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Mt. Bandilaan National Park: Experience the Beauty of Siquijor from Above

Mt. Bandilaan National Park is a protected area located in the heart of Siquijor Island, in the Visayas region of the Philippines. The park covers an area of approximately 244 hectares, and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, as well as several cultural and historical landmarks.

Traveling to Mt. Bandilaan National Park Siquijor for the first time? This detailed and curated travel guide will make it easy for you to navigate your way inside, save money, and maximize your time.

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HOW TO GET TO SIQUIJOR

Direct Flights from Manila, Mactan Cebu International Airport, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, and more are being served to Siquijor. Flights are operated by Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and AirAsia.

✓ ENTRY POINT CEBU (MCIA)

By Airplane (Cebu pacific, Airasia, and Philippine Airlines)

Board a plane going to Siquijor from Cebu.

At Siquijor Airport, ride a tricycle or rent a motorcycle to get to your destination.

Notes:

Airlines that travel from Manila to Tacloban: (9+ flights per day)

Cebu Pacific
Air Asia
Philippine Airlines

Airlines that travel from Cebu to Tacloban: (3+ flights per day)

Cebu Pacific
CebGo
AirAsia Zest
Philippine Airlines

✓ ENTRY POINT CEBU (PIER 1)

By Fast Craft or Fast Boat

CHECK FAST CRAFT SCHEDULE & FARE HERE

From Cebu City, ride Oceanjet to Siquijor. The fast craft serves the route daily. Travel Time is around 5-6 hours. The fare is PHP 1600.00 per person.

At Siquijor Airport, ride a tricycle or rent a motorcycle to get to your destination.

✓ ENTRY POINT ORMOC CITY via LILOAN PORT

By Fast Craft or Fast Boat or slow boat

CHECK SCHEDULE & FARE HERE

From Ormoc, ride any of the boats at Pier 1 or Pier 3 to Cebu City. The fast craft serves the route daily. Travel Time is around 3 hours.

At Cebu City port, ride a taxi going to Cebu South Bus Terminal.

From the South Bus Terminal in Cebu City, you can take a bus bound for Liloan Port. This port is located in Santander, a town at the southern tip of Cebu island. From here, you’ll take a ferry that goes straight to Siquijor.

You can board the bus with “Liloan Port” on its sign. If it’s not available, you can also take a bus with the sign “Bato via Oslob.” This bus will pass through Santander.

A ticket costs 410 PHP ($7) for an air-conditioned bus. The first trip is at 03:00, and there are bus departures every 2 hours until 21:00.

The ferry bound for Siquijor departs at 02:00, so even if you take the last bus, you still have to wait a few hours at the port.

✓ ENTRY POINT CEBU CITY to DUMAGUETE by Bus + Ferry

By Fast Craft or Fast Boat or slow boat

CHECK SCHEDULE & FARE HERE

At the South Bus Terminal in Cebu, there are regular buses to Dumaguete since this town is also a major destination in the south. For this first leg of the trip, the total travel time takes 6 hours, including a 30-minute ferry ride.

Ceres Bus offers hourly trips from 06:00 to 17:00 daily for 480 PHP ($8.50) per person. Note that you also have to pay for the ferry ticket to Dumaguete, which costs 120 PHP ($2.10).

In Bato Port in Santander, the bus will directly board the ferry bound for Negros Oriental. You will have to get off the bus, pay for your ferry ticket, and then sit in the ferry’s passenger seating area.

Once the ferry docks at Tampi Port, you’ll have to board the bus again. Dumaguete Port is still 40 minutes away. You can inform the bus driver or conductor that you wish to be dropped off near the port, which is just a few meters away from the bus terminal.

After that, board the ferry for Siquijor. You can either pick OceanJet, Montenegro Lines, and Aleson Shipping.

