Where to Stay in Siquijor: Complete Accommodation Guide

Finding the right place to stay can make or break your Siquijor experience. The good news? There’s something for every budget and travel style on this enchanting island. From beachfront luxury resorts to cozy guesthouses and social hostels, Siquijor offers hundreds of accommodation options spread across its six municipalities.

Best Areas to Stay

San Juan — The Tourist Hub

Best for: First-time visitors, social travelers, easy access to everything

San Juan is where most tourists base themselves, and for good reason. The area offers:

• Easy access to Paliton Beach and Tubod Marine Sanctuary
• Most restaurants and cafes concentrated here
• Night scene (modest by city standards, but the liveliest on the island)
• Close proximity to many attractions
• Best selection of accommodation options

Most accommodations are dotted along the main road, with many within walking distance of beaches. If you want convenience and don’t mind some company, San Juan is your spot.

Lazi — Cultural Heart

Best for: Cultural enthusiasts, waterfall lovers, those seeking quiet

Lazi offers a more local experience with:

• Proximity to Cambugahay Falls, Lagaan Falls, and Locong Falls
• Historic Lazi Church and Convent
• The Old Enchanted Balete Tree nearby
• Quieter, more authentic atmosphere
• Generally lower prices

If you’re focused on waterfalls and culture, basing yourself in Lazi saves travel time and immerses you in local life.

Maria Town — Authentic Living

Best for: Those seeking authentic Filipino-style living, off-the-beaten-path travelers

Maria offers a genuine local experience without tourist infrastructure. It’s less convenient for getting around but provides an unfiltered look at island life.

Larena Town — Budget Hub

Best for: Budget travelers, ferry convenience

As a major ferry terminal and commercial center, Larena offers:

• Easy arrival and departure
• Budget-friendly options
• Commercial conveniences
• Less scenic than other areas

Practical for short stays or late arrivals, but most travelers prefer moving to San Juan or Lazi.

Siquijor Town — Family-Friendly

Best for: Families, peaceful beach time

The capital town offers:

• Beautiful surrounding beaches
• Calm, family-friendly atmosphere
• Less crowded than San Juan
• Central location for exploring

Accommodation Types

Hostels (PHP 350-800/night)

Siquijor has embraced the backpacker crowd with several excellent hostels offering:

• Dorm beds or private rooms
• Social atmosphere
• Common areas for meeting travelers
• Basic amenities
• Often includes breakfast

Top Pick: Fable Hostel The most popular hostel on the island with excellent reviews. Great for solo travelers and those seeking a social scene.

Guesthouses (PHP 600-1,500/night)

Family-run establishments offering:

• More privacy than hostels
• Local hospitality
• Basic but comfortable rooms
• Often includes breakfast
• Authentic experience

Example: Payag n’ Kapitan A cozy guesthouse in Siquijor town with affordable rooms, free breakfast, WiFi, and an outdoor garden. Experience “pinobre living” (simple living) at its best.

Mid-Range Resorts (PHP 1,500-4,000/night)

Comfortable options with:

• Air conditioning
• Private bathrooms
• Swimming pools (some)
• On-site restaurants
• Beach access
• WiFi

Example: Villa Marmarine Beach Resort Japanese-owned resort with spacious rooms, beachfront location, and restaurant serving local and Japanese cuisine.

Luxury Resorts (PHP 4,000-10,000+/night)

Premium experiences offering:

• Beachfront locations
• Multiple restaurants
• Swimming pools
• Spa services
• Cultural activities
• Full amenities

Top Pick: Coco Grove Beach Resort The island’s most famous luxury option, located right in front of Tubod Marine Sanctuary. Features private beach, excellent restaurants, and organized activities. The sunset views while sipping a fruit shake on the white sandy beach are priceless.

Glamping (PHP 2,000-4,000/night)

For something different:

• Unique tent or cabin accommodations
• Beach or nature settings
• Blend of camping and comfort
• Instagram-worthy stays

Example: Aquamare Beach Camp Resort A 3-star glamping haven on the beachfront with a relaxing ambiance, swimming pool, restaurant, and private beach access.

