Friday, November 29, 2013

Siquijor - Isla del Fuego


A long overdue trip. We have been planning it for about a year. We got too excited to a point that we bought 2 Siquijor maps without even knowing. Haha! Isla del Fuego means Island of Fire. This is what the Spaniards called it when they saw this island while sailing at night. The island was full of fireflies causing it to glow from a far. This is what I wanted to see when I get to the island. I don't get to see a lot of fireflies where I come from.

There's no RORO going to Larena, Siquijor so we got into a huge boat - the Montenegro Lines. 

                    Php  780.00   -   motorcycle
                    Php  163.00   -  per head (2)
                         -----------
                    Php 1,106.00 + terminal fees

It's a bit pricey, we were hoping that the fees are as affordable like the Maayo Shipping Lines from Dumaguete - Cebu.


Naruto, all packed and safe



It was bright and sunny when we arrived at the Isla del Fuego. We went to Dumaguete first and spent a night there. In the morning, we bought tickets to Siquijor. It was a 2 hr, rocking boat ride. From a far, the islandl ooks so serene and too laid-back, just the thing I need for a vacation.





We were able to get a room at Hambilica Seaview Resort at San Juan. The owner of the resort is very accommodating and promoted Firefly Watching. Unfortunately, only a few fireflies goes out at night during this time of the year (July). She said to come back during November to March.





We went out and had our lunch at Chekesh Bar and BBQ. This was recommended by a friend. A lot of tourists eat here because of their budget friendly meals and there are a lot of food to choose from. It's also along the high-way so it's easy to locate.




Our plan was to tour around the island. They said  it's smaller than Camiguin. First destination was Lazi, Siquijor! Loving this view! Stayed for awhile on this hill to enjoy the it. You don't get to see a lot of this from where I came from.

view from Campalanas while going to Lazi



Next is the San Isidro Labrador Church. It was established in August 8, 1857. The church was constructed in 1882, and completed by 1884. 

The Philippine National Commission by virtue of the same Presidential Decrees covering the declaration of the Lazi Convent also declares it as one of the historical, landmarks of the Philippines. Like the Lazi Convent, it now invite appreciation and admiration of visiting local and foreign tourists.


 


While walking around the Church, it feels a bit eerie, only a few people were there at the time. Indeed, this island is mystical in it's own way. You have to be there to feel it.

Next stop is Cambugahay Falls. It's just a few meters away from San Isidro Church. Entrance Fee is Php 20.00. And you get to go down the 135 steps. Hahay! I remembered going to Casaroro Falls in Valencia. It had 350 or so steps. I practically felt my knees shaking, haha! At least this one is not that steep. I was smiling while going down as I sent a silent thank you to the Lord ky at least dili ra taas.

and picture picture din pag my time!
they said that Cambugahay Falls is the most famous waterfalls in Siquijor Island




Next is the Salagdoong Beach! But before you get to the beach, you will have to go through the Salagdoong Forrest.  It was so quiet and love the scenery! You can hear the birds singing and tweeting! Will upload the video once I copy it from my mobile phone

Salagdoong beach is one of the most popular beach destination in Siquijor. It is a white sand beach in the town of Maria, A friend from Siquijor told me to never stop at any destination at this town. But, I say "hell no!". I got this far, I am not gonna back down because of some witch gossip. Hahaha! I love this beach, I would love to spend the night here, but we just have 1 day to spend. I will definitely come back when I have more time.



entrance for adults is Php 15 
kids Php 10
Cottage Php 100
Nipa Cottage Php 300
Slide Php 50

Hotel Agripino's room rates ranges from Php 900 to Php 1,600





When we reach the town of Enrique Villanueva, we passed by this amazing view! The boulevard looks so beautiful, felt the tranquility, the calmness and the laid-back of the place.







Our last destination is the Centry Old Balete Tree! Indeed it was very enchanting seeing how big and old this tree is. I googled it and found out it's over 400 years old. Wow!  Below it is  fresh flowing water. You can dip your feet and let the fishes nibble your dead skin! At pra ka nang nag spa! 






Ron's Feet, eee! bakit ganyan ang kulay?!
Pra kang kinikilig while the fishes nibbles you dead skin. You can feel a slight pinch and a tingling sensation. It was a great experience but a bit scary since there are lot of big fishes that swim there too! So when the big fishes gets near you, gagalawin mo lang paa mo so they'll go to the other direction. Haha!





FISH from jloscrib on Vimeo.