Hello, Worldmappin explorers!
It’s another beautiful day to share a glance at the world through my eyes. Be with me as we journey to the beautiful islands of the Philippines. Let’s explore this tropical paradise together!

Siquijor is also named the Island of Fire or Isla del Fuego. Because of the radiance from fireflies at night. It is famous for its white sand beaches and waterfalls. The island is wealthy in culture and tradition, often related to stories of healing and mysticism, adding mystical and magical vibe.

Every summer, our family makes it a point to pause everything and go on at least one or two getaways together. It’s our way of staying connected, of pressing pause, and of building memories that last longer than tan lines and travel itineraries. We booked our stay at The Glamping Siquijor, known for its relaxing atmosphere and stunning ocean views. While their stylish tents are a highlight, we opted for a bungalow this time for the comfort of our little one.

Our first stop was the Lazi Church. Saying a quiet prayer has always been part of our family travel ritual. It’s our simple way of expressing gratitude for the journey and asking for safe travels. The church was built of sea stones and wood. It belongs to the neoclassical style.

The Lazi Convent, located right across from the Lazi Church. This convent is one of the oldest and largest convents in the country and was built using coral stones and hardwood.

Afterward, we spent time roaming around the town. Siquijor’s quiet charm never fails to enchant us. The day’s next highlight was Pitogo Cliff, a stunning spot where cliffs dive into the crystal-clear sea. The view took our breath away. One of those places where you could just stand still and enjoy nature. We just explored and soaked in the beauty around us.

We stopped by La Canopée Bar and Restaurant for some snacks. It was pure bliss, a peaceful hideaway embraced by nature. Swimming there felt like stepping into a quiet haven. With the surrounding greenery gently wrapping you in calm. My granddaughter had a dip in the pool. Seeing her swim around with so much joy made the moment even more special. Even the comfort room stood out, with its earthy, nature inspired design, wood accents, and touches of greenery. It blended beautifully into the tranquil vibe of the whole place.

We returned to the resort just in time for sunset. My husband, youngest son, granddaughter, and I went right away to the beach. Hoping to catch the full view of the sun submerged into the horizon. The sun was partly hidden behind clouds. But its golden light still managed to reflect beautifully on the sea, painting the water with soft, shimmering hues despite the cloudy sky. It was a moment of pure tranquility, even without a perfect sunset.

The next morning, we began early with a visit to the Balete Tree, a massive, mystical tree believed to be the oldest and biggest in the province. At its base is a natural spring that feeds into a man-made pool where visitors can dip their feet and enjoy a relaxing fish spa.

We moved on to Cambugahay Falls. Before you can reach the falls, you have to take on a little physical challenge. Going down what feels like a hundred or more steps. The stone staircase winds its way through lush greenery. The descent can be a little tiring, every step builds up the anticipation. The boys wasted no time diving into the cool, inviting water. There’s even a rope swing for those who like a little thrill. My husband, I, and our daughter-in-law chose to take it slow, sitting in the shallow water with our granddaughter. We just spent 2 hours at that place.

We went to Salagdoong Beach, famous for its cliff diving and clear turquoise waters. After we had our lunch, we took our time to relax and then straight for a swim. Of course, our boys didn’t miss the chance to leap off the cliffs, their excited shouts echoing through the beach. My husband takes our granddaughter on a kayak ride. A sweet grandfather-granddaughter bonding moment.

On the last day, we visited Paliton Beach, a little version of Boracay. We spent time swimming and playing in the sand. The white sand and calm, crystal-clear waters made it a perfect finale to our getaway.
We live in different places now, and schedules are harder to match. But this island gave us one more chapter in our summer story, full of sun, sea, laughter, and love.
Siquijor whispered to us through the waves, and we listened with our feet in the sand and hearts at ease, just like we always did when we were all together.

Photos taken using Samsung S21
Collage using Canva

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