One disadvantage of solo travel is the cost of the accommodation (that is, if you’re not using Couchsurfing).
Being location independent, my number one requirement for a place to stay is internet access, and a lot of dirt-cheap rooms usually don’t have one.
I was very glad, therefore, that while I was doing research on where to stay in Siquijor, I found out about Villa Marmarine Resort. Nice resorts like Villa Marmarine usually charge P1,000+ per day for a room.
Compared to the P150-room in Larena that I paid the last time I was in Siquijor, that rate is indeed expensive for a budget traveler like me. However, the Larena guesthouse had no internet connection, something that I really needed as a freelancer.
Wonderful Siquijor vista.
I was very happy then when Villa Marmarine gave me a discount (it was the off-peak season when I was there). They are certainly one of the most accommodating businesses I’ve ever encountered in my travels!
Villa Marmarine as seen from the beach.
Opened in 2005, Villa Marmarine is run by retired Japanese teacher Toshito (“Dagman”) and his wife Marie Harada. It’s a small resort (just four cottages) a kilometer or so from the town of Siquijor, Siquijor.
They offer free pick-up service, something that I really appreciated since I arrived at 8pm. They will also arrange for you to be taken to the pier free of charge when you leave, a huge convenience for me since my trip was at 5am!
The beach at Villa Marmarine.
Like any resort, they offer a lot of services, from arranging island tours, to snorkeling and island hopping. They have a dive center as well as a tennis court, and if you just want to relax, you can easily go down to the beach.
You will usually see no one else there aside from the other guests, something that I really appreciated (I’m not into socializing much).
My room at the resort was basic but very adequate.
My room was part of a duplex cottage opening out to the parking lot. Sure, it may not be in a prime location, but it was certainly very good enough for me. There was a comfortable and clean double bed, a fan, a TV (not that I used it), a mosquito net, and a toilet and bath. What more could I ask for at P500/day?
Most of their rooms open out to the beach, though, so when you make a reservation, just indicate your preference.
There’s really nothing you can do in Siquijor once it gets dark, so I always ate dinner at the resort. They have their own restaurant with a nice selection of Filipino and international dishes, some of which could be considered affordable even by budget backpackers.
I loved their omelets (P80); coupled with a bottle of ice-cold beer, it was excellent meal after a long day of going around the island!
Loved their omelette!
What I appreciated most about Villa Marmarine, though, was the service. Their servers are young men and women that the Haradas send to school. They work at the resort after their classes, and despite their part-time status, their service was impeccable—they were prompt, friendly, and always smiling. Food presentation was also very good.
Best of all, as my room didn’t have a desk and chair, they let me work in the restaurant as long as I wanted, which was until 2am every day that I was there.
The view from the Villa Marmarine restaurant.
Given everything else, from their location, to their services, facilities, and amenities, I highly recommend Villa Marmarine Resort. When I go back to Siquijor, I’ll definitely stay there again!
Have you been to Siquijor? If you haven’t yet, do so soon. You will love the Island of Fire!
32 Comments. Leave new
What kind of special amenities are provided at Villa Marmarine Resort?
Hello po, san po banda and luisa and sons ? malapit po ba sya sa larena port?
Hello. Sa Larena port nga sya. Pagkababa ng barko, may part na paakyat papuntang main road. Bago ka umakyat, andun yung guesthouse nila, left side.
Hi, my friend and I just booked our tickets to Dumaguete and we will be staying in Siquijor. How far is Villa Marmarine from the pier? Thank you for this blog. 🙂
I plan to go to siquijor this dec , can I have a an image of ur available rooms good for 2, I’ll spend a 6 nights stay from DEC 8 to DEC 14. Tnx please reply asap
Hello Aleah!!! Thanks for this post!!! But would you mind sharing the name of that 150 room in Larena??? Or do you happen to keep a contact info about it?? My friends and I are planning to go to Siquijor and expecting to keep our expenses as low as we could. Hehe. Thanks in advance!
Hi,
How’s the sand? Is it powdery? or is it little stones?
@ Pierre: Yay! Enjoy Siquijor! And yup, the number is current.
Nice post Aleah..
Will definitely go there this coming october.. weeeeee
Is the contact number still active right?
@ Monnette: It was always like that when I went to the beach. You’re right, it must have been low tide.
