Siquijor Island

Dumaguete – Siquijor Island (by ferry) – Sandugan Beach - 20 km
With no need to stay in Dumaguete any longer and unsure where to go next, the
first stop was at an ATM. Having breakfast with his girlfriend, a Swedish chap
extended an invitation for coffee. As a cycle tourer (in Europe), he was pretty
interested in cycle touring and recommended Siquijor Island. Being only an hour
by ferry from Dumaguete, my problem was solved in where to go next, and more
than sufficient time remained to get the 12h00 boat.

Once in Siquijor town, setting off in a clockwise direction around the island came
naturally. Roughly twenty kilometres further was Sandugan Beach which offered a
few bungalows. All accommodation was smack bang on the water’s edge under
palm trees, and hard to resist. Soon, an ice-cold beer was sipped while watching
the sunset over the Bohol Sea, one of the most beautiful sights in the Philippines.

Sandugan Beach – Siquijor Town - 57 km

Following breakfast, my tour around the island continued. Interestingly, countless
Filipinos still refuse to visit the island due to its witchcraft and black magic
reputation. I’m sure the annual Folk Healing Festival contributed to this
superstition. Regrettably, I couldn’t find any sign of any such thing, except a store
or two selling herbal remedies. I, nevertheless, kept my eyes open for the magic
lumay (love potion - one never knows when such a potion may come in handy).
It’s understood a mere sip or sniff by the target would have the desired effect.