Siquijor vs Bohol: The Complete Comparison

Two islands, both in the Visayas, both stunning, both reachable from each other. But they offer fundamentally different experiences. This guide helps you choose—or convince you to visit both.

Quick Comparison

The Islands at a Glance

Siquijor

The smallest province in the Philippines. Known for mysticism and traditional healing. Most tourists overlook it, keeping crowds minimal. Development is modest—no malls, few chain businesses, limited nightlife.

The feeling: Quiet. Authentic. Somewhat isolated. Like the Philippines of decades past.

Bohol

Much larger and more developed. Famous for the Chocolate Hills geological formation and the tiny tarsier primate. Strong tourism infrastructure with resorts, tour operators, and organized activities.

The feeling: Developed but still beautiful. More facilities, more fellow tourists. Organized and accessible.

Detailed Comparisons

Beaches

Siquijor Beaches:

• Paliton Beach: White sand, quiet, famous rope swing
• Salagdoong Beach: Cliff jumping, coves
• Solangon: Main tourist beach, still relatively quiet
• San Juan: Several beach options

Bohol Beaches:

• Alona Beach (Panglao): The most developed, restaurants, bars, diving
• Dumaluan Beach: Longer, resorts, less crowded than Alona
• Anda: Rising alternative, less developed

Verdict: Both excellent. Bohol has more beach variety and development. Siquijor has quieter, less crowded beaches. If you want beachside restaurants and nightlife, Bohol wins. If you want solitude, Siquijor wins.

Diving

Siquijor Diving:

• Marine sanctuaries with healthy reefs
• Macro life focus (nudibranchs, frogfish)
• Fewer divers on sites
• Night diving specialty
• 3-5 dive shops

Bohol Diving:

• Balicasag Island: World-class site
• Pamilacan: Dolphins, whale sharks (seasonal)
• More dive operators (competition = lower prices)
• Better technical diving infrastructure
• Day trips to various sites

Verdict: Serious divers should do both. Bohol has more variety and famous sites. Siquijor offers uncrowded sites and excellent macro.

Nature Attractions

Siquijor:

• Cambugahay Falls (famous rope swing waterfall)
• Lugnason Falls (remote)
• Century-old Balete Tree
• Mt. Bandilaan (highest point)
• Cantabon Cave

Bohol:

• Chocolate Hills (1,200+ geological formations)
• Tarsier Sanctuary (world’s smallest primate)
• Loboc River (boat cruises)
• Hinagdanan Cave
• Various waterfalls

Verdict: Bohol has more headline attractions. The Chocolate Hills are unique worldwide. But Siquijor’s attractions feel less managed and more natural.

Culture and History

Siquijor:

• Traditional healers (mananambal)
• Holy Week healing gatherings
• Full moon rituals
• Spanish colonial churches
• Mystical reputation throughout Philippines

Bohol:

• Baclayon Church (one of oldest in Philippines)
• Blood Compact site
• Traditional weaving villages
• More developed cultural tourism

Verdict: Siquijor for mystical/healing culture. Bohol for historical sites and organized cultural experiences.

Getting Around

Siquijor:

• Motorcycle rental dominant (₱350-500/day)
• 72km coastal road—easy to navigate
• Tricycles for short trips
• No Grab/taxi services

Bohol:

• Car rental common and practical (island is big)
• Motorcycle rental available
• Organized tours popular
• Grab available in developed areas

Verdict: Siquijor is easier for independent exploration—small enough to cover by motorbike. Bohol requires more planning due to size.

Accommodation

Siquijor:

• Budget to mid-range options primarily
• Few luxury resorts
• Most concentrated in San Juan
• Quieter, less competitive pricing

Bohol:

• Full range: hostels to 5-star resorts
• Panglao has heavy concentration
• More competition = better deals possible
• Higher-end options available

Verdict: Budget travelers find value in both. Luxury seekers have more options in Bohol.