The pictures you posted must have been taken at low tide. During high tide, you can’t lounge on the beach without getting wet. Water can get knee-deep.
@ Ahmie: In my room across the parking lot, there was a signal, but it was not so strong, that’s why I also went to the restaurant to work. I don’t know if it’s stronger in the cottages though.
Hi…
The place is really nice!
I would just like to clarify if there’s truely a wifi connection on the cottages/houses and how’s the signal?
Hope someone can help me 🙂
@ Angelina: Will forward your email address to JR. It would be very good if you could find get to know your relatives here!
@ Bonzenti: Siquijor is a really peaceful place, Kuya Bon. I’m glad there are still places like this which remain unspoiled!
One of the unexploited beach fronts I’ve ever seen online aside from the Gumasa Beach. Simpleng lugar, simpleng buhay para sa simpleng tao.:-).
Hi JR Riel,
My grandfather’s name is Santiago Alcazar, and my grandmother’s name is Aurelia Apiag. I think they migrated to Hawaii (Kona, aka North Kohala) in the 1900s. I think they were both from Siquijor, or have met each other when they got to Hawaii. The 1930 census shows that they (strong likelihood) were neighbors, or lived next to each other.
If it turns out that my hunch about both or either of them coming from Siquijor, I would like to visit there, and see for myself.
BTW, I have been to Hawaii a few times for a visit or a vacation. I actually live in California.
I am not sure where you are. Perhaps we can connect via phone or email? I am also on FB, I can find you there and send you a message, if that’s ok with you.
I would of course want to keep Aleah posted because I would not have found you if not for her.
Looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Angie
@ Salika: I make a living online, which is why the internet is my number 1 consideration 😀
@ Anya: Siquijor is perfect indeed!
Wonderful Post. I like quiet places with beautiful beaches to relax. This sounds perfect to me. 🙂
Looks like a place I would enjoy a lot, mainly because of the beach 🙂 I don’t mind Internetless environment although it’d be nice to have it.
@ Photo Cache: I agree! I don’t like big resorts myself (aside from the fact that they’re expensive LOL)
@ JR Riel: Hope she gets to read your comment! What a coincidence eh?
@Angelina – What is your family name from Siquijor? My great-great–grandparents came from there as well, and they migrated to Hawaii in the late 1800’s early 1900’s to work on the plantations on Kaua’i. Like everyone else on the plantations, they married into the Chinese, Hawaiian, Japanese and Portuguese immigrant communities then, but I have just recently started exploring my Filipino ancestry. Are you still in Hawaii now?
yap accommodation that fits the budget tops the list of worries when one is travelling. it’s nice to find a small family operation like that one. the service is more personalized.
@ JR Riel: Aren’t you visiting the Philippines already? Siquijor should really be in your list of places to visit! Going back there again soon, maybe by June or July.
@ Angelina: JR Riel’s ancestors were also from Siquijor, and he’s also born and raised in Hawaii! Will email you later today.
Hello Aleah,
I have done some preliminary research on my mother’s parents and found good reason to believe that her mother (my grandmother, who died at my mother’s childbirth) came from Siquijor. Would you happen to know where I can start finding out more about people who were sent to Hawaii (for work) in the early 1900s? I think my grandfather (born 1885) and grandmother (born 1891) both came from Siquijor. My mother and I started trying to find out about her mother may years ago, by going to Kona, Hawaii, but due to an accident, were not able to go futher. My mother would be thrilled to know that I am able to trace her roots to Siquijor. Unfortunately, my mother passed away 9 years ago.
I would, however, still like to find out about possible relatives. I picked up information about you while trying to find out about Siquijor. I figured you’re my best bet as far as finding out about Siquijor (and my mother’s roots).
I hope I am not imposing too much.
Looking forward to hearing from you,
Angie
Angelina Lavey
Beautiful accommodations! This is the island that my great grandmother is originally from. I hope to go and visit there someday!
@ Mica: Yeah, it’s a very nice resort. Will certainly be back!
@ Leah: Siquijor is certainly very peaceful!
I expect nothing but this kind of treatment from the people of Siquijor… I’ve heard/read nothing but good from this Province. There’s also a certain vibe one can feel, i heard, when one is there… and I sense this good sort of, peaceful vibe in your recollections today. 🙂
Villa Marmarine! We passed by this resort din and automatically, naisip ko na gusto ko mag-work facing the beach! Sarap 😀