The Island That Believed in Its Own Magic

A decade ago, Experience Travel & Living turned its gaze toward Siquijor—a small island that, at the time, lived mostly in the margins of Philippine travel maps. The magazine saw what few others had: a destination of raw charm and gentle mystique, whose beauty spoke softly but stayed with you long after you left.

Today, Siquijor is no longer a secret shared in hushed tones. It has found its place among the country’s most captivating getaways, enchanting travelers not through legend, but through lived experience—clear waters, open skies, and the unhurried rhythm of island life.

When a Fairy Walk Went Viral

That sense of wonder resurfaced earlier this year when Anne Curtis posted her now-viral “fairy walk” video on Instagram, filmed at Cambugahay Falls. The short clip showed her gliding gracefully across the water on a rope swing, framed by the falls’ turquoise pools and lush greenery. Her caption, “Huwag muna tayo umuwi. Hello, Siquijor. #DayOffNiMia,” perfectly captured the feeling that Siquijor inspires—a wish for time to stand still, if only for a moment.

Located in Lazi, Cambugahay Falls remains one of Siquijor’s most beloved spots, known for its gentle cascades and emerald tiers. Along the coast, Paliton Beach in San Juan draws sunset seekers, while Salagdoong Beach in Maria invites the bold to leap from limestone cliffs into its bright, glassy waters.

From mystical beginnings to modern acclaim, Siquijor’s journey reflects a shift in how travelers see the world: searching less for spectacle, and more for sincerity. The island’s magic endures, not in myth, but in its landscapes, its people, and the quiet moments it offers to those who find their way here.