As my first stop in the Philippines, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from the sleepy island of Siquijor. So I was pleasantly surprised to be greeted by waterfalls, marine sanctuaries and an overall vibe that forces you to just slow TF down.
This slice of paradise, infamous for its witchy reputation, has a magic that defies explanation. It’s enduring, enchanting energy lures backpackers here and keeps them here (don’t say I didn’t warn you!)
Siquijor’s charm lies in its simplicity. It hasn’t been overrun by tourism, which means the accommodations are as humble as the island itself. That adds an element of challenge to the hostel hunt. Unless you want to be sleeping in a hammock on the beach for a week, you’ll need my ultimate guide to the best hostels in Siquijor in your armour.
Whether you’re in for party vibes or to embrace the relaxed energy of the island, I’ve got chu. The sooner you book that hostel, the sooner you’ll be under the palms, coconut in hand.
So, let’s get into it.
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
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Need the short version? Start with these Siqujor hostels
Let’s take a closer look at each hostel
Here it is – the crème de la crème of backpacker pads for those travelling in Siqujor, neatly split into travel niches just for you. Picking a place has never been easier, so you can get out exploring the island ASAP.
1. Fable Hostel – Best Overall Hostel
Price: $$$
Best for: Solo travellers, female travellers, social backpackers.
Highlights: Free family dinner nights, free scooter lessons, female-only dorms.
Dorms from: $21
Private rooms from: N/A
Location: Paliton Beach, San Juan
Fable is situated amongst the palm trees in what can only be considered an absolute paradise. Whether you want to beach hop or explore the colourful streets of San Juan, you’re never a far bike ride from Fable. The owners, staff, and volunteers alike are incredibly welcoming and work really hard to create that hostel community that is so well-loved by solo travellers in the Philippines.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Close walk to Paliton Beach, a little further from San Juan (scooter required)
- Free tea, coffee and pastries in the morning
- Nightly family dinners at various restaurants
- SOLID connection with a generator to fight the infamous power cuts
Fable is also home to some resident dogs, Gozo, Agra & Callao, who are such a part of the family that they feature on the staff shirts. My favourite mornings were with a coffee and a cinnamon roll chilling on a beanbag with Callao. Siquijor is a chill, stripped-back way of Filipino living and Fable absolutely embodies that. Between you and me, it was one of my favourite hostels in the Philippines.
2. Tagbalayon Lodging House – Best Hostel for Solo Travellers
Price: $
Best for: Solo travellers, social backpackers, snorkellers, divers,
Highlights: An on-site bar, restaurant and garden, a welcome drink, scooters for rent.
Dorms from: $11
Private rooms from: $25
Location: Tubod Beach, San Juan
Tagbalayon Lodge is hands down one of the best hostels in Siquijor for solo travellers. With all the island’s top spots right on your doorstep, you can skip the hassle of navigating solo and dive straight into the good stuff. The beach, buzzing restaurants, bars, and cafés are just a quick stroll away.
Why you’ll love this hotel:
- Walking distance from Tubod Marine Sanctuary (aka the best snorkelling on the island)
- Scooter rentals are pretty cheap, so you can go and explore this stunning Filipino island
- The on-site bar and restaurant are affordable and serve delicious veggie food.
The shared seating area with lush garden views is perfect for meeting fellow travellers on your Philippines adventure. Being so close to Tubod Marine Sanctuary is ideal for anyone keen to snorkel. This place was home to some of the best snorkelling I did while travelling in the Philippines!!
3. Mad Monkey Siquijor – Best Party Hostel
Price: $
Best for: Party backpackers, social travellers.
Highlights: Swimming pool, happy hours, party vibes, friendly staff.
Dorms from: $8
Private rooms from: $56
Location: Upper Cabangcalan, Lazi
Mad Monkey never disappoints when it comes to bringing the party, and their Siquijor outpost is no exception. With a double-deck infinity pool and a slide that screams “cannonball,” this is the spot to dive into island life, literally. Between the basketball court, table tennis, beer pong, and nightly events, there’s always something happening.
