Island Loop by Scooter in Siquijor
Part of the Siquijor travel guide — see every topic in All Siquijor Guides.
Siquijor is small enough to drive all the way around in one day. A paved road of about 75 kilometres follows the coast and passes through all six towns of the island. Along the way are waterfalls, beaches, villages and viewpoints. Most visitors rent a scooter or hire a tricycle with a driver. This guide gives a simple route and practical tips.
Planning the loop
The coastal road links the six towns of Siquijor: Siquijor town, Larena, Enrique Villanueva, Maria, Lazi and San Juan. You can drive the full loop in about two to three hours without stops, but with swimming and lunch it fills a full day. Most people go in one direction and stop at the best places. Many start from San Juan, where most resorts are, and drive south and east first to reach the waterfalls early, before the crowds. Start in the morning and finish at a west-coast beach for the sunset.
Suggested stops
A popular route from San Juan goes south to the old balete tree in Lazi and then on to Cambugahay Falls, where you can swim. Next, continue east to Salagdoong Beach in Maria for cliff jumping and lunch. Then drive north through Enrique Villanueva and Larena, with views of the sea. In Siquijor town, Guiwanon Spring Park has a short mangrove walk. Finally, return west to San Juan and watch the sunset at Paliton Beach. You will not have time for everything, so choose the stops that interest you most.
The inland road
A smaller road crosses the hills in the middle of the island. It leads to Mount Bandilaan, the highest point of Siquijor, and to quiet villages and farms. The air is cooler, and the views over the island are wide. The road is steeper and narrower than the coastal road, and parts may be rough. It is a good route for confident riders who want a break from the coast. Ask at your hotel about road conditions before you go, especially after rain.
Renting a scooter
Scooters can be rented from shops and hotels, especially in San Juan and near the ports. Check the brakes, lights and tyres before you leave, and take photos of any damage. Always wear a helmet. Roads have little traffic but can have dogs, chickens and children on them, so ride slowly through villages. Fuel is sold at petrol stations and in glass bottles at small roadside shops. Only rent a scooter if you have experience. If not, hire a tricycle and driver for the day.
Tricycle tours
If you do not want to ride, a tricycle with a local driver is an easy way to see the island. Drivers know the main stops and can wait while you swim or eat. You can book through your hotel or agree on a price directly with a driver. The price is usually for the whole day and the full loop. Tell the driver which places you want to see before you start. Drivers can also suggest good local places for lunch. This option is relaxed, safe and supports local families.
Island Loop by Scooter at a glance
| Getting there | Scooters and tricycles available in San Juan and near the ports |
|---|---|
| Hours | Full loop is about 2 to 3 hours without stops; plan a full day with stops |
| Cost | Scooter rental is cheap; a tricycle with driver costs more but is all-day |
| Best time | Start in the morning; end at a west-coast beach for sunset |
| Distance | About 75 km around the island |