Escape to Paradise: Starlink Internet Awaits at Thirsty Traveller Hut 2, Siquijor!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the supposed "Escape to Paradise: Starlink Internet Awaits at Thirsty Traveller Hut 2, Siquijor!" – and let me tell you, after a week in the Philippines, I’ve got opinions. Consider this less a "review" and more of a chaotic, caffeine-fueled travelogue. And yes, I did check the SEO keywords, so get ready for a bombardment of accessibility, Starlink, Siquijor, Wi-Fi, spa, and you get the idea.
First Impressions: Paradise Found? (Maybe… But Don't Pack Your Rose-Tinted Glasses Just Yet)
Okay, so the name is a bit dramatic, right? Escape to Paradise… it sets the bar high. You're picturing pristine beaches, cocktails with little umbrellas, and… well, Starlink internet. That's the big sell, isn't it? Because let's be honest, in the Philippines, reliable internet is a godsend. As someone who needs to stay connected (ugh, work!), the promise of high-speed internet was pure, unadulterated gold.
The "Hut 2" thing throws you a bit. Hut? Sounds rustic. And it is rustic. Think… charmingly disheveled. The kind of place where a gecko might decide to become your roommate. Which, by the way, happened. My first night, I swear a gecko was tap-dancing on my ceiling. Gave me a proper jump scare at 3 AM. But hey, authentic.
Accessibility: Trekking the Terrain (and Dealing with the Stairs)
Alright, let's get real: accessibility isn't exactly the resort's strong suit. I'm not claiming to be an expert on this, but I did notice… lots of stairs. Like, LOTS. The paths are a bit uneven, and if you're struggling with mobility, this place might be a challenge. I'm assuming that facilities for disabled guests may be limited. I didn't personally see any ramps or elevators. So, while I didn't check everything out (I'm not trying to climb every trail!), I need to be fair and make a note of it.
The Promised Land: Internet & (Finally) Wi-Fi in All Rooms!
Okay, let's get to the most important thing: Internet! Starlink! Wi-Fi! This is the selling point! And… it mostly lived up to the hype. The free Wi-Fi in all rooms was a game-changer (thank goodness!). I was able to upload photos, video call my family, and, yes, even work without wanting to chuck my laptop into the ocean. There was a solid internet access – wireless and internet access – LAN available in the room if you wanted a direct connection.
But it wasn't perfect. There were the occasional blips, the internet hiccups and the moments when the connection decided to take a nap. But hey, it's Starlink in the middle of the Philippines. Don't expect fiber-optic speeds, you know? Overall, though, I can safely say that the internet services were a major highlight, especially compared to the other places I stayed where I could barely even load a web page.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Sanitization Symphony
Okay, I'm going to give them credit where it's due: they seemed to be taking COVID seriously. There was hand sanitizer everywhere. The staff were masked up, and there were constant signs of daily disinfection in common areas. Every room also had its own room sanitization opt-out available for the more germ-conscious travelers. They also had anti-viral cleaning products to do the cleaning. There were even sterilizing equipment ready to get to work. They had staff trained in safety protocol, and it felt like they were doing their best. As for me, I am grateful for a safe dining setup with sanitized kitchen and tableware items and individually-wrapped food options. All this made me happy.
The Spa and Relaxation: A Massage Oasis (Maybe?)
Oh, boy. This is where my experience got… interesting. They have a spa and spa/sauna, which honestly sounded incredible after trekking around. The massage was… well, let's just say it's an experience. The masseuse may have been on the stronger side. But it was a solid massage, and I managed to relax and melt away my stress.
Now, the sauna? That was a letdown. More like a lukewarm steam box. Not exactly the Finnish sauna I was dreaming of. However, the foot bath was divine. Seriously, after a long day of exploring, a foot bath is pure heaven. My verdict? The spa is a mixed bag, but the foot bath is essential. I'll let you make your own assessment of the body scrub and body wrap, because I didn't try them.
Food, Glorious Food (With a Side of Quirks)
The food situation? This is where things get even more… Philippine. They have restaurants that served a mix of Asian cuisine in restaurant, and Western cuisine in restaurant. They offered Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, and a breakfast buffet. The food was generally good, but the service… let's just say it ran on "island time." Be prepared to wait. Like, really wait. The coffee/tea in restaurant was decent, though. So, not bad but not remarkable.
I did sample the poolside bar, and that was a winner. Watching the sunset with a cocktail? Now, that's paradise. They also had a snack bar, so I can happily say I had some snacks and drinks.
Rooms: Cozy Huts or… Something Else?
