Tubod Beach — Attraction in San Juan

Our visit to Tubod Sanctuary in Siquijor was an unforgettable experience, offering a peaceful and beautiful escape into nature. The sanctuary has so much to offer, with a relaxing atmosphere perfect for unwinding. One of the highlights is the stunning beach, which is free to access, allowing you to enjoy the tranquil surroundings and take in the beauty of the clear water.

We were fortunate enough to stay at NoahXye Guesthouse, which is conveniently located with easy access to the sanctuary. From there, we followed the paths that led us directly to the destination, with the stunning Coco Grove Resort located nearby. The beach here is exceptional, offering crystal-clear water that invites you to swim and explore. A highlight of the experience was snorkeling in the sanctuary, where we were able to spot turtles and admire the vibrant underwater life.

Before entering the sanctuary, there is a minimal 100 PHP environmental fee, which helps to maintain the beauty of the area. For those who want to swim outside the sanctuary, there are no entrance fees, and you can still enjoy the incredible coral reefs and spectacular sunset views along the shore.

One unique aspect of the beach is that it's a fantastic spot for outdoor workouts. If you're an early riser, you can take a jog along the shore in the morning. The beach is peaceful at this time, and you can enjoy a good run without bumping into anyone. However, in the afternoon, the beach tends to get busier with people relaxing, so it might not be the best time for an intense workout.

Another thing worth mentioning is that Tubod Sanctuary offers some secluded spots, like the edge of the beach near the way out from the NoahXye property. While exploring, we saw some foreign visitors chilling in a relaxed manner, which was a bit amusing, but it’s important to remember we are in the Philippines, where cultural norms differ. It’s important to be respectful of the local culture, and while some visitors may feel comfortable, it’s good to remember that in some places, modesty is valued, and we should respect the local customs.

I did notice a few locals and fishermen in the area, so if you're planning to explore more private areas, it's always best to keep in mind the cultural context and show respect to the local way of life. That said, if you're from a culture where such things are accepted, we understand, but it’s a good reminder to always be mindful of the place you're visiting.

We visited several sanctuaries across Siquijor, but Tubod Sanctuary stood out as the cleanest and best-maintained. Unlike other areas where boats dock, this sanctuary remains untouched, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers. The tranquility here is also a big plus; it feels quieter and more peaceful compared to other popular spots, making it ideal for those seeking a serene escape.

Overall, I highly recommend a visit to Tubod Sanctuary. It offers not only a beautiful beach but also a chance to connect with nature in a quiet and well-preserved environment. Whether you're here to swim, snorkel, workout, or simply relax and enjoy the sunsets, it’s a place that truly deserves to be explored. Highly recommended for anyone looking to experience Siquijor’s natural beauty at its best!

In some other sanctuaries in Siquijor, having a guide is compulsory, which I personally find a bit unreasonable. The places are generally safe to swim in, and I believe it should be an option, not a requirement, especially for experienced swimmers. The entrance fee is enough to support the maintenance of the area, and I think foreigners, who are often good swimmers, should be able to enjoy the sanctuary without needing a guide. It seems the guide requirement may be more relevant for locals who might not be as strong in swimming, but for those who are capable, it feels a bit unnecessary.

One of the great things about Tubod Sanctuary is that it allows visitors to swim without a guide, which gives swimmers the freedom to explore at their own pace. Of course, a guide can...

This place is the most amazing snorkeling spot I’ve ever been to. I am a traveler and traveled almost the entire Southeast Asia and went snorkeling in most of them. This is the best one I’ve been to. At sunset be sure to take some photos of the sunset and also going in morning is important . In the morning there is a good chance of seeing see turtles . At first it may seem like the place has no fish but the deeper you go the more fish you can see . If you are worried that when you go you may sink don’t be afraid since the life vest is very steady . The water is very still with no currents and you can see crowds of fish but also there are no sharks in the water and the boats will not be that far away so you won’t bump into them. If your mask possibly can’t breathe all of a sudden don’t worry cause it is normal. Just breathe out and get the clogged air out of there. If you see a poisonous sea urchin don’t worry about touching it because though the water isn’t THAT deep you can not reach the urchins unless your life vest is off. You may see some sea snakes but they won’t get to the surface of the water and they stay at the bottom of the sea. If you see the snakes you are actually lucky because they are rarely spotted. At the end of the snorkeling spot there will be a rope so that you won’t drift away from the place. The water is also very clean and swimming through it is easy. Paying for this is DEFINITELY worth it. If you want to share this memory with your friends and family then you should pay for the camera. The water is also not crowded and I found so many shells with my daughter....

We went to swim. Then saw that you have to pay to do that. We also saw that there was the option to snorkel for 100 pesos per day. So then we went to snorkel the both of us and instead of 100 per person she then asked 200 (100 for renting the snorkel and 100 to have „the right to snorkel“). When we said we were not willing to pay that since it wasnt written anywhere and online it actually says that its 50 pesos. When we left the woman said „bye bye, come back when you have the money to pay“ laughing at us. And thats what is the true issue. I dont really mind paying 200 pesos upfront. But if the locals overexeggerate and hide fees for everything i feel like a walking wallet and dont come for the principle. Even when its the nicest area for snorkeling. Update: if you ask nicely at the nearby fancy hotel you can enter even if youre not a hotel guest, consume some softdrinks (a coke costs 40 pesos) and get your snorkeling stuff there for another 150 pesos. That way you end up at a beautiful beach without any boats and still pay less than for this scam. Be smart even if i have the money i wont come back to this...