Street Food Stalls in Siquijor

San Juan Night Market (near the church) - open-air BBQ, grilled squid, and puso (hanging rice).

Popular International Cuisine in Siquijor

Marco Polo (Italian/Pizza) and Roch Cuisine (Fusion).

Best Food Delivery App in Siquijor

None. Most restaurants offer direct delivery via local motorbike riders for a small fee (50-100 PHP).

Best Local Dish to Try in Siquijor

Siquijor-style 'Pan de Monkayo' (local bread) and fresh grilled blue marlin from the San Juan night market.

Vegan/Vegetarian Options in Siquijor

Shaka Bowls (San Juan) - Famous smoothie bowls; Luca Loko - many plant-based options.

Best Dessert Spots in Siquijor

Larena Triad Coffee Shop - Great views and traditional Halo-halo (approx. 150 PHP).

Affordable Shopping Spots in Siquijor

Siquijor Public Market and Prince Hypermart for groceries and household goods.

E-commerce/Online Store in Siquijor

Lazada and Shopee (delivery takes 7-14 days due to island location).

Grocery Delivery in Siquijor

Not officially available; hire a local trike driver to do a market run for a 100 PHP tip.

Bar/Nightlife Area in Siquijor

San Juan 'The Strip'. Notable: Baha Bar for live music and Czar’s Place for Friday night street parties.

Local Brewery in Siquijor

None on island, but craft beers from Dumaguete (e.g., Kape Kristiano) are sold at Baha Bar.

Wine Bars in Siquijor

Dolce Amore - Selection of Italian wines (approx. 1,200 PHP per bottle).

Must-See Landmarks in Siquijor

Cambugahay Falls (Lazi) - Tiered waterfalls with rope swings (entry 50 PHP).

Museums & Art Venues in Siquijor

Lazi Convent - One of the oldest and largest convents in Asia (entry 20 PHP).

Historical Sites in Siquijor

Old Enchanted Balete Tree - 400-year-old tree with a natural fish spa (entry 20 PHP).

Religious Sites in Siquijor

St. Isidore de Labrador Church (Lazi) and Siquijor Church (San Juan).

Annual Events in Siquijor

Siquijor Healing Festival (Holy Week) - Gathering of folk healers and herbalists on Mt. Bandilaan.

Cultural Districts in Siquijor

Siquijor Town proper - The administrative and historical heart of the island.

Theater Venues in Siquijor

None. Local festivals (Fiestas) feature open-air stage performances in town plazas.

Local Markets in Siquijor

Sunday Market in San Juan for fresh organic produce and fish.

Music Scene in Siquijor

Live acoustic bands at Baha Bar (Wed/Sat nights).

Street Art in Siquijor

Limited; mostly hand-painted murals at resort entrances and local schools.

Cooking Classes in Siquijor

Baha Bar sometimes hosts traditional Filipino cooking demos (adobo, kinilaw).

Art Galleries in Siquijor

Small displays at 'Canoan Art Gallery' near the port when operational.

Local Heritage in Siquijor

Traditional 'Bolo-Bolo' healing rituals using a pipe, water, and a black stone.

Nearby Nature Escapes in Siquijor

Mt. Bandilaan National Park - Highest point on the island for hiking and panoramic views.

National Parks Nearby in Siquijor

Tulapos Marine Sanctuary (Enrique Villanueva) - Best place to snorkel with barracudas and giant clams.

Cycling/Walking Paths in Siquijor

The road loop from San Juan up to Lazi via the mountains is very scenic for cycling.

Birdwatching Locations in Siquijor

Mt. Bandilaan for native species like the Siquijor Bulbul.

Bonfire-Friendly Spots in Siquijor

San Juan beach area after 8 PM (check with local guesthouses).

Scenic Viewpoints in Siquijor

Larena Triad View Deck - Panoramic view of the sea and neighboring islands.

Parcel Delivery Service in Siquijor

J&T Express (Larena) and Palawan Express (Pawnshops often handle cargo).

