How to Get to Siquijor: My Experience & the Easiest Way to Travel There in 2025

Getting around the Philippines isn’t complicated, but it definitely takes time. Hopping between islands usually means a mix of ferries and short flights, and things just move a little slower out here. That’s part of why we all love the Philippines right (until you’re waiting on a delayed boat for two hours).

Siquijor is one of the smaller islands, and while it’s close to Cebu and Bohol, it’s the least developed of the three. That means fewer direct routes and a little extra effort to get there, but trust me, it’s worth it.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how I got to Siquijor with my personal experiences, how the ferry system works, which routes are easiest, and a few tips I picked up along the way to make your trip smoother. I’ll also share what I’d do differently if I were going again.

The good news here is, it’s not difficult, just takes a bit of planning. Once you’re on that ferry, you’re pretty much set.

How to Get to Siquijor Philippines – My Experience & Travel Guide

I like starting with my own experience because it’s easier to just walk you through the whole journey without chopping it into individual sections.

We landed in Cebu after flying in from Siargao, and we didn’t want to spend much time here, our plan was to head straight to Bohol and Siquijor without spending a night in Cebu City. We grabbed a car from the airport (walk past Jollibee into the parking lot, that’s where the Grab pick-up area is, and yes, there’s Wi-Fi there, which is a lifesaver if you don’t have a SIM).

The ride to Pier 1 cost us ₱418 (around $7.50), and even though the distance isn’t that far, it took almost an hour. Cebu traffic isn’t exactly known for moving quickly, so factor that in if you’re planning on heading straight to the ferry port from the airport.

As soon as we arrived at the Pier and got out of the car, a few guys came up to “help” and offered to guide us to the “best” ticket counters. Just smile, keep walking, and head straight to the yellow OceanJet signs at the far right—that’s the company you want.

We hadn’t booked our ferry tickets in advance, which I do not recommend. Book online through Klook or 12Go. It’s the same price and saves you the headache. We had to queue for nearly an hour at the terminal because the process was painfully slow. Not even a long line, but every transaction seemed to take forever. It was honestly kind of ridiculous.

After finally getting our tickets, we made our way into the terminal across the road to show them (this part would’ve been instant if we’d booked online… lesson learned). Then we paid the ₱25 terminal fee and checked in at yet another counter. The whole thing felt unnecessarily complicated, and we spent way too long just standing around waiting for the next step.

We didn’t check our bags, we just carried them on, which I recommend if you’re backpacking. There’s a spot on the boat to leave your luggage once you’re on board, and it saves time on both ends.

The terminal was packed and had limited food options, but we managed to grab some fries and hang around until boarding. From there, it was smooth sailing. You board, find your assigned seat (yep, everyone has a seat number), and the AC and onboard movie take care of the rest. Ours was Wonka, which honestly made the ride fly by.

The ferry stopped in Bohol first—about 2.5 hours—then continued on to Siquijor, which took another 2 hours. Once we arrived, we hopped in a tuk-tuk to San Juan in Siquijor for ₱300.

So was it the fastest journey in the world? No. But complicated? Not at all. If you plan ahead and book online, it’s honestly super easy.

Taking the Ferry from Cebu to Siquijor (Includes Bohol to Siquijor)

I’ve already walked you through how we did this journey above, so I’ll keep this part a little more instructional and to the point—minus the chaos.

Step one: buy your ticket online. Use Klook, 12Go, or even OceanJet’s own website. It costs the same as buying at the counter, but saves you from the absolute circus that is the Pier 1 ticket line. The only catch is, you’ll have to choose a specific time slot, so make sure you factor in enough time—especially because Cebu traffic can be a little crazy.

Once you’re at the terminal, here’s the order of business:

1. Show your ticket at the entrance.
   
2. Pay the terminal fee (₱25) at the first counter (It’s basically an entrance fee).
   
3. Check in at the counters just inside the main hall on the left—use the right one to check in, and only bother with the left one if you’re checking a large suitcase. If you’re carrying a backpack, just bring it onboard with you. It’s faster, cheaper, and just easier all around.
   

Next up: a quick security check, then you’re inside the waiting area. The terminal has bathrooms and a few shops, but don’t expect much in terms of food—maybe grab something before you arrive.

