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Country > Philippines > Siquijor Island
Date > 2010 > Apr
Activity > Freediving

Freediving

Johnnie Blogs

Johnnie Blogs

(and The Danish Lagoon)



Freediving in Siquijor's Marine Sancturaries Apr 23-24, 2010

Freediving in Siquijor's Marine Sancturaries

Location Google Map: Siquijor Island, Philippines

Skin Diving Paradise
Siquijor is a roughly under 643 sq. km island in the Visayas flanked by the areas of Apo Island, Negros, Cebu, Bohol and the Mindanao region. This general area is what I would call the diver's lair. World reknowned dive spots can be found here - Panglao, Apo Island, to name a few. Within the island's coastal perimeter are about 6 marine sanctuaries (P50 admission fee). My aim was to skin dive all of them.

Siquijor
chilling out for beer after some freediving

Getting Around Siquijor
Getting around Siquijor by public transport has some uncertainties specially after noon since people have taken to motor bikes which consequently diminished the demand for tricycles or jeeps. Although I'm against creating a carbon footprint, a motorbike is the most practical mode of transportation given the island's 72 kilometer coastal road that makes a perfect loop around the island.

Lowering Down the Cost
For shear economic considerations, I continued my stay at Bulisan Lodging in Siquijor (the capital). At P100/night as a bedspacer and within proximity to the motorbike rental, it wasn't necessary to rent for 24 hours. I could simply rent in the morning, go around the island, and return the bike at the end of the day and pay only for 12 hours rental. I can then walk back to my lodge....cool!

The Beach Resorts
Of course, with a little more money, I could rent a cottage by the beach as night falls, whatever beach resort I find myself at, at the end of the day. Even without renting a beach resort cottage, it's still ideal to hang out there over a beer or two specially after a day's dive. There's always good conversation with tourists and locals alike. Besides, some beach resorts have impeccable amenities. Beer prices are very reasonable (the best is Coco Grove's P35/Pale Pilsen) and some, like The Danish Lagoon, offers house specialties like homemade mahogany-smoked bacon. You enjoy the amenities of some high end resort without feeling like a pauper when you go back to your cottage.

Johnnie KarstensenJohnnie Denmark
The Danish Lagoon
The resorts are varied with unique personalities (just like a mountain bike!). I personally like The Danish Lagoon. The cottages are immaculately clean with hepa filters on the air conditioners (great for asthma suffers). An interesting conversation piece are the suspended beds. I swear, Bang and Olufsen could not have designed it better. At P2,900/night (promo!), it's way out of my league. But you know what? If I get me a nice web contract, I'd shell the money out for that room...it's that nice! Besides, the owner, Johnny, is one animated character whose heart seems to be in the right place. You should meet him if you go to his resort (more about him on my story, A Tale of 2 Foreigners).

Johnnie Quotes

  1. I cannot save the world but I can be a good neighbor (when he talked about helping the Paliton community)
  2. In Siquijor, the police go home at 5 pm (because there is no crime!)
  3. The vehicle with the bigger bumper has the right of way

Tubod Marine Sanctuary
Having rented a motorbike and a map of Siquijor, I was off with my fins and mask. First stop was Tubod Marine Sanctuary between Coco Grove and Sea Explorers Dive Center in San Juan, Siquijor, on the south west part of the island. I didn't have to worry about current or waves during this dive. The coral reef was intense with its diversity, but the damage specially on the southern part, was unmistakable. Being a marine sanctuary, it gets the much needed recovery to get it back to its glorious heyday. Don't get the wrong impression. It's still a GREAT dive spot.

Chilling out at Coco Grove for a beer after the dive was such a wonderful treat. The staff were helpful, courteous and lovely. It's too bad I didn't get to check out the rooms. From what I've read, Coco Grove is one of the resorts in Siquijor with impeccable appointments.

Sandugan Marine Sanctuary
Next stop was Sandugan Marine Sanctuary. On the map, it was clearly there. But going there is another story. There was no sign whatsoever, no access, no resort, no development and no people. Although it was along the main road, it felt isolated. Normally, it's a good sign for an adventure, but I passed on this one. It just didn't feel right at that point.

