My Recent Trip to the Mystical Island of Siquijor - Isla del Fuego

It’s been more than a decade since we have a family vacation outside our hometown where in all of the family members are present and it’s very hard for us to have a reunion because of hectic schedules. So this trip definitely left a mark in my heart that i will never forget and I’d love to share it to you all.

We hit the road early in the morning from our hometown going to the port of Dapitan City to ride the barge going to the Siquijor Island.
My twin brothers having fun with our nieces.

When we arrived at Siquijor, we rented a jeep going to our rest house at Lazi, Siquijor.
Port of Siquijor

My twin brothers (in the back), my little sister (right side) and my older sister (left side).

Rest house at Lazi, Siquijor

After we unpacked our things and had our lunch, we immediately went to one of the famous beaches in the island, Salagdoong Beach Resort.
Salagdoong Beach Resort has very clear waters, rock formations, and fine white sand.

I just don't know what i'm doing here, awkward....

If you want adventure this is the place to be. They have water slides going directly to the ocean, the view of the place is stunning and they have two cliff diving boards, 20 ft and 33 ft, respectively.

Many foreigners visit this resort to try the 33 ft cliff dive and as an adventurer myself, I’m inclined to do the challenge. Yeah!!!!! (SCREAMING INSIDE)

The sight underwater was very clean and clear. All you can see is purely the white sand, some fishes and turquoise blue waters, absolutely beautiful. The experience was one of a kind.

Later that afternoon, we are in awe after witnessing the sunset. This island really lives up to its name “Isla Del Fuego” or Island of Fire. The sunset is as red as fire and I’m just marveled at the beautiful scenery.

Silhouette of my older brother while watching the sunset.

The next day we visited the famous historical spots in the island. First stop is at the “Simbahan Ng Lazi” or Lazi Church, one of the oldest churches in the island of Siquijor. It was even declared as a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines in the year 2012. This church was built in stone and hardwood by Filipino artisans.

Right beside the church is an equally old convent known as “bahay na bato” convent and is one of the largest convents built during the Spanish colonial era.

Then we stopped by at the Old Enchanted Balete Tree, a 400 year old Balete tree. This tree is known to be enchanted because of its eerie outline created by the hundreds of roots and vines hanging down. This tree also provides water to its residents and has known to prolonged life if you drink water from this tree.

400-Year-Old Balete Tree

You can also relax beneath the tree, inhale the fresh and soothing air, and soaked your feet in their fish spa. The fishes then eat the dead skin cells of your feet. It tickles at first and I highly recommend you try this experience.

Fishes eating my dead skin cells. (Oh you poor thing, haha)

In the surrounding area you can see a lot of mystic shops selling mystical things, herbal medicines, souvenirs, voodoo dolls and love potions. (hahaha, the answer to our problems)

Different kinds of herbal medicines.
Different kinds of Siquijor souvenirs.
"Gayuma" or Love Potion

If you like this post, follow me and look forward to more of my travels here in the Philippines.

P.S.
Here’s a picture of a voodoo doll i bought. Enjoy! :D

I LOVE STEEMIT

References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lazi_Church
National Historical Institute 1993, p. 20
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siquijor
http://www.choosephilippines.com/do/history-and-culture/3394/lazi-church-and-convent-built-19th-century/

Music by Alesso "Sweet Escape" ft. Sirena

If you like you can also check my other post:

1. https://steemit.com/homesteading/@iamkuyaj/how-to-cook-fried-lumpia-beef-and-vegetables
2. https://steemit.com/poem/@iamkuyaj/my-feeble-attempt-to-write-poetry
3. https://steemit.com/life/@iamkuyaj/life-hacks-1-how-to-fix-auto-hide-virus

[//]:# (!steemitworldmap 9.184803 lat 123.607864 long Siquijor Island (Isla del Fuego) d3scr)