The Old Enchanted Balete Tree & Fish Spa (Lazi, Siquijor)

The Old Enchanted Balete Tree & Fish Spa (Lazi, Siquijor)

27 Aug 2026 10:13 - 28 Aug 2026 06:54
#3013
If you are planning a trip to Siquijor, the Old Enchanted Balete Tree is likely right at the top of your itinerary. It is one of the island's most iconic and "mysterious" landmarks. For a tiny entry fee, it offers a great, shady spot to take a break and cool off.
It has been about 3 months since Jessa and I visited, but it remains one of those classic island stops you have to experience at least once.

The Main Event: The Natural Fish Spa
While many tourists come just to photograph the massive, 400-year-old roots, the real highlight for us was the natural spring pool at its base, which doubles as a fish spa.
  • The Fish: Unlike commercial spas that only use tiny fish, this pool has a real mix. Fair warning: some of these fish are surprisingly large! If you aren't used to the "nibbling" sensation, having a large fish go for your toes can be a bit of a jump scare compared to the gentle tickle of the smaller ones.
  • The Vibe: It is a very relaxing spot to sit down, though the "employees" (the fish) can be a bit temperamental. Sometimes they are hungry and swarm your feet immediately, and other times they seem to be on a collective lunch break!
  • Pro-Tip: Be patient and keep your feet completely still. Eventually, they will wander over to find you.

The Tree Itself
The Balete tree is absolutely stunning and completely lives up to its "enchanted" reputation. Its massive canopy provides an incredible amount of shade, making the entire area feel several degrees cooler than the rest of the island. It is an excellent spot for photos and a great place to stretch your legs after riding around on a scooter.

Cost & Value
The entrance fee has seen a bit of a jump recently—it is now 50 PHP total, which includes the local barangay environmental fee. Despite the small price increase, it remains an incredibly affordable tourist stop. There is also a small market area right next to the tree where you can buy souvenirs and grab some decent, reasonably priced local food.

The Verdict
Even if you have plenty of trees in your own garden back home, the ancient, mystical atmosphere combined with the ticklish fish spa makes this worth a visit. Just be brave when the big fish swim your way!
Last edit: 28 Aug 2026 06:54 by Aksel.

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