Summer! There’s no better way to beat the Manila heat than to retreat to the seas and chill by the beach. Lucky for us Filipinos, we have so many options when it comes to pretty beaches, thanks to our (now) 7,500 islands or so.
A few weeks ago, my friends and I welcomed the heat wave and went on a 6-day trip where we visited the bewitching island of Siquijor, swam with the whale sharks in Oslob, and marvelled at the wonderful marine life in Moalboal.
Clear, blue waters at Salagdoong Beach in Siquijor
Originally, the plan was just to go to Cebu since we scored cheap seats during one of Air Asia’s promo sales last year. But having booked 6 full days (we were leaving Manila early morning and returning late night), we decided not to spend the whole week in just one place. I’ve been hearing a lot about Siquijor and how beautiful it was there and so I suggested that we try it out.
The group at Salagdoong Beach right after cliff diving / Photo by Jay Belamide
It was so much fun planning and plotting this trip out, because it involved a lot of places, different kinds of transportation, lots of activities, a budget to be considered, and a very big group (we were 11) – very challenging indeed. Fortunately, amidst all the transportation expenses, the two resort accommodations, three different tours, and other miscellaneous fees, we were able to keep our expenses at bay at more or less P13,000 per person all-in (yes, including air fare).
READ: Budget Breakdown: 6 Days and 5 Nights in a Siquijor-Oslob-Moalboal Trip
Our homemade, beach front breakfast in San Juan, Siquijor
In the 6 days we had, we rode a taxi, a plane, a bus, a multicab, a ferry, and a boat. We went around the whole island of Siquijor; tried the best pan de coco we’ve ever had; spent a whole day tarzan-jumping in Cambugahay Falls; woke up very early to swim with the whale sharks in Oslob; rode a motorbike down a very, very steep hill to see Tumalog Falls; went dolphin watching, fish feeding, and snorkelling in Moalboal; and dropped by Magellan’s Cross and the Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino in Cebu City.
Cliff diving off one of the three tiers of Cambugahay Falls in Siquijor / Photo by Mina Diaz
Swimming with the whale sharks in Oslob, Cebu / Photo by Jay Belamide
Looking for dolphins in Moalboal, Cebu
This was definitely one of the most jam-packed trips I’ve had so far, filled with a lot of firsts and exciting experiences. And I still can’t believe we got to do that much in one week!
Jumpshots and pretty sunsets in San Juan, Siquijor
SIQUIJOR-OSLOB-MOALBOAL 6D 5N TRAVEL ITINERARY
(VIA CEBU)
Here’s a quick rundown of our summer adventure:
Day 1: Manila > Cebu > Siquijor
Day 2: Siqujor Island Tour – St. Francis of Assisi Church & Belfry, Capilay Spring Park, Enchanted Balete Tree, San Isidro Labrador Parish & Convent, Cambugahay Falls, Salagdoong Beach, Paliton Beach
Day 3: Cambugahay Falls, San Juan beach front
Day 4: Oslob Whale Shark Tour, Tumalog Falls, Moalboal
Day 5: Pescador Island Moalboal Tour
Day 6: Magellan’s Cross, Basilica Minore del Santo Nino
Golden hour in Paliton Beach, San Juan, Siquijor
Dolphins! ♥
The amazing sardine run in Moalboal, Cebu / Photo by Jay Belamide
Specific directions to listed destinations, travel time & costs, plus activity guides and reminders can be seen on our mobile-friendly Siquijor-Oslob-Moalboal artinerary. Download it HERE. (You have to be subscribed to this site to get access to our freebies. Click here if you haven’t.)
Siquijor-Oslob-Moalboal 6D 5N Itinerary
Make sure to save all images on your mobile phones in proper order. Enjoy!
