The Enchanted Balete Tree in Siquijor

ENCHANTED BALETE TREE

Photo from: http://www.ustory-siquijor.com/en/UStory-Siquijor-Resort-Hotel-Bungalows-Activity.html

You’ve seen them in Filipino horror movies. Balete trees, also known as balite or baliti in some provinces, are popular in the Philippines and have been associated with the supernatural. Due to its gargantuan size and entirely bizarre looks, folks believe that it is home to mythical and scary creatures like kapre and engkanto.

Also called as the Old Enchanted Balete Tree, the tree found in Siquijor is believed to be 400 years old. The old balete tree is located in Barangay Campalanas in the town of Lazi and has become a tourist spot for curious tourists who are visiting Siquijor province. Aside from the Filipino folklores such as aswangs and witches that the province is known for, Siquijor became a favorite setting for Pinoy horror movies because of this old, scary looking balete tree. Read More: http://www.pinoytravelfreak.com/2012/10/siquijor-and-aurora-oldest-and-largest.html

Photo from: https://cebutrip.net/en-us/travel/view/siquijor-island

Legends say this Balete Tree in Lazi, Siquijor is just floating on top of the natural springs underneath. The locals have tried many times to measure the depth of the spring through a hole under the tree but it was just too deep. Some attest that they have seen serpents coming from inside the hole. But whatever the circumstances, it is still a great place to unwind, relax and dip your feet in the water while fish feed on the dead skin of your soles. Read More: https://www.vigattintourism.com/tourism/articles/Balete-Tree-in-Lazi-Siquijor

Photo from: http://siquijor.islandnavi.com/?p=54

Shrouded by the lush roadside greenery in Barangay Campalanas in the town of Lazi is a humongous 400-year old Balete tree, one of the oldest in the country. Long vines hang like hair from the tree’s outstretched branches and the roots cling thickly around its massive trunk. I was reminded of the stories of my childhood, about the hairy kapre (dark smoking giants), the white lady and the vindictive duwende (elves) who according to the elderly dwell in ancient trees. According to Kuya Edgar, some locals claim to have seen apparitions within the area at night. Read More: http://togiexplorer.com/2014/09/20/779/

Photo from: https://rubberboa.wordpress.com/2016/03/07/the-balete-tree/

Photo from: http://www.pinoytravelfreak.com/2012/10/siquijor-and-aurora-oldest-and-largest.html

Photo from: https://www.choosephilippines.com/go/heritage-sites/1544/siquijor-balete-tree

Photos below from:

https://www.lakadpilipinas.com/2012/06/siquijor-lazi-century-old-balete-tree.html