SIQUIJOR TOURS
_Cantabon Cave In 1985, a group of foreign hunters stumbled upon what
could be a major tourist attraction in Barangay Cantabon, about 9 kilometers
from Siquijor town.Cantabon Cave is about 300
meters long and 10 meters wide, with a cathedral ceiling and flooring glimmering
with stalactites and stalagmites of different shapes and sizes.
The cave has since been the subject of studies by scientists. Prof. Leonel Chiong, a geologist from Silliman University in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, said the mineral deposits inside the Cantabon Cave are important to geologists and other savants in tracing the geological history of the Philippines.
Since word spread about the cave, thousands of local and foreign visitors have come to experience the Aladdin-like atmosphere amidst the jewel-like crystalline stalactites and stalagmites.In the middle of the cave is a small natural pool with crystal-clear cool water, while water cascades from invisible springs all around.
The cave has since been the subject of studies by scientists. Prof. Leonel Chiong, a geologist from Silliman University in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, said the mineral deposits inside the Cantabon Cave are important to geologists and other savants in tracing the geological history of the Philippines.
Since word spread about the cave, thousands of local and foreign visitors have come to experience the Aladdin-like atmosphere amidst the jewel-like crystalline stalactites and stalagmites.In the middle of the cave is a small natural pool with crystal-clear cool water, while water cascades from invisible springs all around.
_ Cambugahay Falls are just a short walk from the parking area – 10 peso fee for cars and 5 pesos for motorbikes.
Cross the road and walk down a series of concrete steps to the first pool.
It is deep enough to dive from the shore. You can go up two more levels and reach equally beautiful pools but they do not seem to be as deep.
It is deep enough to dive from the shore. You can go up two more levels and reach equally beautiful pools but they do not seem to be as deep.
St. Isidro Church and Convent From San Juan, the town of Lazi, home to the famous parish church and convent, is a good fifteen kilometers drive. It is in this southern tip of Siquijor Island that the commanding parish church and convent buildings stand ground amidst stately acacia trees. Known as the biggest convent in the whole of Asia, conceptualization and construction of the St. Isidore Labradore Convent began in 1857 by Augustinian Recollects and was completed by Filipino artisans in the year 1884. In the 1970’s, both the church and the convent were declared National Historical Shrines.
Upon entering the church’s massive doors, an old musty smell greets your nostrils, reminding you at once of its long ago grandeur. Wide narra planks lead up to a loft and still upward to the equally old belfry with its antique bells. The altar backdrop and other interior details are by no means ordinary. Hand carved depictions of the Station of the Cross accenting every window, a lofty and intricate ceiling vault and two, wood floors with herringbone pattern, period pulpits all contribute to a strikingly holy old world charm atmosphere.
The convent, on the other hand, is an imposing U shaped two story structure whose size is approximately 50 x 50 meters – a size considered to be colossal in that period of time. This building was used by friars for among other things, a place of rest and recreation. It is a typical Bahay na Bato (stone house), one with a ground floor made of a thick stone layer and the second level, of hardwood studs and panels. Construction for the convent began in 1887 and finished in 1891.
Work on the church and convent is attributed to Fray Toribio Sanchez who took the initiative of building the new convento in 1887 by merely using coral blocks and available wood. It was reported that before the construction of the St. Isidore Church and Convent, there was already an existing church and convent but of poor and deteriorating conditions. Still other projects begun by the friars were the Casa Real, Escuela, some bridges and agricultural irrigation systems.
Upon entering the church’s massive doors, an old musty smell greets your nostrils, reminding you at once of its long ago grandeur. Wide narra planks lead up to a loft and still upward to the equally old belfry with its antique bells. The altar backdrop and other interior details are by no means ordinary. Hand carved depictions of the Station of the Cross accenting every window, a lofty and intricate ceiling vault and two, wood floors with herringbone pattern, period pulpits all contribute to a strikingly holy old world charm atmosphere.
The convent, on the other hand, is an imposing U shaped two story structure whose size is approximately 50 x 50 meters – a size considered to be colossal in that period of time. This building was used by friars for among other things, a place of rest and recreation. It is a typical Bahay na Bato (stone house), one with a ground floor made of a thick stone layer and the second level, of hardwood studs and panels. Construction for the convent began in 1887 and finished in 1891.
Work on the church and convent is attributed to Fray Toribio Sanchez who took the initiative of building the new convento in 1887 by merely using coral blocks and available wood. It was reported that before the construction of the St. Isidore Church and Convent, there was already an existing church and convent but of poor and deteriorating conditions. Still other projects begun by the friars were the Casa Real, Escuela, some bridges and agricultural irrigation systems.
_Mt. Bandillaan National Park Towering above the plains of Siquijor is the majestic Mount
Bandilaan, the highest peak in the province which can be found in its
midst. Rising up to 557 feet above sea level totaling 1394 feet high,
Mount Bandilaan provides many opportunities of exploration such as cave
spelunking, nature trekking and mountain climbing. The mountain springs
and rivers found in the base and nearby terrain of Mount Bandilaan are
also among its main attractions. Though definitely smaller in size,
Mount Bandilaan’s cone has been likened to that of Luzon’s Mount Mayon
because of its almost perfect shape.
Aside from the high mountain, Mount Bandilaan also has a
Nature Park developed at its very foot. This park encompasses the once
had been Siquijor Reforestation Project and is now home to a great
number of flora and fauna species. You can also find in the area a
shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes and the Stations of the Cross which are
both popular sites for religious pilgrims, five natural freshwater
springs, explored and unexplored caves, and a famous butterfly sanctuary
known as the Bandilaan Butterfly Range and Breeding Farm.
_Capilay Spring Park Situated at the heart of San Juan town, Capilay Spring Park is among
the well-known natural spring parks in Siquijor. This natural,
open-to-the-public swimming pool is right in the middle of the town
plaza where everyone is free to take a plunge into its refreshing spring
waters.
This spring park has three main areas, such as the upper pool, the
swimming pool and the laundry pool, all flowing into the nearby ocean.
There is also a playground, kiosks, and booths around the park which are
perfect for families or friends who want to have a picnic. To get a
better view of the entire park, you can even do a little hiking and
climb the hill that leads to the town’s church.
Guiwanon Spring Park Mangrove Sanctuary The entire park is accessible only by a wooden foot bridge suspended about 10-15 feet above the ground and goes all the way from the road to the shore. Mangroves can be seen everywhere as you make your way around. These shrubs are of medium height that spring up and grow in coastal habitats which explains why the entire island is surrounded by them.
These mangroves could be partly responsible as to why Siquijor was named the Island of Fire because of thousands of fireflies who live within these trees that populate the coastline of the island. Making it seem like the coast is surrounded by embers at night.
These mangroves could be partly responsible as to why Siquijor was named the Island of Fire because of thousands of fireflies who live within these trees that populate the coastline of the island. Making it seem like the coast is surrounded by embers at night.