by The Old Balete Tree in the town of Lazi was one of the most memorable stops during our trip to the island of Siquijor, and I am honestly surprised it took me this long to finally write about it. Somehow, I missed blogging about this part of our Siquijor adventure, even though it was an experience I thoroughly enjoyed.
From the massive old tree and its peaceful atmosphere to the fish nibbling at my feet, there was something about the place that made the visit particularly memorable.
Located along the main road in Lazi, the Balete Tree is one of Siquijor’s most recognizable attractions. The enormous tree immediately catches your attention, with its sprawling branches and thick, twisted roots creating an almost otherworldly scene.
What struck me first was simply the size and presence of the tree.
There is something fascinating about standing beside a tree that has been around for generations. Its huge branches, sprawling roots, and thick canopy make it feel like a living piece of Siquijor’s history. I read somewhere that the tree is around 400 years old. And just think about this detail is already mind-blowing.
The island has long been associated with stories of folklore, traditional healing, mysticism, and the supernatural. Whether you believe those stories or not, it is easy to understand why a place like this became part of Siquijor’s identity.
For me, however, the experience wasn’t really about anything supernatural. The tree simply seemed to give off a nice and powerful energy. There was something calming about being there. I found myself slowing down, looking around, and appreciating the surroundings. Maybe it was the tree itself, the shade, the sound of the water, or simply the atmosphere of Siquijor. Whatever it was, the place had a certain presence that was difficult to ignore.
But probably the most enjoyable part of our visit was something much simpler: the fish.
At the base of the Balete Tree is a natural spring where visitors can dip their feet into the water. Once you do, tiny (and not so tiny) fish quickly gather around and start nibbling. And I absolutely enjoyed it.
At first, the sensation was a little surprising. Then, after a few moments, it became oddly relaxing. I could have stayed there for quite some time just watching the fish swarm around my feet.
It was such a simple experience, but it became one of the things I remember most about our visit. Sometimes, it is these little unexpected moments that make a trip more memorable.
I also enjoyed exploring the souvenir shops around the Balete Tree. There was a nice selection of locally inspired items and interesting keepsakes that felt distinctly Siquijor. Rather than just being generic tourist souvenirs, many of the items reflected the island’s own identity, traditions, folklore, and local character.
That is something I particularly enjoy when traveling.
Souvenirs are more meaningful to me when they tell you something about the place you are visiting. They become little reminders of the destination and the experiences associated with it.
In this case, browsing the shops was a nice way to end our visit to the Balete Tree. After spending time by the spring and enjoying the fish, we could walk around, look at the local products, and take a little piece of Siquijor with us.
If you find yourself exploring Siquijor, make time for the Balete Tree. See the giant tree, dip your feet into the spring, let the fish do their thing, and take some time to browse the local shops.
It is a small experience, but it offers a wonderful glimpse into the character and local color of Siquijor.
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