Your First Typhoon in Siquijor: A Foreigner's Survival Guide (From Someone Who Freaked Out Too)

Last Updated: November 2025

I remember my first typhoon warning in Siquijor. I was absolutely terrified.

I'm Brazilian. We don't have typhoons. When I heard "Typhoon approaching the Philippines," I immediately started googling evacuation routes, emergency shelters, and questioning every life decision that brought me to this island.

Meanwhile, the locals? Completely chill. Laughing at my panic. Going about their day like nothing was happening.

That's when I realised: I didn't understand typhoons at all.

After living through multiple typhoon seasons in Siquijor, I've learned what foreigners need to know - the difference between real danger and just inconvenient weather, what actually happens on the island, and how to prepare without panicking.

If you're reading this because you just saw a typhoon warning and you're freaking out - take a breath. I'm going to walk you through everything.

First: Why Locals Aren't Worried (And Why You Probably Don't Need To Be Either)

Here's what I wish someone had told me on day one:

Siquijor is exceptionally well-protected from typhoons.

The island's geography, location, and surrounding waters mean that typhoons rarely cause serious damage here. Not never - but rarely. The locals know this. They've lived through decades of typhoon seasons. They can tell which storms will actually hit hard and which ones will just bring rain and wind.

What usually happens in Siquijor during a typhoon:

• Strong winds (but not strong enough to destroy buildings)

• Heavy rain that starts and stops unpredictably

• Power cuts - endless, days-long power cuts

• Ferry cancellations (you might get stranded)

• Some fallen trees or branches

• Flooding in low-lying areas

What usually does NOT happen:

• Buildings collapsing

• Catastrophic destruction

• Mass evacuations

• Life-threatening storm surges (Siquijor's coastline is protected)

That said - typhoons are unpredictable. Just because Siquijor is typically safe doesn't mean you should be careless. Prepare properly, stay informed, and take it seriously - but don't panic.

Understanding Typhoons: What Foreigners Need to Know

What Is a Typhoon?

A typhoon is what we call a hurricane or cyclone in other parts of the world. It's a massive rotating storm system with:

Typhoon's imagery

• Extremely strong winds (can exceed 200+ km/h in super typhoons)

• Torrential rain

• Storm surge (rising sea levels)

• Potential for flooding and landslides

The Philippines gets hit by 15-20 typhoons per year. This is normal. This is part of living here.

Typhoon Categories (Signal Levels)

The Philippines uses a signal warning system:

Signal #1: Winds 30-60 km/h - Minor. Basically windy weather.

Signal #2: Winds 61-120 km/h - Moderate. Stay indoors, secure loose items.

Signal #3: Winds 121-170 km/h - Strong. Dangerous to be outside. Power cuts likely.

Signal #4: Winds 171-220 km/h - Very strong. Serious danger. Stay sheltered.

Signal #5: Winds 220+ km/h - Extreme. Catastrophic potential. Rare in Siquijor.

In Siquijor, we typically experience Signal #1 or #2. Occasionally Signal #3. Very rarely anything higher.

Understanding "Landfall" (Critical Concept)

Landfall is when the eye of the typhoon crosses over land. This is typically when the storm is at its strongest impact - highest winds, heaviest rain, biggest waves.

Here's what matters for Siquijor:

If the typhoon makes landfall in:

• Northern Luzon (far north Philippines) - Siquijor will barely feel it

• Central Philippines (Cebu, Bohol, Negros area) - Siquijor will likely experience strong effects

• Mindanao (south) - Siquijor might catch the outer bands

• Directly on Siquijor - Rare, but this is when you take it very seriously

The distance and path matter enormously. A super typhoon 400km away might bring just rain. A weaker typhoon making direct landfall on Siquijor will have major impact.

How to Track Typhoons (Essential Resources)

Don't rely on rumours or social media panic. Use an official source.

My favourite one that is "foreigner" is:

Typhoon in Siquijor

Zoom Earth (Visual Tracking)

Best visual tool for tracking in real-time

• Website: https://zoom.earth/

• Shows satellite imagery of the typhoon

• You can see the storm moving, its size, and predicted path

• Super intuitive for foreigners who aren't used to reading weather charts

What Actually Happens During a Typhoon in Siquijor

Let me describe what you'll actually experience:

24-48 Hours Before

• Weather starts getting windy and cloudy

• Locals begin preparing (securing loose items, canceling trips)

• Ferry companies announce schedule changes

• Some tourists start leaving the island

• Accommodations might contact you about safety procedures

During the Typhoon (Peak Impact)

The Wind:

• Strong, sustained winds that shake trees and buildings

• You'll hear whistling sounds through windows

• Occasional powerful gusts that make you nervous

• Palm trees bending dramatically (they're built for this, don't worry)

Windy and Wavy Siquijor

The Rain:

• Comes in waves - heavy downpour, then stops, then starts again

• Can last hours or come in 15-minute bursts

• Sometimes horizontal rain blown by wind

• Flooding in low areas (usually drains quickly after)

• 
  

The Power Cuts: This is the biggest impact on daily life.

