Century Old Balete Tree, Lazi, Siquijor

the old balete tree provides shade the spring that comes out of its roots. it is purported to be 4 centuries old.

i would have missed the last tourist stop in Lazi if not for Manong Nonoy who pointed out a towering balete tree whose trunk is so huge that it would have taken a dozen people just to put their arms around it. Nonoy quipped that the tree is close to four hundred years old, i'm inclined to believe him. heck, Nonoy looks like he's a century old. just kidding.

at the foot of the tree is a natural spring where you can take a dip, and in some instances, locals wash their clothes here. they should discourage the practice too close to the source of the spring as it pollutes the otherwise pristine waters.

a fox keeping watch over the spring. well, not really a fox, but he does look like one :)

biking tourists

while we were there, a gang of bikers drove by - i'm guessing siquijor is a popular destination for bikers because of its circumferential highway dotted with nice views and stops

the spring is home to a local variety of piranhas. well, for lack of education i really don't know the name of the fish that gather around your foot and nibble at dead skin if you dangle your legs along the side of the pool. tip, if you want to "encourage" the local piranhas, throw a piece of bread or cracker in the water before putting your foot in the pool. better yet, wedge a cracker between your toes and they'll soon start nibbling on your foot as well.

foot spa?

don't giggle too much or laugh out too loud, the engkanto probably doesn't like loud mouthed tourists.