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| Welcome to the mystical island of Siquijor |
It took over a month to finally decide which destination I
would spend my birthday. My heart is yearning for Batanes but considering the limited days off, budget, and totally unprepared
for it, my options were narrowed down to Agusan del Sur, Bohol, and Davao. But
after seeing a few Instagram photos, my curiosity and my hidden urge to explore
this so-called "island of fire and magic" was triggered; I knew I had to go to Siquijor.
An island rich in
culture and mystery
Siquijor is known as Isla del Fuego (Island of Fire) by the Spaniards who discovered the island hundreds of years ago. This is due to the swarms of fireflies that harbored in the molave trees on the island which gives off an eerie glow from afar, much like a burning island of fire.
The island is known for magic and mystery; of witches, supernatural phenomena, and known as the source of medicines and herbs prepared by albularyos and herbalists. They even held Healing Festivals where healers and herbalists from Visayas and Mindanao come together to perform healing and participate in the preparation of concoctions made from a variety of tree barks, herbs, roots, insects, and other ingredients. It has four municipalities and I was happy that I was able to roam in those areas.
You may click on the link on each featured tourist spot for more stories and photos. More photos on instagram/wander_with_sky.
You may click on the link on each featured tourist spot for more stories and photos. More photos on instagram/wander_with_sky.
St. Francis of Assisi Church
St. Francis of Assisi Church in Siquijor, Siquijor greets the tourists when they arrived in Siquijor Island from Sibulan port. Travelers have at least one photo of this church as a souvenir background upon their arrival. The church according to history was built in 1793 and its bell tower in 1891.
Capilay Spring Park
When your coastal tour starts at San Juan (where most of the resorts are located), Capilay Spring Park is your first destination. It's a cold spring with a man-made open-to-the-public swimming pool located at the town plaza. A grotto was located at the upper part of the cliff, a good vantage point to enjoy the scenery.
Lugnason Falls
I enjoyed the road trip from the highway to Lugnason Falls in San Juan. But what was exhausting but fun adventure was the trek from the main road to the waterfall location ; it was steep and rocky with no available guide rails. Local guides are willing to assist you and would act as your lifeguards if you decide to enjoy a dip in the cold water. The waterfall has more than five tiers, but pictured here is the only one open for the public. See details of Lugnason Falls
Old Balete Tree and Fish Spa
One of the famous tourist attractions in Siquijor is the century-old Balete Tree in Lazi. It does not look creepy to me as what people said, but it was more like an amazing sight to see. The way its vines and roots covered the main tree was just amazing to look at while enjoying the tree's cool shade. Coldwater from the trees gathers up in a man-made mini-pool where tourists enjoy a P5 fish spa experience. It was just amazing how these fishes swim as fast as they can towards your feet and nibble on your dead skin. It is a must-stop. See more details of Old Enchanted Balete Tree
San Isidro Labrador Church
I have a thing for old churches. Being in Siquijor, visiting old churches like the San Isidro Labrador Church in Lazi is a must. It was built in 1884. What attracts me was its century-old walls made of sea coral stones with engravings and its old wooden doors. Most church is made up of cement or stone floors but this church is made up of hardwood! The locals managed to preserve the colorful ceiling designs and they even maintained the wooden floors with floor wax.
