Staying at San Juan Community Development Cooperative, Siquijor

I was browsing through my Facebook timeline when I saw my friend, Mags Dizon, posting photos of her Siquijor trip. I was immediately taken and instantly remembered other friends who also went to the island a few months back. The idea of going to Siquijor for the holy week suddenly sprang in my mind. I messaged Mags where she stayed or if she could recommend one to me and she then shared with me about San Juan Community Development Cooperative (SJCDC).

San Juan Community Development Coop
The SJCDC building that caters to transients and guests.

Most of the resorts in Siquijor are quite pricey. So, when I heard that the rates in SJCDC are P750 (about USD 15.00) per non-aircon room and P950 (app. USD 20.00) in an air-conditioned room, I made it my top choice for our lodgings. Mags shared pictures of the place and it looked cozy and homey. Plus, it is located in the Poblacion of San Juan town, with the market across the SJCDC building.

The building was quite new. The ground floor is where their office and the reception area can be found. At the second floor were the rooms. There were still some construction activities that are needed to be done at the third floor and I was told that they are planning to use it as a venue for various occasions, as well as a place where the guests can dine.

San Juan Community Development Coop
The reception area.
San Juan Community Development Coop
The corridors at the second floor.

The rooms are neat, including the toilet. They provide beddings, pillows, blankets, towels, toilet paper and a bath soap. There is also drinking water, hot or cold, available at the corridor. The second floor has a common area, like a terrace that overlooks the market.

San Juan Community Development Coop
The room.
San Juan Community Development Coop
The clean toilet.

Though right in front of SJCDC is the market, it was still quiet in the area. Right behind the market is the beach area, and there are even cottages located next to the market for those who want to come to the beachfront for some picnic.

The market as seen from the common area at the second floor.
The market as seen from the common area on the second floor.

Some restaurants are also near the place, like Eric the Vikings, which is in the market area, and Get Wrecked, where we would spend our afternoon snacks or dinner. There are also eateries that could be found near the highway, which can be reached on foot from SJCDC.

San Juan Community Development Coop
Behind the market is already the beach front.

We just walked to the Capilay Spring Park (I’ve written about this in my post on Siquijor’s natural attractions) and the San Agustin Church (also featured in my 5 Heritage Landmarks of Siquijor post) from SJCDC. The laundry area of the Capilay Spring is also a few steps from our accommodations.

San Juan Community Development Coop
The end of the spring water flows towards this brook, a few steps from SJCDC.
San Juan Community Development Coop
There are cottages like this right beside the market.

But the best part is that the staff of SJCDC are very friendly and helpful. They would ask if we already have a ride back to the port, or if we would need anything else. What really made me choose this one is that it is a cooperative, run by the local people themselves, so it is a way of helping the members, who come from different parts of Siquijor province. They built this place as a transient lodging for those who are visiting Siquijor, whether for vacation or something else. It is their way of serving those who travel to their island, seeking for an affordable place to stay, while staying at SJCDC is our way of helping the locals.

22 Comments

  1. This post reminds me of my sis’ trip to Davao Oriental. I’m kind of envy you for being able to travel.

  2. Interesting suggestion for accommodations in Siquijor. Very down to earth choice for those who like to be in the center of things. Interesting that you say that there are expensive resorts there too. Will canvass.

  3. I would love to travel more and am inspired by your entry! Thank you for sharing.

  4. Elizabeth O.

    When you’re going on vacation for a couple of days, it’s better to look for accommodations that won’t cost you much so you can spend all your travel budget on trying to experience the things you can do in the place. Good to know you found the perfect place to stay in!

  5. SJDC looks cozy, yet simple and adequate. The room doesn’t look too big, but it’s okay since the price is just right.

  6. I wonder why they won’t put Hotel or Hostel with the name, and let it remain as a Cooperative. 😛 I understand that it is being run by a coop though. Wonderful place to stay in. I often prefer to stay by other establishments like restos and markets. It’s nice to stay by nature, but it’s nicer to not have to worry about anything you missed while packing.

  7. It really looks very simple and not that fancy kind of place which some people always expect. Good for budget traveller or backpackers.

  8. Siquijor is definitely in my bucket list. I heard a lot of good things about the place. I am glad you shared this post. Now I have an idea on where to stay if I visit there. Thanks.

  9. The place looks neat and accessible. It would be a value for money stay in Siquijor.

  10. Wow! I checked out the prices and those are really cheap for accommodations. I wish I could find places that cheaply here when I travel. Seems like it’s a great place to stay.

  11. Your 3rd post on the series of Siquijor and I’m convinced that this is the most beautiful place in whole of Philippines…

  12. Looks like a humble place to stay – neat, clean and simple. The glimpse of the beach with the cottage is so refreshing.

  13. Leke Awonuga

    Siquijor is definitely a place to experience. Your world excites me!

  14. I like that their community is making an effort to improve tourism and development! Kudos to them! 😀

  15. Wow! That’s cheap accommodation! The place would not matter if I’m out to enjoy the beach and scenery anyway.

  16. Often it’s not how nice the facilities are but how good the service was that made us remember the trip and experience! These guest rooms might look cozy but I believe you had a great time there!

  17. This was a beautiful and inspiring post! I’m glad you had a good time. 🙂

  18. this is a good find in Siquijor. I have never seen this accommodation before in the beautiful place of san juan, siquijor. this will be on my list when i visit again Siquijor soon

  19. Finding the right accommodation when travelling is challenging. And it’s not only about the money, it’s also about the living conditions provided. From what I see, this place, apart from being accessible, is also a great option for the people travelling in the area!

  20. The place looks decent and clean to me. The most important is clean and there is a bathroom & toilet attached to the room.

  21. i wanna visit this.. it’s a nice place to check as i see it on your post. glad to know there still places like this!

  22. I have relatives living there, but I haven’t visited this place yet. I’ll ask my Aunt if we can visit Siquior this year. Thanks for posting.

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