As we explain in Backpacking in the Philippines, the archipelago is an ideal country for backpacking. The growing number of hostels in the Philippines that are perfect for spending a few days exploring and meeting people is proof of that.
From cool hostels with bunk beds with curtains and individual lights, infinity pools, and bars for $24 a night to modest shared dorms for $14, you’ll find a huge variety of hostels throughout the country. They’re a great option for those who travel solo or with friends and want to save money or meet other travelers. If you’re traveling as a couple and like the hostel atmosphere but don’t want to sacrifice your privacy, don’t worry: most also have private rooms.
We love this way of seeing the world, so we’ve put together a selection of the best hostels in the Philippines. We’ve divided it by region and destination, focusing on the most visited places. If you can’t find one for a particular place, you’ll find other backpacker recommendations in the section on where to stay in each guide on our website.
Where to Book Your Hostel in the Philippines
Unlike in other Asian countries, in the Philippines there isn’t much room to negotiate when you’re looking for accommodations in person. Unless you’re staying for a long time or visiting areas with very few tourists, they generally won’t lower the price, and it’s often even cheaper to book online. We’ve even had to book on our phones at the receptionists’ suggestion because the price they quoted at the front desk was higher.
In very touristy places like El Nido, Coron, or Siargao, we recommend booking in advance through a booking platform. This is especially important if you’re traveling to the Philippines during periods of high demand, such as Holy Week, Christmas, or Chinese New Year, when prices skyrocket.
The platforms we use to book are Hostelworld and Booking.com. Agoda also works well in the archipelago, but its hostel selection is limited. Still, take a look at all of them and compare prices. You can also read the latest reviews from other travelers on these sites. We find this especially important because we travel with a lot of electronics and always check for reviews mentioning theft. The same goes for those dreaded bedbugs…
If you’re taking a longer trip (20-30 days) or thinking of leaving your itinerary a little open, whether because you’re worried about the weather or simply prefer traveling that way, we recommend booking hostels with free cancellation. Many let you cancel or change your booking 24-48 hours before arrival, saving you a headache.
Hostels in Palawan
As the most visited place in the country, it gives you the luxury of choosing from a huge variety of hostels, including some we consider the best hostels in the Philippines.
El Nido, Coron, and Port Barton, especially the latter, all have a real backpacker vibe. Your budget will determine your price range, but if you can, spend a little more in Coron and El Nido, where you get a little less for your money than elsewhere in the country.
1. El Nido
We’ve picked out some great hostels here, but you can find more information in our article Best Hostels in El Nido.
Spin Designer Hostel
Right in the heart of El Nido Town and very close to the port, this is one of the area’s more upscale hostels. The facilities are incredibly well maintained and even include a ping-pong area. They have shared dorms for 4 people (mixed and female-only), as well as some private double and single rooms with private bathrooms.
As for the price, a dorm bed costs around $21 with breakfast included. Given El Nido’s prices and the small number of people in each room, we think it’s excellent value for money. The hostel is well equipped and clean, and the staff is very friendly. Highly recommended!
Book Your Bed at Spin Designer Hostel
© Spin Designer Hostel
Frendz Hostel El Nido
Taking things up another notch, this looks more like a fantastic 4-star hotel than a hostel. Frendz could easily be one of the best hostels in the Philippines. Just take a look at the photos of its infinity pool, overlooking El Nido’s islands and buzzing with life, complete with cocktails and a DJ. They also have a restaurant where guests get a 10% discount.
The facilities live up to the location, right in the center, and you can stay in spotless 6-person shared dorms (mixed and female-only). Each bed has its own light and outlet, plus an adjacent locker. If you’re traveling as a couple or with family but don’t want to give up the backpacker atmosphere, they also have private rooms.
© Frendz Hostel
More backpacker hostels in El Nido:
- Aquaholik Bunk Bed: it’s in Corong Corong, and while it isn’t the liveliest place, it’s clean and the prices are more than reasonable.
