Siquijor, the Voodoo Island

Our adventure in Siquijor got off to a smooth start with a picturesque jeepney ride from the port to our peaceful retreat for the next three nights: the Mandala Tribe. The jeepney—a typical local mode of transportation—cost us 600 PHP for a 15-minute ride after a little haggling.

Dreamy accommodations at Mandala Tribe.

Rose’s warm welcome was the icing on the cake!
Our accommodation is simply incredible: a cabin on stilts! The ground floor features a spacious terrace and an open-air bathroom—a one-of-a-kind experience.

Upstairs, our all-wood bedroom offers a warm and authentic atmosphere. The cabins are arranged in a circle, each separated by a lush garden, creating a peaceful and private atmosphere.

After freshening up, we explored the surroundings and discovered a culinary gem: the Voodoo Bar. There, we enjoyed a delicious meal in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

The excitement is at its peak! I can’t wait to discover the beauty of Mandala Tribe and its surroundings in daylight. Photos don’t do this magical place justice—you have to experience it to believe it!

A day of rest.

Our first day in Siquijor was all about relaxation, after a somewhat eventful trip—especially the 4-hour ferry ride with air conditioning fit for a Belgian winter!

Off to Paliton Beach, a white-sand beach under the blazing sun. A light, cool breeze caressed our skin.
We spent a delightful afternoon at Paliton Beach, swimming and soaking up the relaxing atmosphere.
At the end of the day, we returned to the Voodoo Bar.

The History of Siquijor

Siquijor has a long history of indigenous traditions and beliefs. Before the arrival of the Spanish, the island was inhabited by indigenous tribes who practiced shamanism and witchcraft. The Spaniards brought Catholicism, but the old beliefs persisted and blended with the new religions.

Siquijor’s Reputation

Siquijor earned its reputation as an island of sorcerers in the early 20th century. At that time, many healers and sorcerers settled on the island, attracting people from all over the country seeking healing and solutions to their problems. Siquijor’s reputation has grown stronger over the years, and the island has become a pilgrimage site for those who believe in the powers of magic and witchcraft.

Day 2: Cambugahay Falls, a jewel of Siquijor!

The adventure begins with a 45-minute tuk-tuk ride through the lush green landscapes of Siquijor.

We finally arrive at the entrance to Cambugahay Falls. A small dirt path leads us to a stone staircase that descends toward the waterfalls. Excitement builds as we discover the first natural pools. The turquoise water is incredibly clear—we just want to dive right in!

Cambugahay Falls is actually a series of three waterfalls that flow into successive pools. You can swim in the cool, crystal-clear waters, jump off the rocks, or even swing on a vine like Tarzan!

The place is simply magnificent. The natural surroundings are lush, with century-old trees providing shade and coolness. The sound of the falling water is soothing, and the atmosphere is both refreshing and cheerful. We head back on the road in time, as crowds are starting to fill the place.

I especially liked the second level, where you can swing on a vine and jump into a deeper pool. Thrills guaranteed! I’ll admit that no one dared to jump, but the water cooled us off from our sunburns from the day before.

After the waterfalls, we headed to a beach on the other side of the island to relax.

The only downside was the rocky beach and the huge, landscaped rock overlooking it.This rock is a real asset: it’s equipped with benches, stairs, and even a dock for the more adventurous who want to jump into the water. Lifeguards on site ensure a safe swimming experience.

In the evening, we chose Tipsy Restaurant. It was a night filled with music and light shows, featuring a blacklight theme.

Our visit to Siquijor is coming to an end; we’re taking the boat back early in the morning, heading for Bohol.

Yours truly,

Ninve.