Legend tells of a “King Kihod” as the source of the island’s name. Old residents also called the island “Katugasan” from the Molave (“tugas”) trees that cover the hill.
Discovered by Esteban Rodriguez and Juan Aguirre of the Legaspi Expedition in 1565, it was known to the Spanish conquistadors as Isla de Fuego or the “Island of Fire” for Siquijor was literally lit by fireflies at night swarming the branches of its molave trees.
Since the olden times people believe the island to be mysterious because of the presence of folk healers and their practices of spiritualism and up to these days people still come to witness the preparation of the brews and really try the medicinal powers of the herbs, from health problems to the potions for love and favor.
