magic and mystery - Zest-Air Inflight Magazine

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Of Mountain Ranges and Spring Time Lining up the shoreline of Siquijor is a couple of its magical, white and virginal beaches which can be accessed through a wide variety of beach resorts and can be enjoyed by visitors for free. Frolic in the sand, dip in the water and get a look at the mangrove trees, fishes, corals and other water life which makes it appealing for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. The beaches generally have a mountainous terrain with splendid white rock formations which have been formed by the changing winds and a total of over 45 caves – the famous of which is the Cantabon Cave, a cavern filled with small waterfalls, pools and the stalagmites and the stalactites. Located at Barangay Cantabon, a 9km stretch from Siquijor town, Cantabon also serves as a mountain trekkers’ haven as boulders and other huge stones litter the pervading trails. Spelunkers who would also like to face the deep and winding trek finds delight in the ravenous cave as it poses a challenge because of its tricky tramp. And a subterranean stream underneath breathes in a fresh and mystifying breeze to the likely traveler. Those who would like to enter the cave need a helmet with a light since it gets very dark inside. Foreign visitors are charged PhP10 as entrance fee while Filipinos are charged half. Guide fees range from PhP50 to PHP200. Another attraction that would enthrall guests is the Cambugahay Falls, a smaller waterfall with a short drop. Located in Camp Bandilaan in Cantabon, Siquijor, Siquijor t r a v e l a n d a d v e n t u r e Lazi, the falls spurts fresh, clean and warm water which cascades down three smaller waterfalls and finally slithers into little lagoons and swimming rapids below. A well-paved trail leading to the first falls would be a refreshing walk for the visitors but to get to the succeeding falls, they need to climb over rocks and boulders. There are also some street vendors in the area which sell snacks. The Capilay Spring Park, located in San Juan, consists of pools with three chambers: the first one is the “springs” pool, the second one is the “swimming” pool and the last one is the “laundry” pool or the river which is found by the road. Huge trees with massive leaves also line up the place, protecting the visitors from the intense heat of the sun during summer days. Kiosks are also located in strategic points for souvenirs and snacks. The island also consists of other springs and rivers surrounded by tropical forests. Divers also get surrounded by marine life reserve hidden beneath the waters, especially on the islands of Siquijor, Apo and Sumilon. Lapu-lapu, parrot fish, damsel fish are just some of the inhabitants that give added color and luster to the coral reefs. Cantabon Cave january-february 2012 l z est air inflight magazine 45
t r a v e l a n d a d v e n t u r e Nature and Marine Sanctuary Siquijor is also teeming with natural reserves and wildlife. The Mount Bandilaan is considered to be the highest crest in the province with a total of 1,394 feet in height, and can be compared to Mount Mayon because of its almost near-perfect cone. A nature park at its very foot is also home to a number of flora and fauna and a fresh butterfly sanctuary known as Bandilaan Butterfly Range and Breeding Farm. For whimsical and mystical adventurers, healing amulets, charms, potions, and oils (which are concocted by resident faith healers) are also located at the foot of Mount Bandilaan Natural Park, a nature park designed for religious pilgrims. Other things to explore here: caves and springs. On the other hand, considered to be the biggest marine sanctuary in Siquijor, the Tulapos Marine Sanctuary showcases the best that marine life has to offer such as a wide array of fishes, aquatic resources and other life underwater. A mangrove house, which is twostoreys high, provides an invigorating view of the sanctuary from atop. For historical findings, the Lazi Convent, or better known as the St. Isidore Labradore Church and Convent, is the place to be as this is touted to be the oldest and the biggest church in Asia. Hand-crafted illustrations of the Station of the Cross adorn every window sill, a complicated ceiling vault and a rustic wooden floor all contribute to this old-age atmosphere. The convent meanwhile stands as a stone house with a daunting U structure. And for those who would want to take in a splendid tour of the island and would want time for themselves, there are places to stay. One, check in at Salagdoong Beach Resort. Nestled comfortably in a cove which provides a stunning view of the island and gives privacy a new name, this place offers visitors a tour island package – consisting of cathedrals, convents, a century-old house, the Mount Bandilaan Butterfly Sanctuary and the Cambugahay Falls. While rooms can be rented, management also allows guests to sleep through a rented tent in the resort (rented at PhP300 a night), another feel to the The Capilay Spring Park nature vantage point. The resort also offers guests a choice of international or traditional Filipino dishes, and the restaurant opens up until 12AM. Other resorts are also available for guests to stay in such as the Aloha Beach Resort, the Casa de la Playa, Coco Grove Beach Resort and others. Getting There Fly to Dumaguete, then take a fast ferry from the Dumaguete Port Area. The ride is priced at PhP160-PhP200 per person and a terminal fee of PhP15 each. Two entry points to Siquijor are available – the port at Larena 46 z est air inflight magazine l j anuary-february 2012 and the municipality of Siquijor, advisable for tourists who would like to go on a beach vacation. Rent a motorbike for PhP25 per hour, a motorcab or a tricycle which can accommodate 5 people for about PhP800/ day, for a tour of the whole island. While indeed Siquijor’s main tourist attractions are the magic, the wizardry and the witchcrafts and other tales of the elementals, there are more intriguing stories still waiting to be unearthed. And for those wanting a tad bit of adventure like no other, this is certainly the place to let out all the magical spells. No pun intended.
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