by I had always heard beautiful stories about Siquijor. And I’ve heard nothing but praise about its untouched beaches, cascading waterfalls, and warm island hospitality. For the longest time, however, the island just felt so out of reach. Island travel from Cebu to Siquijor would mean at least 5 hours to Dumaguete, then another ferry ride to the island. Fortunately, that changed this December. Thanks to Sunlight Air’s new direct flights from Cebu to Siquijor, my long-planned trip to the island finally became a reality.
Sunlight Air began operating nonstop flights between Cebu and Siquijor in mid-December of 2025. This effectively cut travel time to roughly one hour from takeoff to touchdown. What used to take half a day in travel time was suddenly a quick, early-morning flight away. Amazing, right?
My whole group stayed at the famous Coco Grove Beach Resort, a beautifully designed resort that instantly made us feel like we’d stepped into paradise. It’s very green and just full of life, and very different from the resorts I’ve visited in Cebu. Its tropical gardens and elegant rooms were as relaxing as they were photogenic. Definitely the perfect base from which to explore the island.
After resting for a bit, it was finally time to explore the island! From waterfalls to cliffs, and beaches to ancient trees, Siquijor delivers a little bit of everything. Here’s where we went:
Cambugahay Falls
Our first stop was Cambugahay Falls, a series of clear, layered drops surrounded by lush greens. The water was super cool and refreshing, and the rope swings added a playful touch to the swim. Also, I had never seen so many foreign tourists in one area before.
Salagdoong Beach
We found ourselves next at Salagdoong Beach, with its dramatic limestone cliffs and aquamarine waters. It’s one of those places where the sunlight makes the sea sparkle like a gem. Definitely one of the country’s prettiest beaches.
Paliton Beach
We also dropped by Paliton Beach, which is famous for its ‘human drones’. The long stretch of white sand, gentle waves, palm trees, and, of course, the locals who would gladly take ‘drone’ shots of you for a small fee, made this a truly memorable stop.
Pitogo Cliff
If you’re into viewpoints, Pitogo Cliff offers breathtaking panoramas. Standing on the edge, you can see the vast sea below, and the warm breeze will blow your worries away. The lush Pitogo forest also makes this a truly unique spot.
Saint Francis of Assisi Church
We made time for a quieter moment inside the Saint Francis of Assisi Church, one of Siquijor’s historic churches. The age-old structure is a lovely reminder of the island’s rich cultural and religious heritage.
The Balete Tree
One of the most iconic spots was the ancient Balete Tree, with its wide, twisting roots and tranquil fish spa beneath. I sensed a gentle magic here, definitely fitting for an island with such folklore. I wanted to stay longer, but we had a tight schedule.
Overall, Siquijor truly surprised me. It wasn’t just the natural beauty but the feeling of ease, of warmth, and of being somewhere that still moves at its own pace. I hoped Cebu was still this ‘slow’.
And getting there? That short Sunlight Air flight turned what used to be a long, tiring trip into a quick escape. I’m pretty sure that this will make Siquijor the next favorite weekend getaway for many travellers.
Stay tuned for more in-depth blogs about all the stops I mentioned here. 🙂
