The Best Things to Do in Siquijor: Beaches, Waterfalls and More
There are more things to do in Siquijor than its size suggests. You can swim through an underground river, visit waterfalls and caves, stop at coastal viewpoints and still finish the day on a quiet beach.
I grew up in the Philippines and have returned every year since 2023, so my expectations for an island destination are fairly high.
Siquijor impressed me because it combines beautiful scenery with genuinely unusual experiences, without making every day feel like a race between attractions.
This guide covers the places I visited and recommend, along with the best beaches, waterfalls and caves to consider when planning your own island day.
I have also included approximate entry prices to help you budget. Let’s dive in!
Things to Do in Siquijor: Quick Answer
Siquijor is best for travellers who enjoy nature, outdoor activities and a slower style of sightseeing.
My personal highlights were swimming through the Sambulawan Underground River, visiting Pitogo Cliff at different times of day and seeing the enormous Old Enchanted Balete Tree.
Other popular Siquijor attractions include Cambugahay Falls, Cantabon Cave and beaches such as Paliton and Salagdoong.
Most of these places can be combined into an island loop by scooter or tuk-tuk.
If you only have one day, choose three or four stops rather than trying to visit everything.
The roads may be manageable, but swimming through caves and climbing around waterfalls is considerably less relaxing when you are watching the clock.
PRO TIP: Bring cash for entrance fees, drinking water and secure water shoes. Water shoes are especially useful around caves, waterfalls and rocky swimming areas.
My Firsthand Highlights
These are the Siquijor attractions I personally visited and would recommend building into your itinerary.
1. Sambulawan Underground River
Sambulawan Underground River was one of the most adventurous experiences of my Philippines trip.
This is not a cave where you simply walk inside, take a photograph and leave. You descend below ground and swim through part of the underground river system with a local guide.
The route took me roughly 100 metres below ground and included around 150 metres of swimming.
Expect uneven and slippery surfaces, dark enclosed spaces and sections where you will be properly wet.
You should be reasonably fit, comfortable in the water and prepared for a more physical experience than a standard sightseeing stop.
Entry was around PHP 250 and included the necessary gear. The guide worked for tips, so bring additional cash.
Wear secure water shoes and clothing that can get wet. I would also avoid bringing anything that cannot be safely secured or protected from water.
If you are claustrophobic or uncomfortable swimming in dark spaces, skip this one without guilt. A holiday is not an endurance test, and Siquijor has plenty of above-ground alternatives.
2. Pitogo Cliff Nature Park
Pitogo Cliff Nature Park was one of my favourite places in Siquijor. The viewpoint overlooks the coastline and clear water below, making it a lovely stop even if you have no intention of jumping from the cliff.
There is a jump point for visitors who want a little more adrenaline, although you should only use it when the area is open and conditions are suitable.
You can enjoy Pitogo perfectly well from dry land, which was much closer to my own plan.brit
Entry was around PHP 30. Drone photographs and videos were available for approximately PHP 200, which can be helpful if you want aerial footage without travelling with your own drone.
I visited twice: once late in the afternoon and again early the following morning. The light changes the experience.
Sunset gives the coastline a warmer glow, while early morning is quieter and better if you want photographs without many other visitors around.
If you only have time for one visit, choose sunrise for fewer people or late afternoon for warmer light and an easier schedule.
3. Old Enchanted Balete Tree
The Old Enchanted Balete Tree is one of Siquijor’s most famous landmarks.
It is a quick and fairly touristy stop, but the size of the trunk, tangled aerial roots and age of the tree make it genuinely impressive to see in person.
Beside the tree is a spring-fed pool used as a fish spa. I watched from the side rather than putting my feet in, but you can try it if being surrounded by enthusiastic little fish sounds relaxing to you.
Entry was around PHP 50 when I visited.
You do not need to reserve a large part of your day for the stop, so it fits easily between the underground river, a waterfall or another attraction on the southern side of the island.
The Best Beaches in Siquijor
The beaches in Siquijor are well suited to slow afternoons, swimming and sunset stops.
They may not all have the wide stretches of powdery sand associated with destinations such as Palawan, but the water is clear and the atmosphere generally feels much calmer.
Which beach is best depends on what you want: Paliton for sunset, Salagdoong for a more active stop, or San Juan and Tubod if you want easy access from the island’s main tourism area.
Paliton Beach
Paliton Beach is the classic sunset stop in Siquijor. It is small, easy to visit and known for clear water, palm trees and lovely evening light.
The beach becomes busier around golden hour, so arrive before sunset if you want time to swim, walk along the shore or find a comfortable place to sit.
It is better treated as a relaxed final stop than something to squeeze into a ten-minute gap between attractions.
Entry is minimal, at around PHP 20. Bring small cash, as minor entrance and parking charges around Siquijor are normally paid locally.
Salagdoong Beach
It suits travellers looking for a more active beach stop rather than somewhere to sit quietly until sunset.
I did not manage to visit Salagdoong during my short stay, so I cannot compare it with Paliton from firsthand experience.
However, its location means it makes the most sense as part of an eastern island loop rather than as a quick detour from San Juan.
Budget around PHP 50 for entry, plus parking. Check locally that the beach facilities and cliff-jumping areas are open before travelling specifically for them.
San Juan and Tubod
San Juan is the most convenient area for visitors because many accommodations, restaurants and dive centres are based along this side of the island.
It is a practical choice if you want to combine a beach afternoon with diving, dinner or an early start the next morning.
Tubod Marine Sanctuary is one of the better-known places for snorkelling.
The protected area gives snorkellers a chance to see reef life without booking a dive, but access is subject to local conservation rules.
A monthly marine closure restricts snorkelling in Tubod for several days each month. Check the closure dates before planning your snorkelling day, particularly if visiting Siquijor for only a few nights.
