How to Get to Siquijor: Complete Travel Guide

Getting to Siquijor isn’t complicated, but it does require planning since there’s no airport on the island. All visitors arrive by ferry, typically through Dumaguete as the main gateway. Here’s everything you need to know about reaching this mystical island.

Overview: Two Main Routes

Most travelers reach Siquijor via one of these routes:

1. Via Dumaguete (most common) — Fly to Dumaguete, then take a 45-60 minute ferry
2. Via Cebu — Ferry directly from Cebu City or Liloan to Larena Port

Dumaguete is the easier and more frequent option, while Cebu is better for travelers already in the Visayas region.

From Manila

Step 1: Fly to Dumaguete

Major airlines operate daily flights from Manila (NAIA) to Dumaguete-Sibulan Airport (DGT):

• Cebu Pacific — Multiple daily flights
• Philippine Airlines — Daily flights
• AirAsia — Select days

Flight time is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. Book in advance for the best rates, especially during peak season.

Step 2: Get to Dumaguete Port

From Dumaguete-Sibulan Airport to Dumaguete Port:

• Tricycle: PHP 150-200 (15-20 minutes)
• Grab/Taxi: PHP 200-300 (faster, more comfortable)
• Van transfer: Some accommodations offer airport pickup with ferry booking

Step 3: Take the Ferry to Siquijor

From Dumaguete Port, you have two ferry options:

Fast Craft (Recommended)

• Duration: 45-60 minutes
• Price: PHP 200-250 (economy), PHP 300-400 (tourist class)
• Operators: Montenegro Lines, Aleson Shipping, Ocean Jet
• Frequency: 4-6 trips daily

Slow Ferry (RORO)

• Duration: 1.5-2 hours
• Price: PHP 150-180
• Best for: Travelers with vehicles
• Frequency: 2-3 trips daily

From Cebu City

Direct Ferry from Cebu City

Lite Ferry operates from Cebu Pier to Larena, Siquijor:

• Schedule: Wednesdays and Saturdays at 2:00 PM
• Duration: Approximately 5-6 hours
• Price: Around PHP 400-600 depending on class

Via Liloan, Cebu

Maayo Shipping runs from Liloan Port (southern Cebu) to Larena:

• Schedule: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays at 2:00 AM
• Note: This is an overnight ferry

Via Dumaguete (Recommended)

For more scheduling flexibility:

1. Take a ferry or bus from Cebu to Dumaguete (4-5 hours)
2. Then ferry from Dumaguete to Siquijor (45 minutes)

This route offers more departures and is more reliable.

From Bohol

Direct Ferry

Lite Ferry operates from Tagbilaran, Bohol to Larena, Siquijor:

• Schedule: Saturdays at 7:00 PM
• Duration: Approximately 3-4 hours
• Limited schedule—plan accordingly

Via Dumaguete

Ocean Jet and other operators run from Tagbilaran to Dumaguete:

• Schedule: Mondays and Fridays
• Duration: 2 hours to Dumaguete
• Then connect to Siquijor ferry (45 minutes)

From Mindanao

From Zamboanga/Dapitan

Take a ferry to Dumaguete, then connect to Siquijor:

1. Ferry from Dapitan to Dumaguete (multiple operators)
2. Dumaguete to Siquijor ferry

From Plaridel (Misamis Occidental)

Lite Ferry runs from Plaridel to Larena:

• Schedule: Sundays at 1:00 PM
• Limited service—confirm availability

From Other Areas

Most Mindanao routes require connecting through Cebu City or Dumaguete.

Siquijor Ports

The island has two ferry ports:

Which port to choose?

• Siquijor Port: Better if staying in San Juan or southern part of the island
• Larena Port: Better if staying in Larena or coming from Cebu

Both ports are roughly 20-30 minutes apart by motorcycle.

Sample Ferry Schedules

Note: Schedules change frequently. Always confirm with the shipping line or port before travel.

Dumaguete to Siquijor (Common Schedule)

Departure	Arrival	Operator	Type
6:00 AM	7:00 AM	Montenegro	Fast craft
9:00 AM	10:00 AM	Aleson	Fast craft
11:30 AM	12:30 PM	Ocean Jet	Fast craft
2:00 PM	3:00 PM	Montenegro	Fast craft
4:00 PM	5:00 PM	Various	Fast craft

Siquijor to Dumaguete (Return)

Departure	Arrival	Operator	Type
6:00 AM	7:00 AM	Various	Fast craft
8:00 AM	9:00 AM	Montenegro	Fast craft
10:00 AM	11:00 AM	Aleson	Fast craft
1:00 PM	2:00 PM	Ocean Jet	Fast craft
3:30 PM	4:30 PM	Montenegro	Fast craft

Booking Tips

When to Book in Advance

• Holy Week — Book 1-2 weeks ahead (island gets packed)
• Long weekends — Book 3-5 days ahead
• Christmas/New Year — Book 1 week ahead
• Regular days — Walk-up tickets are fine

How to Check Schedules

1. Call the port: Dumaguete Port: (035) 225-0574
2. Operator websites: Montenegro Lines, Ocean Jet have online info
3. Ask your accommodation: They usually have current schedules
4. Facebook groups: “Siquijor Travel” groups share updates

Getting Around After Arrival

Once you arrive in Siquijor, you’ll need transportation:

At the Port:

• Tricycles wait at both ports
• Hotels can arrange pickup
• Motorcycle rentals available nearby

Recommended:

• Rent a motorcycle (PHP 350-500/day) for maximum flexibility
• Most accommodations can arrange rentals

Budget Breakdown

Manila to Siquijor (One Way)

Expense	Budget	Mid-Range	Comfort
Flight to Dumaguete	PHP 2,000-3,500	PHP 3,500-5,000	PHP 5,000+
Airport to Port	PHP 150	PHP 200	PHP 300
Ferry	PHP 180-250	PHP 250-300	PHP 400
Total	~PHP 2,400	~PHP 4,000	~PHP 5,700

Cebu to Siquijor (One Way)

Route	Cost	Duration
Direct ferry	PHP 400-600	5-6 hours
Via Dumaguete	PHP 600-800	5-6 hours total

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not confirming ferry schedules — They change frequently
2. Arriving too late at the port — Last ferries leave around 4-5 PM
3. Traveling during rough weather — Check conditions during rainy season
4. Forgetting cash — Ports and ferries are cash-only
5. Not having a backup plan — Know alternate routes in case of cancellations

Final Tips

1. Bring motion sickness medicine if you’re prone to seasickness
2. Wear layers — Ferries can be cold from AC
3. Arrive early for Holy Week travel
4. Download offline maps before arriving
5. Carry small bills for tricycles and terminal fees

The journey to Siquijor is part of the adventure. Once you board that ferry and see the island appearing on the horizon, you’ll know the extra effort was worth it.