Tech Repair Services in Siquijor

Small local shops in Siquijor Town for basic phone repair; go to Dumaguete for laptops.

Table Tennis Spots in Siquijor

Local barangay centers often have tables; ask the Lazi community center.

Language Classes in Siquijor

Informal Cebuano (Bisaya) lessons can be arranged with local teachers (approx. 300 PHP/hour).

Libraries & Study Spots in Siquijor

Siquijor State College Library (Lamba, Larena).

Community Centers in Siquijor

Town Plazas in San Juan and Larena.

Gaming Lounges in Siquijor

Small 'Pisonet' shops in towns for basic PC gaming.

Casino & Gaming Halls in Siquijor

None. The island focuses on eco-tourism and peace.

Studio Purchase Price (City Center) in Siquijor

Approx. 45,000 PHP per m² (e.g., 30 m² = 1,350,000 PHP/~$24,000). Highly restricted for foreigners.

Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) in Siquijor

Approx. 35,000 PHP per m² (e.g., 30 m² = 1,050,000 PHP/~$18,500).

1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) in Siquijor

Approx. 40,000 PHP per m² (e.g., 50 m² = 2,000,000 PHP/~$35,500).

1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) in Siquijor

Approx. 30,000 PHP per m² (e.g., 50 m² = 1,500,000 PHP/~$26,700).

2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) in Siquijor

Approx. 38,000 PHP per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 3,040,000 PHP/~$54,000).

2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) in Siquijor

Approx. 28,000 PHP per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 2,240,000 PHP/~$40,000).

Corporate Tax in Siquijor

25% (Standard Philippine Rate).

Dividend Withholding Tax in Siquijor

15-25% depending on tax treaties.

Tax System in Siquijor

Territorial for non-residents; world-wide for resident citizens.

Siquijor Digital Nomad Guide - Tips & Local Information

Food and Drink

Street Food Stalls: San Juan Night Market (near the church) - open-air BBQ, grilled squid, and puso (hanging rice).
Popular International Cuisine: Marco Polo (Italian/Pizza) and Roch Cuisine (Fusion).
Best Food Delivery App: None. Most restaurants offer direct delivery via local motorbike riders for a small fee (50-100 PHP).
Best Local Dish to Try: Siquijor-style 'Pan de Monkayo' (local bread) and fresh grilled blue marlin from the San Juan night market.
Vegan/Vegetarian Options: Shaka Bowls (San Juan) - Famous smoothie bowls; Luca Loko - many plant-based options.
Best Dessert Spots: Larena Triad Coffee Shop - Great views and traditional Halo-halo (approx. 150 PHP).
Affordable Shopping Spots: Siquijor Public Market and Prince Hypermart for groceries and household goods.
E-commerce/Online Store: Lazada and Shopee (delivery takes 7-14 days due to island location).
Grocery Delivery: Not officially available; hire a local trike driver to do a market run for a 100 PHP tip.
Bar/Nightlife Area: San Juan 'The Strip'. Notable: Baha Bar for live music and Czar’s Place for Friday night street parties.
Local Brewery: None on island, but craft beers from Dumaguete (e.g., Kape Kristiano) are sold at Baha Bar.
Wine Bars: Dolce Amore - Selection of Italian wines (approx. 1,200 PHP per bottle).

