How to get from Dumaguete to Siquijor
Why visit Siquijor?
Siquijor is one of the Philippines’ most magical islands, literally. It’s home to natural healers who perform the practice of Bulo Bulo to cure you of your pains and ailments. Go with an open mind and see what happens!
The island looks like a fairytale land, with all its golden beaches, turquoise waters, three-tiered waterfalls, and the 400-year-old “enchanted” balete tree. And because it enjoys fewer tourists than other nearby islands, you can enjoy Siquijors pristine nature in peace.
How to get from Dumaguete to Siquijor?
The ferry is the only suitable way for travellers to cross the distance of 35 kilometre (22 miles) from Dumaguete to Siquijor. The journey takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, and ticket prices start from 245 PHP ($4.10).
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.
Dumaguete to Siquijor by Ferry
There are three ferry companies operating from Dumaguete to Siquijor: Aleson Shipping Lines, Montenegro Lines Dumaguete and OceanJet.
Ferry fares start at 245 PHP ($4.10), and the journey takes 45 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on the ferry you take. Note that you will have to pay an additional 15 PHP ($0.20) for the terminal fee.
Oceanjet is a reliable ferry option for this route. It’s a bit more expensive than the other companies, with fares from 460 PHP ($7.70), but it’s faster and takes just 1 hour.
Aleson Shipping and Montenegro Shipping are good budget-friendly alternatives, although a bit slower, with a travel time of 1.5 hours.
Departure station
Ferries operating from Dumaguete to Siquijor depart from Dumaguete Port. If you’re coming from Dumaguete-Sibulan Airport, you will still need to take a 10-minute tricycle ride to the pier. Fares start at 200 PHP ($3.30) because this will be a “special” ride.
When coming from the town centre, it should be just 25 PHP ($0.40) per person to the port, although they might charge more if you’re carrying luggage.
Ferry schedule from Dumaguete to Siquijor (via Siquijor Pier)
We recommend booking your tickets online
All ferry options on the Dumaguete to Siquijor route are now available for online booking, which makes planning much easier. Buying tickets at the port is usually a bit cheaper. But for the few extra pesos you spend booking online, you’ll save time and avoid a lot of hassle.
Dumaguete Pier is infamous for its long ticket queues and fixers selling overpriced tickets. There is also no official ticketing booth. Each ferry company has its own setup outside the port, and it can get pretty disorganised.
From personal experience, we can tell you that more often than not, you’ll have to queue for tickets under the blazing sun. If you’re travelling on a weekend or in summer when tickets sell out fast, there’s a chance you’ll have to wait a few hours at the port for the next available ferry.
For these reasons, we recommend that you pre-book your ferry tickets from Dumaguete to Siquijor online.
Arrival stations
There are two arrival points in Siquijor: Siquijor Pier and Larena Port. Either way, you’ll need a transfer to your hotel.
Siquijor Pier is much closer to the main tourist area around San Juan. If you’re staying there (most travellers do), arriving at Siquijor Pier will save you both time and money on the transfer. Larena Port is farther away, so expect a longer and slightly pricier ride to your accommodation.
Some accommodations offer free pick-up, so make sure you inquire beforehand. Otherwise, tricycles are easily available from both ports. A ride to the tourist centre in San Juan starts at 300 PHP ($5) from Siquijor Pier and 500 PHP ($8.30) from Larena Pier.
Best 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
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Dumaguete 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!
Frequently Asked Questions about Dumaguete to Siquijor
What is the distance from Dumaguete to Siquijor?
The distance from Dumaguete to Siquijor is 35 kilometre (22 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Dumaguete to Siquijor?
The fastest way to get from Dumaguete to Siquijor is by ferry and takes 45 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Dumaguete to Siquijor?
The cheapest way to get from Dumaguete to Siquijor is by ferry with ticket costs starting from 245 PHP ($4.10).
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.
Selene is a writer who loves coffee, travel, and planning. After spending a decade in Manila, she left the city and her career in banking to embrace a more laid-back lifestyle. Now, she is discovering the beauty of slow-paced travel and finding joy in meaningful experiences.
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.
