Long-term travel is an adventure, but it can also be exhausting—constantly meeting new people, moving from place to place, and searching for comfort in unfamiliar spaces. Not every destination or hostel offers a true sense of home and community, but my time at Wonderland Siquijor was a beautiful reminder that it’s the people who make a place feel like home.
I’ve never felt so comfortable, surrounded by such open-minded, non-judgmental souls. This experience pushed me beyond my comfort zone in so many ways—I tried new things, reconnected with old hobbies, embraced vulnerability, formed lifelong friendships, and grew in ways I never expected.
The love and gratitude I feel for this place and the incredible people here are beyond words. What a special community, what a one-of-a-kind experience. If you’re looking for a unique travel experience that leaves you feeling fulfilled and purposeful, keep reading!
Why Volunteering While Traveling is Life-Changing
One of the most immersive and rewarding ways to experience a new place is through volunteering and work exchanges. Staying longer in a destination and becoming part of a routine helps you appreciate and connect with a place on a deeper level than if you were just passing through. You build a sense of community, form stronger friendships, and contribute something meaningful.
I do all my work exchanges through Worldpackers, an awesome platform that connects travelers with hosts all over the world. Whether you want to work at a hostel, volunteer on a farm, teach English, help with social media, or get involved in eco-projects, there’s something for everyone.
What I love most about Worldpackers is the mutual exchange—you give your time and skills in return for a place to stay, meals, and an experience you wouldn’t get just passing through. It’s such a great way to immerse yourself in local culture, meet amazing people, and travel in a way that feels more meaningful.
For long-term travelers like me, it’s a total game-changer. It helps keep costs low while giving you a chance to slow down, build real connections, and feel at home in new places. Whether you’re a solo backpacker looking for community, a creative wanting to grow your portfolio, or just someone craving a deeper travel experience, there’s an opportunity out there for you.
Now, let’s get into my favorite work exchange so far—what I did, what I learned, and what makes Wonderland Siquijor so special!
Volunteering at Wonderland Siquijor
At Wonderland, I was part of a volunteer community where we worked a few hours each morning, participated in workshops and community events, and stayed on-site. Volunteers paid a small daily fee to help support the space, covering accommodations in a beautiful jungle hut, a community vegan dinner every night, and a 25% discount at the on-site vegan restaurant.
For me, this small fee was absolutely worth it—not just for the accommodation and food but for the unforgettable sense of belonging that came with being part of this vibrant, creative, and supportive environment.
A Typical Day at Wonderland Siquijor
Morning Workshop (7:00-8:00 AM)
Each morning began with a workshop open to all guests and anyone on the island. Attendance was required for volunteers, but it never felt like work—it was the perfect way to start the day feeling energized and connected.
The workshops varied each day, and volunteers could also run their own sessions if they had something to share! Some of the morning workshops included:
• Yoga flows in the open-air workshop space. Flows were beginner, intermediate, vinyassa, hatha and much more! We even did a laughing yoga workshop one morning which was extremely unique and unlike anything I’ve ever done before!
• Guided meditation and a morning swim. Some mornings we headed to the beach nearby and had a guided meditation in the sand before taking a morning plunge into the ocean! It was a perfect way to wake up!
• Group workouts. Some mornings, we’d kick off the day with a group workout workshop—usually a mix of circuits and bodyweight exercises to get us moving, sweating, and feeling energized for the day ahead.
• Creative art sessions some mornings we engaged in creative workshops where we did painting, journaling, crafting, drawing, photography classes, and anything that got our creativity flowing in the morning.
• Personal development workshops. Some mornings we did journaling workshops where we reflected on our life, our morals, our purpose or our goals. Starting the day with a very reflective and productive session.
Breakfast & Relaxation (8:00-8:40 AM)
After the workshop, we had time to eat, relax, and chat with the other volunteers. There was a volunteer kitchen in the workshop area where we could cook our own meals or grab something from the café. Sometimes we used this time to shower, do some more activity, work on a personal project, or simply just relax and have coffee with friends before the rest of the morning began.
Daily Team Meeting (8:40-9:00 AM)
Before starting work, we gathered for a team meeting to discuss the day’s schedule, assign tasks, and share updates. This was also a time for volunteers to bring up ideas for new projects or express what they wanted to work on that day. It was a great way to get everyone in one spot, bring up any questions or concerns, and also make sure everyone was comfortable with their assigned work and projects.
Work Hours (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Every volunteer was assigned a task or a team, but what made this experience so special was the freedom to choose something that truly excited us. There was no pressure to stick to just one role—we could explore different tasks, switch things up, and lean into what we were passionate about.
The work never felt like a chore. Whether it was painting murals, building creative projects, teaching local kids, or helping with social media, it was fulfilling, hands-on, and often just felt like hanging out with friends. Everyone brought their own unique skills and energy, and it made the whole experience feel collaborative and inspiring rather than just “work.”
The Different Volunteer Teams:
Art Team – Bringing Wonderland to Life
The art team was responsible for making the space as vibrant and magical as it is. Volunteers created murals, painted signs, decorated communal areas, and worked on creative projects to add to the atmosphere. Whether it was designing a new sign for the café, painting a mural on one of the huts, or adding small artistic touches around the garden, there was always an opportunity to leave your mark. Even if you weren’t an artist, you could jump in, get messy, and contribute to the ever-evolving artwork.