Food and Nightlife

Siquijor:

• Local restaurants and beach bars
• Limited nightlife
• Fresh seafood focus
• Closes relatively early

Bohol:

• More variety: international, local, fusion
• Alona Beach has bars and clubs
• Late-night options available
• Better for food enthusiasts

Verdict: Bohol for food variety and nightlife. Siquijor for quiet evenings.

Cost Comparison

Verdict: Siquijor is 20-30% cheaper overall for comparable experiences.

Who Should Go Where

Choose Siquijor If You:

• Want peace and quiet
• Prefer independent exploration
• Are interested in mysticism/healing traditions
• Seek uncrowded beaches and dive sites
• Have 3-5 days
• Travel on a tighter budget
• Enjoy off-the-beaten-path destinations
• Want to rent a motorcycle and explore freely

Choose Bohol If You:

• Want variety of activities
• Prefer organized tourism
• Must see the Chocolate Hills
• Want better nightlife options
• Have 5-7 days
• Travel with family or groups
• Need resort-level accommodation
• Want day-trip variety

Visit Both If You:

• Have a week or more
• Want the best of both worlds
• Are diving enthusiasts
• Want contrast: developed vs. undeveloped
• Don’t mind ferry travel

Combining Both Islands

The Route

Siquijor → Bohol: Ferry from Larena to Tagbilaran (approximately 1-2 hours depending on ferry type)

Bohol → Siquijor: Same route in reverse

Suggested Itinerary: 7 Days

Days 1-3: Bohol

• Day 1: Arrive Tagbilaran, transfer to Panglao, beach time
• Day 2: Chocolate Hills and tarsier day trip
• Day 3: Balicasag diving or Loboc River

Day 4: Transit

• Morning in Bohol, afternoon ferry to Siquijor, evening settle in

Days 5-7: Siquijor

• Day 5: Waterfalls and motorcycle exploration
• Day 6: Beach and diving
• Day 7: Departure or healer visit

Which First?

Bohol first: Start with more developed infrastructure while fresh, end relaxing in Siquijor.

Siquijor first: Get adjusted in quieter setting, finish with more activity options.

Both work—personal preference.

The Honest Assessment

Bohol Pros

• More to do
• Better infrastructure
• Famous attractions
• More transport options
• Better for families

Bohol Cons

• More tourists
• More developed = less authentic feeling
• Some attractions overcrowded
• Panglao can feel touristy

Siquijor Pros

• Uncrowded
• Authentic atmosphere
• Unique cultural experiences
• Better value
• Easy to explore

Siquijor Cons

• Limited activities
• Less infrastructure
• Fewer food options
• Not for party seekers
• Can feel too quiet for some

Making the Decision

Ask yourself:

What’s more important: variety of activities or peaceful exploration?

• Variety → Bohol
• Peace → Siquijor

How do you like to travel: organized or independent?

• Organized → Bohol
• Independent → Siquijor

What’s your budget priority?

• Economy → Siquijor
• Flexibility → Bohol

How much time do you have?

• 3-4 days → Choose one (Siquijor for relaxation, Bohol for attractions)
• 5+ days → Consider both

What experience are you seeking?

• Bucket-list sights → Bohol (Chocolate Hills, tarsiers)
• Unique culture → Siquijor (healers, mysticism)
• Diving → Both, but maybe Bohol for variety
• Beaches → Both excellent

Final Thoughts

There’s no wrong choice. Both islands deliver the tropical Philippine experience with their own character.

Bohol is the well-reviewed restaurant that delivers what you expect. Siquijor is the discovery that becomes a personal favorite.

If forced to choose: go to Siquijor while it’s still quiet. Bohol will always be there, well-organized and waiting. Siquijor is changing—in a few years, this comparison may read differently.

Or simply: go to both.

For another island comparison, see Siquijor vs Apo Island. For Siquijor trip planning, check our solo travel guide.