Where to Stay in Siquijor: The Best Base and My Accommodation Picks
Deciding where to stay in Siquijor becomes much easier once you understand how the island is laid out.
For most first-time visitors, and especially for divers, San Juan is the most practical base.
I stayed in San Juan during my Siquijor dive trip and found it easy to reach dive centres, restaurants and island attractions without changing accommodation or spending too much time arranging transport.
It also puts you on the western side of the island, where you can finish the day with a sunset rather than another long ride.
This guide explains why San Juan works so well, what to check before booking and which accommodation options suit different budgets and travel styles. Let’s dive in!
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Where to Stay in Siquijor: Quick Answer
Stay in San Juan if this is your first visit to Siquijor, you plan to dive or you want restaurants and transport within reasonably easy reach.
Choose a beachfront property if sunsets, sea views and easy access to the water are important to you.
Stay slightly inland if you prefer better value, more greenery and a quieter night.
My own stay at MHARI Bungalows and Rooms was inland but only about a five-minute walk from Last Frontier Dive, which gave me the convenience I needed without paying for a beachfront location.
San Juan covers a longer stretch of coastline than the map may initially suggest, so check the property’s exact location before booking.
An accommodation listing can say “San Juan” without necessarily being within walking distance of the restaurant, beach or dive centre you want to use.
Why San Juan Is the Best Base
San Juan has the island’s most useful concentration of accommodation, dive centres, restaurants and visitor services.
This makes it easier to plan your days without arranging transport for every meal, dive or small errand.
For divers, staying near your chosen dive centre is particularly helpful.
Early starts are easier, and you avoid carrying equipment in a tuk-tuk or waiting for a driver while everyone else is already preparing the boat.
San Juan also works well if diving is only part of your trip.
Drivers can take you around the island for a full-day tour, and you can return to an area with plenty of dinner options rather than searching for somewhere open near a more isolated accommodation.
Another advantage is the western coastline. Many properties are positioned for sunset, so even a day spent diving or exploring can end with a walk along the beach.
PRO TIP: The main thing to remember is that San Juan is an area, not one compact village centre. Check the distance from your accommodation to the beach, restaurants and dive centre by road rather than assuming everything will be a two-minute walk.
How to Choose Where to Stay in Siquijor
The best Siquijor accommodation depends less on star ratings and more on how you plan to spend your days.
- Beachfront or inland? Beachfront accommodation gives you sea views, sunset access and the convenience of stepping directly onto the sand. Inland properties are often quieter and more affordable. In San Juan, slightly inland does not necessarily mean isolated.
- How close is it to your dive centre? If you are diving for several days, prioritise walking distance over a prettier room farther away. A short walk is valuable when you have an early briefing, wet equipment or more dive gear than you remembered packing.
- Can you walk to restaurants? San Juan has plenty of places to eat, but they are spread along the road. Check the exact location if you do not plan to rent a scooter.
- Will you need regular transport? Ask whether the property can arrange port pickup, tuk-tuk drivers or scooter rental. This is especially useful if you arrive late in the afternoon or are travelling with dive equipment.
- What facilities genuinely matter to you? Air conditioning, hot water, reliable Wi-Fi, breakfast and gear-drying space may matter more than a swimming pool. Check the room details rather than assuming every accommodation includes the same facilities.
- What is your budget? Siquijor ranges from simple guesthouses and bungalows to more complete beach resorts. Decide what you are willing to spend, then choose the location and facilities that will make the biggest difference to your stay.
My Siquijor Accommodation Picks
Here are the options I would consider based on their location, style and price category.
MHARI Bungalows and Rooms (My Firsthand Stay, Best Value)
MHARI Bungalows and Rooms is where I stayed, and I would happily return. It is slightly inland and surrounded by greenery, making it feel peaceful without being disconnected from San Juan.
The property was about a five-minute walk from Last Frontier Dive, which was ideal for my dive schedule. I could walk to the centre in the morning without arranging transport or carrying my equipment any farther than necessary.
My room was simple and comfortable rather than luxurious, which suited what I needed. The quiet setting was especially welcome after a full day of diving and exploring.
The manager, Patricia, was genuinely helpful with local arrangements. She assisted me with transport and connected me with the tuk-tuk drivers I used to explore the island. That kind of local help is particularly valuable if you are travelling alone or have limited time.
MHARI is a good choice for solo travellers, divers and anyone looking for an affordable, peaceful base. It is less suitable if waking up directly on the beach or having resort-style facilities is an important part of your trip.
Coco Grove Beach Resort (Premium, Beachfront)
Coco Grove Beach Resort is the premium option on this list and one of the better-known beach resorts in Siquijor. It offers a more complete, resort-style experience than the smaller guesthouses and bungalows around San Juan.
This is the option to consider if you want beachfront surroundings, more facilities and the convenience of spending a large part of your stay at the resort itself. It may also suit couples, families or mixed groups where not everyone is planning to dive.
The price is higher than most accommodation in San Juan, so compare the available room categories and what each rate includes. If you plan to spend every day diving or touring the island, decide whether you will use enough of the resort facilities to justify the additional cost.
I did not stay at Coco Grove, so this is a researched recommendation rather than a firsthand review.
Lawson’s Beach Resort (Quiet Beachfront)
Lawson’s Beach Resort is worth considering if you want direct beach access in a smaller, quieter setting.
It may suit couples or independent travellers who want to be beside the water without choosing a large resort. A smaller property can feel more personal, but it may offer fewer facilities, so check what is included before booking.
Look at the exact room location and recent photographs if the sea view is important to you, as not every room at a beachfront property necessarily faces the water.
