Choosing where to stay in Siquijor seems easy at first. The island is small, distances are short, and everything looks pretty close on a map. But once you start browsing accommodations, it quickly becomes clear that where you stay will shape your entire experience.
Some areas are lively and convenient, others quiet and spread out. A few are practical but not particularly charming. After spending time moving around the island, it became obvious to us that there isn’t one single “best” place to stay in Siquijor, but there is a best place depending on how you like to travel.
This best places to stay in Siquijor guide focuses on areas first, accommodations second. Instead of listing every hotel on the island, I’ll help you decide where to stay in Siquijor based on your travel style, how long you’re visiting, and how much convenience you want day to day!
At a Glance: Best Area to Stay in Siquijor
If you want a quick answer, here you go:
- San Juan: best area to stay in Siquijor for first-time visitors
- Larena: best for budget travelers and ferry access
- Lazi: best for a quiet, nature-focused stay
- Siquijor Town: practical for short or overnight stays only
If you’re unsure, San Juan is the safest choice for most travelers. Below, I’ll explain why, and when the other areas make more sense.
San Juan: The Best Place to Stay in Siquijor for First-Time Visitors
For most people, San Juan is the best place to stay in Siquijor. It offers the best balance of beaches, restaurants, sunsets, and ease without feeling too busy or overdeveloped.
This is where we felt most comfortable, especially after staying in the Lazi and Enrique Villanueva areas.
Why Stay in San Juan?
San Juan is located on the west side of the island, which means sunsets are a daily highlight. It’s also where you’ll find the largest concentration of restaurants, cafés, beach bars, and small resorts, but all spread out enough to still feel relaxed.
What makes San Juan especially appealing is how easy daily life feels. Many accommodations are within walking distance of food and the beach, which is a big plus if you don’t plan on renting a scooter. Even if you do, this area is an easy base for exploring the rest of the island on day trips.
San Juan is also close to Paliton Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Siquijor. From here, you can explore waterfalls, viewpoints, and quieter beaches without having to change accommodation.
If you’re wondering where to stay in Siquijor for the first time, San Juan is the most straightforward and stress-free option!
Best Places to Stay in San Juan, Siquijor
San Juan has the widest range of accommodation on the island. Here’s how to choose what suits you best.
Beachfront resorts
Beachfront resorts in San Juan are ideal if views and sunsets matter to you. They’re especially popular with couples and travelers on shorter stays who want to relax rather than move around constantly. Just note that beachfront doesn’t always mean perfect swimming directly in front of your room.
🛏 Our choices: Coco Grove Resort, Apo Diver Beach Resort and Wilcon Guesthouse Catulayan.
Mid-range & boutique stays
This is where San Juan really shines. Small boutique resorts offer comfort, atmosphere, and good value; making them ideal for longer stays. If you’re staying four or five nights, this category often hits the sweet spot.
Budget accommodation
San Juan also has plenty of budget-friendly guesthouses. They’re usually simple but well-located and practical, especially if you plan to spend most of your time exploring the island.
🛏 Tagbalayon Lodging House, White Bada Guesthouse.
Larena: Best Area to Stay in Siquijor for Budget & Ferry Access
Larena is where many travelers first arrive in Siquijor, as it’s home to one of the island’s main ferry ports. It’s also one of the more budget-friendly areas to stay.
That said, Larena feels noticeably more local and less geared toward tourism.
When Larena Makes Sense
Larena is a good choice if:
- You’re arriving late or leaving early by ferry
- You’re traveling on a tighter budget
- You’re staying only one or two nights
Accommodation here is generally more affordable, but there are fewer beaches and far fewer dining options compared to San Juan. Evenings are quiet, and most travelers head elsewhere during the day.
Larena works well as a practical base, but it’s not where most people choose to stay for atmosphere.
Lazi: Best places to Stay in Siquijor for a Quiet, Slower Trip
If you’re looking for a calmer side of the island, Lazi is worth considering. This area is greener, quieter, and more spread out, with easy access to waterfalls and inland sights.
Why Choose Lazi?
Lazi suits travelers who want:
- Fewer people
- Slower mornings and quieter evenings
- A more nature-focused stay
Accommodation here tends to be smaller-scale, including eco-stays, homestays, and quiet resorts. You’ll need to plan a bit more when it comes to meals and transport, but the payoff is space and calm.
Lazi is ideal if you’re comfortable renting a scooter and don’t mind being a bit removed from the island’s main social scene.
🛏 We loved the Siquijor Island Castle Resort and Lazi Beach Club Resort.
Siquijor Town: Is It Worth Staying Here?
Siquijor Town is mainly a transport and administrative hub. While it has some accommodation options, it’s not where most travelers choose to stay long-term.
It can make sense if:
- You’re staying just one night
- You arrive late or leave early
- You need something close to the port
For anything longer than that, most travelers prefer San Juan or Lazi for a better overall experience.
Where to Stay in Siquijor by Travel Style
Best Places to Stay in Siquijor for Couples
San Juan is the top choice for couples, especially beachfront or boutique stays with sunset views. Lazi can also work well for couples looking for privacy and quiet.
Best Places to Stay in Siquijor for Families
Families tend to prefer San Juan, where distances are shorter and food options are close by. Look for accommodations with larger rooms and calm swimming areas nearby.
Best Budget Accommodation in Siquijor
Larena offers the lowest prices overall, but budget travelers can also find good value guesthouses in San Juan with better access to beaches and restaurants.
Best Beachfront Resorts in Siquijor
Most beachfront resorts are located in or near San Juan. If beach access and sunsets are a priority, this is where to focus your search.
Best places to stay in Siquijor for exploring
Lazi is the best location for waterfall hopping and Salagdoong Beach.
How Many Days in Siquijor & Where to Base Yourself
- 3 days: Stay in San Juan and explore the island on day trips
- 4–5 days: San Juan is still a great base; consider Lazi if you want extra quiet
- Longer stays: You might want to divide your time between 2 locations for a perfect combination.
Best places to stay in Siquijor: FAQ
What is the best area to stay in Siquijor?
For most travelers, San Juan has the best balance of convenience, beaches, and atmosphere.
Do I need a scooter if I stay in San Juan?
It helps, but it’s not essential if your accommodation is well-located.
Is Siquijor good for budget travelers?
Yes. Budget guesthouses are available across the island, especially in Larena and San Juan.
Choosing the right place to stay makes everything easier, whether that means sunsets in San Juan, quiet mornings in Lazi, or a short practical stop in Larena.
If you’re unsure, San Juan is the best place to start. From there, you can explore the rest of the island at your own pace, which is exactly how Siquijor is meant to be experienced!
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2 comments
This is such a helpful guide — thank you! The photos and descriptions really capture the island’s charm! Can’t wait to bookmark this and start exploring these stays for my future trip!
Love this. I think more people need to visit the Philippines. We spent a month on Panglao and loved it so much. Hope to go back and I will look closer at Siquijor.