Discovering Siquijor Part 1: Century-old Balete Tree and Capilay Spring Park

It has been called "Isla del Fuego" during the Spanish times (means the Island of Fire) due to the eerie glow produced by the fireflies that harbored on the trees and created a magical silhouette of the Island. For many years, it is believed that witchcraft is prevalent in this place. While this instilled fear to some, there are still many people intrigued to experience it and unravel its hidden beauty. If you're planning to go Siquijor, check our right after the jump for the "must-go" places in the island.



How to go to Siquijor?

The main portal from Siquijor is Dumaguete City. If you're coming from Cebu, you can ride a bus from South Terminal. Click here for bus schedule.

Ceres Bus Fare from Cebu to Dumaguete is more or less Php 275 (June 2014) that includes air-conditioned bus ride and Roro fare. Travel time is approximately 4 hours.

When you reached Dumaguete, take a tricycle going to the city port (atmost Php 10). Take a ferry to Siquijor, fare range is Php 160 - Php 200 (depends on which ferry you will be boarding) with more or less an hour travel time.

Once there, you can hire a Tricycle (Php 800 to 1000) to get you around the island. If you're travelling with big groups, you can hire a multicab.

The Capilay Spring Park

Our tour package had Capilay Spring Park first on the list. Nestled at the heart of San Juan, Siquijor, Capilay Spring Park is a very popular site for both locals and tourists. Here you can plunge on the natural spring water that flows on the pool situated right at the center of the Town Plaza! Don't get timid otherwise you will miss the whole fun.

The blue-green water of the Spring is a breath of fresh air. There are huge trees that surround the park to shade it from the scorching heat of the sun especially during summer days. You can also see a rock formation on the side. and climb your way to the top to get a panoramic view of the Park.

Ordinarily, there are lots of people on the park. You will see people strolling, enjoying a picnic with family and friends, dipping on the cool spring water, or just sitting on the benches while savoring the soothing ambiance of the place. This is truly a nice place to enjoy and share with the friendly locals of Siquijor. 

Although, a public pool, it looks clean due to the fact that the water is flowing. You would not normally see a spring park these days especially on metropolitan cities, better enjoy it while you can and did i mention it's free? Thus, don't miss it on your travel itinerary. 



The Centuries-Old Balete Tree

This massive natural attraction which stands at approximately 50 feet is a popular destination in the Island, located at Brgy. Campalanas, in Lazi, Siquijor. It makes you feel humbled when you stand next to it and many locals say the place is enchanted. 

Balete Tree, as popularized in Tagalog Horror Films is depicted, as a dwelling place for elementals and other supernatural beings. Gazing at the Mythical Tree of Siquijor, its gigantic structure, the tentacle-like hanging roots, not to mention its age could probably give you goosebumps. But the classic view and the crystal waters of the pool could give passersby a relaxing experience.

Tourist will undoubtedly have a great time for picture taking plus a nice relaxation after. You can sit and relax at the mini pool while you dip your feet on the cool enchanted water which flows at the base of the tree. There are plenty of tiny fishes that will swarm on your dead skin and eventually giving you a free foot spa. Sure you'll enjoy watching those fishes gather on your feet and laugh at the tickling sensation they do on your skin. Best enjoy this experience with the company of friends.


When you get close to the main trunk of the tree, take a look at the water on its base. The water is nice and clear but you could not see the bottom of it which means its deep. You might wonder where all the water is coming from, the locals also do not have a clue thus it remains a mystery.

These are just a few of the many nice destinations we stopped by during our travel to Siquijor. We will feature more of them on the next article of TravelBudsPH

Siquijor in the Visayas is like the Camiguin Island in Mindanao but with an eerie side. The place will offer you a variety of places you can go and experience you will surely enjoy like white beaches, spring parks, archaic churches and convents, island hopping and diving activities, cave and mountain adventures and many more.

For more information, you may visit: www.siquijor.gov.ph. Also visit our site for technology news and mobile reviews: www.pinoymetrogeek.com. Thank you!

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