Instead, Siquijor was a friendly island where people constantly extended
invitations to join them, rest and drink water. Road workers looked disappointed at
my reluctance to share their lunch. Explaining I didn’t usually eat while cycling
confused them even further. Eating three full meals daily was considered too little
for the average Filipino. One needed to nibble on smaller snacks between meals,
let alone skip lunch. As one exclaimed: “You are starving!”

The island was smaller than anticipated, and fifty-seven kilometres later the road
ended at Siquijor town. Being in no mood to go to the city, I kept an eye out for
lodging. All kinds of accommodation were scattered along the coast and it didn’t
take long to find a nipa hut overlooking the ocean.

Siquijor - Dumaguete City - By ferry

By morning, a short cycle ride led to the jetty from where a ferry took me to
Dumaguete City. Once in Dumaguete, the easiest was to return to Harold’s for the
night. Unfortunately, no ferries ran from Dumaguete to the next island, Panay. The
only option was to return to Bacolod from where a ferry operated to Iloilo on
Panay Island. By evening, I ran into a great street party, and a stroll to the
waterfront revealed a lively festival. Great fun.

Negros Island

Dumaguete – Hanseatic Resort - 92 km

Instead of going the same way to Bacolod, proceeding in an anti-clockwise
direction around the island looked more exciting. A surprisingly beautiful ride ran
next to the coast for the best part of the day, making it a leisurely cycle to
Hanseatic Resort, right along the water. The lady was friendly, and we chatted until
sunset. After a much-needed shower and beer, a large plate of fried rice was
consumed.