Siquijor Coastal Tour: The Classic Roundabout Route

The “roundabout” or coastal tour is Siquijor’s signature activity—a complete loop of the island hitting all major attractions in one epic day. At just 72km around the circumference, Siquijor is perfectly sized for a day-long exploration that leaves you satisfied but not exhausted.

Overview

Distance: ~72km coastal road (plus detours to attractions) Duration: 6-8 hours with stops Difficulty: Easy (paved roads, gentle terrain) Best Mode: Motorcycle (most popular) or organized tour

The coastal tour typically includes:

• 2-3 waterfalls
• 1-2 beaches
• Historical sites
• Viewpoints
• The famous Balete Tree

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Route Options

Counter-Clockwise (Recommended)

Starting from San Juan, head left toward Lazi.

Why This Direction:

• Hit Cambugahay Falls early before crowds
• Visit churches and cultural sites during cooler morning
• Save beaches for afternoon sun
• End with sunset possibilities on west coast

Clockwise

Starting from San Juan, head right toward Siquijor Town.

Why This Direction:

• Morning beach time at Salagdoong
• Waterfalls in afternoon (more crowds but you’re swimming anyway)
• Historical sites when you’re perhaps more tired
• Less popular, so more contrarian

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Complete Counter-Clockwise Itinerary

Stop 1: Cambugahay Falls

Distance from San Juan: 15km (~25 min) Time Needed: 1-2 hours

The island’s star attraction. Multiple tiers of turquoise pools connected by rope swings and natural slides.

What to Do:

• Swim in the various pools
• Try the rope swings (multiple levels)
• Walk up to the higher tiers
• Rent a bamboo raft (optional, PHP 100)

Tips:

• Arrive by 8 AM to beat tour groups
• Leave valuables in a waterproof bag
• Water shoes help on slippery rocks

Stop 2: Lazi Church & Convent

Distance from Cambugahay: 3km (~5 min) Time Needed: 30-45 minutes

Just a few minutes from the falls, the historic Lazi Church and Convent offer cultural depth.

What to Do:

• Explore the 1884 coral-stone church
• Visit the Siquijor Heritage Museum in the convent
• Photograph the impressive architecture

Stop 3: Old Enchanted Balete Tree

Distance from Lazi Church: 5km (~10 min) Time Needed: 20-30 minutes

A massive, centuries-old Balete tree with a fish spa at its base.

What to Do:

• Dip your feet for the fish spa experience
• Walk around the ancient tree
• Explore the natural spring area

Stop 4: Lagaan Falls or Lugnason Falls

Distance from Balete Tree: 10-15km Time Needed: 45 min - 1 hour

If you want a second waterfall, choose one of these:

Lagaan Falls:

• 3-tiered waterfall
• Less crowded than Cambugahay
• Short hike from road
• Entrance: PHP 30

Lugnason Falls (Zodiac Falls):

• Dramatic cascade
• More rugged access
• Good for photography

Stop 5: Lunch Stop

Suggested Location: Lazi town or continue toward Maria/Enrique Villanueva

Options range from local carinderias (PHP 80-150) to small restaurants. This area is less developed, so choices are limited but authentic.

Stop 6: Cantabon Cave

Distance from Lazi: 15km (~30 min into interior) Time Needed: 1.5-2 hours

Optional Detour: If you have time and interest, Cantabon Cave offers a genuine spelunking experience.

Note: This takes you off the coastal road. Add 1-2 hours to your day.

Stop 7: Salagdoong Beach

Distance from E. Villanueva area: 15km (~25 min) Time Needed: 1-2 hours

The famous cliff jumping spot on the east coast.

What to Do:

• Cliff jump from 5m or 10m platforms
• Swim in the clear waters
• Relax on the beach
• Explore the rocky coast

Tips:

• The 10m platform is no joke—only if you’re confident
• Water shoes help on rocky entrance
• Cottages available for rental

Stop 8: Paliton Beach (Sunset)

Distance from Salagdoong: 20km (~40 min) Time Needed: Until sunset

Complete your loop back in San Juan with sunset at Paliton Beach.

