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Where to Stay in Siquijor

Where to Stay in Siquijor

Siquijor The Visayas, Philippines Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Common Accommodation Types

  • Hostels

    Mainly dormitory beds, popular for backpackers. Social atmosphere, common areas. Found in San Juan, basic amenities at low cost.

  • Budget Guesthouses & Homestays

    Simple, locally run. Fan or basic AC rooms, private or shared bathrooms. Spread across the island.

  • Mid-range Resorts

    Private AC rooms, private bathrooms. Amenities like pools, on-site restaurants, beach access. Many in San Juan.

  • Boutique Resorts & Luxury Villas

    High comfort, upscale design, personalized service. Private pools, fine dining, secluded locations.

Specialty Stays

  • Unique Local Stays

    Some guesthouses staying with a local family feel. Properties like Mandala Tribe Treehouses offer an unique architectural style.

  • Vacation Rentals

    Growing but limited, through platforms like Vrbo. Self-catering, more space, longer stays. Near tourist areas.

  • Homestays & Community Tourism

    Informal homestay opportunities for direct immersion into local family life. Community-based initiatives involve residents.

  • Camping

    Official campsites limited. Some resorts allow tent pitching for a fee. Wild camping not advised without permission.

Neighborhood Guide

Siquijor’s accommodations and tourist amenities mainly concentrate along its western coast, notably within the municipality of San Juan.

San Juan

Advantages
  • Most well-known tourist hub, relaxed yet active.
  • Stunning sunset views, wide dining options.
  • Good transportation links, very safe.
  • Easy access to Paliton Beach, Tubod Marine Sanctuary.
Things to Note
  • Higher crowds and prices during peak season.
  • Some bars have live music into the evening.

Siquijor Municipality Capital

Advantages
  • Administrative and commercial center.
  • Main ferry port, banks, hospitals.
  • Experience daily local life.
  • Siquijor Provincial Museum nearby.
Things to Note
  • Fewer tourist accommodations/restaurants directly in town.
  • Busier around port/market during day.
  • More a transit point.

Larena

Advantages
  • Significant port town, accommodates larger ferries.
  • Some local dining, basic services.
  • More local atmosphere, fewer tourist crowds.
Things to Note
  • Functions more as a transit point.
  • Limited accommodation choices.
  • Can be busy around port during ferry arrivals.

Other Municipalities

Character

These municipalities are more rural and significantly quieter. Lodgings are sparse, often near specific attractions (e.g., Salagdoong Beach in Maria or Cambugahay Falls in Lazi).

Things to Note

Limited dining and transportation options. Plan meals carefully. These locations are very safe and serene, with the noises of nature often since it's the only disturbance.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking strategies help travelers secure preferred accommodation, especially during peak travel times in Siquijor.

Considerations

  • High Season (Dec-May): Booking popular resorts and guesthouses several weeks to months in advance. Demand is high, prices peak.
  • The Quieter season (Jun-Nov): Booking a few days to a week ahead is generally sufficient. Greater availability, potentially better deals.
  • Negotiation: For very small, independently run guesthouses, especially during low season or for extended stays, polite negotiation might be possible.
  • Deposits/Cancellations: These vary significantly by property and booking platform. Always check specific requirements before confirming.

Booking Platforms

  • International Platforms: Booking.com and Agoda are widely used for hostels to mid-range resorts. Airbnb is growing for private rentals.
  • Local Systems: Smaller, locally run guesthouses may not list online. Direct booking via phone, email, or social media for local experiences.
  • Price Fluctuations: Accommodation prices are significantly higher in the peak season and major holidays (20-50% or more).
  • Unique Stays: For different long-term experiences, explore TrustedHousesitters for house/pet sitting exchanges.

Seasonal Price Fluctuations

High Season (Dec-May)
  • Expect significantly higher prices (20-50%+).
  • Popular properties sell out quickly.
  • Especially true for major holidays.
Low/Shoulder Season (Jun-Nov)
  • More availability and potentially better deals.
  • Walk-in presence often possible for smaller places.
  • Online booking secures preferred room type.

Practical Tips

Early Booking

Secure preferred rooms, especially for popular properties during peak times.

Flexibility

Consider traveling during the shoulder season for fewer crowds and potentially better rates.

Communication

Reach out to local guesthouses directly for special encounters and possible discounts on long stays.

Accommodation Recommendations

Siquijor offers options for various budget levels and travel requirements. Here is a general guide to choose your stay.

Budget & Mid-Range Stays

Kwarto's Hostel Siquijor

Shared rooms and private rooms, social atmosphere. Popular with backpackers. Located in San Juan.

  • (Indicative Price: 500-1,000 PHP/night)
Tori's Paradise

Fan rooms, close to beach, often a lively backpacker spot. Simple and friendly. San Juan.

  • (Indicative Price: 700-1,200 PHP/night)

Premium & Unique Retreats

Coco Grove Beach Resort

Large, established a resort with more than one pool, private beach access, dive shop, diverse dining. San Juan.

  • (Indicative Price: 3,500-8,000 PHP/night)
Kawayan Holiday Resort

Upscale resort featuring an infinity pool, stunning sea views, fine dining, and a more secluded, private atmosphere. San Juan.

  • (Indicative Price: 6,000-15,000+ PHP/night)

Family-Friendly Options

  • Coco Grove Beach Resort

    Multiple swimming pools, spacious grounds, diverse dining, direct access to a private beach.

  • Sea Pearl Divers Resort

    Family rooms and a pool, a comfortable base for families, with added dive facilities.

  • Resort Amenities

    Properties with swimming pools and dedicated play areas cater well to families.

  • Flexible Dining

    Resorts with a range of eating options options and room service simplify meal times for families.

Solo Traveler Recommendations

  • Hostels (e.g., Kwarto's Hostel)

    Excellent choice for meeting others and enjoying a social atmosphere. Often located in or near San Juan.

  • Smaller Guesthouses

    Many offer private rooms at budget-friendly prices, providing a peaceful retreat with local interaction.

  • Motorcycle Rentals

    Freedom to explore independently. Easily accessible for personal island exploration.

  • Local Interactions

    Opportunities for cultural immersion by interacting with local people at markets or eateries.

Long-Stay & Unique Stays

Extended Stays

For extended stays, search vacation hires on platforms like Airbnb.

  • Inquire directly with guesthouses or smaller resorts for monthly rates.
  • A lot of them have significant discounts for long-term stays.
  • Affordable for those seeking a slower pace of travel or digital nomads.
Cultural Immersion

Few properties have traditional historical significance. Local guesthouses or homestays offer a valuable cultural experience.

  • Personal contact with local families.
  • Insights into daily life, traditions, and the island's spiritual heritage.
  • Authentic immersion over larger, generic resorts.

Special Cultural Stays

Homestay Experiences

Connect with local families for a genuine glimpse into island life and customs.

Mandala Tribe Treehouses

Stay in eco-friendly treehouse accommodations for a distinct, nature-integrated experience.

Coastal Retreats

Choose beachfront resorts for serene views and direct access to Siquijor's beautiful coastline.