The island of Siquijor instantly became one of my favorite places in the Philippines with its incredible charm, lush nature and laid-back vibe. The island is a haven for those seeking top-notch snorkeling and diving, unspoiled little villages, pop-up bars on bridges, friendly locals, and picturesque beaches.

Unlike busier tourist spots in the country like El Nido, Coron, or Bohol, Siquijor offers a more relaxed atmosphere, inviting visitors to explore waterfalls, drive along scenic routes, and enjoy sunsets with a cocktail or beer in hand.

In this article, we’ll delve into an alternative way to discover the island by embarking on a Love Potion Tour with a traditional healer, allowing you to uncover hidden gems, connect with locals, and immerse yourself in the island’s rich culture and witchcraft traditions.

Siquijor Island – Brief History, Witchcraft Traditions and veneration To healers

Famed for its unique blend of history and supernatural traditions, Siquijor is a very mystical destination in the Philippines.

History of Siquijor – The mystic island of the Visayas

Siquijor is often described as an underrated gem in the Philippines. Known as “Isla del Fuego” or “Island of Fire” due to the mystical glow of fireflies that once lit up its shores, the island has long been shrouded in mysticism.

Its history is steeped in tales of enchantment and mystery, with many Filipinos still hesitant to visit because of the island’s reputation for the supernatural.

This mix of spirituality and mysticism makes Siquijor a fascinating place where the legends are as much a part of the landscape as its natural beauty.

Siquijor Witchcraft and Traditional Healers

“Are you sure you want to visit Siquijor?” a couple of locals asked my friend and me as we landed in Manila.

We quickly replied, “Of course, we’re excited to explore the island!”

They gave us looks like we’d lost our minds, then said, “Well, in that case, be careful with what you drink and eat. It can be cursed.”

My friend and I looked at each other, and after they left, we agreed that we were even more excited to visit Siquijor.

To give you some context, traditional healers have lived in Siquijor for generations, passing down ancient practices that blend Catholicism with animistic beliefs. However, not all healers are the same; there is a distinction between mambabarangs (sorceresses who are believed to cast curses) and mananambals (healers who use their knowledge for good). 

Mananambals are seen as wisdom keepers who unite ancient traditions with modern healing practices. Respected throughout the community, these healers possess deep knowledge of the natural world, using herbs, chants, and rituals to create remedies and perform spiritual cleansing. 

Learning about these practices offers a humbling insight into the island’s culture, highlighting the importance of the healers’ role in maintaining the spiritual and physical well-being of the community.

Making a love potion with a healer in Siquijor – An alternative way to discover the island

The traditional love potion of Siquijor isn’t just for romance; it’s believed to attract positivity in all areas of life, from career success to good fortune. This was one of the first things our guide, Junel—chairman of the Siquijor Healers Association, visual artist, and traditional healer—explained as we began our Love Potion Tour with Where Side Walks End.

Collecting Ingredients Across The Island

Our journey began with a drive across Siquijor to gather the ingredients for our love potions. Our guide (and driver for the day) picked us up at our hotel, where we also met the traditional healer, Junel.

Junel guided us through a diverse landscape, from the island’s coastlines to its highest mountains, rainforests, mangroves and even a local village where we collected honey from a beehive beneath a woman’s home. Each ingredient, a total of 13, was carefully chosen for its symbolic and mystical properties.

As we traversed the island, it became clear that this tour was not just about making a potion—it was an immersive way to explore Siquijor, see its hidden corners, and connect with the island’s friendly locals and rich culture.

One thing that stood out to us was how Junel could spot plants and ingredients for the potions from afar, even while driving across the island. He would quickly flag the guide to pull over so we could go collect them. That healer must have amazing eyesight!

Crafting The Love Potion

Once we had all the ingredients, we returned to our beach bungalow to begin crafting our potions. Junel guided us through the process, reminding us of the purpose behind each ingredient. After the bottles were prepared, Junel poured in some perfume to mix with the herbs. 

The atmosphere was relaxed and reflective as we focused on what we wanted to manifest in our lives. With every herb, flower, and drop of honey added to our bottles, we infused our potions with intentions for love, success, and happiness.

Cleansing and Activation Ceremony

The final touch to the tour was a cleansing ceremony to activate our love potions. Junel led us through a series of rituals designed to charge the potions with positive energy. The experience was deeply relaxing, and I found myself almost drifting off to sleep as the gentle sound of waves provided a soothing backdrop. 

By the end of the ceremony, I felt a sense of calm and fulfillment, knowing that I was leaving Siquijor not only with a love potion but also with a deeper connection to the island and its traditions.

What To Expect From This Love Potion Tour

This tour offers off-the-beaten-path experiences, meaningful interactions with locals, and valuable insights into the island’s ancient traditions.

When booking this love potion tour, you can look forward to a unique adventure exploring Siquijor’s hidden gems, guided by the knowledgeable traditional healer Junel and an English-speaking guide. You will also enjoy local, delicious food and relax in a mini-van with A/C throughout the journey. 

Do not forget to bring comfortable shoes and a bathing suit, as there might be chances to swim.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The love potion is not meant for human consumption. When going out, dab a little of the potion-infused perfume around your lips or wrists to attract positivity.

Also, a word of caution—our guide humorously warned us not to break any local hearts, or we might end up cursed by the mambabarangs!

Hotels in Siquijor – Where to Stay in Siquijor

Siquijor offers a range of accommodations to suit every traveler’s preference, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious beachfront resorts. Whether you’re looking for a cozy beach bungalow, a serene mountain retreat, or a convenient stay near the island’s main attractions, Siquijor has something for everyone.

These are some recommendations to help you choose the perfect place for your stay on this enchanting island:

Tourist Attractions In Siquijor

From pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs to mystical caves and cascading waterfalls, the island offers a rich cultural heritage, with traditional festivals, healing practices, and local craftsmanship to explore. These are some of the best tours you can join to discover the must-see spots in the island:

FAQs

Below are the most frequently asked questions about Siquijor and the Love Potion Tour

Does the love potion work?

The love potion is believed to attract positivity and good fortune, though its effectiveness is rooted in tradition and personal belief rather than scientific proof.

How to get to Siquijor

You can reach Siquijor by ferry from Dumaguete, Cebu, or Bohol. The nearest airport is in Dumaguete, from which the ferry ride to Siquijor takes about 1-2 hours.

How many days in Siquijor

It’s recommended to spend at least 3-4 days in Siquijor to fully explore the island’s natural attractions and cultural experiences.

Is Siquijor worth visiting

Absolutely! Siquijor offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and mystical traditions, making it a truly memorable destination.

What is Siquijor Island known for?

Siquijor is known for its pristine beaches, mystical traditions, and the presence of traditional healers who practice ancient forms of healing and sorcery.

Siquijor Witches, are they real?

The belief in witches (mambabarangs) and healers (mananambals) is a significant part of Siquijor’s culture. While their powers are rooted in tradition and folklore, they are an integral aspect of the island’s identity.