DIY Itinerary Guide to Dumaguete – Siquijor, Philippines

Here’s our actual itinerary and expenses for this trip.

Trip Duration: 3 Days, 2 Nights

Total Budget: Php3,989 ($80) each, group of 2, excludes airfare and souvenir

Hiking Must Haves (Day Hike)

Mountain climbing is now a popular weekend hobby of many travelers. Have you noticed it? Even those “kikay” friends of yours are now hooked to this activity. Nature really has its magic of enchanting people who are bored and stressed in their daily life. So do you think this challenge is for you? Are you excited to go on your first climb? If you’d answer yes, congratulations! I’m sure you will not regret it.

Surigao Del Sur’s Refreshing Charms

After our 15-hour travel to Surigao Del Sur, the next day we explored 2 of the province’s main attractions in the towns of Bislig and Hinatuan. Will our very long land travel pay off with what these 2 municipalities have to offer?

Tinuy-An Falls

The name of Tinuy-an Falls comes from a shortened form of tinuyoan (from the Visayan root noun tuyo, which means “intention” or “aim“), which refers to an intentional act or performance to attain an objective or goal. (source: wikipilipinas.org)

From our hostel, we had a 45-minute habal-habal ride going to barangay Burboanan. The road was rough and covered with dust. When riding a motorcycle, it is recommended to wear something to cover your nose and mouth to avoid inhaling earth particles. Also, wear shades to protect your eyes from dust.

The 15-hour Travel to Surigao Del Sur

We were anxious about pushing this part of the itinerary. Is it really possible and practical to combine Surigao Del Norte and Surigao Del Sur in just a 5-day trip?

I was so confident that leaving our house 2 hours before my flight check-in time was enough given that it was a weekday and was past the morning rush hour, and I am just 3kms away from the airport. But I was so wrong. It took me 30 minutes to get a cab and paid a total damage of Php250 ($6) fixed price when I could have hired a metered taxi for half its price. I’ve learned my lesson.

Pagsanjan Falls will Never Bore You

Pagsanjan Falls was a childhood fantasy. If you were in grade school during the 90s in the Philippines, then most probably this was the top answer to examples of Anyong Tubig (Body of Water) in HEKASI (equivalent to a geography subject).

As a kid, I wondered what a falls might look like. When I grew older I finally saw one, but it was not the one in Pagsanjan. It was an unfulfilled childhood dream. And just a few months back, the obsession to see it haunted me back. I dare to travel to far places and yet I can’t visit places very near the city where I live in. So to finally end the unfinished business, 20 years later after grade school, I asked my friends to come with me on a quick day trip to Pagsanjan Laguna, and get starstruck with its premier attraction – Pagsanjan Falls.

There is No Monster in Lake Bulusan

Two weeks prior to our visit here, Mount Bulusan has threatened Sorsogueños with its ash explosion. Alert level 1 was raised, which means “minor volcanic unrest.” Although there was a low risk of danger, the provincial administrator ordered a “no human activity” inside the 4-kilometer permanent danger zone.

I was worried that the situation may get worse. It will not be easy to change our itinerary in two weeks time. Luckily, upon arrival in Legazpi Grand Terminal, the van driver affirmed a safe trip to Sorsogon. And so we began a 2.5-hour trip to Lake Bulusan.

Lake Bulusan lies inside the forest located in Bulusan Volcano Natural Park. It’s 1.7km away from Maharlika Highway. The temperature become cooler as our rented tricycle entered the park. I find the smell of the trees relaxing. We arrived here late in the afternoon and I was glad that the park is still open as long as there are visitors.

The lake immediately captured my attention, like it was calling my name. I walked fast towards it and took a quick look before I inquired at the reception. It was serene. I could not hear anything but the whispers of the cold wind and the soft rustling sound of the water in the lake. The sunrays overflowed from the mountains, giving it a dramatic scenery, which made my heart smile. Excitement flowed into my veins.

Muni-Muni time in Lake Bulusan

Although doubtful, with my friend’s encouragement, I ride the kayak for the first time. It turned out that paddling this was easier than in a dragon boat. We reached the middle of the lake, forgetting about all our worries and letting ourselves be drawn by its teasing beauty.

Find serenity while kayaking in the lake

It’s funny how we worry so much about things that is yet to happen. Though it is always better to take caution, sometimes it also pays to take risks. I’m not saying to go after a disturbed volcano. Instead, make the most out what’s on hand and hope for the best. You’ll never know what you’ll get until you Get Out Dear and give it a try 🙂

How to Get to Lake Bulusan 

• From Legazpi City Albay, ride a van going to Sorsogon City. Transport fare costs Php90. Ask the driver to drop you off at the jeepney terminal going to Gubat.
• Ride the jeepney going to Gubat. Transport fare costs Php29.
• At Gubat, ride another jeepney going to Bulusan. Transport fare is Php38. Ask the driver to drop you off at the tricycle terminal.
• Rent a tricycle going to Bulusan Volcano National Park. Rental fee is Php150 for one-way. It is better to ask the driver to wait for you and pay for a two-way trip since public transportation going back to the town proper is rare.
• Park entrance fee is at Php20 per person. Kayak rental is Php100 per person.