Waterfalls and Caves
Siquijor’s interior adds a more adventurous side to the island.
Waterfalls and caves are easy to combine with the Old Balete Tree or Sambulawan Underground River because several attractions are located away from the main beach areas.
I did not have enough time to visit the waterfalls during my short stay, so the options below are planning recommendations rather than firsthand reviews.
Entrance prices should be treated as approximate because local fees can change.
Cambugahay Falls
The island’s best-known waterfall has several levels of pools and a popular rope swing.
It is the obvious choice for a first visit, but it is also likely to be the busiest.
Budget around PHP 100 for entry and approximately PHP 50 if you want to use the rope swing.
Lugnason Falls
A quieter and more natural alternative to Cambugahay. Consider Lugnason if you prefer a smaller waterfall stop or want to avoid the island’s most popular attraction. Entry is around PHP 20.
Cantabon Cave
A more physical cave in Siquijor involving crawling, climbing and getting wet.
It is better suited to travellers who want an activity rather than a quick sightseeing stop.
Budget around PHP 50 for entry plus approximately PHP 500 for a guide per group.
Wear water shoes with a secure grip, carry only what you need and protect electronics from water.
If you are combining a cave with a waterfall, allow enough time to change clothes and avoid scheduling your day so tightly that every stop becomes a rushed one.
PRO TIP: Hire a tuk-tuk with a driver for about PHP 1,800 for an eight-hour island tour, your own chauffeur for the day, and you can string together the river, a waterfall, a cliff and a beach without touching a map. Arrange it through your accommodation and agree the price upfront.
How to Plan Your Siquijor Island Day
Siquijor is compact enough to visit several attractions in one day, but trying to complete the entire island checklist will leave you seeing more road than island.
Choose three or four main stops and arrange them in one direction.
If you are starting from San Juan, a balanced day could include Sambulawan Underground River, the Old Balete Tree, one waterfall and either Pitogo Cliff or Paliton Beach toward the end of the day.
Prefer a less physical day? Skip the underground river and combine the Balete Tree with a waterfall, a long lunch and a beach.
If adventure is the priority, choose either Sambulawan or Cantabon Cave and build the rest of the itinerary around it.
Do not plan both Pitogo Cliff and Paliton Beach for the same sunset. Choose one so you can enjoy it without spending golden hour inside a tuk-tuk.
PRO TIP: Start early if you want quieter conditions at the popular attractions. Carry small notes for entrance fees and tips, bring drinking water and keep a dry change of clothes with you if caves or waterfalls are included.
A scooter gives you the most freedom if you already ride confidently.
Otherwise, hiring a tuk-tuk driver is an easy option, particularly if you are travelling alone, carrying camera equipment or simply do not want navigation to become the day’s main activity.
Diving and Snorkelling
Siquijor is also an excellent destination for divers who enjoy relaxed reef diving, turtles, macro life and night dives.
Conditions during my dives were calm, and the small-group setup made the experience feel unhurried.
If you are planning two morning dives, keep the rest of the day light. A beach, the Balete Tree or sunset at Pitogo is more realistic than attempting a complete island loop immediately afterwards.
I keep the detailed dive sites, marine life and dive-centre information in one place, so read my Siquijor diving guide when planning your dive days.
Snorkellers should remember that the monthly marine closure affects Tubod Marine Sanctuary for several days each month.
Check the dates before organising your itinerary so you do not arrive with your mask ready and nowhere permitted to use it.
Things to Do in Siquijor FAQs
These quick answers should help you choose which Siquijor attractions deserve space in your itinerary.
Paliton is the classic choice for sunset, palm-tree views and a relaxed evening.
It is the easiest recommendation for first-time visitors who want a photogenic beach without travelling to the other side of the island.
Salagdoong is the better option if clear water and cliff jumping are the priorities. Because it is on the eastern side, include it in a wider island loop rather than treating it as a quick trip from San Juan.
Yes, especially if you want a break from beaches and coastal viewpoints. Cambugahay is the better-known option, with several pools and a rope swing, while Lugnason offers a quieter alternative.
I did not manage to visit the waterfalls during my short stay, so I would choose one rather than rushing between both.
Cambugahay makes sense for a first visit, while Lugnason may appeal more if avoiding crowds is important to you.
You can visit several of the main Siquijor attractions in one day, but you will not experience everything properly.
A realistic island day includes three or four stops, such as a cave or underground river, one waterfall, a cultural stop and a sunset viewpoint or beach.
Two days is more comfortable if you also want time for diving, snorkelling or a slow beach afternoon.
No. A scooter offers the most flexibility if you are already an experienced and confident rider, but it is not essential.
A tuk-tuk with a driver can follow the same island loop and removes the need to navigate, find parking or ride back after sunset.
It is also the more convenient option if you are carrying dive gear, photography equipment or several bags.
More Siquijor Guides
Planning the separate parts of your trip in advance will help you decide which attractions fit naturally into your travel and dive days.
Getting there and around: how to get to Siquijor.
Where to base yourself: where to stay in Siquijor.
Eat well: where to eat in Siquijor.
Plan it all: my Siquijor itinerary and Siquijor island travel guide.
The Wrap Up: Things to Do in Siquijor
Siquijor fits an impressive mix of caves, waterfalls, beaches and coastal viewpoints into a relatively small island.
The key is choosing the experiences that suit you rather than trying to complete every stop in one day.
For adventure, start with the Sambulawan Underground River. For views, make time for Pitogo Cliff.
Add one waterfall, one beach and the Old Balete Tree, and you already have a varied island day.
Arrange a scooter or driver, carry small cash and bring water shoes.
Most importantly, leave enough space in the itinerary to enjoy where you are. Siquijor is much better when you are not racing around it. Safe travels!
