Salagdoong Beach, Siquijor: Cliff Jumps and Jade Water

The first thing that hits you at Salagdoong Beach is the colour. The water is not just blue; it is an almost artificial-looking gradient from pale jade near the shore to deep sapphire a few metres out. Then you notice the cliffs. Two long, low limestone walls run down to a small cove, and from the top of one of them, a concrete platform juts over the sea. This is where Salagdoong becomes more than a pretty beach. People come here to swim, to sunbathe, and - most famously - to jump.

Salagdoong is on the eastern coast of Siquijor, an island in the Central Visayas that still carries a reputation for folk healing and quiet, low-key travel. The beach itself is a short stretch of white sand sheltered by the cliffs, with a handful of simple cottages and a small resort. The cliff-jumping platform is the main draw, but even without the jump the cove is one of the prettiest swimming spots in the region.

Where Is Salagdoong Beach

Salagdoong is in the municipality of Maria, on the southeast coast of Siquijor Island. It sits along the coastal ring road that circles the island, about a 35-minute motorcycle ride from San Juan, the main tourist town on the west coast. The beach is not in a village centre; it appears suddenly at the end of a short cement road through trees. You will see a small archway and a parking area where tricycles and rented scooters pull in.

How to Get There

By Ferry to Siquijor

The island has two main ports. Larena receives ferries from Cebu and Bohol, while Siquijor Port receives ferries from Dumaguete and some Bohol routes. From either port you can hire a tricycle, rent a motorbike, or join a day tour to reach Salagdoong. Motorbike rental on the island costs PHP 250-400 per day and is the most flexible option. The roads are paved and the coastal loop is easy to follow.

By Tricycle or Habal-Habal

If you do not drive, a tricycle from San Juan to Salagdoong costs around PHP 300-500 one way, depending on your bargaining and whether the driver waits for your return. Many drivers offer a four-hour island tour including Salagdoong, Cambugahay Falls and the Old Balete Tree for PHP 800-1,500. Habal-habal (motorbike taxi) is slightly cheaper but less comfortable for two people.

Entrance Fees and Facilities

The entrance fee to Salagdoong Beach is PHP 25-30 per person. There are basic cottages for rent, a small sari-sari store, and a restaurant that serves simple Filipino dishes. Do not expect luxury - the beach is maintained by the local government and the facilities are basic. There are fresh-water showers and toilets near the parking area. Bring cash; there is no ATM nearby and card payments are not accepted.

The Cliff Jump

The jumping platform has two levels: approximately 10 metres and 15 metres above the water. The higher jump is not always open, depending on the tide and the wind. The water below the jump is deep and clear, but you should only jump if the platform is open and a local attendant is present. Never jump when the area is unstaffed, and never jump after drinking alcohol. Several serious injuries have happened here from people misjudging the water depth or landing badly.

If you do not want to jump, the cove is still excellent for swimming. The water is calm on most days because the cliffs block the wind, and the visibility is good enough to see fish near the rocks. Snorkelling gear can sometimes be rented from the cottages, though the selection is limited.

Best Time to Visit

The dry season from March to May brings the calmest water and the best visibility. June to February can also be pleasant, though the habagat monsoon from July to October can bring stronger winds and rougher seas on this side of the island. Morning visits (before 10:00am) are best for photos and for having the cliff jump to yourself. By 1:00pm the beach fills with day-trippers, especially on weekends and holidays.

What to Bring

• Cash - for entrance, food, drinks and transport.
• Water and snacks - the restaurant is basic and sometimes runs out of options.
• Reef-safe sunscreen - the beach is exposed and the tropical sun is strong.
• Dry bag - useful if you are travelling by motorbike.
• Swimwear and a towel - there are no changing rooms, so come ready or change at the basic toilets.
• Water shoes - optional, but the first few metres of the beach can have small stones and broken coral.

Combining Salagdoong with Other Siquijor Spots

Salagdoong works best as part of a full-day Siquijor loop. Most visitors combine it with Cambugahay Falls for rope-swinging into freshwater pools, the Old Balete Tree and fish spa, the Lazi Church and convent, and sunset at Paliton Beach. The whole loop can be done in six to eight hours by motorbike, making it a relaxed day trip from San Juan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Salagdoong cliff jump safe?

It is safe if you follow the rules: jump only when the platform is open and attended, do not jump drunk, jump straight out (not down), and keep your body vertical on entry. The 15-metre jump is serious and should not be attempted unless you are confident. Several people have been injured by poor technique.

Are there rooms at Salagdoong Beach?

No. There is a small resort nearby, but the beach itself only has cottages for day use. Most visitors stay in San Juan or along the west coast and visit as a day trip.

Can children swim at Salagdoong?

Yes, in the shallow area near the shore. The cliff jump and the deep water under the platform are not for children. Keep young swimmers close and away from the jumping area.

How much does it cost to visit Salagdoong Beach?

The entrance fee is PHP 25-30. Cottage rental is PHP 200-500 depending on size. Motorbike rental from San Juan is PHP 250-400 per day, or a tricycle round trip is PHP 600-1,000 including waiting time. Total day-trip cost is roughly PHP 400-800 per person without food.

Last checked 2026-08-25. Written by PANA.PH Visayas Desk for PANA.PH.