Siquijor Day Tour from Bohol- Shared Tour

Siquijor gives you waterfalls, old island folklore, mountain views, and a fish-foot spa in one packed day. The best parts are Cambugahay Falls, where you can swim in cool pools, and the 400-year-old Balete Tree, where small fish nibble at your feet.

I like the small group of up to 12 and the chance to meet a traditional Bolo-Bolo healer. Guide Lee, also called Leebuir, has earned praise for explaining local customs and adjusting plans when rain gets in the way. The big drawback is the ferry schedule: a delay can turn this already long day into an exhausting overnight return.

Key points to know before booking

• A full Siquijor day from Bohol: You cross by ferry in both directions and return to Abraham Bohol after a roughly 17-hour outing.
• Cambugahay Falls is the main swimming stop: Bring a swimsuit and towel, since the cool pools are one of the day’s highlights.
• Island folklore is part of the program: The Balete Tree and Bolo-Bolo healer offer a look at Siquijor’s mystical traditions.
• The ferry is the weak link: Return times can change, and serious delays have led to arrivals back in Bohol around 5 a.m.
• The $92 price covers the costly basics: Ferries, van transport, a guide, and entrance fees are included, but food, drinks, towels, and healer fees are extra.
• You need reasonable mobility: This is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and the schedule leaves little room for a slow pace.

Why Siquijor makes a memorable day trip

Siquijor is known in the Philippines for its stories of healers, herbal remedies, spirits, and old island customs. It also has the simple pleasures you want from a tropical day out: a white sand beach, a waterfall, a shady roadside tree, and high viewpoints over the island.

This tour gives you a broad introduction rather than a relaxed stay. You will see several famous places, but you will also spend about four hours on ferries and several more hours riding between stops. That tradeoff matters. You get a useful first look at Siquijor without changing hotels, but you do not get much time to linger.

The day begins at Abraham Bohol at 6 a.m. A van takes you to Tagbilaran Pier, followed by the ferry to Siquijor. The crossing is listed at about two hours, with arrival around 9:30 a.m. In good conditions, the early start gives you a full day on the island. In bad conditions, the schedule becomes much harder to control.

The first island views, from Shaka Cafe to Pitogo Cliff

After arriving in Siquijor, the group heads toward Shaka Cafe in San Juan. This is a short stop around 10 a.m., followed by Pitogo Cliff at about 10:15. The cliff stop gives you an early taste of the island’s coastal scenery before the cultural and waterfall visits begin.

The timing here is quick. You are not getting a long beach morning, but you do get a chance to see the coast and take photographs before moving on. If you prefer slow café time or a long swim in the sea, this part may feel rushed.

The tour also includes Paliton Beach in the general description. Its white sand and sunny setting fit the classic Siquijor picture, although the detailed schedule gives more time to the other stops. Ask your guide on the day how much beach time is possible, since ferry delays and road timing can affect the order.

Fish nibbling at the 400-year-old Balete Tree

The Enchanted Balete Tree is one of the most unusual stops. The tree is said to be around 400 years old, and its roots reach into a pool at the roadside. Small fish gather in the water, creating a natural foot spa when you place your feet in it.

This is a quick, easy stop, but it has more character than a standard photo break. The tree connects a very ordinary island road with Siquijor’s stories of magic and healing. You can expect a modest attraction rather than a grand monument, so keep your expectations in the right place.

Bring a towel if you plan to use the fish spa. Towels are not included, and the same towel will be useful later at the falls.

Cool water and jungle swings at Cambugahay Falls

Cambugahay Falls is the physical center of the day. The tour reaches it around 11:40 a.m., giving you time to swim in the cool pools and enjoy the jungle setting. The itinerary also refers to a jungle swing, so this is the place for a more playful break after the morning’s sightseeing.

I would protect this time as much as possible. The falls are repeatedly singled out as the strongest attraction, and one booking that had its schedule disrupted still managed to visit them. If you want to swim, wear your swimsuit under your clothes and carry a towel in an easy-to-reach bag.