Amihan vs. Habagat
At this time of the year, with the Amihan (wind blowing from the northeast), the east coast gets battered while the west coast remains calm. This happens early November to late March. But this is El Niño year, so Amihan continues until late April.

From early June to late September, the southwest wind (Habagat) beats up the coastal reef of San Juan (Coco Grove, JJ's, Coral Cay, etc.). It's good to know these things so you know where to lodge and dive.

Tulapos Marine Sanctuary
Next stop was Tulapos Marine Sanctuary on the northest coast. With Aminhan hitting the east coast, it was foreboding to proceed, but hey, only one way to find out. Again, going there was a challenge because there was no street sign. Upon reaching the spot, much like Sandugan Marine Sanctuary, it was undeveloped and empty with only a local store. The sanctuary was bordered by mangroves. From the shore, I could see the waves breaking further out. That's where the dive area is. It took some effort to swim there, but as soon as I got there, I was immediately pounded by the waves. I couldn't see clearly as the sand was violently churned by the relentless waves. That moment was reminiscent of my dive in Sabang, Palawan where I thought I'd die. It was time to bail out...fast! Swimming to shore was another hurdle. With the current, I was being swept towards the mangroves! Yikes! I finally got to shore in one piece.

Sandugan, Larena
Next stop was to head back towards Sandugan, Larena on the northern point of the island, and dive off the area with its rows of beach resorts - Casa de la Playa, Islander's Paradise and Kiwi Dive Resort. From the internet, I heard the reef was excellent for diving. I'm not sure if that was a marine sanctuary, but at that point, the label marine sanctuary increasingly meant that it was protected...not necessarily the only dive area. Besides, it's hard to go wrong on any spot in Siquijor - the entire province is a dive site!

Kiwi Dive Resort
I ordered some beer at Kiwi Dive Resort to warm up for the dive, and then lunch after. It's always a good idea to patronize the resort fronting your dive area. You get to use their facilities if you're technically a customer - gear rinsing, shower, benches, and you can leave the rest of your stuff there while you dive.

This part of the island is also sheltered from the Amihan wind so it was calm. The dive was wonderful. It was a long stretch of cordoned-off coral reef with superb seascape. It's one of those 'seacape' type reef where you don't see as many fishes but the corals and reef are fascinating. You could start off on the section where the mild current comes from, dive towards the end and head back to shore and loop back to where you started. That way, you conserve your energy...the current propels you.

A Day Hike Invite
That was all the time (and money) I had. I got a text message from Dudz inviting me for a day hike tomorrow to visit the Japanese Shrine atop the three converging ridges of Valencia where a vicious battle during World War II was fought between the Japanese Imperial Army and combined Allied Forces of the Philippines and the Americans. We would then traverse our way to the 30m drop Casaroro Falls. Didn't want to miss that one either.

Ending Thoughts
I haven't fully explored the skin diving possibilities and yet the island offers so much more...Bandila-an Nature Center, limestone caves, the witches of San Antonio (yes, I want to meet and interview the grand doyen of all the witches...not the witch-for-tourist type).

I cannot say I had such a great time without the warmth and hospitality of the friendly people of Siquijor. Siquijor takes my breath away. Thank you Kram, thank you Siquijor! In the famous words of Douglas MacArthur, "I shall return!"

--- Gigit (TheLoneRider)
YOGA by Gigit Yoga by Gigit | Learn English Learn English | Travel like a Nomad Nomad Travel Buddy | Donation Bank Donation Bank for TheLoneRider



ps - no underwater shots? My Olympus 1030 SW, a digicam good for underwater photography up to 10m...took water inside! Read up on what it's like to claim warranty on Olympus digicams in the Philippines.

Leave a comment?


Reader Comments:

"Be careful in Siquejor..."
TheLoneRider
(May 2, 2010) Ha-ha...thank you for your concern. Be assured that the people of Siquijor are warm and friendly. They'd been very helpful. The food here is fantastic! The only aswangs I know of are in Manila...they wear nice expensive suits.



