SIQUIJOR
THE PHILIPPINES SERIES PT7
I was getting the late sleeper boat from the main city in Bohol, Tagbilaran to Siquijor.
FILIPINOS ARE BY FAR ONE OF THE FRIENDLIEST COUNTRIES I HAVE BEEN TO.
Sitting around I got talking to a few locals who were on their way to a local pool they had rented and asked me to join. This is the kind stuff that happens in the Philippines on a constant basis.
WHERE IS SIQUIJOR?
Friendly locals in Siquijor
POOL PARTY
I was given all the drink and food I needed and the locals were nothing short of amazing. If I wasn’t won over by the locals now then I was never going to be. This day was one of those moments where I became aware of the true nature of the Filipinos.
Friendly locals in Siquijor
OVERNIGHT BOAT
Eventually the evening came and the party ended so I made my way to the boat terminal. I had never been on a sleeper boat in the Philippines before, it was almost like a family event where everyone groups together with food and drink. Sleeping outside made for an interesting night’s sleep.
Friendly locals in Siquijor
SIQUIJOR
I arrived into Siquijor in the middle of the night and it was pretty much a free for all to grab a tricycle, bad call. The size of Siquijor is deceiving on the map and as tricycles are slow at the best of times it was another hour before I got to the hotel.
Friendly locals in Siquijor
SCOOTER
The absolute joy of the Philippines is the opportunity to rent a scooter and just drive. You’d be amazed at what you find just by going with the flow, it’s something you can get away with on a small island. Locals also love to see you so don’t be afraid of driving into something that looks like a private neighbourhood, yet don’t intrude.
RELATED READ: CONFRONTING MY ROBBER IN MEXICO
NATURAL POOL
Found another 1 of those natural swimming pools. Got a bit of a fright when I jumped in and my feet touched the seaweed or whatever it was because it wasn’t seawater. Not the cleanest of pools but the locals love it!
BASKETBALL
Basketball is huge here and every island has a team no matter the size. Even the tiny island of Malapascua which I was shocked at, especially after I seeing the level at which they play! I came across a stadium in Siquijor town which was hosting a match later and the standard was incredible.
Friendly locals in Siquijor
DIVING
Believe it or not one of the main attractions in Siquijor is a diving platform on the east of the island at Salagdoong Beach. Once I arrived, I soon realised where all the tourists where hiding. Typically, it only took a cliff diving spot to attract us. Saying that there was only a few of us which was ideal.
NEXT UP
Going to Dumaguete tomorrow, it’s some expat city so I’m not overly looking forward to it. Click to read.
SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
34/229
This episode is part of The Philippines Series. Click to view episode1.
