Siquijor for Digital Nomads: The 3-Day Itinerary I Wish I Had When I Arrived

I'm sitting at La Canope right now, laptop closed, coffee long gone cold, watching the sun paint the sky in shades I still don't have names for. Eleven months ago, I was in a cramped London flat, scrolling through coworking spaces in the Philippines, trying to figure out where to land next.

After 11 years in London's grey rhythm, I needed something different. I had no idea this small island would become the place where I'd find my favorite sunset spot, open Eden Coworking Space, and build a life I actually want to wake up to.

Here's the thing about Siquijor - it's not just another pretty island in the Philippines. And this isn't just another "top 10 things to do" list written by someone who spent three days here.

I'm Brazilian, I run a coworking space, and I talk to digital nomads and remote workers every single day. I've made the timing mistakes, visited the overcrowded spots, and found the hidden gems that nobody tells you about.

So here's what I tell every digital nomad who walks into Eden Coworking, usually jet-lagged and wondering what they've gotten themselves into.

Why Trust a Brazilian Who Left London for a Small Philippine Island?

Fair question. I spent 11 years building a life in London. I know what it's like to be a digital nomad searching for the next spot that actually works - not just for Instagram, but for getting work done, for finding community, for feeling like you can breathe again.

When I arrived in Siquijor, I did everything tourists do. I showed up at Cambugahay Falls at 11am (mistake). I tried to enjoy sunset at the crowded spots everyone recommends (mixed results). I didn't know which marine sanctuary was worth the early wake-up call.

But eleven months in, I've figured out the rhythm of this island. I know which restaurant makes the best Filipino food, which beach is worth the drive, and exactly when to visit the waterfalls if you actually want to enjoy them.

Running Eden Coworking means I'm constantly refining this knowledge - testing it with real digital nomads and remote workers who need practical information, not just pretty photos.

Sunsets: Where to Actually Feel Something

Let's start with what matters most on an island - where to watch the world slow down at the end of your workday.

La Canope: My Personal Sanctuary

This is where you'll probably find me most evenings. La Canope isn't just a sunset spot - it's a whole vibe. Come for a coffee, bring a book, and just exist for a while. The view is stunning, sure, but what I love most is that you can come here alone, read, watch the sunset, and feel completely at peace.

It's become one of my favorite things to do on the island - just me, a book, and that view.

For digital nomads especially, this is your reset button.

And I mean it. Even if you try to check on your Instagram over there, you will not be able. No phone service, and no Wifi. Just birds and peace.

After a day of Zoom calls and deadline pressure, La Canope reminds you why you chose this life.

Paliton Beach: Sunsets with Your People

This is the social sunset experience. Grab some friends, bring drinks, swim, and watch the sun go down with your feet in the sand. It's everything a beach sunset should be - casual, beautiful, and exactly the kind of evening that makes you text your friends back home saying "you need to visit."

Siquijor is famous for its orange / red poetic sunsets and in Paliton beach you will understand why.

Bucafe: The Honest Truth

Everyone will tell you Bucafe has great sunsets. And look, they're not wrong about the view. But here's my honest take - it's tiny and always packed. If you love crowds and don't mind fighting for space, go for it.

Me? I'd rather spend that golden hour somewhere I can actually breathe.

The Waterfalls: Strategy Over Spontaneity

Siquijor is known for its waterfalls, and for good reason. But timing is everything.

Cambugahay Falls: The Famous One (Done Right)

Let me be straight with you - Cambugahay Falls is the most popular attraction in Siquijor. It's always busy. And it's absolutely, 100% worth visiting anyway. It's popular for a reason.

But here's what the tour groups won't tell you: avoid 10am to 1pm like your productivity depends on it. This is peak chaos time - tour buses, crowds, noise. You'll spend more time waiting for photos than actually experiencing the place.

Instead, arrive early (around 9am) or later (after 3pm). The magic of Cambugahay isn't just one waterfall - there are 8 different falls, each with its own personality, different swings to jump from, different pools to swim in. Visiting all eight is part of the experience.

Give yourself time to explore them properly, not just snap a photo at the main one.