Concerned Friend
(Apr 22, 2010) Be careful in Siquejor. It is noted for aswang (sorcerers). I really read in one of the newspaper back there that on a Good Friday, there is a small place there where the inhabitants are mostly witches - they cook or brew some potion. Anyway, just watch out. Don't eat any food that they give you. Ok bye for now and take care.

Al Duncan
(May 1, 2010) Cool! Excellent map. Glad to see the GIS mapping is useful - good to see it!

I love Coco Grove resort... my favourite place. Something special about the feel of the place, and the people there are so friendly - or is it just the cheap beer?!

I'll certainly return to Dumaguete and Siquijor at some point soon. Have you been to Apo Island to snorkel yet? That's the best spot I found in Visayas for snorkelling, and the people who run Coco Grove also run a resort on Apo - you should check it out if you can: http://www.apoislandresort.com/ dorm rooms for 700.

Also, Twin Lakes park and whale / dolphin watching from Bais City... Nice part of the world! :)

I'm going to Africa soon! I'm going to Kenya to meet up with some other ex-VSO volunteers who I met in Manila... going to be great - hoping to see some of the big animals out on the plains of the Masai Mara and Serengeti!

Essentials in Siquijor:

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More on Siquijor Island:

Siquijor Island Local Info

Jeeps - there are only 2 routes for jeeps within Siquijor Island - and they are rare. Most people have their own motorcycle transport.

  1. Siquijor Port to Lazi - last trip leaves at 3pm from station near market
  2. Lazi to Siquijor Port - jeeps depart from the Lazi Port area. 5 jeeps, the last trip at 12:30 pm. Lazi to San Juan, P50.
  3. Larena Port to Lazi - jeeps are unpredictable. As of this writing, there is only 1 jeep plying the Larena-Lazi route. This jeep leaves Larena for Lazi at 9:50am. After that, no more jeep. You'll have to take a tricycle to Siquijor Pob for jeeps going to Lazi
  4. Lazi to Larena Port - 6am (daily) and 9 am (M-Th)

Food - these were suggested by a local to me

  1. Lechon manok & liempo - roasted pork belly and chicken at Joel's in Siquijor Poblacion. I've tried this myself...yummy, even if the chicken was no longer hot
  2. Bibingka - sweetened rice cake by Fidy's Bibingka (P30) in Sawang, Maria. I've come back for this and I buy for other people as well as 'pasalubong' - they love this
  3. Siopao - at the Rosita store near Thrifty (P25) in Siquijor Poblacion
  4. Peanut butter - by Rene. Just ask around in Siquijor Poblacion. It's popular
  5. Torta - sweet cakish bread at the Thrifty story in Siquijor Poblacion
Siquijor Island Map
Siquijor
Siquijor - Dumaguete Boat Trips (as of Jan 2023)
  1. Montenegro Lines - at Siquijor Port, P234.00/pax, P169/bicycle, 7:30am/10:00am/2:00pm/4:30pm

  2. Montenegro Lines, Siquijor to Dumaguete

  3. Aleson Shipping - at Siquijor Port, 6 am and 6 pm daily, 1:30 pm M-Sat, Regular P200.00/pax, Aircon P250.00/pax

  4. Aleson Shipping, Dumaguete to Siquijor

  5. Ocean Jet - 40 mins,at Siquijor Port, 0919.066.5964, www.oceanjet.net, marketing@ocenajet.net, 6:00am/6:00pm, P350/pax (tourist/open air), P580/pax (business class)

    Ocean Jet


Siquijor - Tagbilaran - Cebu City Boat Trips (as of Jan 2023)

En route to Cebu City, the ferries usually make a stop-over to Tagbilaran (Bohol) to pick-up more passengers or unload.

