Waterfalls / Springs of Siquijor
Waterfalls / Natural Springs of Siquijor
Mar 2, 2023
Bolo-Bolo Natural Spring
Location : Lazi, Siquijor Island, Philippines
Going to the Source
The most popular waterfall in Siquijor is Cambugahay Falls. I went upstream to the source of that waterfall - Bolo Bolo Spring. Only locals go there. It's not manicured, quite raw, entrance is free, bathing is refreshing and it's now my source of drinking water.
Heard it from the Grapevine
The good thing about talking to the locals is you hear about places they go to that are not on the tourism map. Everyone knows about Bolo-Bolo Spring. I was even taken there on the back of a motorbike by Marlon (a guy I met while drinking tuba) and I was pointed to where the drinking water is (it's practically hidden and quite a distance from Bolo-Bolo itself) and the 'other' plunge pool for bathing.
Packing up
Knowing its whereabouts, I packed up to go there on my own, this time with my empty blue water container, roasted pig belly, tuba vinegar and my jungle hammock...with a pre-destination tuba drink en route. I'll be a picnic, a bath, and sourcing of drinking water.
What to Bring
- Picnic mat or table cover - some tables are available but you might like to cover it or if they are full, lay down the picnic mat. There isn't really an ideal ground for a picnic mat, but you can make do with what's there.
- Trash bin - there is no trash bin so bring your trash back with you. Keep Bolo Bolo clean!!!!
- Dive mask and snorkel - no, you can't go snorkeling, but it would be nice to see the fishes and underwater terrain from waist-deep water
- Picnic food and drinks - there are no stores there except for a sari-sari store selling junk food. Tuba would be a refreshing drink to bring along (just make sure it doesn't explode from the gas expansion)
- Empty water container - don't miss this opportunity to take home nature's best drinking water
- Hammock - you probably won't need it, but it won't hurt to bring one anyway
The Ride
Bolo-Bolo is less than 4 km away from my place, but the road goes up high - that's ok since I'll be going uphill with an empty water jar, and full when I come down.
The uphill ride was challenging (for a heavy folding bike) but not draining - just right for a good workout. I even passed by Cambugahay Falls. The road was paved all the way. Had I gone straight all the way up, I would be treated to views of the neighboring islands from the mountain peaks.
Bolo-Bolo Spring
The place was entirely mine...I was the lone guest of the spring (although other people arrived shortly thereafter). The water was crystal clear and I found where some water was gushing out from underneath. The maximum depth was perhaps just waist deep. I did my yoga sit where water would be up to my chest while I held my food container with the roast pork belly with tuba vinegar - I was having my picnic while in the plunge pool! There were tiny fishes about 2-3 inches long. At first, I got spooked when they started biting me, but then I realized they were just nibbling on my dead skin - I was actually having a skin cleansing. The dogs were also feasting from the 'shore' as I threw them the pork bone, tough skin and fat. It was a very refreshing soak. Being in the water was so engaging, I didn't feel the need to set up my hammock.
Filling in my Water
After a while, it was time to pack up and leave. En route, I passed by the source of the drinking water and filled up my big water container. Strapping it full on the basket of my bike was challenging. It felt like I had a passenger who kept twitching during the ride.
Rain
It even rained along the way. By the time I got back to my place, I was already soaking wet. All good for a day's adventure and fun!
Ending Thoughts
It's not everywhere where you can live with mountain summits, panoramic views, waterfalls, spring water, the ocean, beaches, coral reefs, scuba dive spots, and clean rivers just a short distance away...bicycle distance to put it in context. Bolo-Bolo is my metaphor for all that. I live here, and I call this home. Whoa! What a privileged life. Forever grateful, I am humbled by my benevolent universe's abundance on me. Thank you!