For digital nomads: this is your mid-week reset. The internet signal dies the moment you enter (which might be exactly what you need). Plan it for a day when you can actually disconnect.

Lugnason Falls: My Favorite

This is the one that stole my heart. Lugnason Falls doesn't get the Instagram fame that Cambugahay does, but that's exactly why it's special. It's quieter, more peaceful, and honestly just as beautiful. When I need to clear my head, this is where I go.

Underwater Siquijor: Where the Real Magic Happens

If you're not snorkeling in Siquijor, you're missing half the island. The underwater world here is stunning, and very different depending on where you go.

Tubod Marine Sanctuary: The Accessible Wonder

Right in the heart of San Juan, Tubod Marine Sanctuary is incredibly diverse and easy to reach. This is where you'll see the most variety - clownfish playing in the anemones, corals in every color, turtles gliding past, and hundreds of smaller fish species. It's like someone created an underwater theme park but forgot to tell anyone.

For digital nomads staying in San Juan (where most of the coworking-friendly accommodations are), this is your lunch-break adventure. Seriously. You can snorkel here and be back at your desk within two hours.

Tulapos Marine Sanctuary: The Deep Adventure

Tulapos is a completely different experience. This is deeper ocean, bigger marine life, and honestly, more dramatic. The main attractions? Giant sea turtles and reef sharks.

Yes, sharks. But before you panic - they're vegetarian. Well, they eat algae and small stuff. You're perfectly safe, I promise.

Here's the insider tip: you need a guide (it's mandatory), but make sure you tell them specifically that you want to see the sharks and the school of jack fish. Otherwise, they might take you on the standard route. The guides know where to find them - they'll chase them down for you.

One sad note: Tulapos used to have barracudas. They disappeared over a year ago (2024) and never came back. Nobody quite knows why. It's a reminder that these ecosystems are fragile, which makes experiencing them now even more precious.

Caves: Proper, Proper Caves

Let me tell you about Cantabon Cave - and I mean a real cave adventure, not just walking into a pretty opening and taking photos.

Cantabon Cave: The Underground Adventure

Cantabon is huge. We're talking about 1.5 hours of exploration, and it's a proper journey through the earth. This is a wet cave, which means you'll be crossing water, getting muddy, and fully committing to the experience. Come prepared to get wet and embrace the adventure.

Guides are mandatory here (and trust me, you want them - this isn't a cave you navigate alone), and you'll rent equipment on-site. But here's why it's worth it: Cantabon is beautiful in a completely different way than anything else on the island. It's raw, it's real, and it's the kind of adventure that reminds you why you became a digital nomad in the first place - to do things you'd never do in your old life.

For digital nomads: this is definitely an "offline" activity. No phone service, no distractions, just you and the cave. Schedule it for a day when you can completely disconnect.

Cliff Jumping: Manage Your Expectations, Maximize Your Fun

Salagdoong Beach: My Favorite Beach on the Island

This is it. This is my favorite beach in Siquijor, and it delivers on multiple levels. It's small, adorable, and has three different cliff jumps at different heights - up to 10 meters if you're feeling brave.

But even if you're not into jumping, Salagdoong is worth the visit. The beach itself is gorgeous, perfect for swimming and relaxing. There's a restaurant right there with cheap, surprisingly good food. You can easily spend half a day here and leave feeling like you got the full island experience.

Pitogo Cliff: Beautiful View, Tempered Expectations

Pitogo Cliff has stunning views - absolutely worth seeing. But let's be honest about the jumping situation. The 12-meter jump is closed. Too many injuries, totally understandable decision. Now you can only jump from 6 meters.

Is it still fun? Yes. Is it the adrenaline rush you might be expecting? Not really. Go for the view, enjoy the 6-meter jump, but don't build it up as the main event of your day.

Food: Beyond Tourist Menus

Cafe 24: The Bold Claim I Stand Behind

I'm going to say something controversial: Cafe 24 in Lazi makes the best Kare Kare in the Philippines.

