As well as having an incredible and varied natural wealth, you're sure to admire some of the most beautiful sunsets in the Philippines on the island of Siquijor.
There are three places to visit to enjoy this enchanting spectacle, each with its own charm.
- Mystropical on the Lalao bridge (Photo). Stéphanie creates cocktails of outstanding quality at friendly prices, served with a warm smile. The view from the bridge is completely open, making it the perfect spot to enjoy the sunset. With a flawless 5/5 on Google, Mystropical Cocktail Bar has become a true island reference. When you arrive at the bridge, head straight to the blue tables—this is the original, authentic mobile bar experience of Siquijor. Don’t settle for imitations.
- In the heights of San Juan, the charming guesthouse Nakabalo offers a unique panoramic view of the sunset. Access to the pool for ₱1000 (with full access pool, sunbed, shower, towel and ₱600 dine in credit ) is a must-do during your stay. You can also play pétanque and billiards.
- Small Paliton beach. This is one of the most popular spots in the late afternoon, as you can watch the sunset with your feet in the water. But unfortunately, street vendors and 'volunteers' sent by various establishments solicit you on the beach, which sometimes makes for a very unpleasant experience. Several small paillotes offer reasonably priced drinks and finger food. ⚠️ An environmental fee of ₱20/person is charged on the road leading to this beach.
What time is sunset in Siquijor?
Siquijor sits at 9 degrees north, almost on the equator. The consequence surprises most visitors: sunset time varies by only 49 minutes across the entire year, against more than four hours in Europe. There is no bad season for sunset here, only shades of it.
| Month | Sunset | Light gone |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5.44pm | 6.07pm |
| February | 5.55pm | 6.16pm |
| March | 5.56pm | 6.18pm |
| April | 5.55pm | 6.17pm |
| May | 5.58pm | 6.21pm |
| June | 6.05pm | 6.29pm |
| July | 6.10pm | 6.33pm |
| August | 6.03pm | 6.25pm |
| September | 5.46pm | 6.07pm |
| October | 5.29pm | 5.51pm |
| November | 5.21pm | 5.43pm |
| December | 5.28pm | 5.51pm |
Calculated for San Juan (9.17° N / 123.50° E), Philippine time (UTC+8), mid-month values. The latest sunset of the year falls around 6.10pm on 11 July, the earliest around 5.21pm on 9 November.
When to arrive, and how long it lasts
Golden light starts roughly 45 minutes before the time above. Once the sun touches the horizon you still have 22 to 25 minutes of usable light before darkness. At this latitude night falls fast — there is no long blue evening the way there is further north.
In practice, a November sunset: arrive around 4.35pm, the sun hits the horizon at 5.21pm, it is dark by 5.45pm. In July everything shifts about fifty minutes later. This is also why Mystropical opens at 4.30pm — the right hour to catch golden light all year round.
The part nobody mentions: you need the west coast
The sun only drops into the sea from the western side of the island: San Juan, Lala-O, Paliton, Tubod, Solangon. From Maria, Larena or Enrique Villanueva on the east coast it disappears behind land, and it is not the same show at all. Obvious on a map, and still the most common mistake made by visitors staying in the north-east who plan a sunset drink.
One more thing guides leave out: in the dry season, December to May, the sky is often perfectly clear — beautiful, but flat. The most spectacular sunsets come in the wet season, June to November, when high cloud catches the colour. The trade-off is the risk of a downpour.