Culture and Attractions

Must-See Landmarks: Cambugahay Falls (Lazi) - Tiered waterfalls with rope swings (entry 50 PHP).
Museums & Art Venues: Lazi Convent - One of the oldest and largest convents in Asia (entry 20 PHP).
Historical Sites: Old Enchanted Balete Tree - 400-year-old tree with a natural fish spa (entry 20 PHP).
Religious Sites: St. Isidore de Labrador Church (Lazi) and Siquijor Church (San Juan).
Annual Events: Siquijor Healing Festival (Holy Week) - Gathering of folk healers and herbalists on Mt. Bandilaan.
Cultural Districts: Siquijor Town proper - The administrative and historical heart of the island.
Theater Venues: None. Local festivals (Fiestas) feature open-air stage performances in town plazas.
Local Markets: Sunday Market in San Juan for fresh organic produce and fish.
Music Scene: Live acoustic bands at Baha Bar (Wed/Sat nights).
Street Art: Limited; mostly hand-painted murals at resort entrances and local schools.
Cooking Classes: Baha Bar sometimes hosts traditional Filipino cooking demos (adobo, kinilaw).
Art Galleries: Small displays at 'Canoan Art Gallery' near the port when operational.
Historic Buildings: Larena Bell Tower remains.
Local Heritage: Traditional 'Bolo-Bolo' healing rituals using a pipe, water, and a black stone.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

Nearby Nature Escapes: Mt. Bandilaan National Park - Highest point on the island for hiking and panoramic views.
National Parks Nearby: Tulapos Marine Sanctuary (Enrique Villanueva) - Best place to snorkel with barracudas and giant clams.
Cycling/Walking Paths: The road loop from San Juan up to Lazi via the mountains is very scenic for cycling.
Birdwatching Locations: Mt. Bandilaan for native species like the Siquijor Bulbul.
Bonfire-Friendly Spots: San Juan beach area after 8 PM (check with local guesthouses).
Scenic Viewpoints: Larena Triad View Deck - Panoramic view of the sea and neighboring islands.

Other Services and Amenities

Parcel Delivery Service: J&T Express (Larena) and Palawan Express (Pawnshops often handle cargo).
Tech Repair Services: Small local shops in Siquijor Town for basic phone repair; go to Dumaguete for laptops.
Table Tennis Spots: Local barangay centers often have tables; ask the Lazi community center.
Language Classes: Informal Cebuano (Bisaya) lessons can be arranged with local teachers (approx. 300 PHP/hour).
Libraries & Study Spots: Siquijor State College Library (Lamba, Larena).
Community Centers: Town Plazas in San Juan and Larena.
Gaming Lounges: Small 'Pisonet' shops in towns for basic PC gaming.
Casino & Gaming Halls: None. The island focuses on eco-tourism and peace.

Business

Studio Purchase Price (City Center): Approx. 45,000 PHP per m² (e.g., 30 m² = 1,350,000 PHP/~$24,000). Highly restricted for foreigners.
Studio Purchase Price (Outside City): Approx. 35,000 PHP per m² (e.g., 30 m² = 1,050,000 PHP/~$18,500).
1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center): Approx. 40,000 PHP per m² (e.g., 50 m² = 2,000,000 PHP/~$35,500).
1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City): Approx. 30,000 PHP per m² (e.g., 50 m² = 1,500,000 PHP/~$26,700).
2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center): Approx. 38,000 PHP per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 3,040,000 PHP/~$54,000).
2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City): Approx. 28,000 PHP per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 2,240,000 PHP/~$40,000).
Corporate Tax: 25% (Standard Philippine Rate).
Dividend Withholding Tax: 15-25% depending on tax treaties.
Tax System: Territorial for non-residents; world-wide for resident citizens.
Highest Income Tax Bracket: 35% (on income over 8M PHP).
VAT: 12% (Value Added Tax).
Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules: None for individuals; some rules apply to corporations.
Property Tax: Real Property Tax (Amillar) is low, approx 1-2% of assessed value annually.
Property Transaction Tax: 6% Capital Gains Tax + 1.5% Documentary Stamp Tax.
Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads: No specific digital nomad visa yet; tourists usually pay no local tax on foreign income if on a visitor visa.

