Where to Stay in Siquijor: Complete Accommodation Guide

Choosing Where to Stay

Siquijor is small enough that you can base yourself anywhere and still reach all attractions. Your choice comes down to vibe, budget, and what you want outside your door.

The Main Question: Beach access or convenience?

Most visitors choose San Juan (beach + restaurants + nightlife) or Siquijor Town (port access + services). But there are compelling reasons to stay elsewhere.

Area Guide

San Juan (Most Popular)

Best For: Beach lovers, first-timers, social travelers

The Vibe: Tourist hub with the most restaurants, beach bars, and fellow travelers. Western coast = best sunsets.

Pros:

• Best beaches on the island
• Most restaurant options
• Easy to meet other travelers
• Good mix of accommodation types
• Sunset views

Cons:

• Most “touristy” area
• Higher prices
• Can feel crowded (by Siquijor standards)
• 30+ minutes from eastern attractions

Distance to Key Sites:

Siquijor Town (Capital)

Best For: Ferry convenience, local experience, budget travelers

The Vibe: Working town with government offices, markets, and local life. Less touristic, more authentic.

Pros:

• Walk off ferry to bed
• Cheapest accommodation options
• Local market and restaurants
• ATMs available
• Central location

Cons:

• No real beach
• Fewer restaurant options
• Less social scene
• Functional rather than beautiful

Distance to Key Sites:

Lazi (Southeast)

Best For: History buffs, Cambugahay proximity, quiet seekers

The Vibe: Small town built around the famous church and convent. Quiet, authentic, close to waterfalls.

Pros:

• Walking distance to Cambugahay Falls
• Historic church next door
• Very quiet and local
• Budget-friendly options

Cons:

• Limited dining options
• Far from San Juan beaches
• Very quiet (too quiet for some)
• Fewer accommodation choices

Maria (East Coast)

Best For: Adventure seekers, Salagdoong access, off-the-beaten-path

The Vibe: Rural municipality known for Salagdoong Beach and Cantabon Cave.

Pros:

• Salagdoong Beach nearby
• Cantabon Cave access
• Truly remote feeling
• Uncrowded beaches

Cons:

• Very limited services
• Far from western attractions
• Fewer accommodations
• Need transport for everything

Larena (North)

Best For: Alternative ferry arrival, quiet alternative

The Vibe: Second port town, quieter than Siquijor Town.

Pros:

• Some ferry routes arrive here
• Quiet and local
• Budget options available

Cons:

• Limited attractions nearby
• Far from main sites
• Less developed tourism

Accommodation by Budget

Budget (₱400-1,000/night)

Perfect for backpackers, solo travelers, or those who just need a clean bed.

What to Expect:

• Fan or basic AC
• Cold water showers
• Simple rooms
• Usually no breakfast
• Shared or private bath

Typical Options:

• Hostels with dorms
• Basic guesthouses
• Homestays
• Simple beachside huts

Areas:

• Siquijor Town (most options)
• San Juan (fewer budget spots)
• Lazi (homestays)

Mid-Range (₱1,500-3,500/night)

Best balance of comfort and value. Where most travelers land.

What to Expect:

• Air conditioning
• Hot water
• Private bathroom
• Often includes breakfast
• Pool at some properties
• WiFi (variable quality)

Typical Options:

• Small resorts
• Beachfront guesthouses
• Boutique properties
• Family-run establishments

Areas:

• San Juan (best selection)
• Siquijor Town
• Scattered around island

Luxury (₱4,000-10,000+/night)

For those seeking comfort, service, and amenities.