My happiness when electricity comes back

Why power cuts happen:

1. Electrical lines get knocked down by wind or falling branches

2. The boats that bring fuel for generators can't reach Siquijor during storms

3. Safety precautions - power companies shut down lines to prevent accidents

How long they last:

• Could be 6 hours

• Could be 3 days

• Could be 2 or 3 days

• Could be a week in worst cases

• Unpredictable and frustrating

What this means for you:

• No AC (you'll be hot and sweaty)

• No WiFi (unless you're somewhere with solar + Starlink like Eden)

• No phone service (towers lose power too)

• No refrigeration (food spoils - eat perishables first)

• Limited ability to charge devices

• Darkness at night (candles, flashlights essential)

After the Typhoon Passes

• Wind and rain gradually decrease

• Power slowly returns (some areas before others)

• Roads get cleared of fallen branches

• Ferry service resumes (usually 24-48 hours after storm passes)

• Life returns to normal surprisingly quickly

How to Prepare: Your Typhoon Checklist

Its better to stay home in a Typhoon

3-5 Days Before (When Warning Issued)

☐ Check your travel plans

• If you have flights/ferries during the typhoon window, reschedule NOW

• Don't wait - they WILL get cancelled

• Airlines and ferry companies are flexible during typhoon warnings

• If you're in a hotel, extend your booking immediately

• Seriously - do not try to travel during a typhoon. You will get stranded.

☐ Prepare your accommodation

• Charge ALL devices (phone, laptop, power banks)

• Fill bathtub/containers with water (for flushing toilets if water stops)

• Know where the flashlights/candles are

• Secure any loose items on balconies or outside

  
  

☐ Save emergency contacts (in your phone AND written down)

• Ambulance: 0965-788-7245, 0969-965-1585

• Rescue Vehicle: 0975-965-2100

• PNP (Police): 0926-324-2020

• BFP (Fire): 0917-126-0766

• Coast Guard: 0926-170-3099

• RHU (Health): 0969-605-1584

• MDRRMO (Disaster Response): 0956-980-0941, 0969-616-7959

  
  

Where to Work If You're a Digital Nomad

Here's the harsh reality: Most of Siquijor will have no power or internet for days.

If you have deadlines, client calls, or work that can't wait:

Option 1: Eden Coworking

• We run on 100% solar power (never lose electricity)

• Starlink internet (doesn't rely on local infrastructure)

• Open 24/7 even during typhoons

• AC always running

• This is literally why we built Eden this way

Option 2: Find accommodations with backup power

• Some resorts have generators + Starlink

• Ask specifically: "Do you have solar or generator AND Starlink?"

• Both are necessary - generator alone won't help if internet provider is down

Option 3: Reschedule your work

• If possible, communicate with clients ahead of time

• "I'm in the Philippines, typhoon approaching, may be offline for 2-3 days"

• Most people understand

• Better to warn them than disappear

Option 4: Leave Siquijor before the typhoon

• If you have critical work and no backup power solution

• Cebu City, Manila, or other major cities have better infrastructure

• Easier to work through storms in big cities

Ferry & Flight Cancellations: What to Expect

Ferries

When they cancel:

• Usually 24-48 hours before expected storm impact

• Sometimes earlier for super typhoons

• Check with: Ocean Jet, Montenegro Lines, or your ferry company directly

When they resume:

• Usually 24-48 hours AFTER storm passes

• Depends on wave conditions, not just wind

• First ferries often fully booked (many stranded passengers)

What to do:

• Book your rescheduled ferry as soon as they announce resumption

• Expect delays even after resumption

• Be flexible and patient

Flights

When they cancel:

• Regional airports (Dumaguete, Siargao, etc.) cancel quickly

• Major airports (Manila, Cebu) cancel based on typhoon path

• Airlines notify via email/SMS usually

When they resume:

• Faster than ferries typically

• But expect massive rebooking chaos

• Airlines are usually flexible during typhoons (free rebooking)

Pro tip: If you have a flight scheduled during typhoon season, buy travel insurance that covers weather delays.

Final Thoughts: You'll Be Fine

Another happy day with friends in Siquijor

I know it's scary when you hear "typhoon" for the first time. I remember that fear.

But after living through multiple typhoon seasons in Siquijor, here's what I know:

You will be fine.

The island has survived countless typhoons. The locals know what they're doing. The infrastructure, while imperfect, exists. Emergency services are available.

Yes, it's inconvenient. Yes, you'll lose power. Yes, you might get stranded. Yes, it's frustrating.

But you'll survive. You'll have a story. And next time a typhoon warning comes, you'll be the calm one reassuring other panicking foreigners.

Welcome to the Philippines. This is part of the adventure.

Stay safe, stay prepared, and remember - when the power goes out across the island, Eden's lights stay on.