SIQUIJOR - Truly Mystical

This will be my last post on my trip to the Mystical Island of Siquijor. First let me start with the urban legends. What excites me most about this trip is the mystery that surrounds the infamous island. So, when my friends learned that I was going to Siquijor, they have advised me (even texted me at the night of my flight) to be cautious about the following:

1. Do not drink their water because it may contain potions and stuff;
2. Do not eat anything that the natives offer especially meat;
3. Do not think negatively about them because they can read your minds;
4. Always bring a piece of garlic anywhere you go;
5. (And here is my personal favorite) If they tap you on the shoulder, you should tap them back, even chase them if you have to because they have just put a spell on you.

Well, it pays to be cautious but really, urban legends are just that - legends. Although I had my apprehensions, the first thing that you will feel once you set foot on the island is not fear but awe. And once you discover what the island can offer, then, you wil definitely wish to extend your stay in that wonderful island-paradise.

Of course, you need a road warrior to travel around the island. I would advise you not to take the transportation offered by your resort because it can be very costly (with the resort's commission and all). It would be better if you ask the people around the area and rent your own vehicle. You can have a choice of motorcycles or pedicab/jeeps. In our case we chose the latter. The pedicab/jeeps of Siquijor are very colorful and fancy. We paid P700 pesos excluding tip for our cab.

I have previously posted here my various trips and adventures in Siquijor and this final post will complete the picture. So here are some more pics of the places I have visited.



SAN JUAN DE CAPILAY SPRING PARK
Located in San Juan, Capilay Spring is a natural spring-fed swimming pool situated at the heart of the town plaza where local people converge during weekends for a swim in the cool waters of the spring or simply sit under the shade in the spring park and people-watch.



CENTURY-OLD BALETE TREE
Because of its eerie outline created by hundreds of roots and vines hanging down, the tree is believed to be enchanted. Before, there is a pond at the helm of the tree where visitors could dip and be miraculously healed but now, the pond is not safe for swimming. Instead, there are few fishes swimming in there.



COCO GROVE BEACH RESORT
Although not really a tourist spot, I included Coco Grove here because I believe that this is the best resort in Siquijor at the moment. Plus, it fronts a beautiful beach and rocky sea side I have previously featured in my latter posts. While it may be true that it is a bit high-end, nevertheless, it is all worth it. The staff are corteous and the facilities are just great.

So there, the Mystic Island of Siquijor. I believe it is not the ghosts, mambabarangs or the aswangs but the scenic panorama of land, sea and sky, coupled with quiet mountains and hills that hold the secret why Siquijor is a mystifying island.