Construction Team – Building & Creating
The construction team worked on physical projects around the space, from building furniture and structures to creating unique sculptures and handmade decorations. Volunteers helped craft new shelves, design bamboo seating areas, and even construct larger community spaces like shaded lounges or relaxation areas. Whether you were experienced with tools or just wanted to learn some hands-on skills, there was always a project to get involved in.
School Team – Teaching & Giving Back
Twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, volunteers on the school team would visit a local school to teach English to kids. This was open to both volunteers and guests, making it a great way to give back to the local community. It wasn’t just about formal lessons—it was about making learning fun through games, songs, and interactive activities. Seeing the kids light up and knowing you were making an impact was one of the most rewarding parts of being at Wonderland.
Social Media Team – Capturing the Magic
For those who loved photography, videography, or digital marketing, the social media team helped keep Wonderland’s online presence alive. Volunteers managed Instagram, created content, updated booking platforms, and captured daily moments around the space. It was a perfect fit for creatives who wanted to document the experience, practice content creation, or simply share the beauty of Wonderland with the world.
Cooking Team – Preparing Communal Vegan Dinners
Each day, a few volunteers were chosen to be on the cooking team, where they were given a budget to buy fresh ingredients and prepare a communal vegan meal for the volunteers. Cooking for a big group was always an adventure—sometimes we’d experiment with new recipes, other times we’d keep it simple, but no matter what, we’d all come together at the end of the day to enjoy the meal as a family. The shared dinners were one of the most special parts of Wonderland, bringing everyone together to reflect on the day, laugh, and connect.
Hero Team – Helping Hands Around the Space
Each day, two volunteers were assigned as heroes, meaning they were there to help wherever needed. Whether it was tidying up the volunteer kitchen, making sure the bathrooms were clean, or just lending a hand wherever someone needed support, the hero team kept the space running smoothly. It was a small but meaningful role that made a huge difference in keeping Wonderland a welcoming and comfortable place for everyone.
Afternoons (12:00 PM – 6:30 PM)
Once work was done, the rest of the afternoon was completely free to explore the island, relax, or join activities with other volunteers. Some ways we spent our time:
• Relaxing at Wonderland – Some days were all about taking it easy. We’d spend time reading, journaling, or just hanging out with friends. There were ice bath sessions onsite, which were a fun and refreshing way to wake up and feel energized.
• Visiting Paliton Beach – Just a five-minute walk from Wonderland, Paliton Beach was the perfect place to go for a swim or relax in the sand. The sunsets there were incredible, with the sky turning shades of pink, orange, and purple. We’d often sit together, enjoy the view, and take it all in.
• Exploring Siquijor’s Waterfalls and Hidden Spots – Siquijor is full of amazing waterfalls, cliffs, and jungle cafes. We loved hiking through the jungle, finding secret swimming spots, and cooling off in fresh waterfalls. Every day felt like an adventure, and there was always something new to discover.
• Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, and Free Diving – The ocean around Siquijor is full of life. Some of us spent time snorkeling in the shallow reefs, while others went scuba diving or free diving to see the colorful coral, fish, and sometimes even sea turtles. The underwater world was just as beautiful as the island itself.
• Skydiving Over Siquijor – For those looking for something wild, some of us even went skydiving. Jumping out of a plane and seeing the whole island from above was an experience we’ll never forget. It was the ultimate adventure and adrenaline rush.
These moments made our time in Siquijor even more special. Whether we were relaxing, exploring, or pushing our limits, every day was something to remember.
Evenings at Wonderland
Evening Workshop (6:30 PM – 7:30 PM)
At 6:30 PM, we gathered for our evening workshop, a time to unwind, connect, and try something new. Each night brought something different—sometimes it was a creative writing session, where we’d sit together and express our thoughts through poetry or storytelling. Other nights, we’d have improv nights, filled with laughter and spontaneous fun as we played games that pushed us out of our comfort zones.
One of the most special workshops was ecstatic dance, a free-flowing dance session where we could move however we wanted, without judgment or expectations. The energy in the space was incredible, with music guiding us into a state of pure joy and expression. On other nights, we’d slow things down with meditation, taking time to reflect, breathe, and simply be present.
These workshops were also open to everyone, not just volunteers, so people from all over the island would come to join. No matter what the workshop was, it always brought us closer together, giving us space to grow, express ourselves, and share in something meaningful.
The Communal Dinner Experience (8:00 PM – 9:00 PM)
The community dinner was easily one of my favorite parts of the day. Every night, we all sat together at a massive table, sharing a home-cooked, fully vegan meal prepared by the cooking team.
The food was always delicious, but more than that, the meal was a space for connection. We had a nightly reflection ritual where we each shared a highlight from our day, followed by a fun or thought-provoking question. It was such a simple tradition, yet it deepened our bonds and created an incredible sense of belonging.
After dinner, the night was ours—sometimes we stayed in, playing music, journaling, or having deep conversations under the stars. Other times, we headed out to local bars, joined a beach bonfire, or simply enjoyed the peacefulness of the jungle at night.
Why Wonderland Siquijor is So Special
Wonderland isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a space to create, grow, and connect with like-minded souls. Unlike hostels where guests come and go without truly connecting, Wonderland fosters deep relationships and a genuine sense of community.
It’s a place where you can be yourself, without judgment. A place where you can learn from others, express yourself freely, and try new things you never imagined you would.
I left Wonderland feeling changed in ways I never expected. The friendships I formed, the lessons I learned, and the memories I made will stay with me forever. This experience reminded me that “home” isn’t just a place—it’s a sense of belonging and a feeling, and sometimes, you find it in the most unexpected places in the world.
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