Taking A Leap of Faith – Salagdoong Beach, Siquijor

March 20, 2020July 29, 2021 Rex Lim Lim BEACH, BLOG, SALAGDOONG, SIQUIJOR, TRANSIT PINAS, TRAVEL GUIDE

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Cliff jumping in Salagdoong Beach is a must try if ever you visit Siquijor, find out why here!

The Land of Faith Healing: strange as it seems, travelling to the island of Siquijor will raise eyebrows once mentioned because of its reputation for the black arts. Even the older generations still practices and believes in witchcraft and sorcery; although at present time it is still practiced in a less prevalent scale.

Let Transit Pinas take you on a journey of unveiling what hides behind the peculiar stories and legends surrounding the mystic island of Siquijor and why you should start packing your bags and discover for yourself what awaits in Salagdoong Beach of Maria, Siquijor.

Salagdoong Beach

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“Three…two…one…TALON!”(3..2…1.. JUMP!) Shouted by the people surrounding the 35 ft high diving platform. As I tightly held on to my action camera, I ran half-hearted out of the diving platform down into the water.

I am now airborne, but falling, that was the longest three seconds of my life. I involuntarily shut my eyes and felt the air against my whole body before plunging into the aquamarine water. Reemerging a few seconds later above the water, I felt my ear tingling from the shift of pressure.

A visitor posing at the lower diving board.

One of the few many who braves the 35 feet high platform

With each of them jumping right after the next, this cliff dive spot in Siquijor is definitely an adrenaline junkie’s kind of spot. The height of the diving board may not sound so promising at 30ft (9meters) and 35ft (10meters). But if you place yourself over the edge, you might be one of the many visitors who just climbs up for the photo but never jumps down.

For the ones who already tried the jump, they all speak but of one thing: “One of a kind experience!”

I already tried cliff jumping most of the time and if given the chance, from top of waterfalls, from cliffs down to the sea, on top of huge rocks down into the river, and even swinging from ropes down to the basin. It is always and will be a good dose of adrenaline. But with these kinds of leap of faith, it is always the first jump that matters, once you made it, there’s no telling how many times you’re going to do it again. So take that jump!

Molave Forest

At the northeastern side of Siquijor Island lies Salagdoong Beach, an even more quieter side of Brgy. Olang in Maria. Before reaching the area, you will turn at the Circumferential Road leading into the largest man-made Molave forest in southeast Asia spanning at 200+ hectares.

The Isla del Fuego or Island of Fire got its name during the time of the Spaniards when they noticed from Negros an island at the other side that glows eerily against the dusk. This prompted them to come and visit the island. Only then realizing that it was due to the hoards of fireflies that thrives at the Molave Trees in the area.

Passing through this thick canopied forest with the afternoon sun trying to pierce through, the crooked branches resplendent with leaves and buzzing insect sounds made this part of Siquijor a bewitching experience.

Arriving at the Salagdoong Beach, the sand isn’t as fine as that of Paliton Beach or Port of Siquijor. It was rather coarse and mixed with ground coral rocks. But the real draw here is the deep aquamarine water that is so inviting. Even the underwater life is a sight to behold, that anyone one couldn’t resist to take a dip.

This is a public beach but the resort now collects an entrance fee for the maintenance of the cottages, parking, and shower areas. Adjacent to the beach at the top of the small hill is Hotel Agrifino where one can spend the night.

This is actually a twin beach that is separated by a 50ft tall coral rock where the slide and diving platform are located. One can take the 30ft with the highest one at 35ft.

The rest of the remaining hour we spent wading through the beach and relaxing after a long day of circling the island. We tidied up after a few more minutes and rode our tricycle service for the last leg of the Siquijor adventure.

How To Get There

This is part of the Siquijor Tricycle Day Tour hosted by Kuya Raul Gom-os (09355965465)
- Brgy. Olang, Maria, Siquijor
- Entrance Fee: 75php
- Tricycle Tour: 1000php Standard Rate/Day Tour

Demystifying Isla del Fuego: From Black Magic Maria, love potions, Voodoo Dolls, broomstick rides, century old churches and convent, up to the stunning waterfalls and beaches. Let Transit Pinas take you on a day trip across SIQUIJOR as he uncovers the brighter side beyond the esoteric and peculiar charm of the province. Follow this adventure series into the Land of Faith Healing, as I ventured into my 56th province last September 09, 2018. Umari kamo niing matahum nga dapit!