I know, I know - that's a big statement. But I've tried Kare Kare all over the country, and nothing hits like Cafe 24's version. Kare Kare is a traditional Filipino dish - rich peanut sauce, oxtail, vegetables - and when it's done right, it's transcendent. Cafe 24 does it right.

This is a must-order. Don't skip it.

BahaBar: Where You'll Find Me Reading

BahaBar is another one of my favorite spots on the island. Good food, great atmosphere, and peaceful enough that I often end up there by myself with a book. If you see a Brazilian reading alone at BahaBar, come say hi - it's probably me.

My go-to order? Pork Sisig. It's another traditional Filipino dish - crispy pork, onions, chili, served on a sizzling plate. BahaBar's version is fantastic. Perfect lunch after a morning of snorkeling.

The 3-Day Itinerary I Wish Someone Had Given Me

Alright, here's the practical part. This is the itinerary I give to digital nomads at Eden Coworking. It's tested, it's realistic, and it works with a remote work schedule.

Day 1: The Immersion Day

Morning: Start with snorkeling at Tubod Marine Sanctuary. It's central, easy to reach, and the morning light underwater is magical. Give yourself 2-3 hours.

Lunch: Head straight to BahaBar for that Pork Sisig I mentioned. You've earned it.

Afternoon: Drive to Lugnason Falls. This is my favorite waterfall, remember? You'll see why. The afternoon light here is perfect.

Sunset: Around 4pm, leave the falls and head to La Canope. Grab that coffee, find a spot, and let the day settle into you.

Digital Nomad Note: This is a full day. Schedule it like you would a Saturday back home - clear your calendar, set your Slack to away. You're going to be tired by the end, but the good kind of tired.

Day 2: The Breathing Day

Morning: Early start (9am) to Cambugahay Falls. Beat the crowds, experience all 8 falls, try the swings. Take your time here - there's no rush.

Midday: Head to Salagdoong Beach. Have lunch at the restaurant by the beach. Then just... exist for a while. Swim, read, jump off cliffs if that's your thing, or just lie on the sand.

Afternoon: Salagdoong Beach is on the furthest point of the Siquijor island, and do you know which other imporant place to visit is right here? Tulapos Marine Sanctuary.

Take advantage that you are far from San Juan, on the other side of the island, and go to Tulapos Marine Sanctuary for the snorkeling with Sharks, Jack Fish and big turtles.

Digital Nomad Note: This is another heavy day. You will probably not be able to work this day as well. Maybe better to pick a Sunday to enjoy it.

Day 3: The easy Day

Morning: Pitogo Cliff for the cliff jumps and the view. You will probably not spend more than 2 hours there. (Remember, today is an easy day. Take your time)

Lunch: Drive to Cafe 24. Order that Kare Kare. Thank me later.

Afternoon: Time for some caving adventures. head towards Cantabon Cave and enjoy the almost 2 hours tour/adventure inside this cave. Remember... get ready to get wet.

Bonus tip: While driving to Cafe 24, you could stop quickly by Enchanted Balete Tree. Its another famous tourist spot in Siquijor. Im not a big fan, but hey... you might enjoy it and you are going to drive by it anyway. 30min stop there will be more than enough to give you a taste of what it its. Its said this is the oldest tree in the island, and by the base of the tree there are those fish that eat the dead skin of your feet. If that is your cup of tea. Go for it.

What This All Really Means

Eleven months in, and I'm still discovering new things about this island. New swimming spots, new food, new reasons why leaving London was the best decision I've made in years.

I have created a video about more places to visit in Siquijor, in case you want to have a look as well:

But here's what I've learned that matters most: Siquijor isn't just about checking off attractions. It's about finding your rhythm. Your sunset spot. Your beach. Your favorite order at your favorite restaurant.

When you arrive in Siquijor - and I really hope you do - stop by Eden Coworking Space. Whether you need a desk for a day or a community for a month, we're here. And honestly? I'd love to hear which spot becomes your favorite. Maybe we'll run into each other at BahaBar, or both end up reading at La Canope during sunset.

That's the thing about this island - it has a way of turning visitors into residents, and residents into people who can't imagine leaving.

See you in Siquijor.