Siquijor Day Tour from Bohol- Shared Tour

Siquijor’s best-known sights fit into one long, salt-air-filled day here: Cambugahay Falls, the old Balete Tree, Mount Bandilaan, and a traditional Bolo-Bolo healer. The ferry ride gives the trip a proper island-hopping feel, while the small group keeps the day more personal than a large coach outing.

I like the mix of cool freshwater swimming and local spiritual tradition. I also like the chance to see more than one postcard beach, with Pitogo Cliff, Paliton Beach, and the late stop at Bucafe adding different moods to the day. The catch is simple: this is a very long day, and ferry delays can turn an already tiring return into a serious ordeal.

Key points to know

• Cambugahay Falls is the main active stop: Bring swimwear and expect time in cool pools, with a jungle setting and a swing.
• The Balete Tree combines folklore with a fish spa: Tiny fish gather in the water at its roots for a natural foot treatment.
• Bolo-Bolo healing offers cultural context: You can meet a traditional healer, but the healer’s service fee is extra.
• A small group makes the long day easier: Numbers are limited to 12, with an English-speaking guide.
• The ferry schedule is the biggest risk: The return may use a late sailing, and delays have occasionally pushed arrivals into the early morning.
• The $92 price covers the major transport costs: Ferry tickets, van transport, guide service, and entrance fees are included, but meals and drinks are not.

Why this Bohol to Siquijor trip is worth considering

Siquijor has a reputation for folk healing, old trees, waterfalls, and a slightly mysterious air. This tour gives you a quick introduction to all of those themes without requiring you to arrange ferries, hire local transport, or work out how to connect the island’s sights yourself.

The appeal is not just the number of stops. It is the contrast between them. You begin with sea travel, move through beach and cliff views, stop at a freshwater waterfall, eat at a local restaurant, then shift toward island traditions and mountain scenery. By late afternoon, coffee at Bucafe gives you a quiet pause before the return to the port.

At $92 per person, the value depends heavily on your tolerance for a long day. The price includes both ferry tickets, transport between stops, a guide, and all entrance fees. If you would otherwise pay separately for a return ferry, a private van, and admission charges, that package is reasonable.

You are not paying for a relaxed island holiday, though. You are paying for access to Siquijor from Bohol in one shot. That distinction matters.

The 6:00 a.m. start and ferry across the Visayan Sea

The day starts at Abraham Bohol Resort at about 6:00 a.m. A van takes you to Tagbilaran Pier, with the transfer listed at roughly one hour. The ferry crossing to Siquijor is scheduled to take about two hours, and the sea views are part of the pleasure of the trip.

You should arrive at the pier ready for an early start, not a leisurely breakfast. Bring water and a small snack because food is not included, and the first proper meal is scheduled for early afternoon.

The ferry schedule is the part I would watch most closely. A one-hour delay on the outward crossing has occurred, which can squeeze the time available on Siquijor. The return sailing may be scheduled for around 7:00 p.m. or 9:00 p.m., depending on availability. One late return has reportedly taken several additional hours, with arrival back in Bohol around 5:00 a.m.

That is not a minor detail. If you have a flight, a diving trip, or an important booking the next morning, leave plenty of space. Ferry times can change, and the return leg is not fully within the tour operator’s control.

Pitogo Cliff, beach time, and the island’s first views

After reaching Siquijor at around 9:30 a.m., the group heads toward Shaka Cafe in San Juan before visiting Pitogo Cliff. This early part of the day introduces the island through sea views and open coastal scenery rather than rushing straight to the most famous waterfall.

Paliton Beach is also part of the tour’s beach-focused appeal. It is known for white sand and clear water, making it a good place to slow down for a moment and take in the simple island setting. The exact timing of beach stops can shift if the ferry is late, so do not expect a long, guaranteed swim here.

Pitogo Cliff gives you a different view, with a higher coastal outlook. I like having this kind of stop near the beginning because it helps you understand the island’s shape before heading inland. The tradeoff is that every viewpoint uses time that could otherwise be spent at Cambugahay Falls.

This is a sightseeing day, not a beach day. If you want hours under a palm tree, stay on Siquijor for several nights instead.