--- Gigit (TheLoneRider)
YOGA by Gigit
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Next story:
Tibhong Spring Water Source
(Mar 8, 2023) While having lunch at a nearby carinderia, I told the 'Manangs' (women elders) that I was on the way to Lagaan Falls to get some drinking water and take a dip on the waterfall. They said why go too far when there is a spring water source less than a kilometer away - Tibhong Spring. With that information, my afternoon itinerary was changed and I was off to Tibhong Spring...more »»
Waterfalls / Spring Blogs
- Lagaan Falls Mar 9, 2023
- Tibhong Spring Water Source Mar 8, 2023
- Bolo-Bolo Natural Spring Mar 2, 2023
- Camagung-Ong Natural Spring Feb 28, 2023
- Locong Falls Feb 9, 2023
- In Search of Tubod Cold Spring Jan 27, 2023
- Capilay Spring Jan 17, 2023
- Freediving Canawa Cold Spring of Candijay, Bohol June 30, 2017
- Splashing at Can-umantad Falls, Candijay, Bohol June 30, 2017
- Bathing with the Carabaos at Hagnaon Spring, Camotes Islands Feb 28, 2017
- Taking a Dip at Capasanan Spring, Camotes Islands Feb 28, 2017
- Exploring Tudela and Busay Falls, Camotes Islands Feb 21, 2017
- In Search of Guiwanon Cold Spring Jan 12, 2017
- Hurom-Hurom Cold Springs Immersion Dec 11, 2016
- Dipping at Bungan-Bungan Spring in Libertad Dec 9, 2016
- Exploring Malumpati Spring of Pandan Dec 4-6, 2016
- Visiting Igpasungaw Waterfalls Dec 3-4, 2016
- Exploring Bugtong Bato Waterfalls, Tibiao Nov 24, 2016
- Splashing at Magkawas Falls in Lanuza, Surigao del Sur May 16, 2013
- Visiting Lubcon Falls, Surigao del Sur May 13, 2013
- Visiting Maria Cristina Falls, Iligan Apr 24, 2013
- Exploring Santander, Samboan and Badian, Cebu (Aguinid Falls and Kawasan Falls) Oct 30-31, 2011
- Pulangbato Falls and Hot Spring Jul 16, 2011
- Splashing in Pulangbato Falls with Cuernos de Negros Jun 5, 2011
- Hike to the Japanese Shrine and Casaroro Falls Apr 25, 2010
- Island Tour of Siquijor Apr 22, 2010
- Tinago Falls of Iligan City Mar 16, 2009
- Camiguin (Katibawasan Waterfalls) Mar 9 - 14, 2009
- Hike to Bomod-ok Falls November 3, 2006
use "lazi_info.shtml" instead
More on Lazi:
Lazi Local Info
- Resorts - Lazi has some beach/dive resorts on its west coast - Gabayan Riviera, Lazi Beach Club, Bahura Dive Resort. However, the popular area for tourist resorts are in San Juan
- Transport - Lazi is the junction where the jeeps begin their clockwise route (Lazi-San Juan-Siquijor Port) or the counter clockwise route (Lazi-Maria-Larena Port). Because the jeeps are rare with about 2 to 3 trips/day only in the morning, it's practical to just have a motorcycle here in Siquijor. With its affordability (a brand new Rusi motorbike is as low as P45k), people just buy motorcycles...especially those who live up in the mountains.
- The Boulevard - Lazi's main draw is its seaside cobblestone promenade. When the sun goes down, people gather here for eats, drinks, open-air, harbor view and the sunset
- Lazi Port - Kho Shipping, the shipping line operating from Lazi Port, has stopped its service to Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, Dumaguete, Tagbilaran and Cebu. Passengers can go to Siquijor Port or Larena Port for boat services out of Siquijor Island
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.
- Siquijor Port to Lazi - last trip leaves at 3pm from station near market
- 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.
- 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
- Lazi to Larena Port - 6am (daily) and 9 am (M-Th)
Food - these were suggested by a local to me
- 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
- 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
- Siopao - at the Rosita store near Thrifty (P25) in Siquijor Poblacion
- Peanut butter - by Rene. Just ask around in Siquijor Poblacion. It's popular
- Torta - sweet cakish bread at the Thrifty story in Siquijor Poblacion
Siquijor Island Map
Siquijor - Dumaguete Boat Trips
(as of Jan 2023)- Montenegro Lines - at Siquijor Port, P234.00/pax, P169/bicycle, 7:30am/10:00am/2:00pm/4:30pm
- Aleson Shipping - at Siquijor Port, 6 am and 6 pm daily, 1:30 pm M-Sat, Regular P200.00/pax, Aircon P250.00/pax
- 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)
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.
- 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 - 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 - 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)- 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.
Suggested Destinations After Siquijor Island
These are the nearest popular destinations from Siquijor by boat
- 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)
- 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
- Dapitan (Zamboanga del Norte) - I haven't been there but a lot of island ferries ply this port. There must be something here.
