Island Casitas Siquijor, a Simple Yet Relaxing Glamping Site on the Island

Glamping—a combination of the words “glamour” and “camping”—nowadays has become a famous form of accommodation in the country, and even across the world.

If you are headed for the majestic island of Siquijor—listed by National Geographic as one of three new Asian destinations for trendsetting travelers—and want to give glamping a try, the newly-opened Island Casitas Siquijor is definitely worth staying at. A sister company of Ocean Suites in Bohol, Island Casitas Siquijor has been accepting guests since February 15 of this year.

Check out below to find out what’s in store for you at this simple yet relaxing glamping site located along Siquijor Circumferential Road in Lala-o, San Juan. 

Spacious and serene glamping site

Unlike other glamping sites, the area at Island Casitas Siquijor is not cramped. Tents are erected meters apart so hearing anything from the neighbouring tents is highly unlikely. Well, unless other guests talk too loud. 

View from the small tent

For serenity, the site is a perfect place to savor your free cup of coffee in the early morning while lending an ear to the lovely birds hum their songs. And as the sun goes down, grab a few bottles of beer and hear these birds hum again before they call it a night.  

Did I mention that you also get to enjoy a beautiful garden view? Absolutely such an ideal view to wake up to. Also, you will be rewarded by a refreshing, cool air breeze as the site is located in the middle of coconut trees. 

Cozy and affordable tents 

Island Casitas Siquijor houses 6 small tents and a big one. The rate for a small tent is P950 a night (good for 2 pax), while the big one is P1,900 a night (good for 4). Although they call it ‘small’, a small tent sleeps a max of 4 guests. If you travel with friends and/or family, the big tent that accommodates up to 6 guests will be an option. Extra person charge is P500. 

Bohemian Style-like tent

These homely Bohemian Style-like tents feature mosquito nets, comfortable beds, blankets and pillows, clean towels, an electric fan, a locker, and two cozy chairs outside. Plus a Wi-Fi to keep you connected to keep your social media pages updated. The flooring of these tents consists of bamboos, which add to its chilly ambience at night. And when the lights turn on at night, these tents are absolutely IG-worthy. 

The small casita at night

Hot and cold showers, and comfort rooms, meanwhile, are shared and are located right at the back of the reception area.

Take note though that unlike other glamping sites, these tents don’t have zippers, so make sure to properly close your tents as bugs getting inside is likely. Luckily, we didn't see some during our stay. 

Vibrant Beach Bar

Island Casitas Siquijor boasts a vibrant bar by the beach. Note that the glamping site and the bar are situated apart, so be ready to walk for a few meters from your tent. 

The Beach Bar

Named as Beach Bar, it serves food from P250 and snacks from P80. Drinks? Cocktails and beverages sell for P100 and P50, respectively (see list below). For other refreshments, you can always order some fruit shakes at Glow Juicebox located right beside the bar. Salads are sold here, too. 

                                 The menu

What to do at this bar? Lounge here in the early morning while waiting for your food to be served. After savoring it, listen to the sound of waves on a hammock while enjoying the cocktail, beer, or fruit shake of your choice. 

Chilling on a hammock

If it’s too early for a drink, put that swimwear on and sunbathe on its crystal clear beach. If getting tanned is not your thing, just laze around as it is fully shaded with coconut trees.

Such a stunning sunset

Love sunsets? The bar is absolutely a perfect spot to witness it. In the evening, grab a few bottles of beer or glasses of cocktail and mingle with the other tourists. 

Visiting the island on a day tour? This bar is worth stopping by for some refreshments. 

Explore the island 

Of course, no Siquijor visit is complete without exploring the entire island. If you have six or more hours to spare during your stay, visit its top tourist spots on a motorbike—rentals start from P300. While it’s true that the island can be toured within six hours, allotting a day is highly recommended to see most of its top destinations if, not all. 

The Lugnason Falls in San Juan

The Cambugahay and Lagaan falls in Lazi, and Lugnason Falls in San Juan are worth the drive for waterfall chasers. A beach bum? The beaches of Paliton—the island’s mini-Boracay, Solangon, and Tubod in San Juan, and Salagdoong in Maria should be on your list. 

