Exactly Where To Stay In Siquijor Island [2023]

Travelling to Siquijor and wondering where to stay in Siquijor Island?

Known for its fine beaches, numerous waterfalls and scenic views, along with a spooky mystic twist, Siquijor is a stunning island!  

Cut off from mainland Cebu, it has retained a quiet, local feel that is far removed from the tourist areas of Cebu such as Mactan or Moalboal. Instead, you’re surrounded by friendly locals, farmers selling fresh-from-the-field vegetables and fruits, and empty well-maintained roads that await your discovery.

In olden times, it was believed that the natives of the island were “men of mystery and magic”, able to conjure and control spirits. Today, you’ll find folk healers whose practices include spiritualism, and they make special brews and herbal concoctions that are said to help with love and health problems. Visit at Holy Week (Easter) when Filipinos from all over the country come together to make special potions made from items gathered in the forests, from the sea, within caves and – yes – even from cemeteries.

Small enough to discover within a day or two, the island is filled with so many natural delights that you’ll want to stay at least a week! Empty beaches with epic sunrise or sunset views, cliff jumps, stunning waterfalls with tarzan swings, Mt Bandilaan forest mountain bike trails, and a stunning marine world at Tubod that’s perfect for scuba or snorkelling fanatics.

Many tourists miss out Siquijor when exploring Cebu but for those that make the effort, it quickly becomes one of their favourite islands in the archipelago! 

Read on to discover some cheap places to stay in Siquijor, along with some of the more beautiful places in Siquijor to check into.

And if you have any further questions, just comment below and we’ll help you out!

Where To Stay In Siquijor Island – The Best Areas

San Juan

Home to over 16,000 people, San Juan is perhaps the heart of the tourism action (what there is of it!) in Siquijor. However, don’t expect malls and traffic. Instead, you’ll find that with an average age of around 30 years old, the population of San Juan are young, enthusiastic and super happy to greet tourists.

Second in importance to the island’s capital town (Siquijor Town), San Juan rivals Maria for the best beaches on the island and, thanks to its location near to the Port, has become the centre of tourism. Saying that, Siquijor Island is a quiet destination so don’t let this put you off making San Juan your base. If you’re considering where to stay in Siquijor 2023 you’ll find San Juan is a more than perfect place!

And if you pass through at the end of August you’ll catch the famed Bugwas Festival, the feast of the town’s patron saint, St Augustine. Meaning a “gush of water from the ground”, bugwas is meant to symbolize a fruitful harvest for the farmers and a rich catch for the fishermen.

Originally known as Makalipay and ruled by a local chieftain, when the Spaniards came they named San Juan in honour of Saint John the Baptist, perhaps due to the spring – located at Capilay Spring Park – in the middle of the town.  

There are some great options of where to stay in San Juan, Siquijor detailed below.

Best Place To Stay In San Juan

Below are the best places to stay in San Juan.

White Villas Resort

Right on the beach of Solangon, in between the famous Tubod Marine Sanctuary and sunset spot Paliton Beach, White Villas Resort is a cosy place that has buckets of charm.

Rooms come with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and all have a private bathroom with shower. Some have terraces and pool views, and there’s free WiFi for all. You’ll find Family Villas that have 2 large double beds, free-standing Bungalows with 1 double bed that come with/without sea views, and more Standard and Bunk Bed rooms in the main complex.

A buffet breakfast is served at the restaurant right by the beach and you can enjoy a sundowner at the Sunset Beach Bar. Guests have the use of a small pool, which comes in handy as the ocean in front of the hotel isn’t ideal for swimming. Yet, you can make complimentary use of kayaks and paddle out to the nearby reef for great snorkelling and a swim.

Staff are on hand to discuss renting a motorbike or car for island exploration, and you’re only 15 minutes from Siquijor Town ferry terminal for ease of arrival/departure.

Click here for the latest prices.

Coco Grove Beach Resort

Possibly the most well known accommodation on the island, thanks to its prime position in front of Tubod Marine Sanctuary, Coco Grove Beach Resort is a glamorous Siquijor accommodation choice. Is this the Siquijor best place to stay? We’ll let you decide!

Built fronting 800 metres of white beach, the resort is spread out nicely with lots of space that creates a natural feel. 52 rooms and bungalows are hidden amongst tropical gardens and coconut groves. Designed with a native style, there are many options from cottages and villas for couples, families and small groups, to a double-storey penthouse with rooftop area and outdoor jacuzzi.  