Lazi Convent
Across the century-old church was the Lazi Convent. One of the largest convents during the Spanish era, I found its beauty mesmerizing and interesting. Its first floor is made from stone walls while the second floor is made up of hardwood. See more photos of San Isidro Labrador Church and Convent
Cambugahay Falls
Cambugahay Falls is one of the famous tourist attractions in Siquijor. Situated about a few meters from San Isidro Church, travelers can first experience the steep walkway without a guardrail from the highway to the three-tiered waterfalls. The last tier has a built-in rope where one can swing on their way to the pool of refreshing water. The second tier provides a relaxing massage. It was heaven actually. See more photos of Cambugahay Falls
Kagusuan Beach
This is one of the highlights of my tour around Siquijor. It's not a typical beach you have in mind. It looks abandoned, the 500-meter path from the highway is uncleared with overgrown weeds and dead leaves. Travelers had to climb down a steep walkway to enjoy the pristine white beach with massive boulders of rocks. It was such a beauty. See more photos of Kagusuan Beach
Maria Forest
Siquijor is rich in greens. On our way to Salagdoong Beach, we stopped at this man-made forest with exquisite beauty. I love the way tall trees bend towards each other along the path and provides cool shade to travelers. Let's stop for a while and do silly things, after all, life is made to be cherished. See more photos on Siquijor Forests
Sta. Rita of Cascia (Our Lady of the Divine Providence)
I went to check Our Lady of Divine Providence, to see Saint Rita of Cascia, the patron of impossible cases. Reviews warned me that seeing this nun dressed in black habit will send a creepy feeling, and in a way it did. Her eyes were different from most of the saints I've seen. What's more interesting and very unusual is that she's holding a skull in her right hand and a crucifix at her left. A note pasted on her glass case narrated her life and death. Our guide told me that the original statue was kept away from the public, the replica may not be that creepy but according to him, the original one was haunting.
The church is relatively old, the belfry caught my attention. The walls were made of stones and wooden panels were exquisitely made. See more photos on St. Rita of Cascia, Siquijor
Salagdoong Beach
The breath-taking view from the cliff of Salgdoong Beach is something I cannot forget. The water is so clear that you could almost see what's beneath it. Thrill-seekers grabbed the chance to do cliff-diving at 30-ft! Local police and lifeguards are patiently in the area to secure the travelers' safety. Locals are enjoying the cool, pristine waters with boulders of rocks which adds a relaxing view. See more photos of Salagdoong Beach
Cang-Isok Old House, the oldest surviving house
On our way to Larena, I asked our guide to stop at the famous old house which I saw on my research about Siquijor. By the time we reached Enrique Villanueva, we stopped at this fascinating old house built by stilts and sits quietly along the shore. What's amazing is that this abandoned house was about a century-old and surprisingly stood bravely against forces of nature. Creepy? No. Interesting? Yes. See more photos on Cang-Isok Old House
Cafe Triad, Larena
Completing the coastal tour, we ended our last stop at Cafe Triad. The function area is like a mushroom-like dome which is ideal for weddings, birthday parties, conventions, etc. Overlooking the Larena coastline, travelers can enjoy the magnificent sunset and the cool air it brings. There was a wedding ceremony happening when we were there. Getting there is a struggle, considering the cafe is situated on top of the mountain.
Siquijor Island, full of mystery and culture, has captured by heart and fed my hunger for adventure. People are so kind and welcoming that I did not feel any threat nor that creepy feeling they are talking about. I was amazed at how the people managed to preserve their heritage sites and made it readily available for curious travelers and future generations.
