Old Enchanted Balete Tree in Siquijor: What to Expect, Fees, Fish Spa Tips, and How to Visit
The Old Enchanted Balete Tree is a quick Siquijor stop with a simple payoff. You get a huge balete with dramatic roots, a spring-fed pool, and a fish spa where tiny fish nibble your feet. The place feels part nature spot and part roadside attraction. If you go in with the right expectations, it is fun, easy, and photo-friendly.
Facts at a glance
Facts table
| Detail | What to know |
|---|---|
| Location | Campalanas, Lazi, Siquijor |
| What it is | Old balete tree, spring-fed pool, fish spa foot dipping area |
| Time needed | 10 to 30 minutes for most visitors |
| Best time | Early morning for lighter crowds and cleaner photos |
| Typical cost | Small entrance fee or donation style payment, bring small bills |
| What to bring | Towel, slippers, water, small cash |
| Good for | Photos, quick stop on a day loop, families, first-time visitors |
| Not ideal for | People expecting a quiet forest spot or a spa-level experience |
Who this stop is perfect for
This stop works best for people doing an island loop and collecting highlights. It also fits families who want something simple that feels different from beaches. Travellers who hate crowds may feel annoyed during peak hours.
Where is the Old Enchanted Balete Tree?
Exact location in Lazi
You will find the site in the town of Lazi, in the area of Campalanas. It sits along the main road, so you do not need a long walk. That makes it easy to add between other stops on Siquijor.
How far and how to plan it
Most visitors treat this as a short stop, not a full activity. If your day feels packed, plan 10 to 15 minutes. If you want relaxed photos and a longer fish spa session, plan 25 to 30 minutes.
What is a balete tree, really?
Balete basics in simple words
In the Philippines, “balete” often refers to large fig-type trees that grow wide and dramatic. People connect them with old age, tangled roots, and strong local stories. Some fig trees can grow around other trees as they expand, which adds to the “mystery” look.
Why it looks so wild
The appeal comes from texture and shape. Thick roots, deep grooves, and a heavy trunk make the tree look ancient. You can get a strong photo even with basic lighting because the details show clearly.
Why it’s called “enchanted” (myths vs reality)
The folklore side, told with respect
Siquijor has a long reputation for folk healing and mystery. Balete trees often sit inside that story world. Locals and guides may mention creatures and spirits from Philippine folklore. You might hear names like dwende, tikbalang, and diwata, depending on who you talk to. People say the tree feels different at night or that it has a presence.
Myth vs Reality table
| What people expect | What you will actually experience |
|---|---|
| A spooky place with intense supernatural energy | A popular stop with visitors, stalls, and lots of photos |
| A hidden forest site | A roadside attraction you can reach fast |
| A deep cultural ritual experience | A tree, a spring pool, and a fish spa that feels playful |
Enjoy the folklore as part of Siquijor’s identity. Plan your visit like a normal tourist stop. That mindset prevents disappointment.
The fish spa experience
What happens when you dip your feet
Spring water flows through a pool built near the tree. Visitors sit on the edge and dip their feet in. Fish gather around and nibble lightly, which feels ticklish for many people. The first minute often feels strange. After that, most people relax and laugh about it.
Big fish vs small fish
Some fish feel gentle and quick, like light tapping. Others feel stronger, especially if they are bigger. If you want a softer experience, keep your feet near the edges where fewer fish crowd in. If you want the full sensation, sit where the fish gather most.
Hygiene and comfort tips (common problems and the right fixes)
Many people worry about cleanliness because it is shared water. That worry makes sense, so handle it with simple rules.
- Do not do the fish spa if you have cuts, open sores, or fresh scrapes.
- Rinse your feet before dipping them in; even a quick splash helps.
- Bring a small towel so you can dry your feet right away.
- If you feel uneasy, skip the fish spa and focus on photos.
These steps solve the most common concerns without turning it into a stressful decision.
Entrance fee, opening hours, and what to know before you go
Fees can vary, so bring small bills
Expect a small payment at the entrance. People report different amounts at different times, so do not argue over a few pesos. Carry small bills so the process stays smooth. Treat it as a simple upkeep fee and move on.
Best time to avoid crowds
Crowds create the biggest frustration here. The space is not huge, and people cluster around the same spots. If you want clean photos and less waiting, arrive early. Midday can feel busy, especially when groups arrive together.
Simple etiquette that keeps it pleasant
You can improve your own experience by following a few basics.
- Take your photos quickly, then step aside for the next person.
