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St. Augustine Church: A Must-Visit Destination on Siquijor Island for History and Culture Enthusiasts

WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE?

The St. Augustine Church in Siquijor, Philippines is a historic and religious landmark that has been an integral part of the island’s cultural heritage for over four centuries. The church, which was built in 1783, is one of the oldest and most beautiful churches in the Philippines and is a popular attraction for visitors to the island.

Traveling to St. Augustine Church 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.

Philippines 3G/4G internet data sim card & pocket WiFi rental

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

What’s in St. Augustine Church Siquijor?

St. Augustine Church, also known as the San Agustin Church, is a historical Catholic church located in the town of San Juan in the island province of Siquijor, Philippines. It is considered as one of the oldest churches in the province, having been built in 1783 during the Spanish colonial era.

The church’s façade is made of coral stones, while the interior walls are made of hardwood. It has a single nave and a rectangular plan, with a high wooden ceiling and an elevated choir loft at the front. The altar, which features the image of St. Augustine, is made of molave wood and intricately carved with floral and religious motifs.

The church’s bell tower is also made of coral stones and stands separately from the main church building. It has a rectangular base and an octagonal upper level, with a dome-shaped roof at the top. The bell tower is said to have been used as a lookout post during the Spanish colonial period to warn the locals of incoming pirates.

St. Augustine Church - San Juan, Siquijor - Altar

St. Augustine Church has played a significant role in the religious and cultural life of the people of Siquijor. It has been the venue of numerous religious events, including the town’s annual fiesta celebration held every August 28th. The church also served as a refuge for the locals during times of conflict and natural disasters, such as the 1942 Japanese occupation and the 2013 earthquake.

Aside from its historical and cultural significance, St. Augustine Church also attracts visitors for its beautiful architecture and serene surroundings. It is located near the town plaza and is surrounded by trees, making it a peaceful place for reflection and prayer.

In recent years, the church has undergone several renovations and repairs to preserve its historical and architectural value. Despite the changes, St. Augustine Church remains an important landmark and symbol of the enduring faith and resilience of the people of Siquijor.

Estimated time to spend in the place?

You will spend around 1 hour – 3 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:
- 7:00 AM–5:00 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?

San Juan, Siquijor

How to Get to St. Augustine Church?

There are several multicabs and jeepneys traversing the national highway coming from San Juan. Ask the driver to drop you off at St. Augustine Church.
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.