Hidden Gems: Siquijor's Mountain Tour Adventure

While most visitors stick to Siquijor’s famous coastal attractions, the island’s interior hides a different world: forested mountains, cave systems, hidden waterfalls, and traditional communities that time seems to have forgotten. This guide takes you off the beaten path into Siquijor’s mountainous heart.

Why Go Inland?

The coastal tour is wonderful, but Siquijor’s interior offers:

• Solitude — Fewer tourists, more authentic encounters
• Adventure — Caves, hiking, and physical challenges
• Different scenery — Forests, mountains, and panoramic views
• Cultural depth — Traditional healers and rural communities
• Cooler temperatures — Mountain air is refreshingly cool

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Key Interior Attractions

Mt. Bandilaan National Park

At 557 meters, Mt. Bandilaan is Siquijor’s highest point and a designated national park. The area includes:

Viewpoint

• 360-degree panoramic views of the island
• On clear days, see Bohol and Cebu
• Best in early morning before clouds roll in

Butterfly Sanctuary

• Native butterfly species
• Educational displays
• Best visited in the morning when butterflies are active

Station of the Cross

• 14 stations ascending toward the peak
• Religious significance, especially during Holy Week
• Pilgrimage site for local Catholics

Hiking Trails

• Various difficulty levels
• Forest exploration
• Bird watching opportunities

Cantabon Cave

The premier cave experience in Siquijor. Cantabon Cave offers a real spelunking adventure, not just a walk-through cave.

What to Expect:

• 1.5-2 hour guided exploration
• Wading through underground rivers
• Crawling through narrow passages
• Chambers with stalactites and stalagmites
• Genuine cave darkness

Physical Requirements:

• Moderate fitness level
• Ability to crawl and squeeze through tight spaces
• Comfort with darkness and enclosed spaces
• Swimming ability (shallow water crossings)

What’s Provided:

• Mandatory local guide
• Helmet with lamp
• Life vest for water sections

What to Bring:

• Clothes you don’t mind getting wet and dirty
• Secure footwear (water shoes ideal)
• Change of clothes
• Waterproof bag for phone/camera

Hidden Waterfalls

The interior hosts several less-visited waterfalls:

Lagaan Falls

• 3-tiered waterfall in forested setting
• Less crowded than Cambugahay
• Short hike from road
• Swimming possible

Locong Falls

• Smaller but scenic
• Very few tourists
• Authentic experience

Kanheron Falls

• Remote and hidden
• Requires local guide to find
• True hidden gem

Traditional Healer Communities

Maria municipality is known for its mananambal (traditional healers). Visiting these communities offers cultural insight but requires respectful approach.

How to Visit:

• Arrange through your accommodation or a local guide
• Don’t just show up at healers’ homes
• Treat as cultural learning, not entertainment
• Appropriate compensation expected

What You Might Experience:

• Herbal medicine preparation
• Healing rituals (with permission)
• Traditional knowledge sharing
• Cultural exchange

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Mountain Tour Itinerary

Full Day Route

Morning:

Time	Activity	Duration
7:00 AM	Depart accommodation	-
7:45 AM	Mt. Bandilaan viewpoint	1 hour
9:00 AM	Butterfly sanctuary	45 min
10:00 AM	Drive to Cantabon Cave	30 min
10:30 AM	Cantabon Cave exploration	2 hours
12:30 PM	Lunch in Maria town	1 hour

Afternoon:

Time	Activity	Duration
1:30 PM	Lagaan Falls	1.5 hours
3:00 PM	Optional healer visit	1 hour
4:00 PM	Return via scenic route	-
5:00 PM	Back to accommodation	-

Half Day Version

Focus on one or two highlights:

Option A: Mountains

• Mt. Bandilaan viewpoint
• Butterfly sanctuary
• Scenic drive

Option B: Cave Adventure

• Cantabon Cave only
• Allow 3-4 hours total including travel

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Practical Information

Getting There

By Motorcycle:

• Roads to the interior are paved but winding
• Steep in sections—confidence required
• Scenic and enjoyable ride

By Guided Tour:

• Mountain/hidden gems tours available
• Includes transportation and guide
• PHP 1,500-2,500 per person

By Tricycle:

• Can hire for the day
• Less flexible than motorcycle
• PHP 1,500-2,000

Road Conditions

• Main roads are paved
• Some attractions accessed by rough paths
• Wet season can make roads muddy
• 4WD or motorcycle recommended for some areas

Weather Considerations

Best Conditions:

• Dry season (November-May)
• Morning visits for clear views
• Avoid after heavy rain for caves

Rainy Season:

• Caves may flood—check conditions
• Roads can be slippery
• Waterfalls are more impressive
• Fewer tourists

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What to Bring

Essential Gear

Item	Purpose
Sturdy footwear	Cave, trails, rough terrain
Long pants	Cave protection, insect defense
2L water	Stay hydrated at altitude
Insect repellent	Forest mosquitoes
Rain jacket	Sudden showers
Headlamp/flashlight	Cave exploration

Nice to Have

• Hiking poles
• Dry bag for electronics
• Change of clothes (for cave)
• Snacks
• Binoculars (birding)

What to Wear (Cave)

• Clothes that can get wet and dirty
• Secure shoes that won’t slip off
• Long sleeves/pants for protection
• Nothing valuable or delicate

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Budget Breakdown

Expense	Cost
Motorcycle rental	PHP 400-500
Fuel	PHP 100-150
Mt. Bandilaan entrance	PHP 20-50
Cantabon Cave (with guide)	PHP 500-800
Waterfall entrances	PHP 30-50 each
Lunch	PHP 150-300
Total (self-guided)	PHP 1,200-1,850

Organized Tour: PHP 1,500-2,500 (all-inclusive)

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Hidden Gems Beyond the Standard

Tango Falls

Located in a remote barangay, Tango Falls requires local knowledge to find. The journey is an adventure itself.

Pisan Falls

Another hidden cascade that few tourists visit. Ask locals for directions and current conditions.

Century-Old Trees

Beyond the famous Balete Tree, the interior forests host ancient trees with their own mystical reputation.

Viewpoint at Sandugan

A lesser-known viewpoint offering different perspectives of the island and surrounding seas.

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Who Is This For?

Perfect for:

• Adventure seekers wanting more than beaches
• Photography enthusiasts
• Those interested in traditional culture
• Travelers who’ve done the coastal tour
• Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts

Not ideal for:

• Those with mobility issues
• Claustrophobic travelers (for caves)
• Visitors with very limited time
• Those uncomfortable with physical challenges

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Safety Notes

Cave Safety

• Always go with an authorized guide
• Listen to guide instructions
• Move slowly and carefully
• Don’t touch formations
• Keep your group together

Mountain Safety

• Inform someone of your plans
• Carry sufficient water
• Watch for sudden weather changes
• Stick to marked trails
• Respect wildlife

General Tips

• Start early to avoid afternoon heat
• Check weather forecast
• Bring charged phone
• Carry basic first aid
• Know your limits

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Final Thoughts

Siquijor’s interior is where the island’s ancient magic feels most present. Away from the tourist beaches, you’ll find forest-covered mountains, underground rivers, and communities that have maintained traditions for generations.

The mountain tour requires more effort than the coastal loop—you’ll get muddy in caves, sweat on hikes, and navigate winding roads. But you’ll also experience a Siquijor that most visitors never see.

When you emerge from Cantabon Cave, blinking in the sunlight, or stand atop Mt. Bandilaan watching the clouds roll over the island, you’ll understand why some travelers consider the interior the real Siquijor.

The beaches are beautiful. The interior is magical.