What to expect when visiting Siquijor
Siquijor is one of the Philippines’ most magical islands, literally. It is home to a lot of local legends — some spooky, some fascinating. And if you talk to the right people, you might even learn about some of these stories 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 in Siquijor.
4 ways to get from Cebu to Siquijor
There are four ways to travel the distance of 170 km (106 miles) from Cebu to Siquijor: by bus + via liloan (7 hours), flight (currently not operating)* (40 minutes), ferry via tagbilaran (4-7 hours) and bus + ferry via dumaguete (7-8 hours). The journey takes between 40 minutes - 8h and the quickest way is by flight (currently not operating)*. The lowest priced tickets start from 685 PHP ($12.00) for the bus + via liloan.Where to stay in Siquijor?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Siquijor at the bottom of this page.
Cebu to Siquijor by Bus + Ferry via Dumaguete
For this option, you’ll take a bus + ferry from Cebu to Dumaguete, a town on the neighbouring island of Negros Oriental. From here, there are several ferry trips bound for Siquijor.
The total travel time when travelling via Dumaguete is 7-8 hours. We would suggest taking this option only if you also plan to explore Dumaguete, which offers a few attractions on its own.
Step 1: Cebu to Dumaguete by Bus + Ferry
At the South Bus Terminal in Cebu, there are regular buses to Dumaguete since this town is also a major destination in the south. For this first leg of the trip, the total travel time takes 6 hours, including a 30-minute ferry ride.
Ceres Bus departs almost every hour from 06:00 to 23:00 daily. A bus ticket costs 480 PHP ($8.00) per person. Note that you also have to pay for the ferry ticket to Dumaguete, which costs 120 PHP ($2.10).
In Bato Port in Santander, the bus will directly board the ferry bound for Negros Oriental. You will have to get off the bus, pay for your ferry ticket, and then sit in the ferry’s passenger seating area.
Once the ferry docks at Tampi Port, you’ll have to board the bus again. Dumaguete Port is still 40 minutes away. You can inform the bus driver or conductor that you wish to be dropped off near the port, which is just a few meters away from the bus terminal.
Alternatively, you can stop for a bite in one of Dumaguete City’s many quirky cafes before continuing on to Siquijor.
Bus + Ferry via Dumaguete options from Cebu to Siquijor
IMPORTANT: Considering the travel time of the bus and the ferry schedule to Siquijor, it’s best to depart Cebu before noon to make it to the last ferry trip at 19:10.
You can buy your bus ticket at the terminal or on the bus.
Step 2: Dumaguete to Siquijor by Ferry
There are three main ferry companies operating between Dumaguete and Siquijor: OceanJet, Montenegro Lines, and Aleson Shipping.
Tickets start from 195 PHP ($3.40) for the bigger ferries. If you want to get to Siquijor a bit quicker, you can take the OceanJet ferry in just an hour, but fares are pricier at 510 PHP ($8.50).
There are two ports on Siquijor Island, and all ferries from Dumaguete arrive at Siquijor Pier.
Only OceanJet can be booked online via BookAway. Tickets for Montenegro Lines and Aleson Shipping can only be bought at the port.
It is easy enough to buy tickets at the port, especially on weekdays and during off-peak season. But if you’re travelling on a weekend or in the summer (March to June), we highly recommend booking online for a better chance of getting a seat.
PRO TIP: The waves and the salty breeze might lull you to sleep, but make sure you are awake as you get close to the port in Siquijor. On good days, you will see jumping dolphins near the shore.
Bus + Ferry via Dumaguete options from Cebu to Siquijor
- 24/7 customer support
Cebu to Siquijor by Bus + via Liloan
Instead of taking ferries from Cebu to Siquijor, you can also travel mostly overland via Liloan. This combined bus & ferry journey takes about 6.5 hours when coming from Cebu City.
You will first travel to the south of Cebu Island by bus and then take a ferry to Siquijor. This used to be a popular option because it is the cheapest route available.