Budget Breakdown

Booking Tips

When to Book

• Peak season (December-May): Book 2-4 weeks ahead
• Holy Week: Book at least 1 month ahead — the island fills completely
• Low season (June-November): Walk-ins often possible, but booking still recommended

Where to Book

• Booking.com — Best selection, reliable reviews
• Agoda — Good for Asian properties
• Airbnb — Unique properties and longer stays
• Direct booking — Sometimes cheaper, but less protection

What to Look For

• Location relative to attractions you want to visit
• Scooter rental availability
• Recent reviews mentioning current conditions
• Breakfast inclusion (saves morning hassle)
• Pool if it matters to you
• WiFi quality if you need to work

Power and Connectivity Notes

Siquijor has infrastructure challenges you should know about:

Power Outages

Daily power cuts were common in the past, especially during Holy Week. Conditions have improved, but outages still occur. Consider:

• Accommodations with generators
• Packing a good power bank
• Being flexible with your schedule

Internet

WiFi is available almost everywhere but quality varies wildly:

• Speeds are generally slow compared to city standards
• Video calls can be challenging
• Download content before arriving
• Cafes sometimes have better WiFi than hotels

Special Considerations

For Digital Nomads

If you need to work remotely:

• Look for accommodations specifically mentioning good WiFi
• Have a backup plan (mobile data, cafe hopping)
• Consider co-working friendly spaces
• Accept that this isn’t Bali or Lisbon for digital nomad infrastructure

For Solo Travelers

• Hostels offer the best social scene
• San Juan has the most traveler activity
• The island is very safe for solo travel
• Many accommodations cater to solo travelers

For Couples

• Beachfront bungalows offer romance
• Sunset-facing rooms are worth the premium
• Private pool villas available at luxury properties
• Quiet areas like Lazi offer more intimacy

For Families

• Look for properties with pools
• Siquijor Town tends to be more family-friendly
• Larger rooms and family suites available at resorts
• Safe, relaxed environment overall

Recommended Stays by Budget

Budget (Under PHP 1,000)

1. Fable Hostel — Social, great location, backpacker favorite
2. Payag n’ Kapitan — Authentic guesthouse experience
3. Various homestays — Found throughout the island

Mid-Range (PHP 1,500-3,500)

1. E&N Paradise Island Resort — Near Pitogo Cliff, good facilities
2. Villa Marmarine — Japanese hospitality, beachfront
3. Nakabalo Guesthouse — Hills above San Juan, infinity pool with views

Luxury (PHP 4,000+)

1. Coco Grove Beach Resort — Premier resort, best snorkeling beach
2. Aloha Seaside Resort — Convenient, well-equipped
3. Various boutique options — Check current listings

Location Strategy

With a scooter, anywhere works. Without one, consider:

If staying in San Juan:

• Walking distance to beaches and restaurants
• Tricycles available for farther attractions
• Most convenient without wheels

If staying in Lazi:

• Walking distance to waterfalls (sort of)
• Will need transport for beaches and other areas
• More authentic but less convenient

If staying elsewhere:

• Beautiful but isolated options exist
• Scooter becomes essentially mandatory
• Peace and quiet guaranteed

Final Advice

Siquijor accommodation is surprisingly good for a small island. Even budget options tend to be clean and friendly. The main differences between price points are usually:

• Air conditioning vs. fan
• Pool access
• Breakfast quality
• Beach proximity
• Overall polish and amenities

For most travelers, a mid-range option offers the best value: comfortable rooms, AC, and usually breakfast and pool access. Luxury splurges are worthwhile at places like Coco Grove if you want a premium experience.

Whatever you choose, remember: Siquijor is small and you’ll spend most of your time out exploring. Your accommodation is a base for adventures, not the adventure itself.

Book something comfortable, rent a scooter, and get out there!