the balete tree: a 400 year old tree said to be home to supernatural spirits
The Philippines are a nation which consists of over 7,000 islands, each of which has a unique and substantial history, and each of which has bookshelves of stories to tell. The mystical island of Siquijor, home to the Old Enchanted Balete Tree, is no exception.
In fact, it is an island with one of the most distinctive reputations amongst the others: a reputation of mysticism, healing, and magic.
For more on Siquijor, click here.
Rooted deep within its spellbinding soil is the Old Enchanted Balete Tree, a tree which has stood for over 400 years.
It has witnessed life before, during and after the island's colonisation from Spanish invaders, and the stories people tell about what resides inside its intertwining trunks precede it.
Balete trees grow across the Philippines, and stories of supernatural spirits living within its shade are equally widespread.
I saw a recreation of a Balete inside the National Museum of Anthropology in Manila, and learned a little about their invisible inhabitants.
- tik-tik, a bird-like human creature
- manananggal, a vampire-like creature that feeds on blood and unborn babies
- tikbalang, horse-like demons
- the white lady, a faceless ghost of a woman, usually dressed in all white
- dwende, elf-like spirits
Collectively, these dark creatures are known as the aswang, or shape-shifters.
When I visited the tree earlier this year, I was greeted firstly by stands outside selling tourist souvenirs such as voodoo dolls and love potions (very on brand for an island with a reputation like Siquijor's).
There were food stalls and walkways that made for perfect photo opportunities with the Balete. There was even a pond in front of the tree, with fishes that nibbled at the dead skin on the feet of any tourist brave enough to dip theirs in (I skipped out on that part).
It has definitely been transformed into a destination catered towards tourists on the island, but regardless remains a fascinating sight to see on Siquijor.