The old Balete Tree and its fish spa

The Balete Tree is one of Siquijor’s most recognizable stops. It is described as roughly 400 years old, though it is also commonly referred to as a century-old tree. Either way, the appeal is clear: the broad, tangled tree has become tied to local stories about spirits, healing, and the island’s supernatural image.

At its base, small fish gather in the water. You can place your feet in the pool and enjoy a natural fish spa while looking up at the tree. It is a light, easy stop, and it gives the group a chance to hear about Siquijor’s folklore without turning the subject into a staged show.

You should bring a towel or be prepared to dry your feet in the sun. Towels are not included. The stop is not physically demanding, but the wet stone and water area still call for care.

This is one of the better cultural moments of the day because the place itself does most of the work. You are not simply looking at an old tree. You are seeing how nature, island memory, and spiritual belief meet in a public place.

Cambugahay Falls is the day’s main reward

Around late morning, the group reaches Cambugahay Falls. If you want a swim, this is the stop to protect from schedule changes. The water is cool and refreshing, and the falls drop into pools surrounded by thick greenery.

A jungle swing adds a bit of fun for those who want more than a swim. You might prefer to watch from the edge, especially if the weather is poor or the rocks are slippery. The activity is best suited to people who are comfortable around water and uneven ground.

The falls have enough visual appeal to justify the early start on their own. They are also the place where a rushed schedule is most frustrating. One booking affected by a boat cancellation had to use a later ferry and could not complete the full set of stops, with the waterfall becoming the clear highlight despite the shortened day.

Wear a swimsuit under your clothes, pack a towel, and use sunscreen before arriving. You will have less time to enjoy the pools if you need to change clothes from scratch or buy basic supplies on site.

Lunch at Twenty4 Restaurant and Events

Lunch is scheduled at Twenty4 Restaurant and Events at about 1:15 p.m. Meals, drinks, and snacks are not part of the $92 price, so budget separately for this stop.

A sit-down meal is welcome after the waterfall and morning transfers. It also gives the group a chance to regroup before the afternoon’s cultural and scenic stops. The restaurant has received especially strong praise for food and service, making it one of the safer places in the schedule to expect a proper break.

Keep lunch moving if the ferry arrived late. This tour has a lot packed into one day, and a delayed start can affect the stops later on. You are better off treating the meal as a useful refueling stop than expecting a long, lingering lunch.

Butterflies, Mount Bandilaan, and island views

The Butterfly Sanctuary follows lunch, with the visit scheduled for around 2:30 p.m. It provides a slower change of pace after the waterfall. You can see butterflies in a managed natural setting and learn a little about the island’s smaller creatures.

The sanctuary is not likely to be the reason you book this tour, but it helps prevent the day from becoming a string of beaches and viewpoints. For families and anyone who enjoys nature photography, it adds variety. For others, it may feel like a short stop that could be traded for more time at the falls.

Mount Bandilaan comes next. From the viewpoint, you get broad views across Siquijor, and the higher setting helps you see the island beyond its immediate beaches. This is a good place to appreciate how much ground you have covered in a single day.

The schedule allows only a short visit before the healer stop. That makes the viewpoint more of a scenic pause than a mountain outing. Wear sensible shoes, since the tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments and several stops involve outdoor surfaces.

Meeting a Bolo-Bolo healer

The visit to a traditional Bolo-Bolo healer is the most unusual part of the day. Bolo-Bolo is associated with Siquijor’s traditional healing practices, and the stop gives you a direct look at a form of island spirituality that has survived alongside modern life.

Approach this part with respect and curiosity. You do not need to accept every belief to appreciate what the practice means to the community. The value is in listening and observing rather than treating the visit as a performance.

The healer’s service fee is not included. Ask your guide about the current cost before agreeing to anything, and carry some cash for this optional expense. The tour includes the visit, but it does not cover a personal healing session.

This stop also explains why Siquijor feels different from a standard beach destination. The island’s identity is tied not only to waterfalls and sand, but also to stories, rituals, and local ideas about wellness.

Bucafe gives the day a needed pause

At around 4:30 p.m., the group reaches Bucafe, also called Bukid Cafe. You get free time here for coffee, local snacks, and golden-hour views before heading to Larena Port.

