Power Outages - Siquijor Digital Nomad’s Worst Nightmare
- Andre Serrano
- Mar 27
- 2 min read
If you haven't heard about the power outages on this island, well... let me tell you: IT. IS. BAD. It’s 7:20 a.m., and I’m writing this blog post fueled by frustration and a terrible night of sleep.
Last night, the electricity went off at least five times. Each time, it stayed off for 40 minutes to an hour.
👉 No electricity.
👉 No AC.
👉 And worst of all... NO INTERNET.
Thank Hypnos I was sleeping and not in the middle of a call with my manager and seven C-level executives. "Sorry, team, I just disappeared into the abyss. Blame Siquijor."
I went through this back in 2023, when I first tried to be a Digital Nomad in Siquijor. I was still figuring things out. And guess what? Not much has changed.
Planned vs. “Surprise!” Power Outages ⚡️
Some outages are announced in advance on the main Electric Cooperative’s Facebook page.
Others? Surprise, surprise. You’re just living your life when BAM—darkness.
How often do Power Outages happen in Siquijor?
Way more often than we’d like. 😅
On average, I expect at least one power outage per week. But Siquijor likes to keep things spicy. 🌶️
Sometimes, I get lucky and go two or even three weeks without a single issue. Other times… well, let's just say five outages in a single week is not unheard of.
Predicting it? Almost impossible. 🚨
How to Survive Siquijor’s Electricity Roulette 🎲
Until I open Siquijor’s first-ever Coworking Space (🙏 manifesting that Eden becomes real soon), here’s how you can hack the system:
✅ Find an Airbnb (NOT a hotel—hotel WiFi is just... no) with a generator. Super common on the island.
✅ Check phone reception before booking. If you don’t have a generator, at least make sure you can hotspot your way through the blackout.
Electrictity is a main problem in this island and Im working really hard to have a coworking space. A blessed place, protected from power outages and bad internet connection. No coinscidence our Coworking Space will be called Eden.
Hopefully soon I can get this place opened.
Until then… fingers crossed! 🤞
Siquijor Digital Nomad's community help
Another lifesaving solution? Stick together! 🤝
When the power goes out, find your fellow Digital Nomads. If one of them is camped out in a place with a generator and solid internet, then guess what? We all RUN there. 🏃♂️💨
And hey, you can always contact me! Even though Eden isn’t open yet, I’d be more than happy to help you find a place to work from. Or heck, just come work from my place!
Because in Siquijor, surviving power outages is a team sport. 😆⚡️
I am in Larena, permantly since mid January. I am mapping the (mostly) daily outages. Its horendous. This week 2 a day 3+hours, sometimes less, sometimes more. Its a nightmare for sure and it wont get better. They are simply more focused on build build build, adding more consumers but not adding capacity to generate electricity.
Hi Andre, thanks for your post!
We are two digital nomads and today's outage literally destroyed our day.. We live in an Airbnb with Starlink, but unfortunately they don't have a generator and the mobile phone doesn't work.
What do you suggest to do and where to go in case of a so long outage like today?