I spent one month in the Philippines and ended up staying almost two weeks on Siquijor. I originally planned just a few days, but the island was so beautiful and relaxed that I kept extending my stay.
Many travelers struggle with one question when planning their trip: where to stay in Siquijor. While the island is small, choosing the wrong base can mean longer drives, fewer restaurant options, and missing the best beaches.
After spending ten days exploring the island, the answer became very clear: Stay in San Juan.
San Juan has the island’s best restaurants and cafés, easy access to coral reefs and snorkeling spots, west-facing sunset beaches, waterfalls nearby, and the most convenient location for exploring the rest of Siquijor.
In this guide, I’ll explain why San Juan is the best place to stay in Siquijor, and share the hotels I stayed at, the ones I’d book next time, and the best accommodations to reserve before they sell out.
Sunset Beach in San Juan Breakfast Spot in San Juan
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Foolproof Hotel Options in Siquijor
Where to Stay in Siquijor:
– I stayed at South Mountain Resort – it is a spotless, peaceful paradise with an infinity pool and amazing food. Highly recommend.
– Coco Grove Resort – if you love snorkeling, stay here. It´s next to Siquijor`s best marine sanctuary, full of healthy corals and lots of colorful fish. It`s rarely available, so book in advance.
– I also stayed a couple of nights at Hanna`s Place – it`s a budget hotel. The only downside was the noisy road next to it – the accommodation is perfect for its price.
– For central location and walking distance bars, restaurants, and beaches, choose Uptown Guesthouse.
Quick Answer: Stay in San Juan (Here’s Why)
Other travel blogs refer to other towns in Siquijor and recommend staying in places like Lazi or Larena. Honestly, I don’t understand why. I personally wouldn’t stay anywhere other than San Juan.
We took day trips around Siquijor and visited other towns, but even during our day trips, we struggled to find even the simplest amenities, such as a place to have lunch.
On top of that, most beaches outside of San Juan are not particularly nice and are not suitable for relaxing.
But it’s not just about the lack of amenities outside of San Juan. San Juan has a very unique, laid-back atmosphere. It feels lively without being crowded. It’s also a huge bonus that you’ll find everything you need there.
If you’re still wondering where to stay in Siquijor, I´ll tell you about all the reasons why San Juan is the best area to stay in.
Why San Juan Is the Best Area to Stay in Siquijor
San Juan has everything you need for a comfortable stay on Siquijor. The town is home to most of the island’s hotels, restaurants, cafés, and tourist offices, making it easy to find good food and organize activities.
It’s also the main hub for diving and freediving, and many tour operators here arrange day trips to Apo Island, one of the best snorkeling and diving spots in the region.
The area is also known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and endless coconut palms, giving it that classic tropical island feel.
Beyond the practical side, San Juan has a laid-back but lively atmosphere. You’ll find beach bars, sunset spots, and a relaxed nightlife scene that never feels overcrowded.
Finally, San Juan is conveniently located, with easy access to most of the island’s top attractions and the ferry port (only 15 minutes by car/scooter).
For a complete itinerary and the best things to do, check out my Siquijor travel guide.
Streets of San Juan, Siquijor Siquijor streets at sunset
Best Hotels in Siquijor – San Juan
San Juan has the best selection of accommodation on Siquijor — from budget guesthouses and bamboo bungalows to boutique resorts and beachfront stays.
Top places to consider:
- South Mountain Resort – A spotless, peaceful hilltop resort with an infinity pool, sunset views, and excellent food.
- Coco Grove Beach Resort – Best for ocean lovers; located next to Siquijor’s best marine sanctuaries with healthy corals and abundant tropical fish. Often fully booked, so reserve early.
- Uptown Guesthouse – Perfect if you want to stay within walking distance of restaurants, bars, and the beach.
I personally stayed at Hanna’s Place (clean, budget-friendly option) and later at South Mountain Resort for a quiet, amazing resort experience.
Tip: Book accommodation in advance. Even in early December (shoulder season), many of the best-rated hotels in San Juan were already sold out.
Pool at South Mountain Resort Coffee at my hotel in Siquij
Best Restaurants & Cafés
San Juan is the best place to stay in Siquijor if you enjoy good food and quality coffee in the morning.