What to Expect:

• Beachfront location
• Pool and gardens
• Restaurant on-site
• Tour desk services
• Diving/activities
• Quality furnishings

Typical Options:

• Full-service resorts
• Boutique hotels
• Private villas

Areas:

• San Juan (most options)
• Scattered beachfront properties

Booking Tips

When to Book

Book Early (2-3 months):

• Holy Week (Aninag Festival)
• Christmas/New Year
• Long weekends
• Peak season (Feb-May)

Book Ahead (2-4 weeks):

• Regular dry season
• Weekends year-round

Walk-In OK:

• Rainy season
• Weekdays off-peak
• Low season (Jun-Nov)

Where to Book

Direct Booking:

• Often cheapest
• Facebook pages common
• Email or WhatsApp
• Phone calls work

Booking Platforms:

• Booking.com (most options)
• Agoda (good for Asia)
• Airbnb (growing selection)
• Hostelworld (budget)

Tips:

• Check both platform AND direct prices
• Read recent reviews carefully
• Confirm by messaging property
• Pay attention to cancellation policies

What to Look For

Check:

• Recent reviews (last 3 months)
• WiFi reliability (if important to you)
• Breakfast inclusion
• Distance to attractions/beach
• Transport assistance

Ask About:

• Scooter rental availability
• Airport/port pickup
• Actual walking distance to beach
• Generator backup (power outages happen)

Practical Considerations

WiFi Reality

Even at expensive resorts, WiFi can be unreliable. If you need stable internet:

• Ask specifically about connection quality
• Have mobile data backup
• Lower expectations
• Consider this island time

Power Outages

Occasional blackouts happen, especially during storms. Higher-end resorts have generators. Budget places may not.

Hot Water

Not guaranteed at budget places. Ask if it matters to you. Honestly, cold showers feel fine in tropical heat.

Air Conditioning

Essential for some, unnecessary for others. Ceiling fans are common in budget options. AC uses more power = sometimes extra charge.

Breakfast

Often included at mid-range and up. Budget places rarely include it. Filipino breakfast is filling—expect rice, eggs, meat.

Sample Properties by Category

Budget Picks

Siquijor Town Area:

• Basic guesthouses near port
• Fan rooms, cold water
• ₱400-800/night

San Juan Area:

• Hostel dorms available
• Simple beachside cottages
• ₱500-1,000/night

Mid-Range Favorites

San Juan Beach Properties:

• Islander’s Paradise Beach Resort
• Charisma Beach Resort
• JJ’s Backpackers Village
• ₱1,500-3,500/night

Siquijor Town:

• Villa Marmarine
• Various mid-range guesthouses
• ₱1,500-2,500/night

Luxury Options

San Juan:

• Coco Grove Beach Resort (most established)
• Various boutique properties
• ₱4,000-10,000+/night

Unique Stays

Treehouse/Eco-Lodges

A few properties offer unique eco-friendly or treehouse-style accommodation. Search “eco” or “treehouse” on booking platforms.

Homestays

For cultural immersion, ask about homestay options through tourism offices or local contacts. Basic but authentic.

Long-Term Rentals

Staying a month or more? Look for:

• Monthly rates at resorts
• House rentals (Facebook groups)
• Apartment-style options

Questions to Ask Before Booking

1. How far is the beach? (Walking distance varies widely)
2. Is breakfast included? (Significant value add)
3. Can you arrange scooter rental? (Convenience factor)
4. What’s the WiFi like? (Set expectations)
5. Is there a generator? (Power backup)
6. Can you arrange port pickup? (Saves time on arrival)
7. Are there restaurants nearby? (If no on-site dining)

Making the Decision

Stay in San Juan if:

• You want beach access
• Restaurants and bars matter
• Meeting other travelers is a plus
• First time visiting
• Sunset views are important

Stay in Siquijor Town if:

• You’re arriving/departing early morning
• Budget is tight
• You want local atmosphere
• Central location matters
• You have transport arranged

Stay Elsewhere if:

• You want isolation
• Specific attractions are priority
• You’ve been before
• You’re seeking authenticity over convenience

Final Thoughts

Siquijor accommodation isn’t luxurious by international standards, but it’s charming, reasonably priced, and comes with genuine hospitality. Even “budget” options usually offer cleanliness and friendliness.

The island is small enough that where you sleep matters less than you might think. You’ll spend most of your time exploring anyway. Choose based on vibe and budget, not geography.

What you sacrifice in five-star amenities, you gain in five-star sunsets, five-star waterfalls, and five-star memories.

Planning your journey? Read How to Get to Siquijor and Getting Around the Island.