My room… it was adequate. It was a non-smoking room, which was nice. I had air conditioning, a desk, and a bed with extra long length. The bathroom had a separate shower/bathtub. I was just glad to have a roof over my head! There were towels and bathrobes, and it did its job. The blackout curtains were great for sleeping in.
Things to Do: Beyond the Beach (And the Gecko's Dance Party)
Siquijor is beautiful. Period. The swimming pool [outdoor] was a total highlight. They have a pool with a view, although I'd say the view is more of the jungle. Anyway, it was lovely.
They have a fitness center, but I am not the type. They did organize outdoor venue for special events, which I did not personally witness. I had no information about ways to relax, but it was just a matter of time. You just have to chill.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the Gecko-Infested
- Air conditioning in public area: Yes, thank goodness.
- Cash withdrawal: Nope.
- Concierge: Available, sort of.
- Daily housekeeping: Yes, bless them.
- Doorman: Nope.
- Facilities for disabled guests: See above.
- Food delivery: Nope, but not a big deal.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Nope.
- Laundry service: Yes!
- Luggage storage: Yes.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: Yes, but…
- Safety deposit boxes: Yes, which is reassuring.
- Smoking area: Yes, thankfully.
- Terrace: Yes, and a lovely one.
I didn't need a babysitting service or any kids facilities, but it's good to know they have them!
The Emotional Verdict (My Gut Feeling)
Would I go back? Maybe. If I absolutely had to work remotely from Siquijor and needed that sweet, sweet Starlink connection, then yeah, sure. The internet reliability is a major draw considering all other options.
But it's not necessarily the perfect "escape to paradise." It's more like… a slightly rough-around-the-edges, charmingly quirky, and sometimes frustrating experience. It's the kind of place where you'll probably have a story to tell. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing, is it?
The "Compelling Offer" (Read: My Attempt to Sell This Place to You)
Tired of Lagging? Craving Island Life with Lightning-Fast Internet? Thirsty Traveller Hut 2 on Siquijor is Calling!
Listen. I know, "paradise" is a strong word. But let's be real: reliable internet in the Philippines is a godsend. Stop wasting precious vacation days battling unreliable Wi-Fi, and be ready to live your best digital nomad life and book your stay at the Thirsty Traveller Hut 2!
Here's the deal:
- Blazing-fast Starlink internet: Stream, video call, work (yep, I said it), and stay connected!
- Charming, Rustic Huts: Embrace the island vibe. Embrace the geckos (just kidding…mostly).
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into Siquijor. This isn't your Instagram-filtered, perfectly-curated vacation. This is Siquijor, unfiltered, with all its sunburnt glory and questionable roadside lechon. And we're doing it from the blissful, Starlink-enabled haven of Thirsty Traveller Hut 2. Prepare for a wild ride…
Siquijor Island: The Thirsty Traveller's (Slightly Disorganized) Agenda
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Coconut Hunt
- Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Cebu Pacific flight. The usual sardine-can experience. Somehow, still managed to snag a window seat. The anticipation. The nerves. The absolute need for a decent airport coffee. (Which, let's be honest, is never that decent.)
- Mid-Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Ferry from Dumaguete to Siquijor. Scored a sweet spot on the deck, soaked up the sunshine, and battled the sea breeze to avoid looking like a wet, disheveled dog. The water? GORGEOUS. Like, turquoise-blue perfection. My camera? Failed to capture it. Typical.
- Early Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Check-in at Thirsty Traveller Hut 2. (Cue angelic choir) The hut! Oh, the hut. Rustic, charming, mosquito nets billowing in the breeze. Starlink internet? Tested immediately. Solid connection! The internet gods are smiling upon me. Now, the hunt for fresh coconuts. Seriously, I need a good coconut.
- Late Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): The Great Siquijor Coconut Hunt. This turned into a minor quest. Wandered down the beach, asked locals, and eventually, after nearly tripping over a stray dog (apologies, buddy!), found a kindly old woman selling them. Bliss. The taste of fresh coconut water? Worth the sweat and the small dose of embarrassment.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Sunset drinks at Coco Grove Beach Resort. Okay, maybe a little Instagram-worthy. The sunset was a riot of colors, the cocktails… a bit strong (but necessary, after all that coconut-hunting). The best part? Watching a gaggle of kids chase crabs on the beach. Childlike joy in a nutshell! Or a coconut, if you will.
- Night (8:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner at a local eatery. Ordered grilled fish – way too much rice but the fish was cooked to perfection! The best part? Laughing with the waiter as I struggled to pronounce "sinigang". My Tagalog is, shall we say, a work in progress.
