Solo Travel in Siquijor: The Complete Guide

Why Siquijor is Perfect for Solo Travel

Siquijor is one of the best islands in the Philippines for solo travelers—and that’s saying something in a country renowned for welcoming independent explorers.

What makes it work:

• Small enough to feel manageable (you can scooter around the whole island in 3 hours)
• Safe enough that women traveling alone report feeling comfortable
• Affordable enough to stretch your budget
• Social enough to meet people when you want
• Quiet enough to find solitude when you don’t
• Mystical enough to make the experience memorable

Whether you’re a seasoned solo traveler or taking your first independent trip, Siquijor offers the perfect balance of adventure and ease.

Safety for Solo Travelers

The Bottom Line

Siquijor is remarkably safe. Crime against tourists is virtually unheard of, and the island’s small size means you’re never truly isolated.

Crime: Extremely low. The biggest “threats” are:

• Petty theft (unattended belongings)
• Scooter accidents (the real danger)
• Overcharging (minor, not dangerous)

Natural Hazards:

• Sun exposure (bring sunscreen, reapply)
• Sea urchins (wear water shoes)
• Rough roads (scooter carefully)

For Solo Women

Female solo travelers consistently report feeling safe in Siquijor. Local culture is respectful, and harassment is uncommon. Standard precautions apply:

• Trust your instincts
• Avoid isolated areas after dark
• Stay aware of your surroundings
• Share your itinerary with someone
• Keep your phone charged

The biggest challenge women solo travelers report isn’t safety—it’s the amount of attention (curious, friendly, occasionally persistent) from locals wanting to chat.

Practical Safety Tips

Before You Go:

• Share your itinerary with someone at home
• Have travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage
• Download offline maps (Google Maps works well)
• Save emergency numbers in your phone

Daily Practices:

• Lock up valuables when swimming
• Wear a helmet on scooters (mandatory and sensible)
• Carry small bills to avoid change issues
• Stay hydrated—the heat is real
• Watch for dogs (mostly harmless but territorial)

Meeting People as a Solo Traveler

Where to Meet Other Travelers

San Juan (Best for Socializing): San Juan is the social hub. Stay here if meeting people is a priority.

• Beach bars at sunset: Natural gathering spots, especially around Paliton Beach
• Hostels with common areas: JJ’s Backpackers Village is popular
• Restaurants with communal seating: Dolce Amore pizza gets crowded
• Dive shops: Divers are almost always friendly
• Motorbike rental shops: Compare routes with fellow riders

Typical Solo Traveler Profile: Siquijor attracts more backpackers than package tourists. Expect to meet:

• Long-term Asia travelers
• Digital nomads testing island life
• Adventure seekers between Bohol and Cebu
• Spiritual seekers drawn to healing traditions
• Diving enthusiasts

Starting Conversations

Conversation starters that work:

• “How long have you been on the island?”
• “Have you done [attraction] yet? Worth it?”
• “Where are you headed next?”
• “Any restaurant recommendations?”
• “Want to split a tricycle to [destination]?”

The solo travel community is inherently open—everyone knows the value of making connections.

Meeting Locals

Filipinos are famously friendly. Locals will often initiate conversation:

• “Where are you from?”
• “How long are you staying?”
• “Do you like Siquijor?”

These aren’t tourist hustles—they’re genuine curiosity. Engage, and you’ll learn more about the island than any guidebook.

Accommodation for Solo Travelers

Best Areas

San Juan: The Social Option

• Highest concentration of hostels
• Restaurants and bars walking distance
• Best for meeting people
• More expensive than other areas

Siquijor Town: The Practical Option

• Close to ferry port
• Budget guesthouses
• Local atmosphere
• Less social, more authentic

Elsewhere: The Solitude Option

• Lazi, Maria, Larena offer quiet stays
• Fewer services, more peace
• Good if you have transport sorted
• Isolation can feel lonely for some

Accommodation Types

Hostels (₱350-600/night):

• Dorms available
• Common areas for meeting people
• Typically include WiFi and breakfast
• Popular: JJ’s Backpackers Village

Budget Guesthouses (₱500-1,000/night):

