Siquijor

Do you want to know more about Siquijor? Do you want to know more about it's history, Tourist Attractions, Festivals and it's Geophysical Profile?

Siquijor is the third smallest province in the Philippines, but may be the biggest when it comes to springing our surprises to unsuspecting visitors. As the adage says, big surprises come in small packages.The breath-taking panorama of the convergence of land, sea and mountain, not to mention it's unexplainable rustic allure and warm people, Siquijor is arguably among the country's next tourist hot spot.Perhaps because of it's relative isolation over the years from the mainstream of the tourism industry in the Visayas, it has become a well-kept secret from the wave of foreign tourists.However, this veil of isolation has worked in it's favor as it has created an unmatched sense of curiosity and excitement to discover this enchanting island.According to oral accounts, Siquijor possesses a mystic energy which provided physical and spiritual healing to weary travelers in the olden days. With it's serene environment, it was and continues to be a tranquil getaway for those who seek a well-deserved respite and commune with nature.Being a coral island, the province boasts of reefs teeming with lush marine life and remarkable coral formations which are irresistible magnets for snorkeling and scuba diving. It's western coastal areas afford visitors a front row seat to witnessing one of the most romantic sunsets in the Visayas.Meanwhile, it's rugged outdoors are ideal for hiking, biking or driving around it's well-praved road to appreciate the gorgeous countryside and the simple joys in the daily lives of the Siquijodnons.The province may not have star-rated amenities of the other touist destinations in the country, but it's natural charm and the close-to-nature experience it offers more than compensate for this shortcoming.Being at the heart of Central Visayas, the province can be accessed via Cebu City or Tagbilaran City through the port of Larena using fast cratfs or roll-on, roll-off. Another point of entry is via Dumaguete City through the ports of Larena, Siquijor or Tambisan.

Brief History of Siquijor.

The Spaniards called Siquijor "Isla del Fuego" or "Island of Fire," because of the eerie glow radiated by the great swarms of fireflies that harbored in the molave trees. It was first sighted by the Spanish explores in 1565 during the expedition of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. Since then, the island came under the Spanish rule and the present municipalities, with the exception of Enrique Villanueva were established as parishes of the Catholic Church. Siquijor, the first parish, was established in 1783 under the administration of secular clerymen. In the years that followed until 1877, the parishes of Cano-an (Larena), Tigbawan (Lazi), Makalipay (San Juan), and Cangmeniac (Maria) were founded by Augustinian and Recollect priests. From 1854 to 1892, it was administered under the politico-military province of Bohol. In 1892, it became a part of Negros Oriental and then its sub-province in 1901.Siquijor was created as a province on September 17, 1971 by Republic Act No. 6396 with Larena as provincial capital. A year later, the seat of the provincial government was transferred to the municipality of Siquijor in 1972 by Proclamation No. 1075, making it the commercial and administrative center of the province. To help you explore the magical island of Siquijor, the Department of Tourism in cooperation with United Tourist Promotions, the country's leading mapmaker for more than a decade, is publishing this map. Whether you are a first-time foreign visitor or a Filipino trying to familiarize yourself with the province, you will find this map to be a handy and user-friendly guide to help you master Siquijor's road network like the back of your hand.

Tourist Attractions

Tulapos Marine Sanctuary
The biggest of the several marine sanctuaries in the province located in Enrique Villanueva, it is a habitat to abundant fish species and underwater marine life.

Salagdoong Beach Resort
A romantic hideaway in Maria tucked in a cove, fine white sand and a nearby islet providing a good vantage point of the beachfront.

Cagusana Beach (Maria)
Noted for its pictureque seascape and rock formation, it is situated below a cliff and accessible by a concrete staircase.

St. Isidore Church and Convent
Built by Spanish priests in 1884 in Lazi, it is the biggest and among the oldest convents in Asia and recognized as a national historical landmark.

St. Francis of Assisi Church, Bell Tower and Convent
A Spanish period church made of stone, cruciform and nipa roof, while the adjoining convent is also made of stone rubble. The bell tower stands separately from the church accros the plaza, suggesting that is also served as a watch tower against raiders from the sea.

San Juan de Capilay Lake
A spring-fed swimming pool situated near the San Juan town plaza which is a favorite destination of local folks when they cool off from the heat of the sun.

Cantabon Cave
A long and winding cave in Siquijor town which will surely delight true-blue spelunkers. A fter a challenging and adventurous 90-minute trail, they are rewarded with a refreshing and rejuvenating deep in the pool.

Mt. Bandilaan National Park
Situated at the center of the province straddling the towns of Lazi and Siquijor, it is home to endemic fauna and flora.Rising at 557 feet at its highest point, the 224 hectare man-made forest covers the former Reforestation Project and offers a breath-taking view of the land below. Other attraction within the park include religious parks, natural springs and a butterfly sanctuary which is home to Asia's biggest butterfly.

Festivals

Solili Festival
A marriage ritual held in Lazi every September where parents of the bride and groom prepare a feast and take turns advising the couple on married life. The rites are depicted in street dance competition that serves as the highlight of the weeklong Araw ng Siquijor Charter Day celebration.

Dilaab Festival
Held on October 1 in Siquijor to showcase the people's distinct hospitality and the ancient name of the island - "Isla Del Fuego" because of the swarm of fireflies at night. The fest also honors St. Francis of Assisi who is known as the patron saint of animals.

Folk Healing Festival
Herbularyos from Visayas and Mindanao converge in the barrio of San Antonio, Siquijor where ancient medicinal potions are prepared and tested every Black Saturday with the belief that with the death of Jesus Christ, spirits roam the earth and share their healing powers to the sick.

Bugwas Festival
Held in San Juan, it celebrates a bountiful harvest in honor of St. Augustine. Bugwas means a spurt of water from the underground which gives farmers bountiful, the fishermen with abundant catch.