The resort has a spa, a boutique store, and offers a laundry service and baby sitting service, both making this a great stay for families. There’s also an onsite dive shop that offers PADI and SSI courses, plus trips to Siquijor’s 23 dive sites. You can also join a dive trip to Apo Island, mentioned as one of the top 10 best dive sites in the world. (We’ve snorkelled at Apo and saw more turtles than you could count!)

There’s resort boats for island hopping, but you can simply walk out from the resort’s beach to snorkel at Tubod Marine Sanctuary that covers more than 7 hectares of protected coral reef.  

Plus the resort has 3 swimming pools (the largest with a swim-up pool bar), and 2 restaurants that offer Filipino, international and seafood specials. You can dine on the beach under the stars, move on to the games room, before retiring to the verandah of your room for a nightcap.  

A gorgeous spot, the hotel receives glowing reviews for their helpful staff and the air of calm that envelopes the resort.

Click here for the latest prices.

Kawayan Holiday Resort

A small resort with just 7 guest rooms, it’s built around an infinity pool with a pool-bar that faces out from a clifftop directly across the ocean. This is another beautiful Siquijor accommodation option!

Feeling more like a sprawling private villa than a resort or hotel, and with the owners aiming for a private family environment, Kawayan is ideal for couples looking for some peace and luxury. 

Guest rooms include the standalone Prestige Villas which are all ocean-fronted at the edge of the cliff, and are designed in a rustic tropical style. Whilst Deluxe Villas come with garden views surrounded by coconut palms. All come with a queen bed, TV with Netflix, minibar, and the Prestige has a large terrace with lounge, plus semi-open and semi-circular bathrooms.

Staff can assist with island tours and excursions, offer fun activities such as badminton, volleyball and billiards, and the resort has its own modern diving centre with direct access to a beautiful house reef. There’s a massage centre that faces the sea, and you can dine at any time thanks to their kitchen team that spoils you during your stay!  

A top pick of where to stay on Siquijor for couples.

Click here for the latest prices.

Siquijor Town

Siquijor Town is the capital of Siquijor Island, and slightly southwest. Home to a busy port, it’s often the gateway to/from Cebu, and is a hub for tourist ferries and fast crafts.

Close to 30,000 people live in the sprawling town, which celebrates its annual fiesta every 4th of October honouring St Francis of Assisi. Known as the Dilaab Festival or Fire Festival, it celebrates Siquijor as the Isla de Fuego – what the Spanish conquistadors back in 1780 named the island thanks to an abundance of fireflies.

You’ll find a local town that moves at a slow pace, with a couple of restaurants and, thankfully,  no large department stores or fast-food joints. Instead, check out the local pastries and native gifts on display. The centre of the small island’s economy, you’ll find farming produce, baked delights, weaved baskets and an immeasurable amount of bananas!  

There’s also a small airport here that should open after COVID, having undergone a major upgrade from accepting 10 passengers to handling 50-60.

Ensure to tick off a visit to St Francis de Assisi Bell Tower & Convent whilst in the town. Built in 1870 and mostly made of corals, we found it extremely photogenic and probably top of heritage places to see in Siquijor.

There are some great options of where to stay Siquijor Town detailed below.

Best Place To Stay In Siquijor Town

Below are the best places to stay in Siquijor Town.

Infinity Heights Resort

For those that adore mountain fresh air and splendid island views, Infinity Heights Resort could be your ideal Siquijor accommodation! In fact you’ll find it featured on many where to stay in Siquijor blogs, thanks to the dramatic photogenic vistas the resort has.

An award-winning boutique mountain resort home to only 15 villas, you’re assured of a personalised service here. With ocean views from your accommodation and a resort that offers a peaceful location, Infinity Heights is an added touch to your vacation.  

Approx 2km from the coast, you’ll find 11 individual villas with panoramic sea views, and four duplex type villas with either sea or mountain views. Executive Villas have a large balcony and a king bed plus 2 extra single beds at additional cost. Premium Villas also have a king bed but offer only 1 extra single bed, whilst Deluxe Seaview has two private balconies (one facing the sea, one the mountains) and a king bed. Wifi is available in all rooms, plus aircon, and there’s free cable TV too.  

Relax at the guitar-shaped infinity pool, enjoy a tipple from the Jungle Bar and wait on the dramatic sunset. Evening comes and most nights you’ll find acoustic music from the talented owner/singer Cristy, with dinner served alfresco in the gardens or around the pool that’s lit beautifully at night. Surely one of the top romantic dining venues in Siquijor!