This is a smart final stop. By then, you have been moving since dawn, and the café offers a chance to sit down without another formal activity demanding your attention. The setting is also a good place to think back over the day, from the fish spa to the falls and healer visit.

Bring extra money for coffee or snacks, since these are not included. The café stop is short, usually about 30 minutes in the planned schedule, so it is best viewed as a breather rather than a full evening meal.

The return ferry can make or break the tour

The group heads to Larena Port after Bucafe, with boarding planned for around 6:30 p.m. The ferry back to Tagbilaran is scheduled to take about two hours, but the actual return may be longer. A late sailing can also mean a sleeping ferry or a much later arrival than expected.

This is the central weakness of the tour. The sightseeing on Siquijor can be excellent, and guides such as Lee or Leebuir can make the long day more enjoyable with island history, local traditions, and practical help when weather changes plans. But no guide can guarantee a smooth ferry schedule.

Weather can also force changes. Heavy rain has not necessarily ruined the day, but it can alter the order of stops or reduce the time available for swimming and views. The strongest part of the operation is the human side: the guide can check conditions, communicate with the group, and adjust plans. The weakest part is the fixed reality of getting back across the water.

I would not book this tour before an early flight. I would also avoid placing an important next-day activity too close to your expected return.

What the $92 price really buys you

The tour costs $92 per person and includes:

• An English-speaking guide
• Van transport between the listed locations
• Return ferry tickets between Bohol and Siquijor
• Entrance fees at the attractions
• A small group capped at 12 people

You pay separately for lunch, drinks, snacks, towels, and any service fee for the healer. Those extras are easy to manage, but they make it wise to carry cash and bring your own towel.

The value is strongest if you want convenience. Arranging this route independently would mean finding the right ferries, coordinating transport on Siquijor, and keeping track of several distant stops. A scooter could cost less for an independent visitor already staying on Siquijor, and one local review noted that the stops could be reached by scooter. From Bohol, though, the tour removes much of that planning work.

The price is less attractive if you want deep time at each location. Fourteen or more hours of movement, sightseeing, and ferry travel means you will see a lot but rarely linger.

Who should book this day trip

I would recommend it to you if:

• You are staying in Bohol and have only one day for Siquijor
• You want waterfalls, views, folklore, and a healer visit in one package
• You prefer a guide and arranged transport
• You are comfortable with an early start and a full 17-hour day
• You can tolerate possible ferry changes
• You enjoy a small social group rather than traveling alone

I would suggest staying overnight on Siquijor instead if you want slow beach time, repeated swims at Cambugahay Falls, or the freedom to explore by scooter. This day trip is efficient, but efficiency comes with a packed schedule.

The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. You should also bring a swimsuit, towel, hat, sunscreen, and enough money for meals and optional costs.

Should you book the Siquijor day tour from Bohol?

Book it if your priority is seeing Siquijor at all, and your Bohol schedule does not allow an overnight stay. The mix of Cambugahay Falls, the Balete Tree, island views, butterflies, and Bolo-Bolo tradition is broad enough to make the day feel worthwhile. The small group and personable guides, including Lee and Leebuir, are important advantages when weather or timing gets difficult.

Skip it if your next morning matters, if you dislike ferry uncertainty, or if you want a calm island holiday. The sightseeing is strong, but the return crossing can turn a long day into an exhausting one.

My practical verdict: good value for an ambitious first look at Siquijor, but only with a completely open schedule around the ferry ride. Treat the 17-hour duration as a best-case plan, not a firm promise.

FAQ

Where does the Siquijor day tour from Bohol start?

Pickup is at Abraham Bohol Resort. The tour then travels by van to Tagbilaran Pier.

How long does the tour last?

The planned duration is 17 hours. Ferry schedules and delays can make the actual day longer.

Are the ferry tickets included?

Yes. Return ferry tickets between Bohol and Siquijor are included in the tour price.

Are meals included?

No. Lunch, drinks, and snacks are not included. Lunch is planned at Twenty4 Restaurant and Events.

Is the healer’s fee included?

No. The service fee for the traditional Bolo-Bolo healer is separate.

What should I bring?

Bring a swimsuit, towel, hat, and sunscreen. A towel is not provided.

Is the tour conducted in English?

Yes. The tour includes a live English-speaking guide.

Can people with mobility impairments join?

No. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.