SIQUIJOR: Where to work for digital nomads

Siquijor has always been on our radar, known for its mystical allure and pristine beaches. We were curious: could this lesser-known island be a viable spot for blending work and exploration?

Our recent visit this 2024 revealed some interesting findings for remote workers looking to blend productivity with island life.

While Siquijor isn't as developed as other places, we found that the town of San Juan offers the best options for digital nomads. Here's our honest take on where to work in Siquijor, based on our recent experience.

🏝️ Our go-to spots for remote work

San Juan emerges as the go-to area for reliable connectivity in Siquijor. While Starlink isn't widespread yet–we found three key spots to work from, with dependable internet for productive work sessions: 1 accommodation, 1 cafe, and 1 restaurant.

Sand1 Hostel 🏡

Sand1 Hostel stands out as our top recommendation for digital nomads. Here's why:

• Private rooms offer a quiet, dedicated workspace
• One of the fastest and most reliable internet connections on the island
• Backup generator ensures uninterrupted work during power outages

Shaka Cafe ☕️

Shaka Cafe is our go-to spot for morning work sessions:

• Beach setting with a great atmosphere
• Good food to fuel your productivity
• Best for half-day work due to limited charging outlets

Wonderland Cafe & Restaurant 🍽️

Wonderland Restaurant proved to be a versatile option for all-day work:

• Consistent WiFi throughout the day
• Quieter during non-meal times, ideal for focused work
• Can get busy during dinner hours

🔍 Other options worth exploring

While our main work sessions were at the above locations, we also found a few other spots that could work for shorter sessions:

• Fable Hostel: Offers a spacious common area near the beach. It can be a good option if you don't need complete quiet and can work in a more social environment. Its proximity to Wonderland Restaurant provides a reliable backup.
• Other cafes & restaurants in San Juan: We discovered that several eateries in San Juan have surprisingly good internet. For instance, we managed to finish some quick online work at a bar called Rumbar during lunch. While these spots aren't ideal for long work sessions, they can be handy for completing document or email work.

Considering Siquijor for remote work?

It's important to note that Siquijor is not a developed digital nomad destination. Here's what you need to know:

• If you need bustling coworking spaces, you might want to look elsewhere. As of September 2024, there are no dedicated coworking spaces on the island. Although there were recommendations when you do an online search, they weren't open/active when we tried to go to the location.
• Power outages can occur, though some places (like Sand1 Hostel) have backup generators.

Despite these challenges, Siquijor offers:

• A quieter, more authentic island experience (less commercialized)
• Lower cost of living compared to other touristy islands in the Philippines
• Opportunity to explore unspoiled beaches, waterfalls, and other natural attractions during weekends or off-work hours

Looking ahead

As digital nomads continue to discover Siquijor, we expect to see more work-friendly spots emerge. For now, with some planning and the right expectations, it's possible to maintain productivity while enjoying the island's unique charm.

We're always on the lookout for places that balance work and wanderlust. Siquijor, with its mix of reliable work spots and natural beauty, offers an intriguing option for digital nomads seeking something off the beaten path.

Siquijor proves that you don't need to sacrifice productivity for paradise.