- 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
- 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 Island
- Goodbye Siquijor April 18, 2024
- January Chronicles: Bandilaan Meditation January 2024
- My January Yoga Practice: A Journal January 31, 2024
- Jan 2024: Squid, Balangawan, Margarita Pizza January 2024
- December Chronicles: Yuletide Season December 30, 2023
- December Snapshots: Bolo Bolo Dip, Christmas Lunch, Tuba Denizens, Friends Forever, Men Working, Cow / Crow December 1-30, 2023
- Eggplant Bulad Pizza December 20, 2023
- Canghaling Cave November 14, 2023
- Kings and Queens November 13, 2023
- Barangay Vote-Buying October 22, 2023
- Real Estate Mapping October 1, 2023
- Learning Cebuano: Oct October 1-31, 2023
- Oct Food Hack: Pizza, Kinilaw, Coconut Bread, Fish Okuy, Carrot Omelette,Lemon-Grass Tea October 2023
- Sep Snapshots: Fisherman, Granny, Pedicure, Big Fish, Garbage September 1-30, 2023
- Sep Food Hack: Fish Tinola, Ratatouille, Chayote Omelette, Flat Bread September 2023
- Together Forever Sep 11, 2023
- The Cigarette Talk Sep 1, 2023
- Siquijor Star Meditation Center Aug 31, 2023
- The Lost Dogs of Siquijor Aug 27, 2023
- Moving to a Bungalow! Aug 22, 2023
- Aug Chronicles: CDO produce August 31, 2023
- Aug Snapshots: Pan de Sal, Palpitate, Taho, Tuna, Pineapple August 1-31, 2023 [an error occurred while processing this directive]
- July Chronicles July 31, 2023
- July Snapshots July 1-31, 2023
- Learning Cebuano: July July 1-31, 2023
- June Chronicles June 31, 2023
- June Snapshots June 1-31, 2023
- Learning Cebuano: June June 1-31, 2023
- May Chronicles May 31, 2023
- May Snapshots May 1-31, 2023
- Learning Cebuano May 1-31, 2023
- In Search of a Cool Climate May 25, 2023
- The 64 km Bike Ride May 16, 2023
- Lazi Fiesta May 15, 2023
- The Boulevard Opening May 5, 2023
- April Snapshots April 1-30, 2023
- Learning Cebuano...Again! April 1-30, 2023
- Kris Visits Siquijor Mar 17 - Apr 15, 2023
- Exploring Siquijor with Marky Mar 25 - Apr 11, 2023
- Siquijor Healing Festival April 5-8, 2023
- The Talk at United Church of Christ April 2, 2023
- Mar Snapshots Mar 1-31, 2023
- Vigil for the Ghost Ship of Siquijor March 31, 2023
- Judging an Essay on Gender Equality Mar 29, 2023
- The Thief, the Shaman, the Elves and the Police Mar 20, 2023
- Finally Acquiring the Motorbike Mar 18, 2023
- Bitcoin Blunder Mar 15, 2023
- Maria's Unsung Beaches Mar 11, 2023
- Lagaan Falls Mar 9, 2023
- Tibhong Spring Water Source Mar 8, 2023
- Bolo-Bolo Natural Spring Mar 2, 2023
- Reasons to Get a Wife March 1, 2023
- Feb Snapshots Feb 28, 2023
- Camagung-Ong Natural Spring Feb 28, 2023
- Heeeere's Johnnie! Feb 26, 2023
- Manifesting a Motorbike from Thin Air? Feb 18, 2023
- The 'Bad Guy' of Siquijor Feb 15, 2023
- Amazement from Drivers License Renewal in Siquijor Feb 15, 2023
- Locong Falls Feb 9, 2023
- Inguinal Hernia? Goodbye ABS! Feb 4, 2023
- Jan Snapshots January 31, 2023
- In Search of Tubod Cold Spring Jan 27, 2023
- 1:4:2:3 Nadi Shodana Jan 26, 2023
- Lazi's Boulevard Jan 22, 2023
- Lazi: A Monthly Stay Jan 21, 2023
- 7 Days in Maria, Siquijor Jan 14-21, 2023
- Capilay Spring Jan 17, 2023
- Siquijor: In Search of Resonance Jan 9-14, 2023
- Riding Around Siquijor's 86km Coastal Road Apr 3, 2012
- Exploring the Cantabon Cave of Siquijor Feb 23, 2012
- Jovee and Missy's Excellent Adventure Nov 6-7, 2010
- Freediving in Siquijor's Marine Sancturaries Apr 23-24, 2010
- Island Tour of Siquijor Apr 22, 2010
- Kram's Siquijor Wedding Apr 21, 2010
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