How to get from Bohol to Siquijor
Siquijor is one of the Philippines’ most magical islands, literally. It is home to a lot of local legends, and if you talk to the right people, you might even get to know some of them on your visit.
The island itself looks like a fairytale land, with all its golden beaches, turquoise waters, 3-tiered waterfalls, and the 400-year-old “enchanted” balete tree. And because it enjoys fewer tourists compared to other nearby islands, you can have a more intimate time with nature.
Ferry from Bohol to Siquijor
The only direct option when travelling the 130 km (81 miles) distance from Bohol to Siquijor is by ferry. This ferry journey takes around 2-3 hours, depending on the ferry you take. Tickets start from 475 PHP ($8.00).
Bohol to Siquijor by Ferry
There are two ferry companies operating the Bohol to Siquijor route.
OceanJet offers one daily trip to Siquijor Port with fares from 965 PHP ($17.00). Travel time takes 2 hours, and you’ll arrive at the main port in Siquijor.
Meanwhile, Lite Shipping ferries are available only every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 20:00. Tickets are cheaper at 475 PHP ($8.00) for the 3-hour ferry ride, but note that you’ll arrive at the island at 23:00 at night.
Departure port in Bohol
The ferry departs from Tagbilaran Port in the city centre and is about 12 km from Panglao Island. You can either arrange a transfer to Tagbilaran Port with your accommodation in Panglao or take a bus from Panglao Public Market if you want to save money.
Arranging shared transport directly with your accommodations starts from 500 PHP ($8.50) depending on the ride and number of passengers. For those who prefer the bus, you can ride a tricycle to Panglao Public Market for 50 PHP ($0.80). From here, there are buses to Tagbilaran Port for 50 PHP ($0.80).
If you stay on Bohol island, it takes about 1.5 hours to reach the port from popular destinations like Carmen.
Ferry schedule from Bohol to Siquijor
The OceanJet ferry offers two different types of tickets (Tourist and Business) that can be booked via the provided link above. Tickets with Lite Shipping are not available on online booking platforms.
We recommend checking the Facebook page of Liteshpping for the latest schedules if you want to buy your ticket at the harbour. If you want to buy your ticket in advance, you can also reserve the ticket via Facebook Messenger.
Arrival ports in Siquijor
There are two arrival ports in Siquijor:
- Siquijor Port is nearer to the island’s main tourist area.
- Larena Port is on the northern side of the island.
Tricycles and motorbike taxis are the most popular way to get around the island. Rates to the nearest guesthouses start from 100 PHP ($1.70).
If your accommodation is located in San Juan (the main tourist area), expect to pay around 500 PHP ($8.50) for a tricycle that can fit 2-3 passengers with luggage.
Our favourite places to stay in Siquijor
Siquijor is a stunning island, so your accommodation needs to match that vibe, right? Even on a budget you can enjoy sea views! Siquijor is a place for snorkelling, but also relaxation, so there are plenty of accommodations trying to maximise this — think luxury beach resorts where your bed is only seconds from the sea.
San Juan is the main hub of the island, offering plenty of accommodations, beautiful beaches and access to most of Siquijor’s tourist attractions.
Here are our favourite stays in Siquijor:
Nakabalo Guesthouse and Restaurant - Treat Yourself
Area: Cang Obao, San Juan — approx. 5-minute drive to the town centre
It will be hard to find a better view than the one at Nakabalo Guesthouse. The sunset from the infinity pool overlooking the jungle is magical. And after sunset, you can enjoy a fabulous meal in the on-site restaurant.
The rooms are special and incorporate nature into their design. Some of them also have private balconies with incredible sea views.
- Infinity pool
- Incredible views
- Spacious and unique rooms
- Delicious breakfast included
Double rooms start from $50 per night
Coco Grove Beach Resort - Treat Yourself
Area: Tubod, San Juan beachfront — approx. 5-minute drive to town proper and restaurants
This 5-star resort offers the ultimate level of luxury. You couldn’t get much closer to the beach than here — 10 steps and you’re in the water.
There are also three swimming pools including a kids’ pool, a relaxing pool with a jacuzzi and an Olympic-sized pool overlooking the beach. And there’s even a swim-up bar to sort you out with drinks and snacks without leaving that glorious water!
- Right by the beach
- Three swimming pools
- Incredible staff
- On-site spa
Double rooms start from $50 per night
Aquamare Beach Camp Resort - Mid Range
Area: Sandugan Larena — approx. 10-minute drive to Poblacion Norte town centre
The best way to describe this place is unique. They offer dome-shaped tents with all the luxury that you would expect from a normal room. Once you’ve drawn back the curtains on your dome and enjoyed the view, you can go for a morning swim at the private beach right in front of the resort.
Or spend your time splashing around in the pool and devouring the delicious food that’s served in the restaurant. Here you’ll be situated in the northern part of the island, away from the main tourist hub of San Juan.
- Dome-style glamping
- Private beach
- Delicious restaurant
- Swimming pool
Double rooms cost $30-$50 per night
Cliff Garden - Budget Friendly
Area: Tag-ibo, San Juan — approx. 5-minute drive to Tubod Beach
How does a room with a sea view sound to you? Perfect, right? Not many budget-friendly accommodations offer that kind of luxury.
Cliff Garden is decorated in a bohemian style which matches perfectly with the beach vibe. Nearby, you’ll find some great beaches for snorkelling.
- Bohemian vibe
- Guaranteed sea views
- On-site restaurant and bar
- Great hosts
Double rooms costs $15-$30 per night
Chekesh Casa - Budget Friendly
Area: Tubod, San Juan — approx. 10-minute drive to town centre and approx. 5-minute walk to Tubod Beach
Chekesh Casa is the place to stay if you’re looking for budget accommodation in Siquijor. The homestay is beautiful, but what makes people really fall in love with this place are the hosts. They are so welcoming and friendly that you’ll feel part of one big family.
The comfortable beds are perfect to roll into after you’ve enjoyed a delicious meal at the restaurant run by the hosts.
- Beautiful gardens
- Lovely rooms
- Amazing hosts
- Great restaurant
Double rooms costs $15-$30 per night
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Abby is a writer who finds joy in mountains, beaches, and road trips. She considers her solo backpacking trip to the rice terraces of Bontoc one of the most fulfilling moments in her life. She’s loyal to the islands of her home country, the Philippines, but Thailand’s beaches also have a special place in her heart.
