The island of Siquijor is known for its healing properties and I think that a huge part of that is how close we are to nature when we are there. Upon looking for a place to stay on the island, the greatest factor that I took into consideration is how it can enhance our stay by emphasizing the nature we went all the way there for. That said, I consider myself lucky to have found Lazy Lizard.
Lazy Lizard is a family-owned sustainable hostel in the countryside of San Juan, Siquijor, which is about a minute or two motorcycle ride from the beach. The hostel offers three options of private rooms as well as dormitories for solo travelers. The room we booked for 800 pesos is a teepee-style nipa hut good for two people.
The hut was very cozy. There was a big bed in the middle, a lamp, and a bedside table. Since they are a sustainable hostel, there was no air conditioning, but an electric fan was provided. I did not mind it all because the nights were cold considering it is surrounded by trees, in fact, I preferred it because of the air quality. I find the room to be very considerate of the needs of the people renting. There was a mosquito net to keep mosquitos away, there was a small terrace in front with a hammock to chill in, there were hooks to hang clothes or towels outside; just little useful details that I’m glad are there. Aside from its functionality, it was also beautifully made. I love the half-mandala door, the color of the wood, and the teepee shape of the hut. It just felt right to chill out on the terrace and enjoy the nature around you.
When we get bored of staying in the hut, we head down to the lobby. The lobby had a hospitable vibe to it, I think it’s mostly because everyone there greets you from the staff to the guests and I feel a sense of community when I am there. A lot of people do their work there because a table is provided as well as charging ports. There are also activities like board games and books provided. Whenever I am in the lobby, my eyes are always glued to the walls, the things that they post there have so much substance. They have suggestions on sites to go and places to eat. The favorite article that I found is a local magazine “OKERA!” that guides visitors on where to go or activities of the month; there was even a tide chart and a horoscope section. What’s really substantial about these suggestions is how they built a community for the business not only to provide an experience for the guests, but to support each other and I think that’s really beautiful.
If you ever caught yourself hungry in the hostel, you can order food from their menu. Unfortunately, we barely ordered from their menu because we were always out, but we did use their kitchen for some sikwate. Sikwate is a hot cocoa drink made from authentic tablea or cacao powder. Yes, their kitchen and its equipment and utensils can be borrowed as long as you leave no trace. If we had more time there, we probably would have cooked every day. This feature added a home-y feeling and I felt at ease cooking my little breakfast there.
Even before we turned our motorcycle off when we first got there, we were greeted by the wagging tail of a small puppy. The little puppy even went with us to our rooms, almost like a tour guide telling us where it is. The hostel has three pet dogs in total and all of them were so friendly and are more than happy to lie on their backs for the belly rubs!
Aside from dogs, since they are located in a lot of trees, there are plenty of animals and little insects there as well. There was an instance where we faintly heard rustling just outside of our window, we opened it slowly so we wouldn’t startle what could be outside and we found a gorgeous emerald dove foraging. I haven’t seen this species of dove before and I was stunned. It was magnificent with its vibrant green feathers and red-orange beak. We quickly grabbed our camera and took a photo then just looked outside the window for a while trying to observe the beautiful creature and felt a bit proud of ourselves for spotting it.
It was a smart decision to create a space in nature where people who stay there can feel like they are a part of it. I just feel so relaxed there, so carefree. In a way, I feel as though I needed to be there: I needed to wake up to chirping birds, I needed to open my door and see the green trees around me, I needed to breathe in the fresh air. Most of all, for me, I needed that moment to appreciate the time off of the things I found valuable and determine what I really want in life. Being in nature gave me an insight of this bigger force that I am a part of and this experience, this state of mind, this clarity, in this age, is luxury.
I can’t articulate the feeling of actually being in this place. At the end of the day, there is no greater story than those you've experienced yourself and I’m just glad that I had the time and the resources to actually experience this. I am so glad that I can share this on The Hive because there is a supportive community who has my back. Thank you so much!
This is it for now!
