> > by Craig Tansley
Located on the Philippines’ little known ‘Island Of Fire’, Siquijor is an island so far away from the tourist trail it’s practically invisible, but so easy to access – it’s a mere hour flight south of Manila to Dumaguete followed by a 45-minute ferry ride – that it’s amazing to think it’s not swarming with Australian visitors.
With plenty of accommodation options – from five-star beach-side luxury to quaint, ocean-front shacks – it’s ideal for every couple. Salagdoong Beach is Siquijor’s most popular beach, which means on most days you may have to share it with one or two others. There’s a low-key bar and restaurant beside it for a beer to wash down with the sunset and some of the finest snorkelling in the Philippines. Lined with silica sand, the beach is also fringed with tropical forest and limestone cliffs – the drive in through the canopy of trees is an attraction in itself.
Perfect for the couple who:
Love adventure on their holiday – you’re unlikely to see another tourist for days as you set out on your motorbike to discover the island’s umpteen beaches and mountainous jungle interior and when you plonk yourself amongst only inquisitive locals on the white sands of Salagdoong Beach you’ll feel just like an early European explorer.