Island of Fire or Isla del Fuego as it has been dubbed by the Spaniards upon coming over to the third smallest province in the Philippines.
Why Island of Fire by the way? The reason was very literal because when they were on their way to dock into the island, it gave off an eerie glow coming from the great swarms of fireflies that gathered in numerous Molave Trees in the island.
In the Philippines, if specific areas are full of fireflies, that may actually mean some out of this world creature is living in that area. This could also be the reason behind the here say that this island is mystical and a bit creepy for most. However, this didn't hinder us from traveling the entire island and when I say entire island, I mean it because we had literally traveled around the entire four towns which composes this island. It was a long day for both my husband and I as we place a check mark on another island off our bucket list.
As cliche as it sounds but this line is definitely true:
"Travel and it makes one a story teller."
Why I choose travel? Why I continue to travel? Why I don't get tired of traveling?
Life is like a book as per some famous saying, and those who don't travel only read one page. Don't get this quote wrong, of course there are people out there who won't have any chances of traveling due to certain reasons and I do understand that. Travel as well doesn't limit one to traveling abroad or to another country. Travel means to explore something, somewhere that you have not been to. Going to another town is one, checking the nearby river which you have not really paid attention in the past is another and so on and so forth. It doesn't really mean just simply buying air tickets our riding on the bus. It means more than that.
Anyways, today, I would like to share to you a quite unique type of travel for both my husband and I. This is an impromptu kind of travel and that we had no high expectations or such but at the end of the day, the learning and the stuffs we have realized were the most important ones, oh and I'd like to add that the stories which we can share to you as the readers and to the people whom we interact in a daily basis would be the most important lesson that we can get from all these traveling that we do.
Since Siquijor is compose of only six towns, touring around the island wouldn't take that long, in fact we were able to roam around the island in just half a day. That includes enjoying the tourist spots and other areas of this island. So let me tell you about the things to check out in the six towns of Siquijor.
WATCHED SUNSET IN SIQUIJOR
Our first stop since we were staying at a beach resort within Siquijor. I will be sharing about our experience in the said resort plus the things we have regret about it in the next blog. Today, let me share the things we explored within Siquijor.
I had been telling this over and over again and let me say it once again for the nth time. Sunsets and sunrises are my most favorite scene and my most favorite time of the day. Why? It just reminds me that life is short. The sunrise means new beginning and new chances for the day. It makes me wonder and excited what the new day has in stored for me. Then the sunset also gives me this fulfillment feeling plus the colors of the skies show the romantic side of the day that we would be doing whatever we have to do for the entire day but we will always be back to the arms of our loved ones.
This is a photo captured by my husband of the sunset in Siquijor. Can you spot the man walking by?
Another shot of the sunset. It was romantic although the sun was just hiding behind the thick clouds.
This scenes will always be my favorite and I was glad that we were able to witness the sunset in Siquijor. It was just time that we reached the port of Siquijor, got hold of our motorcycle and we were looking for a place to stay. However upon passing by this area where there were street foods like balut, barbecue and others, we noticed it would be the best spot to watch the sunset together. So we parked our motorcycle which by the way we had rented for only 350 pesos.
The Siquijor shore and sea was definitely quiet. Not much of action going around except for those locals who were walking and looking for some sea creatures since they were bending down and slowly walking into the waters.
PLAYED WITH LOCAL KIDS IN SAN JUAN
Our plan was to get a chance of watching sunrise together on our second day in the Island of Fire but it was not realized because we both woke up late. It was already six when we woke up and the sun was all up. Still, we had to move forward and continue with the day.
Kids preparing to jump from this part. Kids can't get enough of it.
While dining at this carenderia in the main town, it started raining hard. We thought our trip might get cancelled but then it stopped after around thirty minutes so it was already quarter to nine when we started our voyage!
Just a few minutes away from Siquijor, our GPS instructed us to follow Siquijor's circumferential road which will then take us to the next destination.
The Capilay Spring Cuisine and Leisure Park imprint.
Capilay Spring Park - one of the many natural cold springs of Siquijor and it is just situated at the heart of the town of San Juan. It is very well known and anyone who would be visiting here won't get lost since it is just located in the main town.
No entrance fee! In fact when we reached the area although it rained a few minutes ago, there were number of kids swimming in this pool of natural spring water. The pool is open to the public for swimming however there were two pools, the upper one and the lower swimming pool. Only the lower swimming pool can be used for swimming as the upper one seemed to have some fishes in it but actually, I really don't know what is the reason behind it.
Local kids didn't mind the fallen leaves floating at the sides of the pool
Cemented tables and seats but were wood designed. They look like real wood but the truth is, these are cemented ones.
The kids were enjoying the cold waters when we went closer to them and started filming them! Each of the kids went to the back of my the camera, trying to check the view finder or perhaps the screen. Since they didn't find their faces in there, they smiled back to me and continued playing. Jumping, diving and swimming are just some of the things that can be done there however, there were also specific huts which can be used for picnics and perhaps for chilling.
Playground, booths and restaurant are also available in the area. In fact the restaurant just started grilling at the side which made me hungry. Also, there's a stair going towards the top of the hill which leads to the town's church. One can go there and have a better view of the entire park.
ENCHANTING CENTURY OLD BALITE TREE
plus Fish Spa in Lazi
I had published another blog about this a few days ago because it was the main highlight of our travel to Siquijor and it was the spot where I had the most photos taken so I thought it would be best to blog it first but then I had been typing it with Balete instead of Balite so I definitely apologize for it.
An overview of the Enchanted Century Old Balite Tree in Lazi, Siquijor.
Anyways, as I had mentioned in the previous blog, this area offers Fish Spa solely intended for all visitor's feet. Actually it was not mentioned if one can dip into the water and have fish spa with his entire body. But it can be done I guess. That was the best part of going to the enchanted tree although the mystical century old Balite tree was supposedly the main attraction, the fish spa had given the visitors other options to enjoy the spot.
It was indeed something that made the tourists, local and even the foreign ones to enjoy the place more. I had fun specially with dealing with the big fishes. It tickles a lot and I had a laugh a few for all the bits and bites I had received from the small as well as the bigger fishes.
For the complete story about the Century Old Balite tree, check out the other blog below:
>> The Enchanted Century Old Balete Tree <<
This would be the first part of the two blog series because I guess this is becoming really long although I had just covered three things of the tour. I am going to share the rest of the other places in the next phase of the blog.
There are more other things that can be done in Siquijor and the best thing about it is that it can be done within a day! How amazing is that? There aren't any province or island which can offer you so much things to do and do it in a day! Plus the people within the province is really friendly and accommodating! I guess it is the first province which gave us lots of options for motorcycle. That's a different story but we have gone to different places in the country and the most affordable motorcycle for rent can be spotted in Siquijor.
Anyways, enough with all these stories and let me end this blog right now. Don't forget to also check out the second phase coming real soon!
BONUS! We spotted a castle-like hotel while on our way to Lazi from San Juan. We got amazed we have to make a uturn to take a photo of it.
Take care guys!