- Night (9:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Back at the hut. Starlink is blazing! Catching up on emails (work, bleh) and a few video calls with the fam! (and posting that sunset pic, of course.)
Day 2: Waterfalls, Witchcraft, and a Near-Drowning Experience
- Morning (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Coffee and breakfast. The hut's little kitchenette is surprisingly functional. Eggs, toast, and instant coffee – the fuel for a day of adventure!
- Mid-Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): First stop on the waterfall trail: Cambugahay Falls. OH! MY! GOD! This place is ripped straight out of a travel brochure. Turquoise water cascading over tiered levels, swings hanging from the trees… I spent a glorious hour just swinging. Got some shots of me that probably look like I'm a semi-pro. Now, this is what I came here for!
- Early Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch at a small, roadside eatery. The adobo was incredible. Honestly, the food is worth the trip alone. And the prices? Unbelievably cheap!
- Late Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Salagdoong Beach. A total miss! The beach was…okay. But the big draw is the cliff-diving. Stupidly, I thought I'd try the lower jump. A jump that ended in me making my biggest fear: I was swallowed nearly whole by the ocean, a sea of panic, and came out gasping and sputtering. Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating. A little. But I did swallow a generous mouthful of seawater, which, trust me, is not a pleasant experience. I felt like a complete idiot.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Back at the hut (after a few extra minutes of panic on the way home after what happened) to regroup, have a shower, and reflect on my near-drowning experience. Lesson learned: don't overestimate your jumping abilities. Ever.
- Night (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM): I need to eat something. Headed for a restaurant named "Baha Bar". It felt a little clichéd, but the vibes were right, and I heard the food was good. It was, by the way! I spoke to the bartender who was a super chill guy, and they had the best cocktails!
- Night (9:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Sleep, and perhaps a long bath in the morning.
Day 3: More Waterfalls, More Food, and a Heart-to-Heart with a Gecko
- Morning (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM): I went to the Lazi Convent , not because I'm religious, but because the architecture is stunning. It was very peaceful.
- Mid-Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Lazi Falls. This one was way less crowded than Cambugahay, and the water was just as beautiful, the waterfalls were even more powerful, like something out of a movie.
- Early Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch at a small, roadside eatery. More adobo. More deliciousness.
- Late Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Beach time! The beaches here… wow. Clean, white sand, crystal-clear water. Spent a few hours just lounging, reading, and trying (and failing) to master the art of doing nothing.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Dinner and drinks at a beachfront restaurant. The sunset was breathtaking. I think I saw a shooting star! Or maybe I just wished it was.
- Night (8:00 PM - 10:00 PM): One-on-one time with the gecko that lives in the hut. We had a real heart-to-heart. He seems like a decent guy, if a little bit… well, reptilian.
Day 4: Departure (and a Final Plea for More Coconut Water)
- Morning (7:00 AM - 8:00 AM): Wake up to the sound of… well, the sound of nothing, which is glorious. Final coffee at the hut, one last look at the ocean. Soaking in the silence before the airport madness.
- Mid-Morning (8:00 AM - 11:00 AM): One final, desperate search for coconut water before the ferry. Success! Stocked up for the trip back.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Ferry to Dumaguete.
- Evening (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Flight to Cebu.
- Night (4:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Reflecting on how incredible Siquijor was, and how I can't wait to do it all over again.
Final Assessment: Siquijor, you were a beautiful, slightly chaotic, and utterly unforgettable experience. I'm already plotting my return. And next time, I'm bringing extra sunscreen and a serious fear of heights.
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Escape to Paradise: Starlink Internet Awaits at Thirsty Traveller Hut 2, Siquijor! - Seriously, FAQ-ish Stuff
Okay, so... what *is* Thirsty Traveller Hut 2? Sounds… intriguing. Is it some kind of desert oasis staffed by overly passionate bartenders?
Alright, alright, let's get real. The "Thirsty Traveller Hut 2"? Less desert oasis, more... chill bungalow on the beautiful island of Siquijor. It’s my temporary digital escape hatch, and it’s *mine* for a while. Think simple life, but with the VERY important addition of Starlink. Because, let's be honest, paradise is great, but a day without the internet is basically a slow-motion panic attack for me. It's a nice little hut, close enough to the beach to hear the waves (the real soundtrack of paradise!), and far enough to feel… alone. Which is kinda the point, right?
Starlink? Seriously? On a tropical island? Is the internet actually… good? Because, you know, *work*.
