I ❤️ Siquijor 2024 - Enchanted Balete Tree - Wet Tour - Day 2 - 09/12/2024
Siquijor. The name itself conjures images of mystical rituals, ancient magic, and perhaps even a touch of the uncanny. It's a place where folklore whispers of enchanted trees, where spirits dance in the moonlight, and where the air crackles with an energy that's both alluring and unsettling. So, naturally, when I found myself in Siquijor in 2024, a pilgrimage to the famed Enchanted Balete Tree was a must.
Now, I'm not one for spooky encounters, but I'm a sucker for a good story. And let's be honest, the Balete Tree is a bit of a legend. It's a behemoth of a tree, over 400 years old, with roots that sprawl like gnarled, ancient fingers, reaching into the clear pool at its base. It's a sight to behold, and the locals claim it's imbued with supernatural powers.
The entrance fee was a mere 50 pesos, a small price to pay for a glimpse into the mystical. As I walked towards the tree, I half expected to feel a chill, a prickle of unease, a whisper of otherworldly presence. But all I felt was the oppressive heat of the Philippine sun and the overwhelming sense of… well, exhaustion. It was as if the tree itself was weary from the relentless onslaught of tourists, its ancient energy depleted by the constant stream of selfie-snapping visitors.
The area around the tree was, frankly, a bit of a tourist trap. Restaurants, souvenir shops, and even a canteen jostled for space, their offerings ranging from the mundane to the bizarre. But the real highlight, the pièce de résistance, was the fish pedicure. Yes, you read that right. Fish pedicure.
Imagine, if you will, a long, clear pool teeming with fish, their scales shimmering in the sunlight. These weren't your average goldfish, mind you. These were the kind of fish that would make a piranha blush. And they were hungry.
For a small fee (and a healthy dose of bravery), you could dangle your feet into the pool and let the fish feast on your dead skin. It was a bizarre experience, to say the least. At first, I screamed. The sensation of tiny teeth nibbling at my skin was both unsettling and strangely exhilarating. I felt like I was being attacked by a swarm of miniature piranhas. But as I got used to it, it actually became quite relaxing. It was like a thousand tiny needles, gently massaging my feet.
However, the experience wasn't without its downsides. Intrusive thoughts, like a swarm of mosquitoes, buzzed around my mind: "What if I fall in? Will the fish eat me? Is this even hygienic? Are they feeding these fish?" The last thought, in particular, was a bit of a downer. I couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for the poor fish, their lives seemingly dedicated to the whims of tourists.
Despite the ethical and hygienic concerns, I found myself strangely enthralled. It was a bizarre, almost surreal experience, a strange mix of relaxation and revulsion. It was like a carnival ride for your feet, a rollercoaster of sensations that left me feeling both exhilarated and exhausted.
So, would I recommend the Enchanted Balete Tree? Honestly, it's a mixed bag. If you're looking for a truly mystical experience, you might be disappointed. But if you're up for a bizarre, slightly unsettling, yet strangely relaxing adventure, then by all means, go for it. Just be sure to bring your sense of humor, a healthy dose of skepticism, and a pair of sturdy sandals.
#Siquijor #EnchantedBaleteTree #FishPedicure #TravelAdventure
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