But since the pandemic, ferry companies started to operate less frequently. The only ferry now departs at 02:00 after midnight and arrives in Siquijor at 04:00, which we think is too early to start your journey on the island. You can think about it as saving a night on accommodation, though!
We highly recommend taking this option if you’re already in southern towns like Moalboal and Oslob. Note that for the opposite route from Siquijor to Cebu, the ferry arrives at Bato Port instead, about 5 km from Liloan Port.
Step 1: Cebu City to Liloan Port by Bus + Ferry
From the South Bus Terminal in Cebu City, you can take a bus bound for Liloan Port in Santander, a town at the southern tip of Cebu Island. From here, you’ll take a ferry that goes straight to Siquijor.
You can board the bus with “Liloan Port” on its sign. If it’s not available, you can also take a bus with the sign “Bato via Oslob.” This bus will pass through Santander.
A ticket costs 410 PHP ($7.00) for an air-conditioned bus. The first trip is at 03:00, and there are bus departures every 2 hours until 21:00.
The ferry bound for Siquijor departs at 02:00, so even if you take the last bus, you still have to wait a few hours at the port.
Bus + via Liloan options from Cebu to Siquijor
You can buy your tickets at the bus terminal in Cebu or aboard the bus.
If you’re coming from towns outside of Cebu City, ask your hotel where you can hail a bus bound for Liloan Port.
Step 2: Liloan Port to Siquijor by Ferry
The only company with trips from Liloan Port to Larena Pier in Siquijor is Maayo Shipping.
The ferry departs at 02:00 every Tuesday to Saturday, so it’s best that you arrive at Liloan Port the night before. On Sundays, they also have a 07:00 trip.
A ferry ticket costs 275 PHP ($4.80) for a 2-3 hour ferry ride to Siquijor.
Bus + via Liloan options from Cebu to Siquijor
You can buy your ticket at the port prior to your departure or you can contact them directly via the Maayo Shipping Facebook page beforehand. They are responsive, so feel free to contact them for any other concerns.
The ferry docks at Larena Pier. From here, you can take a tuk-tuk to your final destination in Siquijor.
Option 1: Alternative Option: Combined Bus + Ferry with Sugbo Urban Transit
Sugbo Urban Transit offers a combined bus + ferry trip from Cebu to Siquijor via Liloan Port.
You’ll only have to wait a bit at the port, making the overall travel time 10 hours. But this is a great option if you don’t want to worry about transfers. It’s also a bit cheaper than taking the bus and ferry separately.
The company is partnered with Maayo Shipping for the ferry ride, so it’s available only on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday nights. Then on Sundays, the bus departs at 01:00 from Cebu City. Here’s the schedule for this route:
-
- Cebu South Bus Terminal to Liloan Port – 20:00-24:00
- Waiting time at Liloan Port – 24:00-02:00
- Liloan Port to Larena Port – 02:00-06:00
Upon arrival at Larena Port, the bus will travel around Siquijor Island until it goes back to Larena Port at 08:00.
You can buy your bus ticket at the terminal for 345 PHP ($6.00), and you’ll also have to buy your own ferry ticket at Liloan Port for 275 PHP ($4.80).
Cebu to Siquijor by Ferry via Tagbilaran
The journey we discussed above is by far the most convenient when travelling by ferry. However, if this ferry is fully booked, there is also an option to book the two ferry trips separately.
With a separate booking, you can score cheaper tickets. But you’ll also have to be ready to wait a few hours in Tagbilaran.
That being said, this is a great option if you’re planning to make a short stopover in Bohol before continuing to Siquijor.
Step 1: Cebu to Tagbilaran by Ferry
For this first part of the journey from Cebu to Bohol, there are three ferry companies available.
Lite Shipping ferries are the cheapest option with standard ferry tickets selling at 480 PHP ($8.00). However, this 4-hour journey to Tagbilaran is also the slowest option. Lite Shipping has a daily departure at 22:00, plus an additional 13:00 trip every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
If you prefer to get to Tagbilaran quicker, you can book an OceanJet or a Chealsea SuperCat ferry — both will bring you to Siquijor in only 2 hours. Rates for a standard class ticket start from 912 PHP ($16.00), and you can also book business class tickets for a few dollars more.