Boarding is pretty smooth. The ferry has AC (praise be) and assigned seats, and they usually play a movie. The ride to Bohol takes about 2.5 hours, then it continues to Siquijor, which adds another 2 hours. Once you’re on, you’re basically set.

The terminals in Bohol and Siquijor are way calmer than Cebu, which is a nice little breather.

Tickets for the full Cebu–Bohol–Siquijor route cost around ₱1,600 per person—same price online or at the terminal. You can check the latest schedule on OceanJet’s website (or just scroll down—I’ve added a photo of the schedule posted at the counter for reference).

Taking the Ferry from Dumaguete to Siquijor

Taking the ferry from Dumaguete to Siquijor is honestly one of the easiest journeys in the Philippines. Just head to the ferry terminal in Dumaguete (you’ll find it easily on Google Maps—it’s marked as the Dumaguete port), and from there, it’s all pretty straightforward.

The terminal here is much smaller and more chilled than the chaos in Cebu. You just show up, present your ticket (I’d definitely recommend buying it online in advance via 12Go or similar), and wait inside the air-conditioned terminal until boarding time. Simple.

The OceanJet ferry takes about an hour, and the ride was smooth when I went. Once you arrive at Siquijor port, you’ll need to grab a tricycle or tuk-tuk to get to San Juan, which is where most people stay. Expect to pay around 200 php, depending on your negotiation skills and how friendly you’re feeling.

Tips for Taking the Ferry to Siquijor

• Buy your ticket online. Trust me on this—don’t mess with the Pier 1 ticket counter in Cebu. It’s slow, chaotic, and completely avoidable if you book through Klook, 12Go, or OceanJet’s own site.
• Bring a sweater or light jacket. The AC on the ferry can be absolutely freezing. You’ll go from sweating on the dock to shivering in your seat in about five minutes flat.
• Stock up on snacks and water. The ferry ride takes around 5 hours total (Cebu to Bohol to Siquijor), and the onboard shop doesn’t have much besides chips and instant noodles. Better to come prepared.
• Don’t check your luggage. It costs extra, takes ages to get it off the ferry in Siquijor, and honestly just isn’t worth it. If you’ve got a backpack, bring it on board. There’s a pile-up zone near the front where everyone leaves theirs.
• Ask for a front-row seat. Rows 15 or 17 (don’t quote me on the exact number, but it’s one of those!) have way more legroom. Sure, your feet will be next to the luggage pile, but it’s still much better than being cramped in the tighter rows behind.
• Motion sickness? Plan ahead. Our crossing was smooth, but seas can get rough. If you’re prone to nausea, pack some motion sickness tablets just in case.
• Show up early. Even with a ticket in hand, you’ll need time for the terminal fee, check-in, and security. Give yourself a buffer, especially with Cebu traffic.
• Bring small change. For the terminal fee (₱25) and snacks. Not every counter will break your ₱1,000 bill, and it saves time.
• Use the bathroom before boarding. There is one on the ferry, but it’s not great (as you’d expect). I recommend going beforehand at the ferry terminal in Cebu, which has an okay bathroom—and definitely bring your own toilet paper, just in case.

More Travel Tips on How to Get to Siquijor Island

Getting to Siquijor Island is pretty straightforward, and the ferry is basically your only real option. I highly recommend booking your ticket online—it saves a ton of time. It might feel a little odd trusting a third-party site, but websites like 12Go and Klook are totally legit. You might not have heard of Klook before, but it’s super popular across Asia. Lots of travelers use it to book tours, tickets, and transport.

How to get to Siquijor from Manila:
You’ll definitely need to fly from Manila to Cebu first, then catch the ferry from Cebu to Siquijor (with a stop in Bohol). That’s the easiest route. For flights, check Skyscanner or book directly with Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines.

How to get to Siquijor from Cebu:
As mentioned above, make your way to Pier 1 in Cebu City and hop on the OceanJet ferry, which takes you to Siquijor via Bohol.

How to get to Siquijor from Bohol:
This one’s super easy. Head to the Tagbilaran ferry terminal in Bohol and take the direct ferry to Siquijor. It costs around 800 pesos and takes just 2 hours.

