In a separate post, we named Siquijor as one of the top 10 beach destinations in the Philippines. While Salagdoong Beach in the town of Maria is a strong contender, it is not as long as the beaches in the town of San Juan. The latter is not only significant in size, it is also home to the best dive spots in this small province.
You do not really need to go that far to be convinced. In low tide, the underwater world of San Juan emerges, enchanting lovers of all things marine life.
On the surface, the beaches of San Juan are raw, unprocessed. Unlike the well-manicured white sands of Boracay, San Juan beaches appear as what they should if left untouched by human habitation. This natural state, however, is threatened by the burgeoning tourist industry in the province of Siquijor and the relentless construction of accommodations along the beach to address anticipated demands in the near future.
The best time to visit Siquijor was yesterday. In a few years, San Juan beaches will no longer be kept a national secret. People from near and far will be coming in droves, and horrors, such deluge of troops might transform the slow pace of life in this ultra-laidback province into one hectic scramble for a piece of beachfront property. Before that happens, pack a pair of bikinis and a set of snorkel gear, and hop on to the next ferry.
San Juan has miles and miles and miles of white sand beaches that are, surprisingly, crowd-free even in stretches where there are residential properties. The entire time I was swimming (and the sun was already high), I was the only person in the water.
San Juan beaches are covered in coral stones and seaweeds. Further offshore are the best dive spots one can find in Siquijor. Some of the snorkel spots are difficult to get to. If you do get there, you risk owning the place for the day.
There are a handful of extremely affordable accommodations right on the beach. Camping is one option.
This is the part of the province that gets an unfair share of sunsets. The sun sets over Cuernos de Negros, a pointed mountain range in Dumaguete, and casts its golden glow on the palm-fringed beaches of San Juan.
Intertidal life come out of the hiding when the water is low and the sun is up. Herons and egrets also scope out the shore for free crustacean meal.
San Juan sunsets are the most dramatic in Siquijor. Not even clouds could get in the way.
If there is one down side to beach bumming in San Juan, it’s hauling yourself up right after sunset if you don’t have accommodation nearby. Transportation can get tricky after-hours.
Click here for next article (Siquijor series) – Buhisan Lodge Review>>
Photos by Cherry Vic Patalita