- Avoid blocking the edge where people sit for the fish spa.
- Keep voices calm, since the area feels cramped when loud.
Small actions make the stop feel friendlier for everyone.
How to get there
By tricycle
Tricycles work well if you plan several stops in one day. Drivers usually know the spot because it is common on island routes. Agree on your route and price before you start. That avoids awkward stops and time loss.
By motorbike
Many travellers explore Siquijor by scooter. This stop fits that style because it sits along the road. Park safely, watch for traffic, and keep your attention on the road when leaving. People often step out for photos without looking.
As part of a day loop
This stop shines as one piece of a bigger day. It is not a place you need to build your whole schedule around. Pair it with other Lazi area attractions so your time feels well used.
What you’ll see on-site beyond the tree
The spring pool setup
The pool area supports the fish spa experience. It is not a big swimming destination. Think of it as a shallow, spring-fed feature designed for sitting and foot dipping. That detail matters because some visitors expect a real swimming spot.
Stalls and small buys
You may see small stalls selling drinks and souvenirs. This gives the place a tourist stop vibe, not a remote nature vibe. If you want something simple, like a coconut drink after the fish spa, you will likely find it.
Photo tips that actually help
Best shots to get
You can leave with strong photos if you aim for variety. Try these three shots.
- Wide shot that shows the trunk, roots, and a person for scale.
- Close shot of roots and textures, which look great in daylight.
- Side angle shot that avoids the busiest area behind you.
These give you a mini set that looks better than one crowded frame.
Crowd-proof photo tricks
People often complain about waiting and background clutter. You can reduce that with simple moves.
- Arrive early and shoot first, before doing the fish spa.
- Step slightly off-center so you avoid the main line of people.
- Use quick burst shots, then pick the clean frame later.
This works even if you only have a phone camera.
Accessibility and safety notes
Mobility and access
The site does not feel like a modern park with smooth paths everywhere. Expect uneven ground and wet surfaces near the pool. If you travel with seniors or anyone who struggles with steps, move slowly and plan extra time.
Safety basics
Wet edges can get slippery. Keep kids close near the pool. Do not rush while stepping in and out, even if people are waiting behind you.
Nearby attractions to turn this into a stronger itinerary
The Lazi mini-route idea
If you want your day to feel complete, pair this stop with nearby cultural places in Lazi. Many visitors add a church and the old convent area to the same route. This gives you variety, nature, history, and photos in one day.
A simple best order of stops
A clean order that works for most travellers looks like this.
- Visit the balete tree early for photos and fish spa time.
- Go to the church and heritage stops in Lazi while the sun rises higher.
- Continue toward your next beach, waterfall, or viewpoint.
This order reduces crowd stress and keeps your day flowing.
Is it worth it?
Go if…
You want a quick stop with a strong photo and a unique, slightly weird fish spa moment. You also want something easy that breaks up a road loop.
Skip if…
You expect quiet nature, hate crowded photo spots, or dislike shared-water experiences. People who want deep hiking will not find it here.
How long to spend
If you want a quick check-in, 10 minutes works. If you want to enjoy it, 25 to 30 minutes feels right. That extra time helps you wait out small crowds and leave calm.
FAQs
Is it really hundreds of years old?
You will hear different age claims, often in the 400 to 500 year range. Treat that as a local estimate and part of the legend. The more important truth is the tree looks old, massive, and unique.
How much is the entrance fee?
Expect a small fee or donation-style payment. Amounts can change, so bring small bills and stay flexible.
What time should I visit?
Early morning gives you the best chance for clean photos and less waiting. Midday can feel crowded and noisy.
Is the fish spa safe and clean?
It is shared water, so use basic hygiene rules. Do not do it with cuts. Rinse before and after. If you feel unsure, skip it and enjoy the tree.
Can kids do the fish spa?
Most families treat it as kid-friendly, but supervise kids near the pool edge. Wet surfaces can be slippery.
Is it accessible for seniors or people with limited mobility?
It can be challenging because the ground may feel uneven and the pool edge can get wet. Go slowly and consider skipping the fish spa area if it feels risky.
I searched for “Old enchanted balete tree.” Is that the same place?
Yes, that search usually points to the same attraction. Most people mean the Old Enchanted Balete Tree in Siquijor.
Conclusion
This stop works when you keep expectations real. You will see a huge balete with striking roots, feel the cold spring water, and try a fish spa that many people remember for years. Go early, bring small cash and a towel, and treat it as a short highlight on a bigger Siquijor day loop.
