Salagdoong morning at the observation deck
It was still dark when we started the next day. We were able to get a hold of Og’s previews habal-habal driver before named Dennis. Transportations from resorts can be very expensive so it’s recommended to hire your transportation from outside and haggle for a good price. Since Dennis, a local of Siquijor is no longer a stranger to us, he’s like a part of the caravan now. It’s gonna be a long day of island exploration and our first stop is Salagdoong.
Molave morning silhouette
Our habal-habal whisked through the cold morning air as we drove off along the wide open road of Siquijor. We passed by the an idyllic scene of a town waking up. Looking at the map of Siquijor, Salagdoong is found at the eastern part of the island, at the town of Maria. Since it’s on the east, we thought that the beach would be nice place to catch the island’s sunrise, thus making it our first stop early morning.
Driving along the Molave Forest
Before reaching the Salagdoong Beach, we passed by the scenic road of the Salagdoong Forest. Around a kilometer drive, the forest features impressive growth of molave trees both eerie and beautiful at the same time with their intertwined branches and thin bodies. The forest is part of the local government’s reforestation program which I think is doing well. Molave Trees are home to fireflies which made the island’s name was credited for. The name Salagdoong was taken from a common Swift Bird’s nest, that may have been abundant in the area.
Limestone with an observation deck
Arriving in Salagdoong Beach, we paid the 10 pesos person entrance fee which is really cheap, considering, this is one of the more popular beach in the area. The beach was developed and being maintained by the local government which I again applaud them for doing a good job. The place is clean and in order. People may also choose to camp by the beach if they wish. In fact, we saw several foreigners waking up from their tents when we arrived there. On other development in the area, there’s a newly constructed hotel resort nearby if a for comfort travelers looking for a more upscale accommodation nearby.
A small cove opposite the beach stretch
As for the beach itself, I find it as one of the more picturesque I’ve seen, with some scenic limestones and outgrowths of molave trees, it’s definitely very unique to Siquijor. The sand’s quite good and the water’s crystal clear. The facilities like cottages and CRs are basic of course but I think a lot of people would enjoy the place.
Salagdoong long beach stretch
Our objective there was to shoot the sunrise, but because of the unpredictable weather, the sun didn’t show up since the sky was so cloudy. But the place, like I said is really picture perfect and you wouldn’t have a hard time looking for a nice angle to shoot despite the weather condition.
A fisherman in Salagdoong
There’s this limestone by the beach where they made an observation deck near the cliff, from there you could see both sides of the beaches and some interesting local life of the fishermen in the area. Really nice staying there and just enjoy the view.
Cliffs and the west side scenery
I’m really not surprised why Salagdoong Beach is one of the more popular beach in the area. Aside from the amazing scenery and nice white sand beach, it’s also very cheap.
[...] Siquijor: Salagdoong Beach and Forest [...]
ferdz, thanks for your very kind words you left in my biyahengpinoy blog about my sagada video. that was the nicest thing i’ve heard from someone i haven’t even met.
hope to bump with you on your future travels.
myawjz rmykij zrgam
its a nice lace kasi nakapuntana ako dito
i’ve been there in siquijor..ganda talaga…may family kami doon… so guys…punta na kayo doon…maraming witches doon..hehehehe joke!
thnx for the posted pix.i really like it.they are all nice.it’s like a paradise.i hope i could visit the place soon….
i’ve been there yesterday (8/9/09)..
nice view, fine white sand, cristal clear water… its so relaxing and wonderful ambiance.. be there with special someone!!! you’ll gonna love the place as much as i did 
Dude, I went to Salagdoong last week for my holy week vacation after I read this post. You’re right: “amazing scenery and nice white sand beach”. You can read my experience here: http://pinoyblabbermouth.blogspot.com/2010/04/it-was-supposed-to-be-holy-but-i-am.html.
Salagdoong = one of the best
Plan to visit this Island by June this year 2010., o”, wanna own it even for just two days. .o_O
do you have a contact number of your habal habal friend. My friend and I will visit siquijor this sept.