In the heart of Siquijor, in the Philippines, sits a park known as Bandila-An. This protected area is home to hundreds of different plants and animals.
The Philippines is home to many national parks and Bandila-An may be a small example, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in natural beauty. The park’s highest peak stands at an impressive 557 feet above sea level and surrounding it is attractions like natural springs and a butterfly sanctuary.
A shrine dedicated to Our Lady of the Lourdes and another to the Way of the Cross are among a few manmade extras that are dotted throughout the park. There is an observatory deck at the summit of the mountain that hosts panoramic views of the island.
The road that leads to the mountain is bumpy and winding and once you get to the foot of the peak, the steps are often slippery. The park has an eerie feel to it and the silence is deafening, with the only sounds coming from the odd animal or insect and the rushing of the wind through the trees.
Getting There & Away
Siquijor is only a 45-minute boat ride from Dumeguete and there are regular flights to and from Manila from there. The flights take 1 hour and Manila is where the nearest international airport can be found. Cebu is only a 3-hour ferry ride from Siquijor and once on the island, the park is located close to Siquijor Town and Cantabon Cave.