Glittering blue-green waters and plush hills welcome guests to the island of Siquijor. Previously shrouded in tales of occult and witchcraft, Siquijor has a manner of leaving vacationers spellbound otherwise.
It’s been over a decade since I first visited and motorcycled solo round ‘the mystic island.’ But visions of the lonely tree-lined forest paths, the quiet coastal roads and empty seashore coves nonetheless linger in my thoughts.
Siquijor is the second-smallest province within the Philippines. The island has a circumferential street of 72 kilometers, compact sufficient to circle in 2 to three hours on a leisurely trip, or much less for those who simply blaze by means of. Public transportation is scarce in some areas and websites are scattered far aside. For that reason, circling Siquijor by scooter is one of the best ways for solo vacationers to discover the island.
Bike leases are conveniently situated proper outdoors the Siquijor port for vacationers and my eyes instantly lock on a row of Yamaha Fazzios. I discover that Fazzios value P550/per day to hire (just like Honda Giornos), whereas Honda XRMs, PCXs, ADVs and different fashions are barely decrease at P350-P400/day.
“Mas mabenta kasi sa mga Tagalog galing Maynila,” one rental shopkeeper tells me, which I discover amusing. He says overseas vacationers normally decide cheaper scooter fashions for longer stays or greater bikes due to their peak, however scooters are high picks for informal vacationers.
The store ISLAs Automobile Rental provides me a reduced fee of P400/per day for the Fazzio unit, because it’s the off-season. I merely present my license, signal a waiver, pay for in the future (with the potential of an extension), and I’m good to go.
Having used a Fazzio earlier than for a few weeks for a scooter assessment, I picked it because it’s simple to drive, fuel-efficient and I can stash my backpack on the floorboard whereas driving round.
Tricycle rides from Siquijor Port to most lodges in San Juan usually value P350 (one-way) whereas coastal excursions can value P1,800 for 1-4 individuals/per day. Having a scooter at my disposal appears like an excellent deal whereas touring solo. The store additionally rents out vehicles, vans, and tuk-tuks for individuals who can’t drive bikes.
As a callback to my earlier backpacker days, I’ve no confirmed resort booked or clear itinerary for this solo non-work journey. I’ve determined to wing it, although I’ve bookmarked just a few potentialities on GoogleMaps.
I drive in the direction of Republika Seaside Bar, a dive resort which I noticed on-line has a bamboo cottage fan room beside a cocktail bar for P1,800/night time.
The bar was initially in-built 2017, however like many resorts across the nation, it was pressured to shut throughout the COVID pandemic. After getting hit by a storm in 2021, adopted by a termite infestation (simply among the challenges of tropical island dwelling), the bar and lodging had been accomplished and reopened between October and December 2023.
The bamboo cottage isn’t obtainable, however the bar workers referred me to their accomplice resort Baha Ba’r (which I used to be planning to go to for dinner anyway), which has a backyard aircon room obtainable if I can wait till the earlier visitor checks out at 5pm.
I swap my laptop computer on and “attempt” to get some work carried out over late lunch at Republika. However the sight of Apo Island framed by coconut bushes on the horizon seems to be extra engaging than my display screen. It’s a nice place to flee the afternoon warmth earlier than I can verify in subsequent door.
The Gumamela Cottage Room at Baha Bar, only a few steps from the seashore, is well worth the wait. The stunning backyard room options hardwood flooring, native lamps, and work by native artists. Related work might be present in a small gallery under the primary bar and Lokal Artwork Gallery throughout the road.
I really feel barely responsible to be staying in such luxurious quarters on a solo journey. I’m used to roughing it out in additional fundamental rooms once I journey solo, particularly if intend to spend more often than not open air anyway. However that is the kind of place I’d decide for a trip if I used to be touring with my husband or mates.
The room usually prices P3,000/night time however is obtainable to me at a reduced fee of P2,000/night time. Ah, the perks of touring throughout the off-season.
