(Personal opinion of site administrator)

I occasionally receive requests asking me to address the tourism safety level on the island of Siquijor. The past few years have certainly brought a considerable amount of negative news to everyone. Most of us with access to media reports have witnessed the screaming headlines of our newspapers and the grueling footage of terrorism that fill the broadcasts around the globe. This is unquestionably discouraging news for those potential travelers with plans to travel to any destination in the world.

Every nation has its share of corruption and crime. There are new tragic events occurring seemingly each and every day. Who would have guessed that the World Trade Center would be struck by terrorists using commercial aircraft? But you have to put things in the right perspective. The Philippines is an enormously large country with over 7107 islands. From the northern tip to the southern is approximately 3000 kilometers; nearly 1900 miles! If there is a peace and order problem on an island located near the Southern most tip of the Philippines or in a location in the northern section of the country then it’s a pretty good chance the rest of the country is totally unaffected. In fact, most of the time the bulk of the residents in the rest of the country are not even aware that there is a problem.

Perhaps we can blame the media for the impression that they create that the Philippines is not a safe place to travel. Or, perhaps the travel advisories being issued by other countries. Personally I feel like travel advisories should be much more specific and reviewed on a weekly basis. Just because one location has or had a problem does not support a nationwide travel ban or advisory. The subsequent negative impact of any lost tourism need not be applied to the entire country. I personally know that there are locations in Miami, Los Angeles, Chicago, and many other places in the U.S.A. where most tourists definitely would not be safe; especially when it comes to tourist related crimes. Should there be a travel advisory issued for the United States because of this?

Other countries have had their own “internal terrorists” but no travel advisories were issued against them. Some countries are duty-bound to issue travel advisories or face possible lawsuits. Without hesitation I admit that there are some locations in the Philippines that should be avoided by foreign tourists. Common sense dictates that tourists should avoid areas that have traditionally been “hot spots” for years. You should also remember that a travel advisory is not a travel ban.

Is Siquijor Safe? It is the safest place that I know. The crime rate on the island is quite low.  In fact there are times that it is virtually non-existent. Having said that, I still encourage everyone to keep their valuables in a safe place.  I personally know many tourists that return on a regular basis to the paradise that they once discovered. So, why are you waiting? What is perhaps the most beautiful natural island in the world and the friendliest people on face of the earth await your arrival.

Siquijor Gary

P.S. I have included in this section the Siquijor Tourism Traffic Reports for 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005 that I will attempt to keep updated. By looking at the reports you will see what countries the tourists are representing. And, Siquijor is not just for foreign tourists. You should also note that many tourists from other Philippine provinces have chosen Siquijor as their vacation spot.

This information is the personal opinion of the author.  MySiquijor.com assumes no responsibility and is not liable for any loss that might occur, whether directly or indirectly, from reading this text.