If you want the full rundown of what to see and do, start with our Ultimate Siquijor Travel Guide. This one is different — it's the practical, easy-to-overlook stuff that makes a first trip go smoothly.
Bring Cash
Siquijor is still largely a cash-based island. Many small eateries, tricycles, and roadside stalls don't accept cards, and ATMs are limited outside the main towns. Withdraw what you'll need before you leave Dumaguete or Cebu, and keep a reasonable buffer on hand — most resorts, including ours, do accept card or digital payment for the room itself, but day-to-day spending on the island runs on cash.
Getting Online
Mobile data from the major Philippine carriers generally works across the island, though signal can weaken in more remote interior areas like near Cantabon Cave. Most resorts, ours included, offer wifi on-site, so you're rarely fully offline even if your mobile signal dips.
What to Pack
- Light, breathable clothing — Siquijor is hot and humid year-round.
- Reef-safe sunscreen, especially if you're visiting marine sanctuary areas.
- Sandals or water shoes with grip — waterfall paths and reef shallows get slick.
- A light rain layer, even in dry season — tropical showers can be sudden.
- Something slightly more modest for visiting Lazi Church or other religious sites.
Local Customs and Etiquette
Siquijor's centuries-old reputation for traditional healing and herbal medicine is a genuine, living part of local culture, not a tourist gimmick — approach it with curiosity and respect rather than treating it as a novelty. As with anywhere in the Philippines, a warm greeting goes a long way, and dressing modestly at churches is appreciated.
Safety
Siquijor is generally regarded as one of the safer, lower-crime islands in the Philippines. The most common real risk for visitors is road safety — wear a helmet on a rented scooter, take unfamiliar coastal roads slowly, and be extra cautious after dark, when lighting is limited outside the main towns. We go into far more detail — including the island's folklore reputation, water safety, and health access — in our full safety guide.
Common First-Timer Mistakes
- Not booking the ferry in advance during peak season. December–February can sell out crossings a few days ahead.
- Underestimating how spread out the island is. Without your own scooter, getting between attractions eats up far more of your trip than expected.
- Assuming cards are widely accepted. They're not, outside resorts and a handful of larger businesses.
- Packing a jam-packed itinerary. Siquijor rewards slowing down — see our 3-day itinerary for a paced example.
Where to Start
Once you've got the logistics sorted, the two things worth deciding next are where to stay and what to do while you're here.