  1. Ocean Jet - 8:20 am, at Siquijor Port
    To Tagbilaran: P800/tourist & open air, 2 hours (arrive 10:20 am), P1200/business class
    To Cebu (Pier 1): P1600/tourist & open air, 4 hours (arrive 12:40 am), P2400/business class
  2. Lite Ferries - at Larena Port, no Senior Citizen discount for online ticket purchase
    To Tagbilaran: T-Th-Sun, 3 hours, depart 7 pm - arrive 10 pm, P475/standard (Tourist, PHP 750)
    To Cebu: T-Th-Sun, 10 hours, depart 7 pm - arrive 5 am, PHP 605/standard (Senior P484), Tourist, PHP 770
  3. Apekoptravel - at Larena Port to Tagbilaran: 1:00 pm, xxx hours, P750
    Reserve through call or text: Cleare - 0938 283 4760 | Grace - 0936 534 6564 | Jessel - 0961 759 6711, Pay via G-Cash: +63-917-880-1464, Email: momovillageadventure@gmail.com, Facebook messenger: Apekoptravel. Enter your birthday and nationality to get discounts: 0 to 3 years old free, 4 to 9 years old will have 20% discount, 10 years old and above full price, Filipino Senior Citizens will also have 20% discount


Siquijor - Plaridel Boat Trips (as of Jan 2023)
  1. Lite Ferries - at Larena Port, T-Th-Sun, 2:00 am, 5 hours, PHP?


Siquijor - Cebu (Liloan) - Cebu City BUS Trip (as of Jan 2023)

There is only one bus plying this route - Sugbo Urban. Tourist class coach, a/c, comfortable, Sun-Fri (these dates keep changing). P420 for bus, P275 for ferry to Liloan. Larena Port around 5 am, makes a clockwise roundtrip around Siquijor Island - Larena, Enrique Villanueva, Maria, Lazi (stops at Lazi market for breakfast and leaves 6:50 am), San Juan, Siquijor (arrives 8am, P50 from Lazi to Siquijor Poblacion) and catches the 1pm ferry at Larena Port (Sundays at 3 pm) for Liloan, Cebu and resumes its land route. Arrives Cebu City (South Bus Terminal) 10 pm.

Sugbo Urban is the cheapest and most convenient way because it goes around the island (clockwise) along the circumferential road, passing through - Enrique Villanueva, Maria, Lazi, San Juan, Siquijor...and back to Larena where it takes the ferry at 1 pm. This saves you the hassle and high transport cost of a tricycle. Besides, it's a long trip from the other side of the island to be taking by tricycle.


Sugbo Urban

Sugbo Urban

Suggested Destinations After Siquijor Island

These are the nearest popular destinations from Siquijor by boat

  1. Bohol - Bohol is an island northeast Siquijor. Tourist attractions are Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Monkey, Loboc River Cruise, Beaches of Panglao, whale sharks (recent offering), freediving (recent offering)
  2. Cebu - Cebu City is the usual gateway into the Visayas. But in Cebu Island itself, there are many offerings - Whale Sharks of Oslob, sardine run at Moalboal,Thresher Shark of Malapascua
  3. Dapitan (Zamboanga del Norte) - I haven't been there but a lot of island ferries ply this port. There must be something here.
  4. Dumaguete - Dumaguete is a small charming progressive coastal town in Negros Oriental. Cafe and restaurants line the famous Boulevard Boardwalk. Tourist attractions include Japanese Shrine, Casaroro Falls, snorkeling along the southern coastline (Dauin, Masaplod Norte, etc), Balinsasayao Twin Lakes
  5. Plaridel (Misamis Occidental, Mindanao) - I haven't been there but a lot of island ferries ply this port. There must be something here.