The Cambugahay Falls in Lazi

Get to know more about the island’s history by paying St. Francis Of Assisi Parish and Lazi Convent and (then) San Isidro Church a visit. The fish spa at the 400-plus year-old majestic balete tree should not be missed. 

The Kanheron Ranch

Additionally, head to Kanheron Ranch along Circumferential Road for an exotic American Old West experience. See the island in a 360-degree view at Kamp Aninipot in Tacdoc. 

Further, spelunking at Cantabon Cave and cliff jumping at Salagdoong beach are must-tries for adrenaline junkies. 

Only have 4.5 hours to spend? Check out this piece to find out how we were able to visit two spots.

Guests loved their stays, too

You may have been convinced now, hopefully, and is considering booking a night or two at Island Casitas Siquijor, but here are some of our friends’ reviews to give you a better idea on what it is like staying at this glamping site. 

“I’ve heard the best way to experience Siquijor is by renting a motorcycle and camping or glamping if you are seeking more comfort and have some extra money to spare. So I searched online and what I found where pretty expensive options until I stumbled upon a newly opened sight called Island Casitas. It is by far the nicest and cheapest glamping sight I’ve ever been to. The facilities are very clean and well maintained and the food shack on the beach is all you need to spend an amazing night star gazing and enjoying a beer in one of their many hammocks.” - @pampamd 

“I had a great time staying at Island Casitas, the glamping experience was superb! The tents were beautiful and clean, the area was safe and serene for a night island cap. They also offer delicious savory breakfast food.” - @mslastimosa21

“Island Casitas is a perfect place for people who are looking for a serene and chill ambience. It will give you a good rest to remove your stress from a bustling life in the city. Staffs are very accommodating that's why our "glamping" experience is superb though it's not beachfront but still the location is good and full of palm trees that's perfect for your IG feed. They also have a beach bar few meters away that offers a perfect view of Siquijor beach especially during sunset. Glamorous camping at its finest in Island Casitas! Island life it is!” - @chaarmeow

“Awesome for people exploring the island! Convenient location and friendly staff. Love the bathroom vibes even tho shared, but didn’t mind at all. It does get kind of hot during day inside the tents since there is no air conditioning. But since you’ll be out most of the day on the road or on the beach we didn’t mind at all.” - @mabelleosorio

Although @diozelnam and friends did not stay overnight, they dropped by for some refreshments and loved the bar's ambience and the sunset. "We just went there as walk-in because I find their place as cool for chilling place with good ambience. I guess all I can say is that their place is good for sunset viewing, " she said. 

Reserving a tent for a night or two now? Get there by following the directions below.

How to reach there 

Book a flight to Dumaguete (local airlines Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines fly daily to Dumaguete from Manila and Cebu). If you prefer land travel, bus companies from Cebu and Bacolod also offer daily trips to Dumaguete. The Ceres bus company provides daily trips from Manila to Dumaguete, too.

From the airport, take a tricycle to the Dumaguete pier for PhP 150.00 (special ride). If you want to save some bucks, walk a few minutes to the highway and hop on a tricycle for only Php 15 to 20.  

At the pier, board a GL Express 2 fastcraft for P200 at 7AM to be in Siquijor in 50 minutes. If on a budget, book the 5AM Montenegro Lines’ ferry trip for P130; estimated travel time, however,  is 1.5 hours. 

At the beach bar

From the Siquijor port, rent a motorbike at one of the rental shops located just outside the port (rental fee starts from P300 for 24 hours). This is highly recommended if you are exploring the island. If you don’t know how to drive, make your way to the Siquijor Public Market located about 10-minute walk from the pier. From there, board a San Juan-bound tricycle for P25 each. The easiest and fastest way is ask anyone offering motorcycle rentals to take you to the glamping site. This option, however, is expensive as they usually charge P300 for one way.

How to book? You may directly message the resort’s Facebook page or book through Booking.com.

Don't forget to check out the video below: