Paliton Beach

Paliton is Siquijor's sunset beach. It sits on the west coast in San Juan, a short ride north of the main strip: fine white sand, coconut palms, shallow water, and the mountains of Negros on the horizon.

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.

Because it faces west, a good chunk of San Juan ends up here in the late afternoon. Travellers and locals settle on the sand near the parking area, drink in hand, and wait for the sun to drop.

If you are staying in San Juan, you will end up at Paliton at least once, and you should. It is an easy half-day for families, couples and solo travellers alike.

Snorkellers should go elsewhere. The water is calm, but the reef is modest next to Tubod Marine Sanctuary or Salagdoong. And at sunset, do not expect the beach to yourself.

From the San Juan strip, follow the coast road north and watch for the Paliton sign. A side road off the ring road drops you at the beach in a few minutes. From Siquijor Port it is about 30 minutes by scooter.

Without a scooter, take a tricycle from San Juan. Agree the fare before you go, and if you are staying for sunset, fix a pickup time with the driver so you are not stuck after dark.

For ferries and the departure fee, see the Siquijor travel guide.

Entry is ₱20 per person, plus ₱20 to park, paid on the entrance road. Older blogs call it a free public beach, which is no longer the case. The beach is open all day, every day. Bring small change.

The small beach and Big Paliton

The small beach by the parking area is lined with shacks selling cold drinks, coconuts and snacks, and it fills up fast. Take the path around the cliffs to reach Big Paliton (it shows as "Little Boracay" on Google Maps), a longer, quieter stretch with far more room.

Photo: Kate and Mike's Travels (kateandmikestravels.com)

The water

The sea stays shallow and calm a long way out, which is great for paddling and for kids. At low tide it turns into a wide flat of sand and reef. Sea urchins are common on Philippine shores, so wear water shoes once you go past the shallows.

Photo: Kate and Mike's Travels (kateandmikestravels.com)

Litter

There is often rubbish around the parking area. The main stretch of sand is cleaner. Take yours home with you.

Sunset is the main event. Arrive about an hour early to get a spot and a drink, and stay a while after the sun goes, when the sky over Negros often turns its deepest colour. For a quieter view, walk away from the shacks towards the rocks, or carry on to Big Paliton.

The dry season, roughly November to May, gives the clearest sunset skies. The wetter months bring more cloud and rain, but some of the best skies come just after a storm clears. For swimming, come closer to high tide.

Bring

Water shoes, a towel, sun protection, and small cash for the entrance, parking and drinks.

Getting back

Ride slowly after sunset. Parts of the coast road are dark, and you will meet dogs and unlit motorbikes.

Food after sunset

The shacks only do snacks. Dolce Amore, an Italian-owned place near Paliton, is open until 9pm for pizza, bruschetta and arancini, though at about ₱2,000 for two with drinks it is not cheap. Otherwise most people ride back to San Juan. The San Juan guide has the options.

Staying nearby

Fable Hostel is about 600 m from the beach, with dorm beds from roughly US$7 a night. It is a good base if you want Paliton on your doorstep.

How much is the Paliton Beach entrance fee?

₱20 per person, plus ₱20 for parking.

Is Paliton Beach good for swimming?

Yes, for an easy, shallow swim, best near high tide. Wear water shoes past the shallows.

Is Paliton good for snorkelling?

It is fine for a quick look, but Tubod Marine Sanctuary and Salagdoong are much better.

Where is Paliton Beach?

On Siquijor's west coast, in San Juan municipality, a short ride north of the main San Juan strip.

Back to the Siquijor travel guide. Nearby: San Juan, Lugnason Falls and Siquijor town.