🟢 Last Verified: August 2026 • Reviewed by the SiquiRide Team • Based on on-island visits and current local information
Old Balete Tree — Siquijor's 400-Year-Old Mystical Landmark
📍 Lazi, Siquijor · 🛵 ~40 min from Siquijor Port · 🌳 Historic landmark, fish spa
Heritage / Nature📍 Lazi, Siquijor🛵 ~40 min from Siquijor Port
The Old Balete Tree — Lazi, Siquijor. One of the oldest trees in Asia.
The Old Balete Tree in Lazi is one of Siquijor's most unique and visited landmarks — a massive 400-year-old tree with a natural freshwater pool at its base where small fish nibble at your feet. It's a must-stop on any island loop route.
⚡ 30-Second Answer
Is the Old Balete Tree worth visiting? Yes — especially as a quick, quirky stop on the Lazi heritage loop. The tree itself is free to view, and the fish spa (a small fee) is a relaxing, uniquely Siquijor 5-minute experience. Pair it with Cambugahay Falls and Lazi Church & Convent, all within a short scooter ride.
Best time: Early morning (before 9 AM) to beat the tour groups. Time needed: 30–45 minutes. Entrance: Free to view; fish spa ~₱50–₱100.
Entrance Fee
Small fee for the fish spa experience (approximately ₱50–₱100). The tree itself is free to view.
Fees are set by the local community and can change — verify on arrival.
How to Get There
From Siquijor Port, head east along the circumferential road toward Lazi. The Old Balete Tree is approximately 40 minutes by scooter. It's well-signposted from the main road.
What to Expect
- 🌳 One of the oldest and largest balete trees in Asia
- 🐟 Natural fish spa — sit with your feet in the pool and let the fish do the work
- 📸 Great photo opportunity — the tree's roots and canopy are dramatic
- 🧙 Local folklore — balete trees are considered mystical in Filipino culture
Why It Matters
Balete trees hold deep significance in Filipino folklore — they're often associated with spirits and the mystical, a reputation that suits Siquijor's own legendary status as an island of folk healers and kulam. The Old Balete Tree's size alone is impressive: its aerial roots have grown into a cathedral-like structure that draws visitors from across the island.
It's also a genuine community site — run by local vendors and families who depend on the modest fish-spa fees. A visit supports them directly, and a small donation for the experience is both expected and appreciated.
Best Time to Visit
- Best time of day: Early morning (before 9 AM) — fewer tour groups, cooler and more atmospheric.
- Best season: Dry season (November–May) for easy riding; wet season is still fine as a short stop.
- Time needed: 30–45 minutes including the fish spa.
🛵 SiquiRide Field Notes — Old Balete Tree
FI-0001 — It's a Quick Stop, Not a Destination: The Balete Tree is a 30–45 minute stop at most. Don't build a whole day around it — treat it as the perfect pit stop on the Lazi heritage loop (Cambugahay Falls + Lazi Church + Balete Tree).
FI-0002 — Go Early to Beat the Tour Groups: By mid-morning, tour vans pull up and the fish-spa pool gets busy. Arrive before 9 AM and you'll often have the place nearly to yourself.
FI-0003 — It's a Local, Cash-Based Site: The tree is maintained by local families and the fish spa is cash-only. Bring small bills (₱50–₱100) and support them — it's a genuine community livelihood.
FI-0004 — Combine It With the Lazi Cluster: The tree is minutes from Cambugahay Falls and Lazi Church & Convent. Do all three before noon and your Lazi morning is complete, leaving the afternoon free for the east side.
FI-0005 — Folklore Adds to the Experience: Balete trees are considered mystical in Filipino culture, and Siquijor leans into its folk-healing reputation. If you're interested, ask a local vendor about the stories — it adds real depth to the visit.
Nearby Attractions
- 💧 Cambugahay Falls — the island's most famous waterfall, minutes away
- 🏛️ Lazi Church & Convent — a National Cultural Treasure with the huge Lazi Convent
- 🏖 Salagdoong Beach — cliff diving on the east side
- 🗺️ Explore Siquijor — all the island's attractions in one hub
🛵 Getting there: Rent a scooter from SiquiRide — the Old Balete Tree is a natural stop on the island loop.
🗺️ Planning your trip? See our full Island Loop Guide for the complete route.
Ready to ride the Lazi heritage loop?
A scooter is the easiest way to reach the Old Balete Tree and combine it with Cambugahay Falls and Lazi Church in one morning. SiquiRide delivers island-wide.
Book a Scooter →SiquiRide Editorial System™ v5.0