HOW TO GET AROUND SIQUIJOR

Getting around Siquijor is relatively easy, and there are several transportation options available for visitors:

✓ BY MOTORCYCLE (self-drive/rent)

Siquijor mode of transportation motor bike rental

Renting a motorcycle or scooter is another popular option for getting around the island. Rental shops can be found in most towns, and prices are typically around 350-500 PHP per day. Having your own transportation gives you more flexibility to explore the island at your own pace.

✓ BY TRICYCLES (rent for a tour) (color red)

Touring around the island for a day is Php 1600.00.

These are the most common form of transportation on the island. They are small motorcycles with sidecars that can accommodate up to three passengers. Tricycles can be found in most towns on the island and can be hired for a reasonable price. They are a great option for short trips around town or to nearby beaches.

Note: Make sure to rent the color red tricycles as they are the accredited tricycles for rent during tours.

✓ BY BICYCLE (rent)

Bicycles can also be rented for a reasonable price and are a great way to explore the island’s scenic roads and countryside. It’s also an eco-friendly way to get around the island.

Note: Make sure to rent the color red tricycles as they are the accredited tricycles for rent during tours.

✓ BY PRIVATE CAR OR VAN

For those who prefer more privacy or have a large group, it’s possible to rent a private car or van with a driver for a day or for the entire stay. This option is more expensive but can be convenient and comfortable for those who want to see the island’s main attractions in one day or those with a lot of luggage.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

What’s in Mt. Bandilaan National Park Siquijor?

Mt. Bandilaan National Park is a protected area located in the interior of the island of Siquijor in the Philippines. It covers a total land area of approximately 244 hectares and was established in 1971 to preserve the natural beauty of the island’s mountainous regions.

The park is named after the highest peak on the island, Mount Bandilaan, which stands at an elevation of 557 meters above sea level. The park features a diverse range of flora and fauna, including old-growth forests, endemic plant species, and various bird species.

Mt. Bandilaan National Park siquijor view

One of the highlights of Mt. Bandilaan National Park is the numerous hiking trails that wind through the park’s forests and up to the summit of Mount Bandilaan. These trails range in difficulty from easy to challenging, and they offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Mt. Bandilaan National Park siquijor view 3

At the summit of Mount Bandilaan, visitors can find a small chapel and a viewing deck that provides panoramic views of the surrounding islands. The chapel, dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes, is a popular pilgrimage site for the locals and is often visited by devotees who come to pray for healing and blessings.

Mt. Bandilaan National Park siquijor map — Complete Map of Bandilaan Forest

Aside from hiking, Mt. Bandilaan National Park also offers other activities such as camping, picnicking, and birdwatching. The park has a designated camping area and several picnic areas with tables and benches, making it an ideal spot for families and groups to enjoy a day outdoors.

Overall, Mt. Bandilaan National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers visiting Siquijor. It is a sanctuary that offers a peaceful and serene environment where visitors can reconnect with nature and experience the island’s natural beauty firsthand.

Estimated time to spend in the place?

You will spend around 3 hour – 5 hours in this place.

Are pets allowed?

Pets are allowed.

Are food and drinks available in the area?

There are establishments that sell food and drinks in the area.

How much are the Entrance Fee and Other Noted Fees?

Entrance Fee: FREE

Opening and Closing Time?

Mondays to Sundays:
- 6:00 AM–7:00 PM, Daily

Parking Space?

Available and is FREE.

When is the best time to visit the place?

Best time to visit is on any day of their opening days.

Exact Location?

Mt. Bandilaan, Lazi, Siquijor

How to Get to Mt. Bandilaan National Park Siquijor?

There are several multicabs and jeepneys traversing the national highway coming from San Juan. Ask the driver to drop you off near the Mt. Bandilaan National Park in Lazi.
If you are on a generous budget, I suggest to hire a tricycle or habal-habal tour guide. Their rate is around P1,600 for the entire Siquijor island which will take almost the entire day. This way, you can also visit other churches like the Santa Maria Church in the town of Maria and Saint Francis of Assisi Parish in Poblacion.