Siquijor is known for being the Island of Fire due to it's scenery of scarlet sunsets. Other than that, it has been tagged as one of the mysterious islands in the Philippines. (They say) It houses elements of mysteries i.e. witch crafts and enchantments. May 23-24, 2015. An overnight stay to remember. You don't really need to stay for a week in this island, for us backpackers, you can explore it for a day, They have standardized tour rates and you can even rent a motorbike to explore of what Siquijor has to offer... with precaution. After 8 straight painstaking morning shifts at work, I can finally taste the fruits of my labor! Originally planned as a group of 4: Me, Beulah, Liza and Kenny got all hyped up for the SiqTrip. Then I mentioned it to my friend, Camille and her boyfriend, Cyril and told their friends, Susan and Jan, we all went to Siquijor for the weekend! It has never been a crowd for all of us. We met at the South Bus Terminal to catch the 10PM trip via Dumaguete, last trip to Dumaguete left at 6pm and the first trip is at 1AM, we didn't want to take the risk of being delayed in the ferry schedule that's why we secured the 10PM trip. Our ride wasn't that comfortable since the cooler broke but hey! luckily it's a night trip. Upon arrival at the Dumaguete Port, we saw a line of people going to Siquijor of about 50m-long (not exaggerating). Commotion started when the office opened then it got serious when the police tried to control everything and luckily (again), we got the last 8 seats (Thank You Lord!) The luscious waters of the island made us want to dive in but we have to meet our guide first, Kuya Aipee. I had several talks with him and he's one of the most accommodating and nicest guides I've ever met (set the tattoo aside). Since we are 8 in a group, we had a multicab for our coastal tour. First stop was the St. Francis of Assissi Church where you can find the "Welcome to Siquijor" sign. Then went to San Juan to check in at The Bruce, but we were early so we ate lunch instead. The Bruce Resort has a swimming pool, 2 kayaks, a tree house, some villas and rooms mostly fronting the beach where you can see the view of Southern Cebu. We got 2 rooms, the Family Room which is fronting the beach that is equipped with 2 beds and a kitchen (with ref, cookware and utensils), bath and a patio. The other one is the Tree House which is at the center of the Resort that has a double bed and a water dispenser. It has tables and benches under the tree that you can just spend your day doing nothing. After lunch we drove by Capilay Spring Park, we didn't stop since there were a lot of people and we wouldn't enjoy sticking our skins to each other under the heat of the sun anyway. Directly driving to the famed Enchanted Balete Tree of 400 Years Old, where Fish Spa is also offered for an environmental fee of Php20 each, which was not heavy on the pocket. Stopped over the Crocodile's View on top of the mountain, where I couldn't apprehend the view but took a picture of it since Kuya Aipee was determined that it looked like a crocodile before then went to Cambugahay Falls. Paid Php30/group as the entrance. 135 steps to the falls where you can enjoy hanging like Tarzan or just even diving from the second falls. I assure you, one of the best experience that I tried so far! It was as if that the time stood still that Kuya reminded us that we must go back to the town proper so that we have to take pictures at San Isidro Labrador Convent and Church. Last but not the least, Salagdoong Beach, where cliff diving is famed for. They have 15ft and 25ft, your choice, your dive, your risk. Unfortunately, they have a cut off time, closes at 530PM, so I didn't push myself hard for it, there will always be a next time. Went back with no lights on the road, except for the head lights of the car, I was expecting for this scene to creep me out but I felt comfortable. Soothed by the coolness of the air going back to the resort. It was a long drive home but I fell asleep for a short time. Kuya Aipee left us in the resort then we decided to eat dinner in the boulevard. The Siq Boulevard is like Boracay's Station 2 but no sounds, only the beach, dining table and a minimal light. As I was strolling in front of the beach, lightning stroke at the Southern part of Cebu. That same image being seen in the wallpaper of your desktop. Only BETTER! Went back to the resort with a full tummy, we're ready for our Chill Sessions. Woke up early to cook breakfast and checked out, Kuya Aipee waited for us until we're ready and arranged the tickets for us. Aipee Dongon: 0927 263 3983 All the best for THE BRUCE RESORT. Itinerary and Budget May 22, 2015 8PM Meet up at South Bus terminal 10PM Line up for the Bus tickets for Zamboanga via Dumaguete Php 391 1130PM Off to Dumaguete May 23, 2015 5AM Arrival to Dumaguete then went directly to the port to line up for Siquijor Ferry 7AM Breakfast (Rice, Hotdog and Pancit) Php 26 830AM Off to Siquijor RoRo + Terminal Fee Php 135 10AM Siquijor Bound then met with Kuya Aipee (Tour Guide + Tip) Php 1500/group 1030AM Start of the Tour: St. Francis Church and Bell Tower 11AM Off to Resort (The Bruce) at San Juan for Check In and Lunch Php 2,200 1230PM Prepare for the continuation of the tour 1PM Ancient Balete and Fish Spa (Environmental Fee + Donation) Php 280/group 2PM Crocodile View 3PM Cambugahay Falls (Environmental Fee + Donation) Php 50/group 430PM Lazi Convent and Church 445PM Man Made Forest to Salagdoong 5PM Salagdoong Resort/Sunset Watching (Entrance Fee) Php 35 each 7PM Back to Resort 8PM Arrival at the Resort then Dinner at Siquijor Boulevard (Chicken+Rice) Php 40 10PM Freshen Up and Chill mode May 24, 2015 6AM Wake Up and Cook Breakfast 7AM Prepare for Check Out (Kuya Aipee's waiting) 730AM Check out and go to Pier (Transportation Fee) Php 400/group 830AM Buy Tickets (Ferry Ticket + Terminal Fee) Php 150 9AM Ferry Boarding to Dumaguete 11AM Dumaguete Bound (Trike Fare) Php 20 1130AM Sans Rival Lunch (Main Course + Desserts + Pasalubong) Php 500 1PM Hayahay Restaurant 2PM Boulevard and Silliman 3PM Bus Terminal to Bacolod via Mabinay Php 290 9PM Bacolod!
0 Comments
|
AuthorI go for the name GK since it is short for Gloria Katherine. A nurse by profession but a traveler at heart. I hope you'll find my blog interesting and noteworthy. ArchivesCategories
All
|