Siquijor, the Philippines in August 2016
After five days of ‘shopping’ and ‘partying the time has come to leave the great provincial city of Dumaguete. Have seen and done it all. Or so it felt. However, I wasn’t quite ready getting back to Cebu City and it was Cebu City that seemed to be the only destination (*) out of the island. Unless …
Each time I was entering or exiting my hotel I couldn’t help but notice a lovely photograph hanging on the lobby wall, a picture of a dreamy, paradise-like looking island. After few inquiries, I found out the island in question was only a short ferry ride away from Dumaguete. A though … why not take a ferry and spend a couple of days on that magical looking place? Why not indeed.
Coming to Siquijor, as the island is called, was one of the better decisions I ever made. Two booked nights (and days) turned into a 10-day long ‘extravaganza’. And I could have stayed even longer. Much longer.
Success, as my son would say. And a major factor contributing to this success was the resort I was staying in. Nothing fancy yet fancy, home-like fancy. Super cozy restaurant / hung out area, wifi, interesting visitors/company, sandy beach, cool tides, spectacular sunsets, full body massages in a cabana on the sea (given by a strong and musculus security guard). Bungalows, even though somewhat on a budget side, were quite habitable – although now they might pass as upscale (ish) due to the ongoing upgrades that already began during my visit.
The icing on the cake, however, and a natural hangout place was the infinity pool that blended magically into the sea. Total tranquility, serenity and … peace of mind. The ideal place for meditation (if you’re into it), contemplation, chill, and of course romance. Nothing short of a paradise.
And it doesn’t end here. If you are into snorkeling and/or scuba diving, the big bonus is still to come as the coral reefs ringing the island offer (supposedly) some of the best diving in the Philippines.
If the tranquility of the place and a quiet evening in the resort is not your cup of tea there is a small town about 2 kilometers away, right by the port, with mini-mall, few convenient stores, and few restaurants/bars where you can party. Next door resort is also worth visiting. Larger place, more people and subsequently more socializing.
This is pretty much it. So what did I do? I went to town once, visited resort next door a few times, but for the most part, stayed put in ‘my place’ and chilled. 10 days. And I’d do it again and again – in a heartbeat.
Note: there are another seaport and a much larger town in a different part of the island.
(*) Note: I found out later there are other destinations but from ‘the other seaport’ few kilometers away
Siquijor island in pictures
