There’s A Place In… is a new series where I ask travellers to share a place that has stood out from their travels. This week’s post comes from Mica of Senyorita who shares one of her favourite places in the Philippines.
Where did you go?
Siquijor Island, Philippines (Central Visayas). It is the third smallest province in the Philippines (after Camiguin and Batanes).
How did you find this place?
I’ve been hearing a lot of stories about Siquijor since I was a kid. I remember watching various tv features during Halloween season pertaining to scary things that points Siquijor as its origin. There’s the story of the big Balete Tree and witchcraft. Even some Filipino movies refer to it as an origin of several horror characters. Because of the media hype about it, Siquijor was tagged as the ‘mystical island’. I’ve heard that they have nice white beaches, but never had the courage to go there.
Late December I met Dylan, a fellow blogger who is currently based in Cebu. When I found out that he was born and raised in Siquijor, I asked a lot of questions about the island. He said that the horror brouhaha was just exaggerated and hyped up by the media. I searched for pictures online and before I knew it, I was already planning a trip to Siquijor Island!
Why does this place stand out to you?
I admire Siquijor’s beauty! I can compare it to a beautiful girl who is often misunderstood by others. I have to admit though that I got a bit scared when I arrived there at night since there were less lights in the port area. But when I saw the number of foreigners who were there, I just shrugged it off. Why should I be scared while the foreigners don’t mind at all?
I stayed in Siquijor for five days and I was able to explore the whole island via wrangler. (Roadtrip FTW!) Thanks to my friend Dylan for accompanying me and making the trip worthwhile! I experienced the Siquijodnon hospitality when I stayed in their house and met some of his relatives too. I was able to visit the best resorts, white beaches, breathtaking waterfalls and much more! It could have been more expensive if I went there alone. I guess that trip was meant to happen and some of my friends said that I looked really happy after the whole trip. I want to go back!
How can we get there?
There are no direct flights to Siquijor from Manila. The nearest airport is in Dumaguete (one hour flight). From the Dumaguete Port Area, you can take a fast craft going to Siquijor (one hour trip).
Looks like a beautiful quiet place – and makes things interesting with all the stories about it!
Never heard of this place before but it looks awesome!
Thanks for this, Audrey! I have to blog about my Siquijor trip soon. I highly encourage that you consider visiting this part of the Philippines soon 🙂 Siquijor is my second favorite Philippine Destination 😀
This place looks amazing! Another reason to visit the Philippines. 😉
Thanks again for contributing to the series!
I have never heard of Siquijor Island, so while I am surprised to hear that so many foreigners were there, I would imagine that many of them had never heard the legends surrounding the place! Most tourists will brave many horrors in search of beaches as nice as those! 😉
WHOW Mica, you’re featured here! So proud!! You should have sent more fantastic photos of Siquijor though to encourage her readers!
Great article Audrey! 😀
I’m convinced I need to make a stop there at some point. 🙂
Out of all the places I want to go to in the Philippines, Siquijor is number one! Seems a wee bit tricky to get to, but that’s part of the fun (and also heard that Dumaguete is pretty nice if you’re taking a boat from there).
That waterfall-slash-pool looks amazing, and the beaches. Oh the photos of the beaches! It looks magical – who cares if it’s a little spooky to boot? 😉
Doesn’t it look fantastic?! The more I read about the Philippines, the more I want to go there! 😀
Such a beautiful place.
Wanna go to Philippines so badly
Love the last pic! Tells the feelings 🙂