The Siquijor Church greets all the visitors as it is situated near the port. It was established in 1783 by the secular priests. It was built using coral stones and initially used cogon for roofing. What's unique about this church is the bell tower built a few meters away. Like some other old churches in the Philippines, its convent served as the hiding place from the pirates and other invaders. Today, it is the center of Catholicism in the province but for a non-Catholic like me, this church is the living witness of the past survived by the province and its people.
TOUR AROUND THE PROVINCE: The main tourist spots and destinations in the province are accessible via a habal-habal. At Valencia jeepney terminal, I met Kuya Leo, a habal-habal driver who brought me to these stunning places. You can contact him on Ph: 09354434400.
WHERE TO STAY: The cheapest backpackers hostel is Tori's Backpacker's Paradise. I paid 350 pesos per night for a dormitory type room. You can contact them on Ph: 09663296863, 09071326666 or search them on Facebook.
HOW TO GET TO HERE: From Manila, you can either take a flight to Dumaguete, Negros Oriental or Tagbilaran, Bohol. I highly recommend Manila to Dumaguete Airport because it's cheaper. From Dumaguete Airport, charter a tricycle to Dumaguete Port. Then, a fast craft ferry to the province. If in Tagbilaran, you need to ride on the shuttle to Island City Mall (ICM) then charter a trike to the port. Ride a ferry to the destination.