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