Where to work?

Our recommendation is:

Finding a coworking space, which you don’t really have a wide choice on the Island. There are a couple beach side co-working spaces around Siquijor and San Juan but usually have to pay a membership fee to use their area. The fees are generally low, costing between 170-300 Pesos per day; The Beach Tree Café & Co-Working Space is a spot to check out, they provide a vibrant atmosphere with ocean views, ideal for fostering creativity and productivity.

To cut down on costs, I recommend finding an accommodation before arriving that has good internet. With nearly all hotels, resorts and such usually having free wifi for their guests, it all comes down to the stability and strength of the connection.

Cafes and restaurants are also a good option as a workspace – as long as they allow long stays in their establishment. Luca Loco is one of the places I can recommend where to work as they have one of the best wifis on the island. It makes it more convenient as well when you want to have drinks and snacks while you work or during meal times.

The island has decent internet but some areas have better coverage than others so it is a 50/50 situation with using hotspots as a backup, as in some areas, it’s not much of use.

Where to stay?

If you stay in Siquijor just for a night or two:

I recommend staying west of the island along the San Juan area as they are where the majority of the eateries are making it easier to access during the stay. It will also be the easiest area to get public transport as it is one of the more populated areas of the island. How about considering the charming ambiance of Coral Cay Resort for beachfront relaxation and serene surroundings. Another excellent option is Coco Grove Beach Resort, offering comfortable accommodations amidst lush gardens and direct access to a pristine stretch of beach. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the island’s mystical atmosphere at Tori’s Paradise, a boutique resort known for its tranquil setting and personalized service.

Stay for a week or longer:

For longer stays I recommend staying around Siquijor – the capital, specifically the northern or mid part as this is where the more budget friendly accommodations are.

In the northern part of Siquijor are a selection of guest houses and apartments that are being rented out long term by the sea. This option will be slightly more pricey as they are more private, so if you have a bigger budget and staying for longer, this would be something I suggest.

If you are, however, more on a budget, there are plenty of inns and hostels available that can go as low as 400 Pesos per night.

What to do?

Stay in town:

Cambugahay Falls is a Three leveled waterfall, all with their very own blue watered pools with an entrance fee of only 20 Pesos. This is a popular spot where you can relax and soak in the pools or jump off the different levels to the other pools below. You can also try rope swinging here that you get unlimited use of for 50 Pesos.

If you want to go somewhere with a bit of history, visit the Old Enchanted Balete Tree in Lazi. One of the most famous Balete Trees in the Philippines is the one in Siquijor being ~400 years old. With the island being known for its witchcraft and faith healing, combined with the Ourths of Balete Trees, it will be worth the trip to visit this mysterious place and for a small fee of 20 Pesos.

At the northern part of the island, you can go snorkeling or diving at the Tulapos Marine Sanctuary. For a fee of 50-150 Pesos you can take a dip in the ocean to catch a glimpse of the school of fishes or the giant corals scattered around the reef; if you’re lucky, you can maybe spot some seahorses around the area.

By Ferry:

Dumaguete: 1-1.5hrs ferry ride from Siquijor to the port costing as low as 200 Pesos oneway. Trying the Apos Island Tour is one of the #1 thing I recommend you do during your visit; with one of the first successful marine sanctuaries, this is one of the go to snorkeling-diving spots in the world with all the sealife it homes to – especially turtles.

Oslob: A 4.5hr ferry from the port of Siquijor of Santander where you then drive up to Oslob which is the cheaper and shortest way. Oslob is famous for their whale shark watching which can be done for 300-1000 Pesos. On Sumilon Island, you can go snorkeling to see the abundant sea life, including blacktip sharks.

Where to eat?

Of course, that highly depends on where you stay.

The North & West side of the island is where most accommodations are so I will focus on this area.

There aren’t many food hubs on the island where there are a selection of food stalls in one area or malls where you can find a bunch of well known franchises to choose from. However, at Alfonso Siquijor Plaza, there is a Jollibee and a local grocery store.

In local groceries or even some sari-sari stores, you will be able to find their local delicacies such as fruit wine which you must try. This is made from various local fruits that have been fermented, such as mangoes, pineapples, bananas, some even add guava, dragon fruit and passion fruit.

The best places to find good restaurants are on the coast of San Juan where most of the recommended places to eat are. There are also a couple of good ones north, north-west of Siquijor capital.

For vegans / vegetarian diets:

See-Kee-Hor Cafe and Hostel is a place I would recommend trying if you’re looking for something that meets your dietary requirements; they have a wide variety of food to choose from, from shake bowls to tacos that are reasonably priced.

If you want something heavier or for dinner, Dolce Amore Restaurant is a must try

Italian, Mediterranean

Like a local:

Baha Ba’r is a restaurant along Circumferential Road that serves local Filipino and other Asian cuisine which they try to make healthier and/or add their own twist to it . What they are highly proud of and why I recommend trying Baha is, all the ingredients they use to make their dishes are all locally sourced; with having their own organic garden, you can guarantee the vegetables in your orders are as fresh as can be. Even with their open-space seating, you also have the option to sit within their lush garden and then enjoy a few drinks along their sunset deck when you’re finished.

For a date / with a view:

If a view is what you’re looking for, I recommend going to Salamands, a restaurant by the sea. This restaurant offers various International and FIlipino food paired with a peaceful ambience with a choice to enjoy your meal inside or on the beautiful white sand beach. At Salamands, you can have this wonderful dining experience for a mid-high range price which is worth the food and the view you will get to try while at Siquijor.