Why you’ll love this hotel:
- Bingo nights, pool parties, and the chaotic fun of their legendary ‘Monkey Olympics.’
- The on-site BBQ restaurant might be a bit of a splurge, but trust me, it’s worth every peso.
- MEGA party vibes, which are hard to find on a quiet island like Siquijor.
Just a word of warning that Mad Monkey Siquijor is in an area of Siquijor, a good drive away from San Juan, so riding a scooter or catching a tricycle ride is essential. They’ll even give you some lessons if it’s your first time riding a scooter! Saying that, though, they are near the main waterfalls on the island and close to Siquijor Island’s northern beaches.
4. Monkey Business Bungalows – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads
Price: $
Best for: Digital nomads, entrepreneurs, solo travellers.
Highlights: Cafe on-site, air conditioning in dorms, great location.
Dorms from: $9
Private rooms from: N/A
Location: Solangon, San Juan
Not to be confused with Mad Monkey, Monkey Business Bungalows is a super chilled-out hostel boasting aaaaall of the beach bum vibes. This spot is a dream for digital nomads and slow travellers looking to stay a while and soak up the island’s vibe. The on-site café is perfect for getting some work done with reliable Wi-Fi – a rare luxury on the island!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Reliable Wi-Fi and a laptop-friendly cafe on-site are ideal for nomads
- Super convenient location surrounded by restaurants, cafes, and the beach.
- This place oozes “Bali vibes,” with its tropical atmosphere designed for slowing down and stepping back from the hustle.
It’s located in a hot spot in San Juan where all the best restaurants, cafés, and convenience stores are located. Solangon Beach is within walking distance, so you’ll get to experience some of the most magical sunrise and sunset views by staying here.
5. SunDay Hostel – Best Hostel with a Swimming Pool
Price: $$
Best for: Solo travellers, slightly boujee-er travellers, female travellers.
Highlights: Female-only dorms & bathrooms, swimming pool (!!), great location
Dorms from: $16
Private rooms from: N/A
Location: Solangon, San Juan
SunDay Hostel is one of those places you rock up to just for one night, and suddenly it’s three weeks on, you’ve made a gazillion new mates, and you’re half-considering extending your stay AGAIN. The vibe is social without being a full-on party hostel, think “meet new people over a beer by the pool” rather than “someone’s doing tequila shots at 10 am.”
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Women-only dorms and bathrooms (big win for the gals)
- Generator and water tanks, which are basically Siquijor gold. No surprise power cuts!
- Location is spot on: right in San Juan, the liveliest part of the island.
The hostel is brand new, proper comfy, and way nicer than a hostel has any right to be at this price point. The dorms are decked out with thick mattresses, privacy curtains, shelves for all your random backpacker junk, and lockers big enough to house your pack.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Siquijor!
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect them. Whether that’s because you’re learning to scooter on Siquijor (risky business) or maybe your luggage goes MIA after the ferry. Shit happens. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Siquijor.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Still not sure where to stay in Siquijor?
My two weeks on Siquijor were spent swimming with the fishes, chasing every last waterfall, and always catching the sunset at Paliton Beach. Insider tip: grab a rum and Coke there, it’s somehow cheaper than a coconut, and frankly, that’s the kind of math I can get behind.
Siquijor is all about those chill vibes, and these hostels definitely emulate that. I’d argue it’s the best spot to start your Philippines trip from because it’s hard not to make friends here. If you’re still unsure about where to stay, I’d book in at Fable Hostel. The staff, resident dogs and cosy common area will make you feel like you’ve checked into home in no time!
At the end of the day, as long as you’ve got sun, sea, and salty air, Siquijor will serve up a good time no matter where you lay your head. Enjoy friends 🙂
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Siquijor for a wealth of info!
- Check out the best places to stay in Siquijor before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Southeast Asia backpacking guide
