Where to Stay on Siquijor Island: Guesthouses & Eco Resorts

Siquijor has a reputation for mystery — the island's traditional healers (mananambal) and folk magic have earned it the nickname "Island of Fire" in Filipino folklore. But travellers who make the short ferry crossing from Dumaguete or Bohol discover something quite different from the legend: a small, unhurried island with pristine white beaches, excellent snorkelling, waterfalls, century-old balete trees, and some of the friendliest local people in the Philippines.

Accommodation on Siquijor is characterised by small family-run guesthouses, simple beach resorts, and a growing number of thoughtful eco-lodges. There are no international hotel chains here — and that is precisely the point.

Main Areas to Stay on Siquijor

San Juan (Paliton Beach Area)

San Juan is the most popular base for beach lovers on Siquijor. The coastline around Paliton Beach (often called Sunset Beach) is beautiful — calm waters, white sand, and excellent sunset views. Most of the island's best guesthouses and small resorts are concentrated here.

Lazi & Enrique Villanueva

The eastern side of the island is quieter, with fewer tourists and a more local atmosphere. Lazi has a beautiful Spanish colonial church (one of the oldest in the Philippines) and the start of a trail to Cambugahay Falls. A handful of guesthouses here cater to travellers who want to explore the whole island.

Siquijor Town (Port Area)

Siquijor town is where the ferry arrives from Dumaguete and Bohol. A few guesthouses near the port are convenient for late arrivals and early departures, but most travellers move on quickly to San Juan for the beaches.

Best Resorts on Siquijor

Coco Grove Beach Resort

Coco Grove is Siquijor's most established resort — a beachfront property in San Juan with attractive nipa-style cottages, a pool, a restaurant, and a dive centre. It is not luxurious by international standards, but the beachfront location and the reliable service make it the most popular choice for travellers who want a proper resort experience on Siquijor. Rooms from 4,500 PHP per night.

Charisma Beach Resort

Charisma is a good mid-range option in San Juan with comfortable air-conditioned rooms from 2,800 PHP per night, a beachfront location, and a restaurant serving fresh seafood. The dive shop on-site can arrange trips to Siquijor's coral gardens, which are largely undived and in excellent condition.

Villa Marmarine

Villa Marmarine is a boutique eco-resort that takes a thoughtful approach to sustainability — solar power, rainwater harvesting, and locally sourced food. The bungalows are attractive and well-furnished, set in a garden that slopes down to a white-sand beach. Rates from 3,200 PHP per night. It is the best choice for environmentally conscious travellers who do not want to sacrifice comfort.

Best Budget Guesthouses on Siquijor

Islander's Paradise Beach Resort

One of San Juan's most affordable beachfront options, Islander's Paradise has fan rooms from 900 PHP per night and a friendly family atmosphere. The beach is directly in front of the property, and the restaurant serves simple but good local food. Popular with backpackers who want genuine beach access at budget prices.

Sunset Reef Garden Resort

A small, quiet resort on Paliton Beach with basic cottages from 1,200 PHP per night. The beach here is excellent for swimming and snorkelling, and the sunset views from the terrace are among the best on the island. Staff are happy to arrange scooter rentals for exploring the island's interior.

Getting Around Siquijor

The best way to explore Siquijor is by scooter or motorbike, available for rent from most guesthouses at 400 to 600 PHP per day. The island is small — about 70 kilometres circumference — and can be circled in a half day. Highlights include Cambugahay Falls (a series of turquoise pools), Salagdoong Beach (known for cliff diving), the Lazi Convent, and the ancient balete tree at the spring in San Antonio.

Getting to Siquijor

Fast ferries connect Siquijor to Dumaguete (one hour, 250 PHP) and Tagbilaran in Bohol (one to two hours). From Dumaguete, multiple departures run daily. The ferry port is in Siquijor town — from there, tricycles can take you to San Juan in about 20 minutes for 150 to 200 PHP.

Find more Philippines island adventures or browse our complete accommodation guide for the Visayas region.