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at Cristy’s Restaurant, with snacks available poolside throughout the day. Also, the resort offers massage services, island tours and can help arrange visits to the famous faith healers.

Click here for the latest prices.

Blue Wave Inn

2km from Siquijor port, Blue Wave Inn is another on-the-beach peaceful accommodation option.  

24 basic rooms are built across two floors, surrounding an outstanding infinity pool that is slightly raised from the adjacent beach, thus providing fabulous views poolside out across the beach and Bohol Sea – definitely the standout feature of this inn.

Ideal for families as rooms are simple and clean, this is often a cheap place to stay in Siquijor. Select from Standard Fan, Standard Air Conditioning, Deluxe Room or Double Bed Room with sea view that are all good for a maximum of 2 adults with 2 kids (and under 8 stay for free) – however, this is a bit of a squeeze! 

On the positive side, all bookings come with 2 complimentary breakfasts. There’s a simple restaurant and bar, both designed in keeping with the resorts ‘local’ style, and food is a mixture of local and international dishes.

You’ll enjoy free wifi in public areas (but it can be a little slow), and free offsite parking nearby, with motorcycle parking onsite. The property is smoke-free, offers daily housekeeping, a picnic area and pool access 7.30am-8.30pm.

A little remote, it costs around 250peso for a ride into San Juan or Siquijor Town, but the view from the pool makes it all worthwhile!

Click here for the latest prices.

RMB Guest House

This new cute guest house might be in Siquijor Town but it’s almost on the border of San Juan, thus Paliton Beach is only 5 minutes away.

Accommodation comes in the form of newly built one-storey connected rooms, each with a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries. There’s a small private seating area outside of each air-conditioned unit, and they have hot and cold showers, plus a tv with cable.

Rooms sleep a maximum of four people and come with one double bed, with extra beds chargeable. (Children up to 6 years old can stay for free when using the existing bed.)

There’s free wifi and free parking too at this small and quiet guest house. Not too many frills but everything is new, clean and modern, plus the location is ideal for exploring more of the island.

Click here for the latest prices.

Maria

Home to some of the island’s best beaches, including the well known Salagdoong Beach, we recommend this as one of the best places to go in Siquijor. With white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters – along with some great diving platforms – Maria is a sleepy slice of Philippine paradise.  

On an island famed for its natural, unkempt feel, the romantic town of Maria is where you can see gigantic trees and lush forest right down to the beaches. You’ll find Kagusuan Beach, our top tip for an early morning beach sunrise spot on Siquijor island, in lovely Maria.

24 Kilometres from the port and Siquijor Town, the north-eastern town of Maria feels remote.  Life is slow, more so than other towns, with early starts recommended to capture the stunning sunrises.   

Drop by May 20-21 to enjoy the Lubi Festival of Maria, a thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest and the blessings received from the tree-of-life, known as Lubi (coconut). Catch the dance contest that is one of the highlights of the year’s fiesta festivities!

There are some great options of where to stay Maria detailed below.

Best Place To Stay In Maria

Below are the best places to stay in Maria.

Suite Princess Beach Resort

A two-level building that resembles a private villa with a pool, Suite Princess Beach Resort is a top choice for Maria, Siquijor accommodation. Opening out onto a pretty strip of private beach, with canoes and other water sports offered, you’re in for a fun stay!

Ideal for couples or families, guests mingle at the spacious poolside decking, or over drinks and snacks at the communal lounge. Sky Bar and Restaurant caters for all your meals, serving a varied local and international menu, but you can also cook for yourself at the shared kitchen area.

The rooms are modern and bright, with lots of nice touches such as plants, snug chairs, cushions, colourful bedding and more. All are air-conditioned, have a minibar, a private seating area, and a patio with glass doors that let in a welcome ocean breeze.

With a slight air of exclusivity, this modern and beautiful Maria accommodation will enrich your Siquijor vacation. Lots of thought has been given to keeping guests entertained, with badminton equipment, a karaoke room, children’s dvds and board games – this could be our best place in Siquijor for families!

Click here for the latest prices.

Jelly Sea Resort

Just a 4-minute walk from Salagdoong Beach, Jelly Sea Resort is so near the ocean that you can literally spot turtles from your room!