The stop is not ideal for anyone with mobility problems. Wet surfaces, changing levels, and the need to move between the van and swimming area can make the visit awkward. The tour is designed for a fairly active day, not for a gentle scenic drive with minimal walking.

Rain does not necessarily ruin the outing. Guide Lee, also known as Leebuir, has been praised for checking conditions, speaking with the group, and changing plans when needed. Still, heavy rain can affect swimming, road travel, and ferry departures, so the weather remains a real factor.

A proper lunch at Twenty4 Restaurant

Lunch is scheduled at Twenty4 Restaurant and Events at about 1:15 p.m. Food is not included in the $92 price, so you should budget separately for your meal and drinks. The restaurant has received especially warm comments for its food and service, which is welcome after an early start and a swim.

A fixed lunch stop also keeps the group moving. You will not need to search for a place to eat, and the guide can keep the day on track. The compromise is less choice than you would have on an independent scooter trip.

Bring some snacks for the ferry and van rides. Snacks are not included, and the day runs from early morning until late evening or later if the boat is delayed.

Butterflies, mountain views, and the island’s spiritual side

The Butterfly Sanctuary comes next at about 2:30 p.m. It is a quieter stop after the waterfall and lunch. You can see local butterflies in a contained setting and take a break from the road before heading higher.

At 3 p.m., the group visits the Mount Bandilaan viewpoint. This is the day’s best broad view of Siquijor. From higher ground, you can look across the island and understand its shape better than you can from the coast. The viewpoint is brief, but it adds welcome variety to the beach and waterfall stops.

The Bolo-Bolo visit at 3:45 p.m. is the most culturally distinctive part of the tour. A traditional healer demonstrates or explains an old form of island healing associated with Siquijor’s mystical reputation. This is not simply another scenic stop. It gives you a chance to hear about a living local practice, but you should approach it with respect and without treating it as a performance staged only for visitors.

The healer’s service fee is not included. The provided details do not state the amount, so carry some extra cash if you want to take part in anything beyond the included visit. The tour does not promise medical treatment, and you should view this as cultural learning rather than a substitute for healthcare.

Sunset coffee at Bucafe

Around 4:30 p.m., the group reaches Bucafe, also called Bukid Cafe, for free time. This is a useful pause late in a very full day. You can order coffee or local snacks, sit down, and enjoy golden-hour views before the ride to Larena Port.

The café stop is one of the more human parts of the schedule. Instead of rushing from one attraction to the next, you get a chance to sit and let the island day settle. It is also a good place to use the restroom and check that you have all your belongings before the final transfer.

The group is due at Larena Port around 5 p.m., though actual ferry arrangements can change. The listed return ferry is around 6:30 p.m., while other information gives possible departures at 7 p.m. or 9 p.m. The important point is that the return boat is not fully predictable.

The ferry risk you should take seriously

The ferry is the main reason I would not call this an easy day trip. The scheduled ride takes about two hours, but ferry availability and delays can change the entire plan. One return crossing was delayed by nearly six hours, leading to arrival back in Bohol around 5 a.m. Another booking involved a port mix-up and an extra transport cost.

These are not small annoyances after a 17-hour schedule. If you have a flight, work shift, diving trip, or hotel transfer the next morning, leave a generous buffer. I would avoid booking this tour on the final day before an important departure from Bohol.

The return boat may also be a sleeping ferry, depending on the schedule. That can make the late ride less painful, but it is not the same as getting back at the planned hour. Confirm the return port and departure time with the guide before you board, especially if staff make a last-minute change.

Ferry problems are not always the tour operator’s fault. Sea transport in the Philippines can shift with availability and weather. Still, a good booking decision includes accepting that this day has a real chance of running much later than advertised.

What the $92 price really covers

At $92 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Siquijor. You are paying for convenience and access to a complicated route, not just for entry to a waterfall.