How to get to Siquijor from Moalboal:
From Moalboal, a small beach town in Cebu, you’ve got two options:
– Take the bus down to Dumaguete (about 5 hours), then a 1-hour ferry to Siquijor.
– Or, head back to Cebu City and catch the OceanJet ferry from Pier 1 for the full 5-hour ferry journey.

How to get to Siquijor from Dumaguete:
This is probably the easiest one of all. Head to the Passenger Terminal in Dumaguete, where OceanJet runs a direct ferry to Siquijor. It only takes 1 hour, super smooth and simple.

Where to Stay in Siquijor Island

If you’re heading to Siquijor and don’t want to waste time, stay in San Juan. That’s where it’s all happening—restaurants, beach bars, chill cafés, nice beaches, and most of the good hotels. It’s the main hub for a reason.

I honestly don’t get why some people stay way out in the middle of nowhere. I once drove past the Mad Monkey hostel while heading to Cambugahay Falls—it was about an hour away from San Juan, and there was literally nothing around.

Anyway, San Juan is the best place to stay in Siquijor. And if you’re looking for places to stay, here are a couple I really liked:

• Nakabalo Guesthouse – A beautiful spot up in the hills with a pool that overlooks the island. Super peaceful, and the views are incredible.
  
• Mandala Tribe Treehouses – Cozy and modern little treehouse-style apartments. Tucked away just enough to feel quiet but still really close to the main area.

What Are the Best Things to Do in Siquijor

I really loved Siquijor, there’s something about the pace of it that I really liked. It’s quiet in the best way, and if you’re up for a bit of exploring, there’s a lot to enjoy.

Cambugahay Falls was probably my favorite spot. Yes, it’s popular and yes, you’ve probably seen it on Instagram, but it’s genuinely worth going. The water is that kind of turquoise you assume must be edited in photos, and the rope swings are actually fun (I went way too many times for someone pretending to be chill). It took us about an hour to scooter there from San Juan. Entrance was 100 pesos, and just a heads up, you can walk up to a few higher levels of the waterfall that most people skip. Definitely worth it.

On the way back, we stopped at Pitogo Cliffs, and I really recommend doing the same. The view is stunning and you can jump off the rocks into the water. It honestly looked like somewhere in the Mediterranean, and we had it almost completely to ourselves.

Back near San Juan, we went to Paliton Beach almost every day. It’s an easy beach to get to, super laid-back, and a great sunset spot. Don’t expect beach clubs or anything—just soft sand, palm trees, and a few locals selling snacks or drinks.

FAQs on How to Get to Siquijor Island Travel Guides

Is Siquijor worth visiting?

Yes. A hundred times yes. If you like turquoise waterfalls, quiet beaches, and a slower pace that feels like a proper break from the world, you’ll love it. It’s not flashy or overly developed, and that’s exactly why I liked it.

What is the fastest way to get to Siquijor?

The quickest route is flying into Dumaguete and taking the ferry straight from there. It’s only about an hour by boat and super easy. But if you’re already in Cebu or Bohol, the OceanJet route is probably the easiest way.

When is the best time to visit Siquijor?

Dry season is your best bet—roughly November to May. I went in April and the weather was perfect. Sunshine every day, no rain, and just enough breeze to survive the scooter rides without melting. However it was super busy during Holy Week (Easter), so I recommend coming in March instead.

Is there good food in Siquijor?

There is, if you know where to go. San Juan is the main area for restaurants, and there are a few great local spots, beach cafés, and even some surprisingly good international food. Don’t expect a massive foodie scene, but you definitely won’t go hungry.

Final Thoughts on How to Go to Siquijor Island

It might sound a bit confusing at first, but honestly, getting to Siquijor is pretty straightforward. If I figured it out, you absolutely can too. The main thing is just taking the ferry from Cebu (or Dumaguete), and the only hiccups I ran into were the long taxi ride from the airport and the painfully slow ticket queue at the port.

So here’s what you should do: plan a good chunk of time for traffic between the airport and Pier 1, and definitely book your ferry ticket online in advance. That alone will save you the headache.

The only real downside is, it’s not the cheapest ride—around 1,600 pesos (roughly 30 USD) one way. But hey, it’s the only way to get to this little island paradise. And once you’re there, it’s all worth it.

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