Only a sea wall protects you from the ocean that wraps itself around the resort that is slightly protruding from the island. With the sea a startling azure colour and a gorgeous reef just a few strokes out, this is a fabulous choice of accommodation for anyone that wants to maximise their beach and snorkelling time.

Dine on little huts raised off the sand, again with ocean views, or hang in the provided hammocks. The location and views are everything here, yet the rooms are clean, spacious and modern in feel, adding another high point to your stay. Coming with air conditioning, a balcony and a private bathroom, you’ll find free toiletries and a desk. Bedding is usually one queen and 2 single beds.

You can get out on the ocean in clear kayaks, or, more uniquely, enjoy a relaxing hammock that’s positioned a few metres from shore in a bamboo constructed floating raft. 

Back on land again, enjoy a game of table tennis or chat with the 24-hour front desk staff to arrange bike rental or island tours. With a small fitness centre, a bar and gardens, Jelly Sea Resort definitely ticks all our boxes!

Click here for the latest prices.

Larena

Once the capital of Siquijor province, Larena is a coastal town at the northern part of the island that’s adjacent to Siquijor Town. Another port-town, you might find that you arrive here by ferry instead of into Siquijor Town.

During the American occupation of the country, Larena was known as Can-oan and led by Siquijor’s first American Governor. Today it’s named after the first Filipino Governor of the Province of Negros Oriental and Siquijor, Demetrio Larena.

You’ll find banks, commercial establishments and the Siquijor State College, all making Lorena a bustling town that leans ever so slightly towards being more modern than the rest of the island. 

The Cano-an Festival is celebrated every 1st of May. A fun and loud culinary festival, mountain farmers come to Larena to sell their fresh produce in the markets. Honouring the hard work of farmers and laborers, there’s lots of fresh veggies and fruits. This is followed by two days of more fiesta dedicated to honor St Vincent Ferrer, with beauty pageants, street dances and major artists performing in the town square – making this one of the largest fiestas on the island.

Don’t miss out on Tulapos Marine Sanctuary. Not as famous as Tubod in San Juan, this is one of the oldest in the province and covers 14 hectares of shoreline, beaches and magnificent mangrove forest. The sea can be a little rough but it’s worth the challenge with large schools of barracudas and jackfish often spotted just by snorkelling.  

Before you leave, check out the well established mangroves, with unusual birds and a mangrove tree house that’s great for spotting them!

There are some great options of where to stay in Larena, Siquijor detailed below.

Best Place To Stay In Larena

Below are the best places to stay in Larena.

Aquamare Beach Camp Resort

Sometimes where you stay is simply magical, more than just a bed and a view. Introducing Aquamare Beach Camp Resort (due to reopen once COVID dissipates).  

Facing the beautiful strip of Sandugan Beach in Larena, spend your nights sleeping in a tented dome (actually, ‘igloo’ is perhaps a more apt description!). In the morning, pull back your curtains to reveal stunning beach views. Clean, bright and kinda cool, the domes are a modern take on camping on the beach!

There’s a flat screen TV, small table and chairs, a queen bed and funky lamps. The best part is that they come with aircon, plus a modern bathroom with a hot shower, and two deck chairs to relax in. A glamping experience that inside resembles a hotel room!

The sunsets are spellbinding, and there’s a decking area with sun umbrellas and beanbags to enjoy the view. Remote, even for Siquijor, you’ll witness an astounding night sky that’s well worth bringing along a telescope for.

To top things off, the resort has a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage space, and offers free wifi and free private parking. There’s a stunning pool too, naturally with full beach views.

Click here for the latest prices.

La Villa Alta

This tiny resort has just a handful of small villas to rent, and is ideal if you want a home away from home experience facing out onto gorgeous ocean views.

With thatched roofs, and walls in part made of bamboo weaved panels or painted brightly in yellows and greens, the small shacks are fit for any aspiring beach-bum! Relax on your tiny veranda, string a hammock in the gardens, or walk 50 metres to the private beach.  

Accommodation all come with a private bathroom that’s fitted with a shower and a handful of free toiletries. Ideal for solo travellers or couples who are looking to simply hang out at the beach, there’s a small restaurant, bar, and even free wifi to keep you online.

Click here for the latest prices.

Kalachuchi Beach Resort

How about a private villa, just steps away from the ocean? Kalachuchi Beach Resort offers just that, with 6 x two-level thatched villas that are perfect for a family getaway or a romantic couples stay.