Ferry via Tagbilaran options from Cebu to Siquijor
- 24/7 customer support
- 24/7 customer support
- 24/7 customer support
Make sure to book a ferry heading to Tagbilaran Port since there are two other ports in Bohol — Tubigon and Getafe Port — that are 1.5-2 hours away.
See our guide for Cebu to Bohol if you wish to read more about this route.
Step 2: Tagbilaran to Siquijor by Ferry
For the Tagbilaran to Siquijor route, you have three options as well: OceanJet, Lite Shipping and Apekop Travel. OceanJet and Apekop each offer one daily trip to Siquijor Port with fares from 750 PHP ($13.00) on BookAway.
Meanwhile, Lite Shipping ferries are available only every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 20:00. Standard tickets for this ferry are cheaper at 475 PHP ($8.00) when you buy at the port. BookAway also offers tourist tickets for 863 PHP ($15.00). With this ferry, you’ll arrive at 23:00 at night in Larena Pier.
Travel time to Siquijor is 2-3 hours.
Ferry via Tagbilaran options from Cebu to Siquijor
- 24/7 customer support
- 24/7 customer support
For more details on this part of the route, you can visit our route page from Bohol to Siquijor.
Cebu to Siquijor by Flight (Currently not operating)*
*IMPORTANT UPDATE: The last time we checked (July 2023), there are no flights from Cebu to Siquijor. All of AirJuan flights have been suspended since 2020 and haven’t resumed since then.
Pre-pandemic, the fastest means of travelling directly from Cebu to Siquijor was to book a chartered flight with Air Juan.
Air Juan offered one seaplane flight daily from Mactan-Cebu International Airport. The flight used to depart at 13:00 and would arrive at Siquijor Airport at 13:40.
The small airport is only about 15 minutes away from Siquijor’s town centre. A one-way trip used to cost 4,500 PHP ($80.00).
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
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 - Treating 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 - Treating 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
Frequently Asked Questions about Cebu to Siquijor
What is the distance from Cebu to Siquijor?
The distance from Cebu to Siquijor is 170 km (106 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Cebu to Siquijor?
The fastest way to get from Cebu to Siquijor is by flight (currently not operating)* and takes 40 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Cebu to Siquijor?
The cheapest way to get from Cebu to Siquijor is by bus + via liloan with ticket costs starting from 685 PHP ($12.00).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Cebu to Siquijor. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Routes from Siquijor
Most popular routes in Philippines
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.
If i travel this coming friday when can i get my ticket
Hi Loselie, you can book your ticket with OceanJet in advance via BookAway. Just arrive at the port early on Friday. Safe travels!
Thanks for this information. I hope the Philippine government will lift the travel restrictions soon.
Hi Muriel, glad we were able to help! Hoping for the same thing too – for the Philippines and other Asian countries! Stay safe for now!
Hi can you fly now from cebu city to so quiet and how much please I want to fly end of February
Hi Jason, unfortunately, AirJuan still hasn’t resumed their flights from Cebu to Siquijor. As of 2023, your options are taking a ferry via Tagbilaran, Liloan, or Dumaguete. We’ll update the page if AirJuan starts operating again.
Thank so much for all of this information. This just exactly what i need for my soon travel going to siquiijor. More blogs for you and hoping to keep it up. God Bless!
Hi Odette, thank you so much for your warm words! Siquijor is such a beautiful island, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. Have a safe trip!
Santander to Siquijor
Maayo Shipping Schedule
and Vice Versa
Port of Origin: Liloan, Santander (Cebu) to Larena, Siquijor
Departure Schedule: Daily 10:00 AM
Port of Origin: Larena, Siquijor to Liloan, Santander (Cebu) Daily 5:00 PM
Hi Bill! Thank you so much for this info, really appreciate it! Already updated the route to add your comment. Safe travels!