DAY 1
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ETD
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ETA
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Location/Details
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Remarks
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Budget
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2:30 am
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5:30 am
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Cebu South Terminal to Liloan, Santander port
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Via Ceres Bus
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Php 157
|
5:30 am
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6:30 am
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Liloan port to Sibulan port
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Via Cuadro Alas
Navigation Lines
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Php 62
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6:30 am
|
7:00 am
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Sibulan port to Dumaguete port
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Via tricycle
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Php 120
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7:00 am
|
10:00 am
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Stroll at Dumaguete Boulevard
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-------
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Breakfast at Kamalig beside Silliman University
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Php 250
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10:00 am
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11:00 am
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Dumaguete port to Siquijor port
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Via GL Shipping
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Php 170
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11:00 am
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11:30 am
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Siquijor port to San Juan (The Bruce Resort)
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Via tricycle
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Php 200
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11:30 am
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1:00 pm
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Lunch (carenderia)
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Php 200
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|
Groceries (water, cup noodles, etc)
|
Php 300
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1:00 pm
|
Check-in at the Bruce Luxury Private Cottages
Cottage with
bungalow, with ref, non-aircon,
With built-in
kitchen, hot/cold shower, fronting the beach
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Php 1,200
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1:30 pm
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6:00 pm
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Swimming / Rest
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7:00 pm
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8:30 pm
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Dinner at Dagsa Restaurant ( across The Bruce)
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Pancit Guisado
Tinola
Stir-fried shrimp
Inferno (best seller)
Rice and Drinks
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Php 585
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DAY 2
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7:00 am
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7:30 am
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Capilay Spring Park, San Juan
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------
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|
7:30 am
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8: 30 am
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Lugnason Falls, San Juan
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(donation only,
with local guide)
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Php 20
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8:30 am
|
9:30 am
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Old Balete Tree Fish Spa, Lazi
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Php 45
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Shop for souvenirs
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Php 200
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|||
9:30 am
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10:00 am
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St. Isidro Labrador Church, Lazi
Old Lazi Convent , Lazi
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-------
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|
10:00 am
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12:00 nn
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Cambugahay Falls , Lazi (with lifeguard)
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Php 50
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|
12:00 nn
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1:00 pm
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Lunch (carenderia)
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Php 250
|
|
1:00 pm
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3:00 pm
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Kagusuan Falls, Maria
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------
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3:00 pm
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4:30 pm
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Salagdoong Beach, Maria
Molave Man-made Forest
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Php 50
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|
Stop-over at Cang-Isok Oldest House
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Stop-over at Lilibeth's Pan Bisaya
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Bought famous
Siquijor Torta and
bread with bocayo
filling
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Php 75
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||
4:30 pm
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5:30 pm
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Café Triad, Larena
|
-------
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|
5:30 pm
|
7:00 pm
|
Back to The Bruce
(new cottage)
|
Php 1000
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|
Dinner at The
Bruce (take-out Sr.Pedro Chicken)
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P 300
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Island tour
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Via Tricycle
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P 1200
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DAY 3
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||||
10:00 am
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12:00 nn
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The Bruce to
Siquijor port
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Via tricycle
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Php 200
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Lunch (carenderia)
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Php 150
|
|||
1:00 pm
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2:00 pm
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Siquijor port to
Dumaguete port
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Via Oceanjet
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Php 200
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2:00 pm
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2:30 pm
|
Check in at Grand
Pensionne
With aircon,
TV,wifi, walking distance to Sans Rival
|
Php 780
|
|
5:00 pm
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6:30 pm
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Dinner at Sans
Rival Cakes and Pastries
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Spaghetti ala
Putanesca (double serve)
Date and Walnut
Dacquiose cake
Silvanas
Lipton Tea
Burger (large)
Water
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Php 481
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6:30 pm
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8:00 pm
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Stroll at Rizal
Blvd
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Groceries at
Robinsons Suprmarket
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Php 300
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DAY 4
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8:30 am
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9: 30 am
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Breakfast at the
Grand Pensionne
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Php 150
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9:30 am
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10:00 am
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Buy Silvanas at
Sans Rival (Php 140 per box)
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Php 840
|
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10:00 am
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11:00 am
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Grand Pensionne to
Sibulan port
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Via Tricycle
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Php 100
|
11:00 am
|
12:00 nn
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Sibulan port to
Liloan, Santander
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Via Cuadro Alas
Navigation Lines
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Php 62
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12:00 nn
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1:00 pm
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Lunch the terminal
|
Php 150
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|
1:00 pm
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4:00 pm
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Liloan
Santander to Cebu City
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Via Ceres Bus
|
Php 157
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TOTAL
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Php 8,504
|
To see more photos and stories on each featured destination, you may click below for the links :
- The Bruce Luxury Resort
- Lugnason Falls
- Enchanted Old Balete Tree and Fish Spa
- San Isidro Labrador Church and Convent
- Cambugahay Falls
- Siquijor Forests
- Kagusuan Beach
- St. Rita of Cascia (Our Lady of Divine Providence)
- Salagdoong Beach
- Cang-Isok Century-old House
- Cafe Triad
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