Essentials

City: Siquijor Island, Siquijor Province, Central Visayas, Philippines
Population: Approximately 103,395 (2020 Census)
Internet Speed: Starlink is common at top cafes (150-250 Mbps); local fiber (PLDT/Globe) averages 20-50 Mbps; 4G/5G is spotty in remote areas.
Currency & Banking: Philippine Peso (PHP). 1 USD ≈ 56.00 PHP. ATMs are mostly in Siquijor Town and Larena (Metrobank, PNB). Landbank has the highest reliable limits.
Tap Water: Not drinkable. Use 5-gallon purified water jugs (approx. 35 PHP) or filtered dispensers provided by resorts.
Power: 220V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A and Type B sockets. Frequent brownouts occur; many remote workers use power banks or stay at resorts with generators.
SIM Card: Globe and Smart. Smart has better coverage in San Juan. Buy at Larena Pier for approx. 50 PHP plus 500 PHP for monthly data (90GB).
Banking for Expats: GCash (digital wallet) is essential for local payments. Maya and GCash are widely used; credit cards only at high-end resorts.
Accommodation: Guesthouses start at 800 PHP/day. Long-term house rentals range from 15,000 to 35,000 PHP per month via Facebook Marketplace.
Cashless Friendly: Moderate. GCash is accepted at many stores, but cash is king for markets, trikes, and local eateries.
Short Term Rentals: Airbnb, Booking.com, and agoda. Popular spots include Glamping Siquijor and Tropical Fun Ta Sea.
Budget Accommodation: JJ’s Backpackers (San Juan) - approx. 450 PHP for dorm beds; Love Shack Siquijor - approx. 600 PHP.
Best Area to Stay for Tourists: San Juan. This is the hub for sunset bars, restaurants, and white sand beaches like Paliton Beach.
Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads: San Juan (for community and Starlink) or Lazi (for quieter, cheaper long-term stays with better nature access).

Working and Networking

Best Coworking Space: No dedicated 'coworking centers' yet; workers congregate at 'See, Keep & Explore' or 'Baha Bar' which offer reliable Wi-Fi.
Best Cafe for Work: Monkey Business (San Juan) - Good food, reliable Wi-Fi; Dolce Amore - High-end Italian vibe with fiber internet.
Networking Events: Informal gatherings at JJ's Backpackers bonfire nights or Sunday sunset meetups at Paliton Beach.
Social Events for Expats: Join the 'Siquijor Expats & Locals' Facebook group for weekly community dinners and beach cleanups.

Transportation

Best Taxi/Ride App: None (No Grab/Uber). Use local tricycles or hire a private driver. Siquijor Town to San Juan costs approx. 150-250 PHP by trike.
Bike/Scooter Rental: Widely available at piers. Approx. 300-350 PHP per day for a semi-automatic or automatic scooter (e.g., Honda Click).
Best Beach Nearby: Paliton Beach (San Juan) for sunsets; Salagdoong Beach (Maria) for cliff jumping and turquoise water.
Top Regional Airline: Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines (flying into Dumaguete, then ferry to Siquijor).
Top International Airline: Emirates, Qatar Airways, or Cathay Pacific (flying to Cebu, then ferry/flight to Siquijor).
Highway Access: The Siquijor Circumferential Road (72km) is well-paved and circles the entire island.
Main Train/Transit Hub: Larena Pier and Siquijor Pier (frequent ferries to Dumaguete, Bohol, and Cebu via OceanJet).
Public Transport Passes: No passes. Multicabs (jeepneys) run between towns for fixed low rates (25-50 PHP).
Regional Travel: OceanJet high-speed ferry to Dumaguete (50 mins, 350 PHP) or to Tagbilaran, Bohol (1.5 hours, 900 PHP).

Health and Wellness

Best Hospital: Siquijor Provincial Hospital (Siquijor Town). For serious emergencies, a medevac to Cebu or Dumaguete (Silliman Medical Center) is required.
Yoga & Wellness Centers: Yoga by the Beach at Glamping Siquijor (approx. 400 PHP per session); Apo Diver Wellness.
Gyms & Fitness Centers: LDS Gym (Siquijor Town) - basic local gym with free weights; 50 PHP per day.
Laundry Services: D’ Laundry Hub (San Juan). Approx. 40 PHP per kg for wash/dry/fold service.

Siquijor digital nomad guide