Salagdoong Beach sits in the town of Maria on Siquijor, and it is the island's best-known place for jumping off rocks into the sea. A rock formation splits the beach, two diving boards sit on it, and the water below is clear enough that you will want to look down as much as you jump. It is a short stop with a lot packed into it, and it suits a half-day rather than a full day.
This guide covers the drive from San Juan, the fees to expect at the gate, the two jump platforms and what they are like, the safety points, and when the tide makes the visit better. Fees and facilities have changed over the years, so treat the figures here as a guide and confirm the current amounts when you arrive.
Plan on one to two hours at the beach. That is enough time to jump, swim, eat and walk the rocks without rushing.
Getting There from San Juan
Most visitors base themselves in San Juan, the main tourist area on the south side of the island, and drive out to Maria. The trip is about 50 minutes, so allow a full hour each way on a busy day, and longer if you stop on the way.
A tricycle or habal-habal can be flagged down on San Juan's main road for roughly ₱200 to ₱300, depending on how well you bargain. A scooter rental is a cheaper option for a flexible day, with rates from about ₱250 a day when you take a full tank. If you ride yourself, take the roads slowly and wear a helmet.
If you are arriving from Dumaguete, the ferry to Siquijor's Larena and Siquijor town ports takes about an hour. The fare has been around ₱135, but ferry rates change, so confirm the current rate with the operator before you travel. From the port, you will need a tricycle or motorbike to reach Maria.
Entrance Fees and Parking
Expect to pay an entrance fee of ₱50 per person, plus ₱20 for parking. Payment is taken at a security checkpoint at the resort entrance, before you drive down the driveway to the jump-off point. Some listings show a lower entrance fee with separate environmental and parking charges, so the total can vary. Keep small notes ready and ask at the checkpoint what applies that day.
No separate cliff jump fee is listed. If you plan to rent cottages or use the resort's facilities, rates are set by the resort and vary, so ask before you commit.
The Two Jump Platforms
The beach has two diving boards on the rock formation. The lower one is about 5 metres above the water, and the higher one is around 10 metres. The heights are the most important detail to think about before you climb. If you are unsure, start with the lower board and watch a few people jump first.
A rock slide into the water is also part of the setup, but it may not be working on every visit. Ask the staff before you queue for it.
Safety and Common Sense
A lifeguard is on duty, and you should ask them for advice before you jump, especially if you have not jumped from height before. Check the water before each jump: look for other swimmers, debris and any change in the current, and do not jump if the landing area looks busy.
Do not jump under the influence of alcohol, and do not jump if you are unwell or unsure about your swimming. Children should be closely supervised at all times, and anyone who cannot swim well should stay on the lower board or use the water near the shore.
Water shoes help on the rocks, and a dry bag keeps your phone and cash safe. Leave valuables with someone who is not jumping, since the rocks and the stairs get slippery.
When to Go
High tide is the time most visitors recommend for the jumps, since the water is deeper over the landing area. Check the tide table for the day before you travel, and aim to arrive a little before the tide peaks so you have time to settle in.
The morning light is good for photographs before the sun gets high. Weekends and public holidays may be busier, so a weekday visit is the calmer choice.
Who This Stop Suits
Salagdoong suits people who want a short, active stop with a view, including confident swimmers, travellers who like cliff jumps and families with older children who will stay close to the water. It also works as a stop on the way between San Juan and the rest of the island's eastern and southern roads.
It is less suitable for anyone who is nervous about heights or water, for people with mobility problems on the rocky stairs, or for visitors who want a quiet beach to lie on. For a broader plan, our first-timers guide from Dumaguete to Siquijor covers the ferry and the island's main stops, and the five places near Dumaguete worth the drive article lists other short trips from the city.