Modern facilities are offered inside traditional looking villas. Relax on your mahogany day bed, perfectly placed on your balcony next to the chess board. Amenities in all the villas include air conditioning, daily housekeeping, hot/cold shower, minibar, both bath and pool towels, a private patio and terrace, a queen size bed, plus TV with cable in selected villas.

Wifi is fairly limited, but is free of charge when available. There’s a communal area towards the shore with a gorgeous pool, bar, billiards and garden chess, table tennis, and a restaurant that caters to all your needs.

You can rent scooters for island exploration inland or rent their small boat for ocean trips.  Snorkel directly out from the shore, simply relax in their elegant two-tiered pool, or just find a daybed and soak up the peaceful atmosphere of this unique resort.

Click here for the latest prices.

Lazi

The southern point of the island, Lazi is between Maria and San Juan. Most known for the San Isidro Labrador Church and the Lazi Convent, it is perhaps one of the most visited towns in Siquijor. The mysterious Century Old Balete Tree and the most famous waterfalls on the island, Cambugahay Falls, pulls in all tourists – even those just visiting for the weekend.

Lazi’s fiesta is a fun one, honouring the importance of saging (banana) in the lives of the locals, along with its many uses. How this plant came to exist is depicted in dances during the town’s fiesta of May 14-15th.  In fact, there’s a surprising variety of bananas grown on the island, all honoured at the Saging Festival!

There are some great options of where to stay in Lazi, Siquijor detailed below.

Best Place To Stay In Lazi

Below are the best places to stay in Lazi.

Lazi Beach Club

Looking for where to stay in Siquijor, cheap and cheerful style? Look no further, as Lazi Beach Club is a fabulous backpackers option in a secluded bay on the southern shore of the island.

Built fronting a rocky beach, you’ll enjoy a tranquil garden with a gorgeous saltwater pool, and rooms that have all the basic necessities – a private bathroom with shower or bathtub, writing desk, coffee and tea making facilities, a private balcony and a sitting area. Choose from non-aircon or air con rooms that have 1 single and 2 large double beds, 1 extra large double and 3 large doubles, or just 1 single – basically something to suit all group sizes!

There’s an openair restaurant on site, free wifi in public areas, and free parking. Plus a karaoke set for some fun evening entertainment! Staff can help you arrange fishing, canoeing, diving or even hiking trips. Cambugahay Falls is just a 20 minute drive away!

Click here for the latest prices.

Cha’s Paraiso Verde De Lazi

Looking for something away from it all, even more so than the rest of this quiet island, and a cheap stay in Siquijor? Cha’s Paraiso verde de Lazi ticks the boxes.

Fronting a private beach where there is almost no one around except for local fishermen, you’ll find this a super relaxing spot.  

Accommodation is in 2-pax tents and the owners will keep you well fed (and need to as you’re quite remote!). Alternatively you can cook your own food in their kitchen for a small fee.

You’ll find a small table, a fan to cool you through the steamy nights, and ample bedding and a comfy mattress is provided. A couple of deck chairs to relax in through the day (maybe even a hammock) and you’re all set for a basic but chilled out experience!

Click here for the latest prices.

Zosimo’s Inn

With a stay here, you’re just three minutes away from the top island attraction Cambugahay Falls, plus walking distance to what is the largest convent in Asia – a good combination!

Zosimo’s Inn offers spacious, clean rooms that have just about everything you require for a good night’s sleep. Enjoy modern bathrooms with complimentary toiletries, comfortable beds (one single and one queen), and flat screen TVs.

The Inn, definitely a Siquijor cheap stay option, offers a paid ferry pick up/drop off service, motorbikes on site to rent, and they plan on opening a coffee shop and bar very soon.

Click here for the latest prices.

Map Of The Best Place To Stay In Siquijor

Final Words

It took us a few years to make it around to visiting Siquijor as it does take some effort to reach.  But, we’ve already decided to return again next year! You spend your days driving on empty roads, shielded by coconut and banana groves. Every vista is stunning, whether you’re navigating the coastal road or getting lost in the hills in search of yet another waterfall.

Siquijor is home to some of the friendliest people we’ve met on our Philippine travels. Similar to Camotes Islands, we found everyone welcomed us with a wave or a smile, and you’re not bothered by people selling you things on the beach. In fact, mostly you have beaches all to yourself aside from the odd fisherman.  

We’re big fans of Siquijor and hope you enjoy it too!

Hopefully, you enjoyed our best area to stay in Siquijor Island guide. Read all the best things to do in Siquijor Island here and find more guides to awesome Siquijor here.