Siquijor Island is the third smallest province in the country both in terms of population and land area, after Camiguin and Batanes, with a population of 87,695 (2007 census), a land area of 343.5km²(134mi²) and a coastline circumference 102km (64mi) long. For a time it was sub-province of Negros Oriental. Called "Isla del Fuego" (Island of Fire) by the Spanish, Siquijor is considered by many Filipinos to be a mystical island, full of witches and other supernatural phenomena.

The Spaniards called Siquijor the Island of Fire because the island gave off an eerie glow. This glow came from the great swarms of fireflies that harbored in the numerous molave trees on the island. The island was first sighted by the Spaniards in 1565 during Miguel López de Legazpi's expedition, after which the island came under Spanish rule and the present municipalities, with the exception of Enrique Villanueva were established as Catholic parishes. The first parish, Siquijor, was established in 1783 under the administration of secular clergymen. In the years that followed until 1877, the parishes of Larena (Cano-an), Lazi (Tigbawan), San Juan (Makalipay), and Maria (Cangmeniac) were founded by priests of the Augustinian, Recollects.

On 1942, Japanese Imperial forces landed in the island of Siquijor as part of their occupation of the Philippines. In 1945, the Philippine Commonwealth troops landed of the beaches in the island of Siquijor and the Japanese Imperial forces were defeated by the fierce and unrelenting Filipino soldiers during in the Battle of Siquijor in World War II.

On September 17, 1971, Siquijor became an independent province. The capital which was formerly Larena, was transferred to the municipality of Siquijor in 1972

Siquijor's reputation as a place of magic and sorcery both attracts foreign as well as native visitors but also keeps many native Filipinos away. Among the tourist attractions in Siquijor are white sand beaches on equal par with Boracay, numerous natural caves, the Bandilaan Natural Park, and a butterfly sanctuary, but most notably of world-wide acclaim is the diving and snorkeling offered by Siquijor's endless and shallow reefs as well as the abundance and diversity of the marine life along these coral reefs. Due to the value of this natural resource, much of the coastal waters around Siquijor Island are protected as marine sanctuaries.

Siquijor is literally pot-marked with caves, some of which are developed but most are still in their natural pristine state, and often very dangerous to explore without the assistance of a native guide. At my latest count there are 18 caves in the municipality of Lazi, 6 in Maria, 4 in Enrique Villaneuva, 14 within the municipality of Siquijor and 5 in San Juan, a total of 47 in all.

For the almost 2 full days we are here, we will circumnavigate the island and visit some of the caves that are very nice to explore. We will also reserve ample time to do some snorkeling, or diving (if you have your qualification card). Siquijor is a place that you will want to absorb the culture and ambiance and probably do some serious souvenir shopping at the local markets. The mystique that surrounds this island only adds to the excitement and ambiance. The resort we will stay at, The Coco Grove Beach Resort, does very well to capture this mystique and ambiance and is prime location to put on the fins and mask. There is a nice map I found of Siquijor Island that shows the location of the Coco Grove Beach Resort as well as some of the major attractions and the roadways. Click here to view.