Oh. My. God. Starlink on Siquijor. This is the *real* story. This is where the magic, the sheer, unadulterated *miracle* resides. I arrived expecting… well, let's be honest, I expected the usual island lag. Buffering videos. Sporadic email checks. The deep, soul-crushing disappointment of trying to upload a decent sized file. But no. This is Starlink. I'm talking, like, Netflix streaming without the dreaded 'loading' symbol. Video calls that don't involve pixelated faces and the frustration of trying to explain something. It's *fast*. I mean, I’m sitting here, uploading this FAQ, and it's basically *instant*. I almost cried the first time I downloaded a large file. Yes. It's that good. I still have to pinch myself. Seriously, it's like being teleported into the future, minus the awkward "what did I wear" moment.
What are the huts *actually* like? Are we talking luxury, or 'rustic charm' that means a leaky roof and questionable plumbing?
Okay, 'rustic charm.' Let's apply some context. We're not talking Four Seasons. We’re not talking a Ritz-Carlton. We’re talking, comfortable, clean, slightly… bare-bones. Think: a bed, a mosquito net (a *must*), a surprisingly functional bathroom (thank the gods), and a little porch where I spend most of my waking hours. The roof? It *probably* won't leak unless there's a typhoon (crossing fingers). The plumbing? Well, it functions…mostly. There was a brief moment of panic when the shower refused to drain, which involved a lot of frantic plunging and the helpful advice of a local gecko, but we got there in the end. Part of the charm, right? Absolutely embrace the 'rustic' part with a healthy dose of humor and you’ll be fine. It’s perfect for escaping the chaos and just… breathing. Though, I might invest in a machete to deal with the occasional oversized cockroach.
Alright, but what about the *location*? Is this a bustling tourist hub, or a secluded slice of heaven? Give me the deets.
Seclusion. Sweet, glorious, tranquil seclusion. Siquijor is generally still under the radar, which is *amazing.* Thirsty Traveler Hut 2 specifically is nestled on a gorgeous part of the island. A quick scooter ride (which you *should* rent, by the way - absolute freedom!) gets you to white-sand beaches, hidden waterfalls, and the world-famous (and somewhat terrifying, in a fun way) fish spa. It's the kind of place where you can wander down the beach, barefoot, and not see another soul. I *love* that part. It's quiet. Peaceful. The only downside is the sudden realization of just how many things I don't know when I have to rely on my rusty Filipino for communication. But still. It's far from the overly crowded tourist traps. Trust me, you won't want to be surrounded by tour groups blasting their selfie sticks everywhere.
What's the food situation like? Am I going to be eating instant noodles for weeks? (Please say no.)
Instant noodles? Absolutely not! Okay, I *did* eat some the first night because I was exhausted and the nearest restaurant was a ten-minute scooter ride away, BUT! Siquijor is a foodie's dream. Fresh seafood daily. Grilled fish that melts in your mouth. Tropical fruits that burst with flavor. Little *sari-sari* stores (local shops) where you can grab snacks and drinks. The local restaurants offer amazing Filipino cuisine. And the prices? Unbelievably affordable. I had a whole grilled fish, rice, and a cold drink last night for about $5. Seriously. Five dollars. The hardest part of the day is choosing where to eat. The only thing to truly worry about is overeating. Which, let's be honest, is a pretty great problem to have. Bring your appetite!
Okay, so the *only* downside has to be the creepy crawlies, right? What are the bugs like?
Ugh. Okay. Bugs. Let's address the elephant (or, in this case, the giant cockroach) in the room. Yes. There are bugs. Lots of them. Mosquitoes, ants, geckos (they're cute, I've been converted), and yes, some pretty formidable cockroaches. The first gigantic, flying cockroach sighting? Traumatic. I may or may not have shrieked and jumped onto the bed, clinging to the mosquito net for dear life. But, after that? You learn to live with them. The mosquito net is your best friend. Spray yourself with bug repellent religiously. And, I’ve been practicing my cockroach-squashing skills. On a scale of 1 to 10, my fear has gone down from 11 to a solid 6. Just learn to embrace the 'local fauna'. It's part of the experience! (Bracing myself for the next encounter… probably later tonight.)
How do I get there? And what are the must-haves to pack? (Besides your sanity.)
Getting to Siquijor? Fly into Dumaguete (DGT) then take a fast ferry. Easy peasy. The airport is small, the ferry is fun, and you arrive at the island feeling the magic already.
Must-haves?
* **Sunscreen:** Seriously, lather it on. You fry like bacon without it.
* **Mosquito repellent:** See previous bug-related breakdowns.
* **A good book (or three) :** Because downtime is *amazing*.
* **A power bank:** Just in caseStay Classy Hotels