• Private room, usually with fan
• Cold water showers
• Basic but clean
• Good for privacy on a budget

Mid-Range (₱1,500-3,000/night):

• Air conditioning, hot water
• Often includes breakfast
• Pool at some properties
• Good balance of comfort and cost

Booking Tips for Solo Travelers

• Check single rates: Many places charge per room, not per person—good for solo travelers
• Ask about solo discounts: Hostels sometimes offer deals
• Choose locations near food: Especially if you don’t have transport
• Prioritize common areas: If you want to meet people
• Read recent reviews: Situations change quickly in small places

Budget Planning

Daily Budget Breakdown

Backpacker (₱1,000-1,500/day | $18-27):

• Hostel dorm: ₱400
• Local food (3 meals): ₱300
• Scooter rental: ₱350
• Activities/entrance fees: ₱200
• Miscellaneous: ₱200

Comfortable (₱2,000-3,500/day | $36-63):

• Private room: ₱1,000
• Mix of local and tourist restaurants: ₱600
• Scooter rental: ₱350
• Activities: ₱400
• Miscellaneous: ₱500

Treat Yourself (₱4,000+/day | $72+):

• Nice resort: ₱2,500+
• Restaurant meals: ₱800+
• Activities and tours: ₱700+
• Comfortable margins

Money Tips for Solo Travelers

ATMs:

• Limited on the island (mainly Siquijor Town and Larena ports)
• None in San Juan—bring enough cash from Dumaguete
• Fees apply for international cards
• Sometimes run out of cash on weekends

Cash Management:

• Arrive with sufficient pesos
• Small bills essential (₱20, ₱50, ₱100)
• Vendors rarely have change for ₱500+
• Budget extra 15-20% for unexpected costs

Saving Money:

• Cook at accommodations with kitchens
• Eat at carinderias (local eateries)
• Join group tours to split costs
• Rent scooter by the week for discounts
• Free activities: beaches, viewpoints, exploration

Getting Around as a Solo Traveler

Scooter Rental (Recommended)

A scooter gives you complete freedom and is the best way to explore solo.

Practicalities:

• Cost: ₱300-400/day, ₱2,000-2,500/week
• License: International Driving Permit recommended (rarely checked)
• Helmet: Always included, always wear it
• Fuel: ₱50-100 per fill-up; stations in each town

Solo Scooter Tips:

• Check brakes before leaving the shop
• Start with the main coastal road to get comfortable
• Mountain roads require experience
• Carry a basic first aid kit
• Let your accommodation know your route

If You Can’t Ride:

• Tricycles for local trips (₱50-150)
• Day rate for tricycle with driver (₱1,500-2,000)
• Join group tours
• Hitchhike (common and safe on small island)

Suggested Itinerary for Solo Travelers

3 Days Solo Siquijor

Day 1: Arrival + San Juan Orientation

Morning/Afternoon:

• Arrive from Dumaguete ferry
• Transfer to San Juan accommodation
• Rent scooter, get oriented
• Explore Paliton Beach

Evening:

• Sunset at Paliton Beach (meet other travelers)
• Dinner at San Juan restaurant
• Early night to recover from travel

Day 2: Island Exploration

Morning:

• Early visit to Cambugahay Falls (before crowds)
• Old Balete Tree and fish spa

Afternoon:

• Lazi Church and Convent
• Pitogo Cliff for swimming and views
• Tubod Marine Sanctuary snorkeling

Evening:

• Sunset drinks
• Dinner with new friends (or solo journal time)

Day 3: Eastern Adventure

Full Day:

• Long scooter ride to Salagdoong Beach (eastern coast)
• Cliff jumping and beach time
• Scenic return via northern coastal road

Evening:

• Final sunset
• Dinner at local carineria for authentic food
• Pack and prepare for departure

Extending Your Stay

Day 4: Apo Island Trip Join a group tour to Apo Island for world-class snorkeling. Great way to meet people.

