaan and the Butterfly Sanctuary (morning is best for butterflies). Then cross to Maria for Salagdoong Beach and the quiet Kagusuan, Bacong or Lapac beaches, and to Enrique Villanueva for Tulapos Marine Sanctuary or Holy Mountain. Prefer a driver? See our Siquijor private tours.

Which spot for which need

You want Go to Why
The classic waterfall Cambugahay Falls Four basins, rope swing and raft at ₱50 each
A quieter waterfall Lagaan Falls Pool, rope swing, rock slide, ₱50
Sunset with a drink Paliton Beach West-facing, beach bars, ₱20 fee
Cliff jumping Salagdoong Beach Platforms of about 5 and 10 m
An empty beach Bacong, Kagusuan or Lapac Beach Maria coast, few visitors
Turtles without a licence Tubod or Tulapos Marine Sanctuary Protected reefs, ₱100 entrance
A cave with a guide included Sambulawan Underground River ₱250 with guide and gear
A real caving trip Cantabon Cave About 800 m, guide ₱500 for up to 3
Sunrise and views Holy Mountain Hilltop chapel, 200+ steps, free
Something free with kids Capilay Spring Water Park Pools, shade, playground
Your first dive course Sea Pearl Divers or Last Frontier Dive Open Water from ₱21,500 / ₱22,000
A cheap massage Del Fuego or the Tubod massage places Full body from ₱400 per hour
The island's magic side A traditional healer From ₱500-600
An adrenaline splurge Skydiving Tandem jump, from ₱24,650

Good to know

  • Carry small notes. Entrance fees, parking and rope swings are paid separately, usually ₱10 to ₱100 each.
  • Watch your bags at Pitogo Cliff. Numerous thefts have been reported in the car park.
  • Some roads are unsigned. Take a local guide for Secret Beach the first time; Cangbangag Falls is only for experienced riders.
  • Timing matters. Arrive early at Cambugahay to avoid queues, visit the Butterfly Sanctuary in the morning, and Capilay Spring is best December to May.
  • Guides are sometimes compulsory. At Cantabon Cave and Tulapos Marine Sanctuary you pay a guide on top of the entrance.

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-see tourist spots in Siquijor?

Our Must Do selection has nine: Cambugahay Falls, Paliton Beach, Salagdoong Beach, the Old Enchanted Balete Tree, Capilay Spring, Hapitanan, Lazi Convent and the two welcome signs near the port. Add Lazi Church next to the convent. Most cost ₱20 to ₱50 to enter; Capilay and Hapitanan are free.

How many days do you need in Siquijor?

Two days cover the main loop comfortably: one for San Juan and Lazi, one for Siquijor town, the interior and the east coast. In a single day, focus on San Juan and Lazi, where the best-known spots are grouped. Diving, a course or spa time need extra days.

What are the best beaches in Siquijor?

Paliton Beach for sunsets and beach bars, Salagdoong Beach in Maria for cliff jumping (₱50). For quiet, head to the Maria coast: Kagusuan, Bacong and Lapac see far fewer visitors. Monkey Beach is calm but too shallow to swim, and Secret Beach needs a guide the first time.

Which waterfall should I visit in Siquijor?

Cambugahay Falls is the classic, with four basins, rope swings and rafts, but it gets queues. Lagaan Falls, also in Lazi, has a pool, rope swing and rock slide after a 15-minute walk. Lugnason Falls in San Juan is small and cheap. Cangbangag Falls is only for confident riders.

What are the hidden gems of Siquijor?

Our Secret Addresses list 21 places: Tubod and Tulapos marine sanctuaries for turtles, Sambulawan Underground River, Cantabon Cave, Holy Mountain at sunrise, Mount Bandilaan, Lagaan and Locong Falls, and the quiet Maria beaches. Some, like Secret Beach and Cangbangag Falls, have unsigned roads.

How much do Siquijor tourist spots cost?

Most entrance fees are between ₱20 and ₱100. Sambulawan is ₱250 with guide and gear. Cantabon Cave is ₱20 plus ₱500 for a guide shared by up to three people. Tulapos requires a guide at around ₱250-300 for two. Capilay Spring, Mount Bandilaan, Holy Mountain and Hapitanan are free.

Plan the rest of your trip

Need a bed? See where to stay in Siquijor. Hungry? Our best restaurants in Siquijor guide. Evenings out: Siquijor nightlife. Town by town: Siquijor's six municipalities.

Before you go, read how to get to Siquijor and our Siquijor bucket list.