Nakabalo Guesthouse and Restaurant — Hotel in San Juan

GOOD: Food - Quality meals at decent price. Wish they had more soups available but overall the food taste amazing.

Premium room size - We rented Negros room, which is the biggest room they had. It was very spacious. We appreciated the shower room, since there was a collapsable wall which gives you a mountain view of the sea while you take a shower.

Infinity pool - Perfect view of the sea and the sunset with their infinity pool placed on the edge of the property.

Kind crew - We got stuck in Siquijor due to the typhoon, so we had to extend two more days at the hotel. The staff was there and was very helpful.

Tuktuk available - Getting to and from the hotel was not a problem. The staff can call a tuktuk for you which can bring you to places along the highway.

NOT SO GOOD: No service phone in rooms - You have to go to the restaurant if you want to tell staff of any room service, food delivery, etc. They do have a service phone on mobile but takes them too long to notice/reply to the messages.

Limited breakfast options - They do not have breakfast buffet, and the breakfast options are the same everyday. We stayed for 9 days, so we kinda grew out of the breakfast options after some time. Still, the food tastes great.

Construction ongoing - We initially were given the Negros room, but there was construction on the room right next to us, so it got noisy at times which is not so relaxing. The air got smelly with paint/thinner too.

No security guard - None, considering the property was at the mountains and surrounded with no perimeter fence.

Erratic wifi - There is wifi for each room but it goes out almost all the time.

Low water pressure - The shower had a nice view with the collapsable wall but the water pressure is so low. The bidet in the toilet spews out more water which is not really unacceptable.

OVERALL: I personally would come back to Nakabalo. 5k per night for a room might definitely be outside of a backpacker's usual budget but if you just want to spend a nice stay at Siquijor in a hotel on the mountains, with amazing views and excellent food, then Nakabalo is the...

I had the absolute pleasure of staying at Nakabalo Guesthouse in one of their Deluxe Bungalows for 10 nights — and I can honestly say it was one of the best travel experiences I’ve ever had. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed, cared for, and completely at home.

The property itself is stunning — a peaceful oasis surrounded by lush greenery, with beautifully designed bungalows that blend comfort, style, and nature. My Deluxe Bungalow was spotless, spacious, and thoughtfully designed with every detail in mind. Waking up to birdsong and a gentle breeze from the surrounding jungle was pure bliss.

But what truly makes Nakabalo special is the team. A heartfelt thank you to Mark, Louella, Melanie, Leah, Rogie, Leonessa, Marilou, and Ronald — each of them went above and beyond to make my stay memorable. Whether it was arranging transport, recommending local spots, preparing delicious meals, or simply greeting me with a smile, their warmth and genuine hospitality made every day brighter.

And of course, I can’t forget the two golden retrievers, Thea and Jimmy — the sweetest, friendliest companions who added even more joy to my stay.

Nakabalo strikes the perfect balance between relaxation and connection: it’s close enough to San Juan’s restaurants, bars and beaches, yet feels like a private sanctuary away from the crowds. The views, the food, the staff, and the peaceful atmosphere all come together to create something truly special.

If you’re visiting Siquijor and want a place that captures the island’s magic with comfort and heart, Nakabalo Guesthouse is the one. I can’t wait to come back with...

Nakabalo Guesthouse and Restaurant is a true hidden gem perched on a hilltop, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the sea and stunning sunsets. The peaceful setting, surrounded by nature, makes it an ideal spot for anyone looking to unwind.

Getting there involves about 1 km of bumpy roads, but free parking is available, making the journey convenient once you’re on site. The climb up the hill adds a sense of adventure, making the reward of the serene atmosphere even sweeter.

The food here is excellent and worth the price. I especially loved the thin-crust pizza — flavorful and perfectly baked. The pasta was delicious with a unique taste that stood out. We also tried the cucumber shake, and the unsweetened version was refreshing and just right.

Nakabalo also features a lovely outdoor swimming pool, perfect for relaxing or cooling off in the tranquil surroundings.

The staff were exceptionally friendly and attentive, providing great customer service throughout our visit.

Adding to the charm was the live saxophone music playing at dusk while we enjoyed our meal, creating a truly memorable and soothing ambience.

We only visited to dine, so I can’t comment on the rooms or accommodations. But based on the service and overall atmosphere, I’d expect them to be just as impressive.

Overall, Nakabalo Guesthouse and Restaurant is highly recommended for couples seeking a romantic getaway, families wanting a relaxing day out, or solo travellers in search of peace and good food. If you find yourself in Siquijor, this spot should be...