Some of the country’s best beaches can be found in Siquijor, and we’re hoping that the big hotel chains and real estate developers don’t discover them, ever.
White sand beaches, coves, and even tinier shoreline pockets can be found in the towns of Siquijor, San Juan, Lazi, Maria, Larena and Enrique Villanueva, all reachable by motorbike a.k.a., if it’s used as public transport, habal-habal.
Siquijor Beach
Even Siquijor Beach, which is right beside the busy pier, has white sand and beautiful, clear waters. It’s the island’s alluring, azure-and-emerald Welcome Mat, if you will, and it does its job so well that many travelers have ditched their clothes right at the port to dive straight into the sea. During the months of June and July, Siquijor Beach has the widest shoreline on the island.
Salagdoong Beach
As for other public beaches, Salagdoong Beach is as public as it gets as it’s a favorite of locals. It, too, has white sand, blue and green water, and a couple of rock formations to jump off from. One rock rises 20 feet over the water, the other, 30. The water beneath both goes from 12 to 15 feet, so discretion is advised. A German tourist nearly broke her neck recently by landing incorrectly.
“I couldn’t breath,” said Neda Prikrylova, 32, a smoker who depends on yoga to make her stop. “The first time I jumped, it was great! The second time… I shouldn’t have jumped a second time.”
But on weekdays, you can have this perfect little cove to yourself.
There are other beaches in Siquijor, and you don’t have to break a leg, or your wallet, to get to them.
Paliton Beach
Paliton Beach is hard to find, but well worth the trip. To get there, take a right from the coastal road in the town of San Juan, if you’re coming from the port, then drive toward the beach. A sign pointing to the Paliton Barangay Hall as well as the Paliton Marine Sanctuary will lead you to the shoreline.
Once there, you’ll be confronted with a very public beach, a parking lot for motorized bankas and resting areas for fishermen. Don’t fret. Simply take a left, follow a narrow path, and you’ll see a sign that says: Private Property.
Hop over the fence and you’ll find this little cove.
Climb over some coral stone, and you’ll get to this cove.
Climb over some more coral stone, and you’ll get to this long stretch of beach.
The first cove is best for swimming. The second, because of its shape, collects a lot of seaweed. The third, well, you share it with fishermen.
Enjoy this Private Property now before a decision over the land dispute between Coco Grove and an Australian couple is handed down.
Solangon Beach
Stretching for around 4km, spanning Solangon to the town of San Juan, is the busiest of Siquijor’s beaches; because, that cove is home to some 15 resorts, private homes, and long-stay accommodation. Even if the places are fully-booked, like during December and the summer months, the beach never feels crowded. You could, in fact, have some parts all to yourself.
This is Solangon Beach in the height of the December tourist season.
Hotels may be booked solid – many had been out of rooms since last month – but you don’t quite feel the crowds on Solangon Beach.
Candanay Sur
Even this raw, overused beach just outside the Siquijor Power Plant in Candanay Sur, boasts fine white sand, a beautiful shoreline and clear waters. It has, in fact, one of the best beaches to swim in. But, as it is popular with the locals, you’ll have to contend with huts, people, the food they bring, parked motorized bankas and hanging fisherman’s nets. Forget about going there on weekends. And, if you head there on weekdays, the shore may still busy with fishermen.
This isn’t a beach to unwind, relax or sunbathe, but it’s still worth a visit.
Candanay Norte
Candanay Norte is worlds apart from its neighbor, even if they’re only separated by a cove. This 3-kilometer stretch of white beach is home to private beach houses, a public beach, and some exclusive beach resorts like Villamarmarine. Here you can walk, sunbathe and swim to your heart’s content.
At Villamarmarine, you can have your meal al fresco with an ocean view.
The view remains fantastic even during a storm.
Kagusuan Beach
Deserted, secluded and underdeveloped, this beach is a must for adventurers looking for the perfect beach. Getting there can be difficult. It’s located in Minalulan, one of the farthest villages in Siquijor, and there are no road signs that point toward the beach. You’ll know when you’re on the right track when you find a tunnel of trees. Following that path will get you to a cliff. Take the concrete steps down, and voila, Kagusuan’s C-shaped shoreline will take your breath away.
A white, albeit rocky beach; beautiful azure waters; and, jagged rock formations that give this empty stretch a bit of mystery, makes Kagusuan a must-visit for any self-respecting beach bum. Feel free to swim, snorkel and walk around sans clothing, and if you wish, camp overnight.
Kagusuan has trees that jut out into the shore, providing adequate shade, and hiding places as well to give you privacy.
