Larena, Siquijor

Larena is Siquijor's second port town, on the north coast east of Siquijor town. The slow boats from Cebu and some from Dumaguete land here rather than at Siquijor Port. Between boats it is a calm, mostly local town with a church, a market, a big supermarket and a hill above the bay with a wide view over the water.

Prices, fees and schedules in this guide were checked in October 2026. They change often, so use them as a guide and confirm with the operator or venue before you go.

Most visitors pass straight through. The ones who stay usually pick a beach resort around Sandugan, a few minutes east of the centre, for a quieter base than San Juan. It is also the cheapest town on the island to sleep in.

Larena makes sense if your boat lands here, or if you dive and snorkel from Sandugan. It also suits anyone who would rather have a local town with a few beach stays nearby than a tourist strip.

Skip it if you want restaurants, bars and other travellers around you, because Larena will feel too quiet. It is also on the far side of Siquijor town from San Juan, so every trip to the west coast beaches takes longer.

From Cebu, Lite Ferries leaves Pier 3 for Larena on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 1:00pm and arrives around 11:00pm. Starlite runs a Friday night sailing that gets in around 5am, and fares on both run ₱635 to ₱920. Maayo Shipping also sails from Liloan in south Cebu, but its schedule changes often, so buy at the port.

From Dumaguete, some of the slower boats, including Montenegro Lines' RoRo, come into Larena. They take about an hour to an hour and a half and usually cost less than the fast craft, though fares vary by source. Check which port your ticket names before you book a room.

Photo: Lawrence Ruiz, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

If your boat lands at Siquijor Port instead, Larena is a short tricycle or scooter ride east. The airport, with Sunlight Air flights from Cebu three times a week, is also close by. For the full picture and the ₱50 departure fee, see the Siquijor travel guide.

Tricycles wait at the port when boats come in. Scooters are easier to find in Siquijor town and San Juan than in Larena itself, so ask your accommodation to arrange one or rent at Siquijor Port. Expect roughly ₱300 to ₱500 a day for a standard automatic.

Rooms are limited. Most are around Sandugan, where a handful of beach resorts and dive-focused stays face the sea. A few simple inns sit closer to the centre and port, such as Townview Guest House, at about ₱1,420 a night.

Photo: adam nicholson, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Parts of Sandugan's shore have mangroves and reef in front. Check photos for swimming access before you book.

Food in Larena is mostly carinderias, bakeries and resort restaurants. The Larena Triad, a café on the hill above town, is the place for a view over Larena Bay. Ayans Local Food, open 7am to 9pm, is known for its mango grahams. Hours at small places change, so check before riding up.

The view from the hill

The road up to the Larena Triad gives you the best look at the bay and the town below. Go in the morning for the clearest light.

St. Vincent Ferrer Church

Larena's parish church sits in the centre near the plaza. Like the church in Siquijor town, it has a separate bell tower nearby.

Photo: Lawrence Ruiz, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Cangbangag Falls

Inland from Larena, Cangbangag is often described as one of the taller waterfalls on the island. The path is uneven and steep in places, and there is no published fee or trail time. Wear proper shoes, go in dry weather, and ask locally or take a guide.

Sandugan Beach

Larena's main beach area, with resorts, mangroves and reef. Time it for the right tide and it is good for a quiet swim and for snorkelling off some of the resorts.

Guiwanon Spring Park

On the road between Larena and Siquijor town, a short mangrove boardwalk around a freshwater spring. Entry has been about ₱10. Go at high tide.

Canoan Festival

Larena's town fiesta falls on 2 and 3 May. Expect an evening dance on the basketball court, road closures and noise, and book a room early if you want to be there.

The dry season, roughly November to May, is the time for calm crossings into Larena and for snorkelling at Sandugan. Outside it, rain and storms can cancel boats and turn the Cangbangag trail slippery. Typhoons in late October and early November 2025 stopped sea travel for days, so don't assume the season ends neatly in October. There are no boats on 25 December, 1 January or Good Friday.

Confirm your port

Many booking sites list both Larena and Siquijor town as "Siquijor". Check the port name on your ticket so your pickup goes to the right place.

Stock up

Choices are thin after dark. Pick up snacks and water at the supermarket in town if your resort is out at Sandugan. There is also an ATM in Larena.

Which ferries go to Larena?

Lite Ferries and Starlite from Cebu, Maayo Shipping from Liloan, and some slower boats from Dumaguete, including Montenegro Lines. Fast craft use Siquijor Port. Schedules change, so check with the operator.

Is Larena a good base?

For a quiet stay, yes, especially around Sandugan. For food and nightlife, San Juan is better.

How far is Larena from San Juan?

Larena is on the north coast, past Siquijor town. Allow roughly 40 minutes by scooter, more by tricycle.

Is Cangbangag Falls easy to visit?

Not especially. The trail is uneven and steep in parts. Go in dry weather with good shoes, and ask locally about current access.

Back to the Siquijor travel guide. Nearby: Siquijor town to the west, and Maria and Enrique Villanueva to the south-east.