As a craft beer fanatic, I instantly love the vibe at Baha Ba’r. Who wouldn’t wish to keep on the premises of the primary (and solely) microbrewery in Siquijor? Other than brewing their very own beer, they carry beers and use spirits from completely different areas throughout the Philippines of their cocktails.
Shedding my slippers on the foot of the steps, I climb barefoot to the second ground and discover myself in a stunning hacienda-style all-wood bar and restaurant.
Baha Bar takes inspiration from Cang-Isok Home, a ramshackle coastal home that’s thought-about an area landmark. In response to the bar’s historical past, house owners reimagined the design, combining particulars with a sugar baron’s mansion in Negros Island and a few Spanish affect for a “reimagined fusion” reflecting island wooden designs.
The restaurant and bar make use of various kinds of domestically sourced wooden. Mahogany (the primary wooden building materials) makes up the primary construction. The massive doorways and home windows on both facet on the entrance by the street are product of Tugas or Molave, a local hardwood.
The balcony ground overlooking the backyard is product of previous coconut, whereas the whiter eating tables are comprised of Gmelina, a fast-growing wooden generally utilized in carpentry and plantations.
The area options lounge chairs, a ebook nook with a number of Lonely Planet books, plus a few pleasant cats and canine strolling round. There’s solo-friendly seating alongside a protracted bar counter overlooking the backyard. From right here, you get an excellent view of the stage the place bands carry out dwell music each night time. The stage is a treehouse cottage over a parked jeep.
The craft beer bar provides a Stout (4.2%), Pale Ale (5.2%), Lola (5.8%), and IPA (6.5%) on faucet with beer flights priced at P250 for 3 photographs. A curious-sounding Baha Bar Particular Cocktail is listed on the board with a 35%-ish ABV.
The picket leaderboard subsequent to the bar shows nations which have tried the bar’s ingesting problem. The Philippines is within the lead at 168 photographs, intently adopted by France at 161. Rounding up the highest 5 are Australia (96), the USA (66) and England (61). Go, Philippines!
Even for those who don’t drink, the picket restaurant is value visiting for the meals and ambiance. Ala carte dishes right here (as in most eating places in Siquijor) vary from P250 to P350 per dish. Dishes are primarily based on the Filipina proprietor’s recipes, rising up in Surigao, Mindanao, and makes use of components from the proprietor’s personal farm, based on the menu. It’s largely Filipino dishes and seafood with vegetarian/ vegan choices obtainable.
For dinner, I ordered a plate of grilled fish of the day, served with a facet of veggies and rice. The fish tastes so contemporary. It’s grilled to perfection whereas nonetheless juicy, and the greens are garnished with a tangy oriental sauce. A pleasant black cat weaves round my ft underfoot and retains me firm as I eat. I dined in just a few different eating places over the subsequent few days, however that is by far one of the best meal I had throughout my journey.
The tune being carried out by the dwell band completely sums up the vibe:
Shadows develop so lengthy earlier than my eyes.
They usually’re transferring throughout the web page.
Immediately, the day turns into night time.
Distant from the town.
Don’t hesitate.
‘Trigger your love received’t wait.
My singing voice is horrible, however I can’t assist however sing alongside as I sip on the chilly glass of pale ale: “Ooh, child, I like your manner, day-after-day, yeah-eeh-yeah.”
I can’t wait to revisit the remainder of the island tomorrow. (August 2025)
NEXT ARTICLE: Siquijor by Scooter: The place to go on an island loop
The place to hire scooters in Siquijor:
- ISLA’s Automobile Rental, Port Space Siqiuijor (provides motorbikes and automobile leases)
- Contact quantity: 0955-8179814 / 0917-8910164
- FB Account: Magie Miano / Jonathan Miano
- E-mail handle: jmiano16@yahoo.com
- Fb web page: ISLAs Automobile Rental
The place to remain in Siquijor:
Baha Ba’r, San Juan, Maite, Siquijor, 6227 Siquijor, Philippines.
