If notoriety is what we speak of in witchcraft, only one place comes to mind and that is Siquijor. As students in Manila come from all over the country, those that came from the nearby islands brought with them scary stories that turn people away from visiting. All throughout my college days, Siquijor isn't a favored place, more so as a tourist destination. It didn't help that the use of internet wasn't like now where information is unlimited and real stories and images abound.
The closing of Boracay as a beach destination earlier this year was the clincher that paved way for the world to see the real Siquijor. As the 3rd smallest island of the Visayas region in Central Philippines, this island can be easily accessed from Dumaguete City, a 40 minutes boat ride away.
Hiring a tricycle to take us around the island, visiting the tourist's spots didn't take long. BUT if one includes swimming in every stop, then be prepared to have a long day to enjoy what the island can offer.
Let's begin.
If not for some fishermen coming in with their catch of the day, I will stay here and find my own corner with a shade, enjoy the stillness and the blue waters. If staying here for a few days, the whole day can be spent here, but bring provisions. The locals come here to buy but they don't stay for long. For now it is open to the public but has already been bought privately.
Leaning coconut trees, swaying fishing boats, aquamarine waters, white sand, scintillating sea breeze, what did i miss?
The enchanted Balete tree
Believed to be 400 years old, it is the biggest and the oldest balete tree in Siquijor. Apparently, it is usually here where sorcery rituals have taken place. And as an enchanted place, locals believed that mystical creatures do live in there making it mysterious. The tree is accessed going up the low lying mountain location and perhaps due to this reason, water is seen coming out from its' roots where a man-made pool was built.
I must admit we didn't go near it...but in the pool, a lot of tourists were sitting around. The tree is a bit daunting so we were ok to stay for a few minutes from the distance.
There are a few tourist spots in this municipality so next to visit was its' famous Lazi convent and its' church. The convent was made into a museum so it' was advised to visit the place, which was closed on that day. The old church is no longer functional and empty where its' contents are in the museum.
Also called the San Isidro Labrador church, it was made of coral stones in 1884. This stone and structure is comparable to some of the most beautiful churches in Europe, just saying.
Still in Lazi is [Cambugahay Falls], a multi-tiered waterfalls of natural springs. Did i say to bring a bikini? Adventurous or not, it's not that scary.
If that doesn't pull you in, perhaps the next tourist spot will?
There are 2 huge ropes to swing on as you jump into the water. A vest can also be rented so don't worry. The only thing with this one is the access where a long and a steep stairs needs to be overcome in going down and back. According to our driver, somebody has collapsed in going back up. SO PLEASE KEEP THIS IN MIND.
Perhaps this is more suitable?
Cliffdiving in Salagdoong beach, anyone?
In going around the island, there are classy hotels along the shore to choose from. But regardless if one wants to venture out and simply join some locals, Salagdoong beach is the place to be, the entrance i think was $ .30 cents. It have a small restaurant, picnic shades, a rock formation that has been utilised for cliffdiving. It is here where we saw the crowd, locals and foreigners alike.
Further out to the sea were floating structures for the more adventurous. I only checked the diving place and it sure looked fun! In saying that, i like the atmosphere and all but personally, i would prefer reading my book, under a shade, digging my toes in the sand and drinking chilled San Miguel beer or a cocktail. That would be my ideal scenario.
Under the heat of the sun, finishing the tour was a visit to a few marine sanctuaries.
We literally went around the island so these sanctuaries were the last stops before catching our boat back to Dumaguete.
Did we meet any ghost, a witch or a sorcerer in Siquijor?
If there were any, they were in bikinis enjoying its' waters.
Noticeable around the island are the open doors and windows even if there's no one around. Perhaps the locals just thought that the folklores of witchcraft and voodoos were enough to scare anyone from entering one's domain.
One thing was for sure, @flabbergast-art picked up a stone when we arrived. Accordingly, carrying a natural element from that of a new place will protect you from any black magic or entities that may harm you. How true?
As per the word of mouth by the locals of Negros Islands, the new generation of families who have had association to witchcraft are now scattered all around the country. In contrast to what they were believed to be...they are the original healers of the land, ostracised and prosecuted for their practises in the old times against the new Catholic teachings brought on by the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in the Philippines.
Did Siquijor island bewitch you?