Day 5: Mountain and Healer Experience

• Mt. Bandilaan for hiking and viewpoints
• Arrange visit to traditional healer (ask at accommodation)

Day 6: Nothing Day

• Sleep in
• Read on the beach
• Catch up on journaling
• Enjoy having no plans

Digital Nomad Considerations

Working from Siquijor

Many solo travelers are digital nomads testing island life. Here’s the reality:

WiFi:

• Inconsistent across the island
• Better at cafes/resorts than budget accommodation
• Speed varies from usable to frustrating
• Video calls possible at good spots, unreliable at others

Best Work Spots:

• Cafes in San Juan with dedicated work areas
• Higher-end resorts with consistent WiFi
• Consider mobile data backup (Globe, Smart networks)

Electricity:

• Generally stable, but outages happen
• Power strips useful for charging multiple devices
• Consider a power bank for scooter trips

Verdict: Siquijor works for light remote work—emails, writing, non-urgent tasks. For reliable video calls or heavy data work, it’s challenging. Best approached as a “work-light” destination.

Challenges and How to Handle Them

Loneliness

When It Hits:

• Rainy days stuck inside
• Evenings when couples seem everywhere
• Day 2-3 before you’ve met people

Solutions:

• Stay in social hostels
• Commit to one meal/drink at communal spots daily
• Join group activities (tours, diving courses)
• Call home when you need to
• Remember: feeling lonely is normal and temporary

Decision Fatigue

Solo travel means making every decision yourself.

Solutions:

• Pick accommodations near food (one less daily decision)
• Have a loose plan (not too rigid, not too open)
• Some days, just follow what others are doing
• Accept that “wrong” choices are still experiences

Being the Solo Diner

The Reality: Nobody cares that you’re eating alone—except you.

Tips:

• Bring a book or journal
• Sit at the bar if available
• Embrace phone breaks (Instagram that sunset)
• Choose busy restaurants—solo feels less weird
• Carinderias are so casual that solo eating is normal

Safety Considerations for Activities

Swimming Solo

• Stay within your ability
• Tell someone where you’re going
• Swim at populated beaches when possible
• Be extra careful at cliff jumping spots
• Avoid post-rain currents at waterfalls

Scooter Solo

• Tell your accommodation your route
• Carry phone with charged battery
• Have basic repair knowledge (or motorcycle shop number)
• Be extra cautious on unfamiliar roads
• Don’t ride at night (roads unlit, hazards invisible)

Hiking Solo

• Stick to established trails
• Mt. Bandilaan is safe solo in daylight
• Tell someone your plans
• Bring water and sun protection
• Start early, finish early

Making the Most of Solo Travel

The Mindset

Solo travel is different, not lesser. Unique benefits:

• Total freedom: Go where you want, when you want
• Deeper connections: Approachability invites conversations
• Self-discovery: Time with your own thoughts
• Flexibility: Change plans without negotiation
• Presence: No one to talk to = notice more

Practical Tips

• Journal: You’ll forget details otherwise
• Take photos of yourself: Ask strangers, use timers
• Treat yourself: Solo travel budgets tend to be tight—occasionally splurge
• Say yes: To invitations, to suggestions, to detours
• Know when to say no: Alone doesn’t mean obligated

Resources for Solo Travelers

Useful Apps

• Google Maps: Download offline maps of Siquijor
• Grab: Works in Dumaguete, limited on island
• Maps.me: Backup offline navigation
• WhatsApp: Communication with accommodations
• XE Currency: Exchange rate checks

Emergency Contacts

• Police: 117 (nationwide)
• Siquijor Provincial Hospital: (035) 480-9044
• Tourist Police: Check at port for current numbers

Online Communities

• Reddit: r/philippines, r/solotravel
• Facebook: “Siquijor Visitors and Travelers” groups
• Hostel common rooms (the original social network)

Final Thoughts

Siquijor and solo travel are a natural match. The island’s small size means you’re never truly lost. The safety means you can relax. The backpacker community means company is available when you want it. And the mystical atmosphere means there’s plenty to think about during quiet moments.

Whether you’re here for three days or three weeks, Siquijor will meet you where you are. The island has a way of giving solo travelers exactly what they need—adventure when they seek it, peace when they crave it, and connection when they’re open to it.

Trust the island. Trust yourself. And don’t forget to watch the sunset.

For more planning, see our Budget Travel Guide and Getting Around Siquijor.