Siquijor is in no doubt one of the best highly untouched islands in the Philippines. Known as an island of enchantment and mystery, Siquijor has now begun to become one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in the country. On the forefront of the popular Siquijor beach scene is Salagdoong Beach Resort in Olang, Maria — a government-owned beach left under the care of the Provincial Tourism Offices.
- ❥ Entrance fee: P15 per person / P30 if Peak Season (P10 for children and senior citizens / P20 during Peak Season)
- ❥ Parking fee: P20 for scooters, P35 for cars
- ❥ Environmental fee: P10
- ❥ Bamboo raft rental: P300/day
- ❥ Camping tent rental: P300/night
- ❥ Nipa cottage rental: P500
- ❥ Picnic/Umbrella cottage: P200
- ❥ Tent space (tent not included): P100
- ❥ Tent rental (subject to availability): P300/day
- ❥ 1 set of table and 4 chairs: P100
- ❥ Electricity charge for Laptop/Cellular Phone/Speaker: P50
- ❥ Electricity charge for Rice Cooker: P100
Rooms
The resort also offers rooms or chalet-type cottages for those who want to spend a night(s) there. As of April 2019, the rates are as follows:
Standard Room: P900
- Good for 2 Persons
- 2 Single sized bed or 1 Double size bed
- Air conditioner
- Hot & Cold Shower
- 1 Extra Person/Mattress allowed @ P200 additional charge
Superior Room: P1,300
- Good for 2 Persons
- 1 Double size bed
- Air conditioner
- Veranda
- Hot & Cold Shower
- 1 Extra Person/Mattress allowed @ P200 additional charge
Superior Deluxe Room: P1,600
- Good for 3 Persons
- 1 Single sized bed & 1 Double size bed
- Air conditioner
- Hot & Cold Shower
- 2 Extra Persons/Mattresses allowed @ P200 each
Dormitory: P5,000
- Good for 10 Persons
- Double decks
- Air conditioner
- Common comfort room and shower room
Duplex A, B & C: P1,600
- Good for 3 Persons
- 1 Single sized bed & 1 Double sized bed
- Air conditioner
- Hot & Cold Shower
- 2 Extra Persons/Mattresses allowed @ P200 each
Duplex D: P1,600
- Good for 3 Persons
- 3 Single sized beds
- Air conditioner
- Hot & Cold Shower
- 2 Extra Persons/Mattresses allowed @ P200 each
Duplex E & F: P3,500
- Good for 5 Persons
- 1 Single sized bed & 2 Double sized beds
- Air conditioner
- Hot & Cold Shower
- 2 Extra Persons/Mattresses allowed @ P350 each
Hilltop Duplex 1, 2, 4, 5, 7 & 8: P1,400
- Good for 2 Persons
- 1 Double sized bed
- Air conditioner
- Hot & Cold Shower
- 1 Extra Person/Mattress allowed @ P350 each
Hilltop Cottage 3 & 6: P1,600
- Good for 2 Persons
- 1 Double sized bed
- Air conditioner
- Hot & Cold Shower
- 2 Extra Persons/Mattresses allowed @ P350 each
What to do in Salagdoong
- ❥ Swimming: The resort offers 2 white sand beaches in a cove that are divided by an enormous rock formation, now a center for popular activities like cliff diving.
- ❥ Cliff jumping: Two cliff jumping platforms are available: 25ft and 30ft. When I was younger, these platforms do not exist. We used to jump from those same spots while walking on rocks and watching out for sharp-edged ones. I think it was around 2004 (don’t quote me on this) when they started to develop that part of the resort and built cemented platforms and pavements.
- ❥ Beach bumming: Laze around the sand, read a book or sip your favorite cold drink while basking in the sun. You are free to lay out beach towels or banigs but you cannot bring chairs by the shore.
- ❥ Photographing: From the gorgeous rock formations to the clear turquoise waters to the amazing cliff diving snapshots,you’re sure to capture fascinating photographs in this resort.
- ❥ Karaoke: May be available upon request at the resort’s open restaurant. This is only available until 10PM. An electricity fee of P250 is required.
- ❥ Kayak: Move across aqua waters with a kayak for only P200/hr.
If you’re coming as a group, say, a company outing or a family meeting or some sort, and you need a large space for everyone, you can also rent out a Convention Hall. The rental for the first three hours is P5,000. Every exceeding hour will be charged P1,000.
