A QUIZZICAL RAMBLE AROUND ENCHANTED SIQUIJOR ISLAND

My February 25 Siquijor travel madness was inspired by the People’s Power Day and the quizzical quest in me to confirm or refute allegations on witchcraft and sorcery in Siquijor rather than on its moniker as the "Island of Fire."

Being first in my bucket list for 2015, I took time out from a stressful battle with unruly and ill-mannered learners from my workstation.  I noticed in my previous travel stories one common denominator:- "To de-stress.”

At first, braving a holiday getaway to a dreaded destination was just a skin-deep thought playing in the back of my mind. It was a genuine curiosity that induced my interest for this island province as I have searched and browsed all the particulars about Siquijor. I was upbeat to conquer the threat and enjoy the treat.

DUMAGUETE AND SIQUIJOR TOUCHDOWNS

My former student from a computer school in Pili, Camarines Sur, a resident of Valencia, Negros Oriental, met me up at Dumaguete Airport. He flashed a welcome greeting printed on an oversized paper welcoming me to Dumaguete. The effort was commendable as I actually prodded him to do it for me.

He captured few snapshots of me outside the airport before driving me to the seaport on his motor scooter. I purchased the next available trip to Siquijor via Jaylann-2 while Jerel left his scooter somewhere at downtown Dumaguete. On his arrival, we immediately boarded the sea craft and the cruise lasted for about 80 minutes.

The impressive turquoise water in the pier of Siquijor was clean and deep, I thought. Few steps after our descent from the craft, Tata, the driver-cum-guide whom I have contacted a day before I flew in to Dumaguete surprised me with a printed welcome greeting. His red pedicab was already ready for our adventure.

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI PARISH, SIQUIJOR

About 15 meters meters away from the port, the church emerged. The cemented letters sitting on the ground read: WELCOMETO SIQUIJOR.  I guess it is one of the most photographed places in the province. To my surprise, while posing for my second snapshot, the fountain right behind me was opened and that thing added life to the background.

We had a short stop over at an eatery inside the market for a quick lunch. There we had the puso steamed rice inside a ball-like coconut leaf, common in Visayas and Mindanao which we had eaten hand-held on my left and it went with native chicken tinola, using my right hand. It was our first meal on Siquijor Island. 

GUIWANON SPRING PARK

From the road’s shoulder, an immediate entrance to the park awaits. You will pass through a long footbridge on stilts that would lead you to the main cottage. Thick trees and mangroves are the common sight; with the strikingly splendid sea contribute to its relaxing ambiance. Bunkhouses are seen on sturdy trees which are open for lodging.

This park is good for a swift sight-seeing and selfie taking, unless you decide to extend a longer time lazing around or spend the night eerily on one of the trees.

TULAPOS MARINE SANCTUARY

A one-minute stop to hail the mangroves which are starting to bud and replenish the denuded area of the sea bank. For now, it was just ordinary and nothing special for the eyes to see, but it time, the residents of Enrique Villanueva will be the beneficiaries of this undertaking.

BUKAYO BREAD

I met the baker, Lilibeth, who was featured in a travel magazine show, in her makeshift bakery thus getting this idea for a taste of the local bread. There’s a small clay oven that is heated up by live charcoals. The filling of the bread looks pasty and it is far different from the common pan de coco. Let me just give credit for whatever reason to this popular island bread. I bought 30 buns at Php 6.00 each for pasalubong, but half of it got stale and rot in my four days stay.

SALAGDOONG BEACH AND AGRIPINO HOTEL

The disclosure of country views was unwrapping as we headed on to our final destination for the day, Salagdoong beach and hotel. This government owned property is a must-see attraction in Siquijor.

Dainty concrete statuettes of the Salagdoong duck, a local fowl, from which this property was named after. 

Down the beach are the following amenities, concrete mushroom-type cottages, restaurant, footbridge, slides and jumping platforms. The sophistication of this beach owes it from the scant and limited sandy area, but darn hold your breath when you view or take shots of the main beach from the elevated part, will make you orally compose exclamatory expressions.

