| Isla del Fuego, or Island of Fire, is one of the more | | | | Siquijor has many exceptional dive sites. Among them |
| well-known islands in the Philippines. Locally known as | | | | are: Paliton Beach, with its three submarine caves; |
| Siquijor, the Island of Fire got its name from the | | | | Salagdoong Beach, where the strange Mako shark |
| fireflies that give the place a wondrous glow at night. | | | | dwells; Sandugan and Tongo Point, known for its |
| Land of the Mangkukulams | | | | vibrant reefs; and the Larena Pier, which happens to |
| Siquijor is popular for its local mangkukulams. These | | | | be Siquijor's main port, where the thirty-meter wreck |
| mangkukulams are either healers or sorcerers. For a | | | | of a Japanese hospital boat can be found. |
| fee, they can cast spells against your enemies, get | | | | Siquijor has a seventy-two kilometer coastal ring that |
| rid of spells cast against you, or cure any sickness | | | | goes around the entire island, with impressive views |
| that you may have. They work with aromatic, | | | | of the beaches of the island. The road is easy to |
| sometimes smelly potions of herbs and oils, when | | | | travel by motorbike or even by mountain bike for a |
| doing their clients' bidding. They even sell amulets, or | | | | more leisurely pace. The sights along the coastal ring |
| anting-antings, to ward off evil curses and spirits. | | | | are one of the major attractions of Siquijor. Another |
| These mangkukulams can be found in Siquijor Town, | | | | popular attraction in Siquijor is the coral-stone church |
| which is the capital of Siquijor, San Juan and San | | | | in Siquijor Town, which is a short distance from |
| Antonio. | | | | Larena. The coral-stone church was built in 1783 and |
| Far From the Usual Vacation | | | | is a living reminder of the era when the Philippines |
| Aside from its dark, mystic side, Siquijor is the ideal | | | | was colonized by Spain. The church has a tower |
| island for the tired and weary to rejuvenate | | | | which provides a stunning view of the island. The |
| themselves. It is also the perfect place for | | | | Bandila-an Nature Centre, which is located on top of |
| adventurers, thrill-seekers, and even families. The | | | | Siquijor's highest peak, is another attraction that |
| island offers numerous beach resorts along miles of | | | | cannot be missed. It is the beginning of a trail of |
| spectacular white sand beaches. Most resorts offer | | | | natural springs, gorgeous butterflies, colorful birds, and |
| very affordable accommodations, with breathtaking | | | | a variety of flowering plants. For those who want to |
| views of the ocean at sunrise or sunset. They also | | | | explore caves, there are guided tours to the Cang |
| offer guided day tours around the island, motorbike | | | | Anhao, Ambaka'g Baki, Dacanay and Cantabon Caves. |
| tours and rentals, and mountain bike rentals. Some | | | | These tours usually provide visitors with safety |
| resorts boast of giving the best traditional hilot, or a | | | | helmets and torches. Expect to get wet and dirty |
| healing body massage, that leaves you feeling | | | | during these cave tours while going through narrow, |
| renewed and re-energized. There are many | | | | vertical climbs, and water that goes up to the waist |
| restaurants in the island which offer gastronomical | | | | level. |
| delights to the serious food buff. They serve | | | | For a vacation that is far from the ordinary, try one |
| international as well as local Philippine cuisine. There | | | | that offers equal portions of amazing sights, |
| are even some restaurants that cater to vegetarians, | | | | mysticism, and adventure. Try Siquijor Island. |
| which is rare in the meat-loving Philippines. | | | | |