Best time to visit
It’s always keen to go to the resort very early in the morning especially when it’s peak season. The resort follows a first-come-first-served regulation so if you’re eyeing for a particular spot or cottage, you have to be early. Otherwise, come at around 8:30 am, especially if you’re after the cliff jumping experience. The platforms usually do not open until 9am due to the tide.
When it comes to the best season of travel, I would say anytime BUT Holy Week (usually coincides with US’ Spring Break). Before, even just last year (2018), although the crowd was larger than usual, I can still say the beach is enjoyable. This year’s crowd, unfortunately, was just too much. The queue to any of the platforms were unbelievably time-consuming as people don’t just come to jump but to take a gazillion photos before moving on. Worst part is, they usually come in groups and they each take a gazillion photos! I mean, yeah that’s part of the tourist experience, but if you want to have a “smoother” and quieter time at the beach so you can relax, DO NOT COME DURING HOLY WEEK SEASON. Also, the beach is too crowded you won’t feel seclusion anymore. I don’t know… Maybe it’s just me? But the island didn’t feel “virgin” anymore when we were in Salagdoong last week.
How to get (and get out of) there
Salagdoong Beach Resort is approximately 31 kilometers away from the Port of Siquijor, Siquijor. To get here, just follow Circumferential Road until you enter the municipality of Maria and see the Salagdoong signage along the road. As you enter, you will go through about 2 kilometers of man-made forest — totally Instagrammable! Just follow the path until it leads you to the gate of the resort.
3 ways to reach the resort from Siquijor Port:
- ❥ If you want to hire a tricycle to take you to the resort, it will cost you about P300-P700 (usual rate is P500 but some drivers start with P700 and if you can really bargain with them, you can go for P300). If you’re with a group (or you can join a group) , you can split the fee with other travelers since one tricycle can accommodate 5 persons (sometimes even 6).
- ❥ You can also charter a tricycle for an island tour for P1,000/day. This tour will take you to your desired destinations around the island given they are within reach of the Circumferential Road. Otherwise, the charge may be higher. For example, you want to go to Kagusuan Beach. Since it is a bit out of the “usual track”, tricycle drivers usually charge you additional fee.
- ❥ For a more raw sense of adventure, plus the flexibility and more intimate vibe, you can rent a motorcycle/scooter and tour around the island by yourself/yourselves. Rental is at P350 – P500 for 24 hours. Locals say it’s really only for P350 (some may even agree for P300) but tourists are usually given a P500 rate. You can haggle, but standard tourist rate is P500 for 24 hours.
Leaving the resort?
If you’re not renting a scooter or you’re not on a tour, the only way for you to leave Salagdoong Resort is to “specially” hire a tricycle or multicab (Because, hello forest). Long time ago, these rides are not easily available from Salagdoong. The crew will have to call someone to pick you up. But now, multicabs and tricycles may already be waiting by the gate. This is not a regular case but is now very usual. I’m not sure how much they charge but for hired tricycles that the crew in Salagdoong contacts to pick you up and brig you to Siquijor Port, the usual rate is P500. If your destination is not Siquijor Port, ask the crew first for the price so you and the driver can agree to a price first.
Remember, always agree on a price first!
Piece of advice
Salagdoong Beach Resort is indeed a must-visit resort not only for the 30-ft dive or the clear turquoise waters but also for the “authentic local vibe”. I say “authentic local vibe” because this resort has always been a favorite by many locals. In fact, it has been the go-to place for many Siquijodnons when they have celebrations probably since 19-forgotten. Lol! But, you have to know that this resort does not honor cottage reservations especially during Peak Season. They follow a first come first served policy. So, if you’re planning to celebrate a birthday there, you have to go early so you can get the largest cottage. Mix-ups also happen. For example, you went very early in the morning and booked this certain cottage. Suddenly at 11am, a checked-in guest wants to rent that cottage. Sometimes, the crew dishonors your reservation (even if you’ve given them downpayment already) and “prioritizes” the checked-in guest leaving you cottage-less and disappointed. I know this happens because this recently happened to us so I’m just sharing this to give you a heads up.
How to contact Salagdoong Beach Resort:
The easiest and most direct way of contacting Salagdoong is to call or text 09178147305.
