Siquijor

     November 1-3, 2012.

     This trip is the reward for enduring a month-long trial. I thank Dex for the sweetness that came with this surprise. Siquijor is one of my dream destinations, and never did it cross my mind that I will set foot on this Island this year. 

     We were lucky to have blue skies over us during our stay. It took us almost an hour to reach the Philippine's third smallest island from Dumaguete port and another hour from Siquijor port to Salagdoong Beach Resort in Salagdoong, Maria.

Salagdoong Beach Resort, Salagdoong, Maria

     We woke up early to catch the sunrise. Jog a bit and took photos.

     In order to freely roam and tour the island, we rented a motorbike. It was a fun ride. Technology made the tour a bit easier though we thrice missed our destination. :)) So we had to ask around. 

The Map! source: http://www.siquijor.gov.ph/map/Tourist%20Map.jpg 

Motorbike rental cost us Php500 exclusive of gasoline. Some resorts offer Php300 rental per day.

Cambugahay Falls. Oh this is paradise!

     Since the island is known for its mysteries and mythical beginnings, it is a must to see the century old Balete tree at Lazi.

Century Old Balete Tree at Campalanas, Lazi

     The sun was really hot! We have to find a place to rest and cool down. Fortunately, after passing through several restaurants (which were close because it's a holiday) and after being denied entrance at Coco Grove (they were fully booked, they limit their services to in-house guests), we were led to this perfect siesta spot! An open beach at San Juan. They have a beachfront cafe (Castaways) that serves really good food! So we stretched and cooled down under the talisay tree and soon after our tummies were fed, we submitted to the glaring heat just to take the picture below.

Castaways Cafe Beach Resort, San Juan, Siquijor

     After a hearty lunch, we had dessert at the Danish Lagoon, an equally beautiful place. We dropped by at St. Francis of Assisi then we headed to Villa Marmarine for coffee and kayak.

     We agreed that we should be back at the resort before evening. However, we were drawn to the comforts of the sea and sky that we almost forgot the time. Now we have to brave the dark streets back to Salagdoong for one hour. I was honestly scared and thrilled at the same time! 

     That evening drive spiced up the adventure! We arrived at the resort safe. Had dinner. Dipped. Stargazed. It was close to perfect.

Our Actual Itinerary :)

November 1
10:45am     ETD Manila for Dumaguete
                 Cebu Pacific P8,045.12 (2pax, roundtrip)
12:00nn      ETA Sibulan Airport, Dumaguete
                 Trike to Dumaguete Port P120
1:30pm       ETD Dumaguete for Siquijor
                 Delta Service P160/pax
                 Terminal fee P15/pax
2:30pm       ETA Siquijor
2:30pm       ETD Siquijor Port to Salagdoong, Maria
                 Trike to Salagdoong Beach Resort P500
3:40pm       ETA Salagdoong, Beach Resort
                 Accommodation P1,300/night
                          *Rest. Dine. Swim.

November 2
5:00am      Sunrise
7:00am      Island tour on motorbike
                Rental fee P500
                Gasoline expenses P171
                          *Route: Maria: Our Lady of Divine Providence - 
                                 Lazi: San Isidro Labrador Church, Cambugahay Falls, 
                           Century Old Balete Tree- San Juan: Castaways Beach 
                           Cafe, Danish Lagoon Luxury Beach Resort- Siquijor: St. 
                           Francis of Assisi Church and Belltower, Villa Marmarine- 
                                Larena- Enrique Villanueva- Salagdoong.
7:00pm      ETA Salagdoong Beach Resort
                          *Dine. Swim. Rest.

November 3
4:00am      ETD Salagdoong
                Trike P500
5:00am      ETA Siquijor Port
6:00am      ETD Siquijor
                Oceanjet P200/pax
7:00am      ETA Dumaguete
                          *Rizal Blvd., Breakfast at Cafe Filomena
10:00am    to Sibulan Airport
                Trike P80
12:30pm    ETD Dumaguete
                Terminal fee P30/pax
1:45pm      ETA Manila

Total expenses exclusive of meals: P13,326.12 (for two)