I have not stayed at Lawson’s Beach Resort, so include it on your shortlist based on location and current guest information rather than treating this as a personal review.
Tropical Fun Ta Sea Rentals (Affordable Beachfront)
Tropical Fun Ta Sea Rentals is an option for travellers who want a beachfront location without moving into Siquijor’s premium price category.
The relaxed setup may work well if you want to divide your time between the beach, restaurants and island activities rather than remaining inside a full-service resort.
It is also worth considering for travellers who value location more than luxury.
Before booking, compare the room types carefully and check whether the available room is directly beachfront or simply within the beachfront property.
I did not stay here personally, so this is a researched option to compare with other affordable accommodation in San Juan.
Almare Guest House (Simple Beachfront)
Almare Guest House is a simple beachfront option for travellers looking for direct access to the water without resort-style pricing or facilities.
It is best suited to anyone who wants a straightforward room and plans to spend most of the day diving, exploring or relaxing outside. If your priority is the location rather than a long list of amenities, it may offer the balance you need.
Check the current room facilities, road access and distance to the restaurants or dive centre you intend to use. Beachfront can be convenient during the day, but the exact location still matters if you do not have your own transport.
I have not stayed at Almare Guest House, so this is a researched recommendation rather than a firsthand review.
PRO TIP: If you are diving, pick somewhere within a short walk of your dive centre. Early starts and carrying gear are far easier when you are not waiting on a ride each morning.
A Note on Other Parts of the Island
San Juan is the easiest recommendation for a first visit, but it is not the only place to stay in Siquijor.
Lazi and Maria may suit repeat visitors or travellers who want a quieter, more remote experience.
These areas can place you closer to some waterfalls, caves and attractions on the southern or eastern side of the island.
The trade-off is convenience. You may have fewer restaurants within walking distance, a longer journey to dive centres and more reliance on a scooter or driver.
This is not necessarily a problem if seclusion is the goal, but it should be a deliberate choice rather than a surprise after check-in.
Siquijor town may be convenient for the port, particularly for a short overnight stay connected to a ferry.
For a longer first visit, however, I would still choose San Juan because it provides a better balance of diving, restaurants, accommodation and access to the rest of the island.
Booking Tips for Siquijor
A little checking before you reserve your accommodation can prevent unnecessary transport costs and inconvenient mornings.
- Book ahead in high season. December to May is generally the drier and busier period. Affordable rooms and well-located beachfront properties are usually the first to fill.
- Check the exact map location. Do not rely only on the words “San Juan” in the listing. Look at the road distance to your dive centre, preferred restaurants and beach access.
- Ask about port transfers. Many properties can arrange a pickup or recommend a driver. This makes arrival easier, particularly if you have dive gear or several bags.
- Confirm what your room includes. Check air conditioning, hot water, breakfast, Wi-Fi and cancellation terms. Room categories within the same property can vary considerably.
- Ask divers’ questions. If you are travelling with your own equipment, find out whether there is somewhere to rinse, hang or store it. A beautiful room becomes slightly less beautiful when your wetsuit is dripping over the only chair.
- Match the accommodation to your itinerary. If you are diving every day, prioritise the dive centre. If the trip is mainly about beaches and sunsets, paying more for a beachfront location may be worthwhile.
- Allow for ferry changes. Check the cancellation or date-change policy, particularly during months when rough weather may affect ferry schedules.
Where to Stay in Siquijor FAQs
These answers cover the main questions to settle before choosing your Siquijor accommodation.
San Juan is the best area for most first-time visitors. It has the strongest concentration of dive centres, restaurants and accommodation, and its western location is ideal for sunsets.
It also gives you a practical base for exploring the rest of the island with a scooter or driver. Just check the property’s exact location because San Juan stretches along the coast.
Siquijor has accommodation for a wide range of budgets. Simple guesthouses and inland bungalows can offer very good value, while beachfront properties and resort-style stays cost more.
You do not need to book one of the best resorts in Siquijor to have a comfortable stay. Location and proximity to the activities you have planned may provide more value than additional facilities.
Choose beachfront accommodation if sea views, sunset access and being beside the water are priorities. It can be worth the additional cost if you plan to spend plenty of time at the property.
I stayed slightly inland at MHARI and did not miss being on the beach. The location was quieter and more affordable, and I was still only a short walk from my dive centre.
Divers should stay near their chosen dive centre, ideally within walking distance. This makes early starts, briefings and handling wet equipment much easier.
Most dive centres are based around San Juan, which is another reason it is the most practical area for a dive-focused trip.
Booking ahead is recommended from December to May, when the weather is generally drier and visitor numbers are higher. The best-value properties and popular beachfront rooms can sell out first.
Outside those months, you may find more flexibility, but advance booking still gives you a better choice of location and room type.
More Siquijor Guides
Use these guides to plan how your accommodation fits with your transport, activities and dive schedule.
Getting there: how to get to Siquijor.
What to do: things to do in Siquijor and where to eat in Siquijor.
Diving: Siquijor diving guide.
Plan the trip: my Siquijor itinerary and Siquijor island travel guide.
The Wrap Up: Where to Stay in Siquijor
For a first visit, keeping things simple is the best approach: stay in San Juan and choose your exact location according to what you will do most often.
Divers should prioritise walking distance to their dive centre. Beach-focused travellers may prefer paying more for direct access to the water, while anyone looking for peace and better value should consider an inland guesthouse or bungalow.
Wherever you book, check the map carefully and arrange your arrival transport in advance. Siquijor is easy to enjoy once you are based in the right place. Safe travels!
