How to get from Dumaguete to Siquijor
Siquijor is an island paradise located south of Cebu and Bohol islands. Compared to its neighbours, Siquijor is only starting to gain popularity, which means you can still enjoy a very laid-back vacation here. That is as long as you don’t visit during summer (March to June).
The island is small enough for you to explore in a day – lounge at Paliton Beach, try out the rope swings of Cambugahay Falls, go cliff-diving at Salagdoong, and a lot more. But we highly recommend that you spend at least a few days here.
Siquijor is for slow days with nature and a good place to meet new friends – both locals and foreign tourists who now call the island home.
Ferry from Dumaguete to Siquijor
Taking a ferry is the only way to travel the 35 km distance from Dumaguete to Siquijor. Including transfers to and from the ferry ports, fares start at 410 PHP ($7.00).
Dumaguete is the most common entry point to Siquijor. Most ferries from Cebu to Siquijor will first go to Dumaguete and then continue with the ferry to Siquijor.
This guide will focus solely on the ferry options from Dumaguete to Siquijor, though. From Dumaguete, you can choose from several ferry companies that can take you to the so-called enchanted island. Travel time depends on which ferry you take and which port you arrive at in Siquijor.
Dumaguete to Siquijor by Ferry
There are three ferry companies operating from Dumaguete to Siquijor: Oceanjet, Montenegro, and Aleson. All of which are trusted for this route. You can just pick whichever fits your schedule.
Ferries from Dumaguete to Siquijor are available daily from 05:30 to 19:10. Travel time is 1-2 hours, depending on which ferry you take and which port you choose to arrive at.
Ferry fares start at 130 PHP ($2.30). Note that you will have to pay an additional 15 PHP ($0.20) for the terminal fee.
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 100 PHP ($1.70) as this will be a “special” ride.
When coming from the town centre, it should be just 12 PHP ($0.20) per person to the port, although they might charge more if you’re carrying luggage.
Ferry schedule from Dumaguete to Siquijor (via Siquijor Pier)
Ferry schedule from Dumaguete to Siquijor (via Larena Pier)
Ferry tickets are easily available at the port. However, we recommend booking online beforehand if you’re travelling on a weekend or in summer, when tickets really sell out fast. On really busy days, there’s a chance you’ll have to wait a few hours at the port for the next available ferry.
Note that only Oceanjet is available for online booking on BookAway.
Tickets for Aleson Shipping or Montenegro Shipping are only available at the pier. For inquiries, you can contact them beforehand through their Facebook pages.
Arrival station
There are two arrival points in Siquijor: Siquijor Pier and Larena Pier. Either way, you’ll need a transfer to your hotel.
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 250 PHP ($4.40) from Siquijor Pier and 500 PHP ($8.50) from Larena Pier.
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.
Hi! Do i have to book online or can i buy the ticket the same day?
Hi Shara! You can buy your tickets at the port on the same day. But tickets for the Dumaguete-Siquijor route usually sell out fast. So we advise you to be at the port early. If you’re travelling on a weekend though, or don’t want the hassle of going to the port early, then it’s best to book your tickets online through BookAway. Thanks and safe travels!
The ferry schedules updated as of June 2022?
Hi, Anne!
The Oceanjet schedules are updated as of June 2022. They’re also the easiest to book (albeit a bit pricy) as Oceanjet is the only one available for online booking. As for the 2 other ferry companies – Montenegro and Aleson – we have yet to get their replies for their latest schedules. Thanks and safe travels!