Salagdoong Beach Resort was finally and officially reopened to the public on September 11, 2023.

After a long hiatus brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and the growing call in the community to bring back the island’s original splendor and significance particularly to Siquijodnons, the re-opening of Salagdoong Beach Resort has given relief and excitement to both tourists and locals.  

Known to be “a beach for the people,” the Salagdoong Beach has now been restored to its natural serene beauty, leaving both visitors and locals in awe of its relaxing vibe and tranquil atmosphere.  

Bucket list

For Jorge O. Balwit, a local from the municipality of Siquijor and an aspiring tour guide, the reopening is timely as more Filipinos are hoping to go on “revenge travel,” or making up for lost time during the pandemic. He believes it will surely be a part of the travelers’ bucket lists. For him, the reopening gives Siquijodnons the opportunity to earn and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.

“Best gyud siya (the re-opening), kay as a tour guide, daghan gyud nabighani sa atong public beach nga Salagdoong. Isa gyud ni sa tourist attractions sa atong province (It is really the best because as a tour guide, I can attest that many are drawn to our public beach. It is one of the province's  tourists attractions),” says Jorge.

He adds that he brought with him a number of tourists to the beach who were eager to experience its crystal-clear waters. He also hopes that safety measures and upkeep will be put in place at the resort. “I hope  lifeguards will be provided as beach goers are getting many,” he says.

A tourism gem

“I’m enjoying Salagdoong!! The BEST IN THE ISLAND!! Pristine clean water and beaches! Snorkeling, swimming and cliff jumping! A total package of fun!!,” writes Facebook user Jd Sabs in a comment on the local government official Facebook page. 

Salagdoong Beach Resort is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the island. It was formally reopened to the public on September 11, 2023.  The beach is officially under the Forest Landuse Agreement for Tourism (FLAgT) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). 

The soft opening was attended by Governor Jake Vincent S. Villa, who emphasized the need to prioritize and preserve the natural beauty of Salagdoong Beach Resort. He vows to work around improving the beautiful landscape. "Usa ni sya sa makapataas nato ug turista (This is one of our biggest crowd drawers.) This is our pearl, this is our gem," Villa says during the activity that was also attended by government officials and representatives from the different local and national government agencies.

Vice Governor Mei Ling Quezon  stresses the significance of working hand-in- hand with the Siquijodnons in boosting the tourism industry of the province without harming the environment.  

“Dili pwede nga ga develop ta at the expense of our environment. Dili pud pwede si government magpataka lang ug himo’g project nga wala’y konsultasyon ug suporta sa katawhan (We can’t just develop at the expense of our environment. The government can't just go ahead and make a project without consultation and support of the people.) It has to go hand-in-hand,” she says. 
 
Provincial Tourism Officer-In-Charge Atty. Dale Louis Tudtud, in his opening speech, also urges Siquijodnons to treat Salagdoong Beach Resort with the care, love, and respect it deserves for it mirrors the nature-loving trait of Siquijodnons.  "It is not just a sight to behold, it is a cultural icon to the locals. Please take care of the beach and treat it with love and respect, for this is a reflection of us, as Siquijodnons,” he says.

To enjoy the newly restored beach resort, admission fee is P50 per person for domestic and foreign tourists, 40 for senior citizens and students, and free of charge for children six years and below.

For the residents or Siquijodnons, admission fee is P30, P24 for senior citizens and students, and free of charge for children six years and below. (rac/NROcso/PIA7-Siquijor)