Two water-slides which are temporarily unavailable during my visit and the jumping platforms are inviting attractions. That means that this beach is not only perfect for swimming but the deeper part is great for jumping acts as well.

I checked in at the three-storey Hotel Agripino. Their standard room was cozy and comfy with good air-conditioning and two beds. I dozed-off for a while before checking on the attractions down the beach. Almost sleepless for the past two nights, I made it up here on my bed till the morning light.

OLD CHURCH, MARIA, SIQUIJOR

A small old church in Maria town was our first stop for the day. What I usually do is to take a shot of the façade, then the altar, ceiling or dome.  I have nothing to say about this ordinary place of worship. So off we go to the next attraction!

LAZI CHURCH, CONVENT AND MUSEUM

This old Roman Catholic Church’s admirable design is by far the grandest of all the churches all over Siquijor. I noticed the abaca rope curtain on the main door which to me was unique. I didn’t bother to ask our guide but one thing he told us was about the wooden tiles as the flooring of the church.

Across the church there’s an enormous Narra tree. You can find an equally big old building where the museum, convent and school are housed. A climate of good vibe can be felt while you pass time anywhere in the vicinity would reward you with peace.

CAMBUGAHAY FALLS

Described as a three-tiered waterfalls, there things could be enjoyed on each layer. I tried them all and it was real fun!

The first thing that I reluctantly did was jumping over the falls, yes, with the low cascading falls, while our guide was taking my video and giving out instructions to evade a certain part where a rock was lurking underneath.

Then down to the second tier of the falls, I simply posed on the trickling water behind me and went on for a quick dip.

Finally, the lowest part offered the most fun of all. Vine swinging! This evoked childhood memories of our river in Santiago, and I was jubilant to have tried it once again in my life in the presence of local and foreign tourists. Shook off tons of stress somehow.

LUNCH AT A HOLE IN THE WALL

Famished after the series of activities, we pigged out in an eatery with a good bill of fare. We ordered local delicacies that left us glutted for the next attraction to follow.

FISH SPA AT CENTURIES OLD BALETE TREE

The oversized-trunk and the manifold branches make it stand out as an attraction rather than a creepy sight. A shallow pool teeming with small schools of fish is a hangout for relaxation and to pamper yourself with these friendly “at-your-feet’s-service’ fingerlings ever ready to nibble off the dead skin from your weary feet.

To rate this activity, two thumbs up.

CAPILAY SPRING PARK, SAN JUAN

Right at the town’s center of San Juan, a natural spring flowing out on two concrete pools for swimming and laundering are found in this town. The park may seem ordinary yet it brings good reasons to enjoy this rare blessings. No one was moved to take a plunge so we headed out to the final spot on offer.

PALITON BEACH AND FISH SANCTUARY

This secluded beach, a cove, with generous and appreciable white sand is still unspoiled. Small fishing boats docked along its shore are visible. Bushes sitting on the jagged cliff embellish the other side of the cove. I sensed that soon there would be improvements on the area and will soon strip off this beach with the adjective “unspoiled.”

Having reached the pinnacle of our itinerary, we spent a little while lazing on the beach, just the perfect way to call it a day. Touring around the island and experiencing the six municipalities of Siquijor, the third largest island province, got me some sense of gratification for the completion of this trip with God’s provision and protection.

SHOP, STROLL, DINE IN SIQUIJOR TOWN

After our tour, Tata brought us to Tumamak Lodge. This property has native rooms with simple accommodation for backpackers. Ideal place to access Siquijor town and the port on foot. Shopped for souvenir shirts, roamed around town, and posed by a burger store with I LOVE SIQUIJOR, and that prompted us to try their burger combo. The good-looking burger with fries and red iced-tea is a must-try.  The patty was crispy like no other, and it is tasty. Satisfaction guaranteed!

Jaylann-2 ferried us back to Dumaguete the following morning as early as 5:40, seeing the rising of the sun  as I looked back and took with me good memories of this prejudged island.