In San Juan, you’ll find everything from local Filipino cuisine and seafood to Italian, Balinese, Thai, BBQ, and vegan restaurants. After spending ten days on the island, these were my personal favorites:
- Coffee & breakfast: Fig Cafe (the only breakfast place open at 7 am)
- Nutritious Food: Tagbalayon (great after snorkeling at the Tubod marine sanctuary)
- Balinese food: Warung Balay
- Thai food & beachfront dining: Aroi Makmak (amazing sunset spot)
- Vegan food: Belle’s Beach Bar
- Local Filipino food: Roadside Diners (don’t miss the mango float)
- Very local eatery: Rea’s Kitchenette — simple, authentic, and mostly visited by locals (I ate there multiple times, owners are very lovely and food is good, too!)
When it comes to bars and nightlife, San Juan is also the island’s main hub. One popular spot for live music and cocktails is the Baha Ba’r.
Aroi Makmak Warung Balay Baha Ba`r Luna Libro Cafe Belle`s Beach Bar Rea´s Kitchenette
Best Beaches and Sunset Spots
Another reason to stay in San Juan (if you’re deciding where to stay in Siquijor): the island’s best beaches and sunsets are here.
San Juan’s coastline faces west, which means direct sunset views over the ocean. The beaches have white sand, palm trees, small beach bars, and easy access to coral reefs.
Most people swim and snorkel around these areas:
- Paliton Beaches – the most popular sunset beach, actually a group of three beaches with palm trees, small bars, and a relaxed atmosphere. (For best vibes, I highly recommend Cangbusyo Beach, next to Paliton Beach.)
- Tubod Marine Sanctuary – the best snorkeling spot in San Juan and one of the island’s protected marine sanctuaries. You can rent snorkel gear or hire a guide, and the coral reef starts right from the shore.
The water temperature is warm enough that you can watch the sunset from the ocean.
Important: At Tubod Marine Reserve, the water is shallow, and coral reefs are fragile. Please don`t touch anything – both to protect the coral reef, but also because you might not know what`s poisonous.
If you love picturesque beaches, consider visiting Camiguin before or after Siquijor.
Best Base for Exploring Siquijor
San Juan is the most convenient base for exploring Siquijor. If you stay anywhere else, you’ll spend much more time driving to reach the island’s highlights.
From San Juan, you’re strategically close to:
- Cambugahay Falls – 35 minutes away
- Lugnason Falls – a nearby waterfall for a quick visit
- Old Enchanted Balete Tree – iconic natural landmark
- Lazi – a charming, very local town
San Juan’s central location makes it ideal for waterfalls, beaches, snorkeling spots, and cultural sites—all within easy reach.
Waterfalls 35 minutes away from San Juan Enchanted Balete Tree 15 minutes away from San Juan
Stay Where I Stayed in Siquijor
San Juan offers the best selection of accommodation in Siquijor. From budget guesthouses and bamboo bungalows to beachfront resorts, treehouses, and modern apartments, you’ll find plenty of places to stay in San Juan.
First, I stayed at Hanna’s Place, which was great value for money, and the room was spotlessly clean. The only downside was that it’s located right next to the main road.
For the second stay, I treated myself to South Mountain Resort, a peaceful resort in the hills with an infinity pool and beautiful sunset views.
Recommendation: If you already know your travel dates, book your accommodation in advance. I visited Siquijor in early December (shoulder season), and most of the best-rated hotels in San Juan were already sold out.
Mango Shake as a welcome drink Pool of South Mountain Resort
Common Mistakes When Choosing Where to Stay in Siquijor
To avoid choosing the wrong hotel in Siquijor, keep these tips in mind:
1. Not checking reviews carefully
Always read both positive and negative reviews. Some hotels with unusually perfect ratings can be misleading, so it’s helpful to also look at places recommended by travelers or bloggers who have actually stayed there.
2. Ignoring the exact location
Most restaurants, cafés, and hotels in San Juan are located along the main road. While this is convenient, it can also be noisy. My first accommodation was right on that road—great value and very clean, but traffic noise was noticeable.
3. Expecting the same standards as other countries
Accommodation quality in the Philippines can vary and is sometimes lower than in places like Thailand. For a comfortable stay, it’s often worth spending a little more.
4. Booking too late
The best hotels on Siquijor often sell out early, especially during high season, so booking in advance is recommended.
Keeping these tips in mind will help you enjoy the Philippines even more—it’s truly an incredible country. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.
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