The price includes:

• English-speaking guide
• Ferry tickets from Bohol to Siquijor and back
• Van transportation between the stops
• Entrance fees to the listed attractions
• A small group limited to 12 people

Meals, drinks, snacks, towels, and the healer’s service fee are extra. The included ferry tickets alone make the price easier to understand, since arranging the crossing yourself still requires planning, port transfers, and coordination on both islands.

An independent scooter trip could cost less and give you more time at selected stops, but it requires renting and riding a scooter, arranging ferries, finding each attraction, and handling the return schedule yourself. The organized tour is better value if you want the major sights explained and connected in one day.

It is less good value if you want a beach day, a long waterfall visit, or freedom to skip stops. The itinerary is tightly packed, with the group leaving many places after a short visit.

How the small group affects the day

A maximum of 12 people is a useful size for this route. You are not moving through the island with a large coach, and it should be easier to hear the guide and agree on weather-related changes.

The guide is important here. Lee or Leebuir is named in the supplied bookings, and the strongest praise focuses on his warmth, local explanations, and willingness to work with the group when rain changed the plan. A good guide makes the healer visit more meaningful and helps with the practical confusion that can surround ferries and ports.

That said, group travel still means compromise. If one stop interests you more than another, you cannot simply stay behind. The schedule also depends on everyone returning to the van on time.

What to pack for this particular day

Pack light, but pack for both swimming and a long transport day.

• Swimsuit and towel
• Hat and sunscreen
• Dry clothes for after Cambugahay Falls
• Snacks and a refillable water bottle
• Cash for meals, drinks, snacks, and the healer’s fee
• A phone or camera with protection from splashes
• Comfortable footwear suited to wet areas

The tour does not provide a towel, and food is not included. You should also expect to carry your belongings through several stops, so avoid bringing a large bag.

Who should book this Siquijor tour?

I would choose this tour if you have limited time in the Philippines, are staying in Bohol, and want a guided first look at Siquijor without arranging an overnight stay. It suits active people who enjoy changing scenery, swimming, local stories, and a full schedule.

It is also a good match if you would rather not ride a scooter. The van links the stops, the guide handles the route, and the entry fees and ferry tickets are already arranged.

I would hesitate if you dislike early starts, long boat rides, uncertain departure times, or packed itineraries. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and it is a poor choice before a flight or other fixed appointment.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now, pay-later booking make the commitment easier, but they do not remove the ferry risk. Check the current schedule before you pay and treat the return time as flexible.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if Cambugahay Falls, island folklore, and a first taste of Siquijor matter more to you than a relaxed pace. The mix of the Balete Tree, healer, mountain viewpoint, butterflies, and café gives you a surprisingly broad picture of the island in one day.

Skip it, or stay overnight in Siquijor instead, if you need dependable evening plans or want to explore at your own speed. The $92 fee is fair for a guided, transport-heavy day, but the ferry can turn a long excursion into a very long night. The scenery and cultural stops are worth the effort. Just book with time to spare on the other side.

FAQ

How long does the Siquijor day tour from Bohol last?

The advertised duration is 17 hours. The planned day begins at 6 a.m. at Abraham Bohol and ends after the return ferry and transfer back to the resort, but ferry delays can make the day much longer.

Where is the meeting point?

Pickup is at Abraham Bohol resort. The tour then uses a van to reach Tagbilaran Pier before boarding the ferry to Siquijor.

What is included in the $92 price?

The price includes an English-speaking guide, ferry tickets in both directions, transport between the attractions, and entrance fees.

Are meals and drinks included?

No. Lunch, drinks, snacks, and café purchases are not included. You should also bring extra money for the traditional healer’s service fee.

What should I bring?

Bring a swimsuit, towel, hat, sunscreen, comfortable footwear, and money for meals and extras. A towel is not provided.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments, and the waterfall and other stops require an active day.

Can the return ferry be delayed?

Yes. The departure from Larena may be scheduled for different times, including around 7 p.m. or 9 p.m., depending on availability. Ferry delays have also caused very late arrivals back in Bohol, so do not schedule an important early commitment the next day.