What to Do:

• Watch the sunset
• Walk the photogenic shoreline
• Grab a drink at nearby bars
• Reflect on your day

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Budget Breakdown

Self-Guided (Motorcycle)

Expense	Cost
Motorcycle rental	PHP 400-500
Fuel	PHP 100-150
Entrance fees	PHP 200-300
Food	PHP 300-500
Total	PHP 1,000-1,450

Organized Tour

Option	Cost
Group tour (van/multicab)	PHP 800-1,200
Private tour	PHP 2,000-3,000
Tricycle charter	PHP 1,500-2,500

Organized tours typically include:

• Transportation
• Guide
• Entrance fees (sometimes)
• Lunch (sometimes)

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Essential Tips

Timing

• Start early (7-8 AM): Beat crowds at popular spots
• Cambugahay first: Most crowded in late morning
• Plan for sunset: Save west coast for evening
• Don’t rush: 6-8 hours allows proper enjoyment

What to Bring

Essential:

• Sunscreen and hat
• Reusable water bottle
• Cash (ATMs are limited)
• Swimwear and towel
• Dry bag for electronics

Recommended:

• Snacks
• Light rain jacket (just in case)
• Water shoes
• Camera

Safety

• Wear your helmet (required and sensible)
• Drive carefully—roads are good but can be wet
• Watch for dogs, goats, and children near villages
• Don’t swim immediately after eating
• Check tide conditions at beaches

Crowds

Busy Times:

• Holy Week (avoid if possible)
• Christmas/New Year
• Long weekends
• Mid-morning to early afternoon at major sites

Quieter Times:

• Early morning (before 9 AM)
• Late afternoon
• Weekdays
• Rainy season (June-October)

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Customizing Your Route

Short Version (Half Day)

Skip caves and limit to 2-3 stops:

1. Cambugahay Falls
2. Balete Tree
3. Paliton Beach sunset

Duration: 4-5 hours

Extended Version (Full Experience)

Add these to the standard route:

• Cantabon Cave (spelunking)
• Mt. Bandilaan (viewpoint/hiking)
• Multiple waterfalls
• All six churches

Duration: 2 days recommended

Beach Focus

• Salagdoong (cliff jumping)
• Kagusuan Beach (sunrise)
• Paliton Beach (sunset)
• Tubod Marine Sanctuary (snorkeling)

Culture Focus

• All six churches
• Lazi Convent Museum
• Traditional healer visit (arranged separately)
• Mt. Bandilaan Butterfly Sanctuary

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Sample Detailed Schedule

Time	Activity	Duration
7:30 AM	Depart San Juan	-
8:00 AM	Cambugahay Falls	1.5 hours
9:30 AM	Lazi Church & Convent	45 min
10:15 AM	Balete Tree	30 min
11:00 AM	Lagaan Falls	45 min
12:00 PM	Lunch in Maria area	45 min
1:00 PM	Drive through E. Villanueva	-
2:00 PM	Salagdoong Beach	1.5 hours
3:30 PM	Drive to west coast	-
4:30 PM	Paliton Beach	Until sunset
6:00 PM	Dinner in San Juan	-

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What Makes It Special

The coastal tour isn’t just a sightseeing checklist—it’s a complete Siquijor experience in a day.

You’ll:

• Swim in turquoise waterfalls
• Learn about centuries-old churches
• Feel the mystical energy at the Balete Tree
• Challenge yourself at cliff jumps
• Watch a perfect tropical sunset

All while circling an island small enough to feel conquerable but varied enough to stay interesting.

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Final Thoughts

The coastal tour is the quintessential Siquijor experience, and for good reason. In 72 kilometers, you traverse the island’s highlights: nature, history, adventure, and atmosphere.

Whether you rent a motorcycle and chart your own course or join a guided tour, you’ll end the day with a genuine sense of having experienced Siquijor. Not just visited—experienced.

Start early, bring your sense of adventure, and let the island unfold. By sunset at Paliton Beach, cold drink in hand, you’ll understand why people keep coming back.