Wednesday, July 4, 2012

The Mystic Island of Siquijor


Siquijor is said to be a mystical and magical island used to be a part of Negros Oriental.  It is rumored that the island is the home of shamans, witches and sorcerers which added to the island’s mystic appeal.  The island is popular for its adherence to festivals and activities that focus on primitive healing rituals where incantations are chanted or sung. Regardless, the island remains one of the famous tourist destinations in the country.

The Island of Siquijor is only about an hour pump-boat ride from Dumaguete City.  Upon reaching the island, what catches your attention are the white sand beaches that stretch up to 100 kilometers along the coastline.  The presence of the colorful and interspersed coral reefs, the sugary white fine sand, and the expansive clear blue sky make the island one of the must-see travel spots in the Philippines.  The beaches are very ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving and lately, water sports have become part of the fun beach activities in the island of Siquijor.


Siquijor Island is rich in tourist attractions mingled with the mystic appeal that shrouded the island.


Salagdoong Beach Resort is deemed as the perfect island getaway wherein one can make use of the services and amenities that the resort offers which includes a tour around the mystic island’s historical and awesome places.


The island of Siquijor was declared as a marine reserve way back in 1978.  Up to the present time, the island is still home to the untouched interspersed colorful coral reefs which serve as the home of varieties of fishes and other marine lives like damselfish, parrotfish, and lapu-lapu, which are only among the many fishes that hide in the deep.


This mystic house is situated in Barangay Libo, only three kilometers from the central point of the town of Siquijor.  This century-old house was built in the mid 1800s and is the oldest house in the province of Siquijor.  Some have even told stories in hush that this structure is even the oldest in the whole of Visayas.

Because of the oldness of the Cang-isok House, it has become a celebrated treasure in the island.  The mystery behind is that, even though the house is over a century old, it still stands proud though it is only made from native and indigenous materials like bamboo, the hardwood tugas and nipa sheets.  This interesting work of art has mysteriously stood against the tests of time and is still intact up to the present.


Another tourist attraction in the island is The Church and Bell Tower of St. Francis of Assisi.  This century-old religious heritage was constructed in 1870.  What makes this church unique is that the structure is mostly made of corals, which proved to be very strong, thus, the church has surpassed the tests of time.  This old religious structure is located in the central town of Siquijor.  The church has its own bell tower which was built with the thought of forewarning the townspeople of impending perils, like approaching pirates, fire in the town and other emergency situations.


This is another popular tourist attraction in the island of Siquijor.  This park houses three springs with its refreshing fresh waters that emit from the springs ideal for swimming especially during the hot seasons.


This waterfall is rumored to be enchanted and that apparitions of “white fairies” or “enkantadas” are seen bathing in the pool beneath the waterfalls.  Indeed, the waterfall itself looks charmed.  With its multi-tiered waterfalls, this natural beauty looks enchanting and its spectacular beauty stands out.  The rushing of the water has a soothing and calming effect to the one beholding it.  The lush green trees serve as a magnificent backdrop amid the chirping of the birds.  The exhilarating over-all effect of the scenery makes the Cambugahay Waterfalls a truly spectacular tourist attraction in the island of Siquijor.

Come and visit the enthralling beauty that makes every person visiting the Island of Siquijor be enchanted by its natural beauty of nature that truly deserves to be called a magical and enchanted island owing to its endless tourist attractions!

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