Blogs

Siquijor Blogs
Siquijor Island
  1. January Chronicles: Bandilaan Meditation January 2024
  2. My January Yoga Practice: A Journal January 31, 2024
  3. Jan 2024: Squid, Balangawan, Margarita Pizza January 2024
  4. December Chronicles: Yuletide Season December 30, 2023
  5. December Snapshots: Bolo Bolo Dip, Christmas Lunch, Tuba Denizens, Friends Forever, Men Working, Cow / Crow December 1-30, 2023
  6. Eggplant Bulad Pizza December 20, 2023
  7. Canghaling Cave November 14, 2023
  8. Kings and Queens November 13, 2023
  9. Barangay Vote-Buying October 22, 2023
  10. Real Estate Mapping October 1, 2023
  11. Learning Cebuano: Oct October 1-31, 2023
  12. Oct Food Hack: Pizza, Kinilaw, Coconut Bread, Fish Okuy, Carrot Omelette,Lemon-Grass Tea October 2023
  13. Sep Snapshots: Fisherman, Granny, Pedicure, Big Fish, Garbage September 1-30, 2023
  14. Sep Food Hack: Fish Tinola, Ratatouille, Chayote Omelette, Flat Bread September 2023
  15. Together Forever Sep 11, 2023
  16. The Cigarette Talk Sep 1, 2023
  17. Siquijor Star Meditation Center Aug 31, 2023
  18. The Lost Dogs of Siquijor Aug 27, 2023
  19. Moving to a Bungalow! Aug 22, 2023
  20. Aug Chronicles: CDO produce August 31, 2023
  21. Aug Snapshots: Pan de Sal, Palpitate, Taho, Tuna, Pineapple August 1-31, 2023
  22. [an error occurred while processing this directive]
  23. July Chronicles July 31, 2023
  24. July Snapshots July 1-31, 2023
  25. Learning Cebuano: July July 1-31, 2023
  26. June Chronicles June 31, 2023
  27. June Snapshots June 1-31, 2023
  28. Learning Cebuano: June June 1-31, 2023
  29. May Chronicles May 31, 2023
  30. May Snapshots May 1-31, 2023
  31. Learning Cebuano May 1-31, 2023
  32. In Search of a Cool Climate May 25, 2023
  33. The 64 km Bike Ride May 16, 2023
  34. Lazi Fiesta May 15, 2023
  35. The Boulevard Opening May 5, 2023
  36. April Snapshots April 1-30, 2023
  37. Learning Cebuano...Again! April 1-30, 2023
  38. Kris Visits Siquijor Mar 17 - Apr 15, 2023
  39. Exploring Siquijor with Marky Mar 25 - Apr 11, 2023
  40. Siquijor Healing Festival April 5-8, 2023
  41. The Talk at United Church of Christ April 2, 2023
  42. Mar Snapshots Mar 1-31, 2023
  43. Vigil for the Ghost Ship of Siquijor March 31, 2023
  44. Judging an Essay on Gender Equality Mar 29, 2023
  45. The Thief, the Shaman, the Elves and the Police Mar 20, 2023
  46. Finally Acquiring the Motorbike Mar 18, 2023
  47. Bitcoin Blunder Mar 15, 2023
  48. Maria's Unsung Beaches Mar 11, 2023
  49. Lagaan Falls Mar 9, 2023
  50. Tibhong Spring Water Source Mar 8, 2023
  51. Bolo-Bolo Natural Spring Mar 2, 2023
  52. Reasons to Get a Wife March 1, 2023
  53. Feb Snapshots Feb 28, 2023
  54. Camagung-Ong Natural Spring Feb 28, 2023
  55. Heeeere's Johnnie! Feb 26, 2023
  56. Manifesting a Motorbike from Thin Air? Feb 18, 2023
  57. The 'Bad Guy' of Siquijor Feb 15, 2023
  58. Amazement from Drivers License Renewal in Siquijor Feb 15, 2023
  59. Locong Falls Feb 9, 2023
  60. Inguinal Hernia? Goodbye ABS! Feb 4, 2023
  61. Jan Snapshots January 31, 2023
  62. In Search of Tubod Cold Spring Jan 27, 2023
  63. 1:4:2:3 Nadi Shodana Jan 26, 2023
  64. Lazi's Boulevard Jan 22, 2023
  65. Lazi: A Monthly Stay Jan 21, 2023
  66. 7 Days in Maria, Siquijor Jan 14-21, 2023
  67. Capilay Spring Jan 17, 2023
  68. Siquijor: In Search of Resonance Jan 9-14, 2023
  69. Riding Around Siquijor's 86km Coastal Road Apr 3, 2012
  70. Exploring the Cantabon Cave of Siquijor Feb 23, 2012
  71. Jovee and Missy's Excellent Adventure Nov 6-7, 2010
  72. Freediving in Siquijor's Marine Sancturaries Apr 23-24, 2010
  73. Island Tour of Siquijor Apr 22, 2010
  74. Kram's Siquijor Wedding Apr 21, 2010

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