- Outpost Hostel El Nido: one of our favorites because it’s right on Corong Corong Beach and has a really lively social scene. There are mixed shared dorms (4, 6, 8, and 12 people), double rooms with or without a private bathroom, and family rooms (3 or 5 people with a private bathroom).
- Big Paul Hostel: if you’re looking for a cheap party hostel, this one is in Corong Corong, close to El Nido Town. The facilities aren’t luxurious, but it’s cheap and includes breakfast.
- Mad Monkey Hostel Nacpan Beach: part of a chain of backpacker hostels in the Philippines. If you’re looking to party, this is your place. It’s right on the beach, where they have a bar and lounge chairs.
2. Port Barton
You’ll find much more information in our guide Where to Stay in Port Barton, but here we’ve picked out the most appealing hostels:
Russel Place
It’s a perfect option for solo travelers, couples, and groups of friends: besides dorms with 4 and 6 beds, each with a fan, for $11 a night, they also have small cabins that serve as single, double, or family rooms.
Although there’s nothing particularly modern or innovative about it, everything is extremely well maintained and clean. Best of all is the lovely staff, as its 8.7 rating on Booking.com shows.
© Russel Place
MiL’s Hillside Tourist Inn
Run by a lovely Filipino family, this is a typical hostel for the country, with a mix of private rooms and simple rooms for 8 backpackers with fans. In the shared dorms, you’ll find a locker to use with your own padlock. The showers have hot water. They offer free drinking water, coffee, and tea. There’s also a huge garden and a shared kitchen. The downside? As is the case throughout Port Barton, the Wi-Fi is hit-or-miss.
It’s in a very quiet part of Port Barton, but just a couple of steps from the bus terminal and not even 5 minutes from the beach.
Book at MiL’s Hillside Tourist Inn
© MiL’s Hillside Tourist Inn
More backpacker hostels in Port Barton:
- CocoRico Hostel: the choice if you want a party hostel, as it really has the strongest “backpacker” vibe. That said, local regulations mean the music stops early, so you can get some rest.
- Ferranco Tourist Inn: it isn’t a hostel as such, but it has very nice, reasonably priced single rooms for anyone tired of sharing. It’s right in the center.
- Garpeza Backpackers: the dorms have bunk beds with curtains for added privacy, and they also have double rooms with or without a bathroom. All have air conditioning.
3. Coron
Coron’s backpacker accommodation options keep growing. We’ll cover a few here, but you’ll find everything in much more detail in Where to Stay in Coron.
Hop Hostel
If we had to choose just one hostel in Coron, it would be Hop Hostel. It has a great atmosphere, top-notch facilities (including a pool), a central location, and is perfect for socializing, especially on the rooftop, where you can enjoy, without a doubt, the best sunsets in all of Coron.
The hostel has double and quadruple rooms if you’re traveling as a couple or with friends, as well as shared dorms for 6, 8, and 12 people, some female-only. The beds are super comfortable, and each has its own outlet and little lamp, plus curtains for added privacy. Of course, you can also use lockers to store your valuables. As you’d expect, the rooms have air conditioning. Prices are around $16 a night, pretty average for Coron.
© Hop Hostel Coron
Dayon Hostel
About a 10-minute walk from the pier where island-hopping tours depart (or 2 minutes by tricycle), this is without a doubt one of the best hostels in Coron. Its common areas are a dream, including a beautiful rooftop with incredible views. There’s also a shared kitchen, perfect if you want to save money.
It has modern mixed or female-only dorms for 4, 6, and 12 people. They’re a little small. Each bed has its own light and outlet, plus a curtain for privacy. You can choose a room with air conditioning or a fan.
Book Your Bunk at Dayon Hostel
© Dayon Hostel
BAMBAM Hostel
If you’re looking for a convenient location, right in the center of town, this has to be your choice. It’s in the heart of town, surrounded by restaurants and just steps from the port where tours depart. They have a kitchen and a lounge where you can meet other travelers.
As for the rooms, you can choose from 8-, 12-, and 16-bed female-only or mixed dorms. Some also have double beds. The rooms aren’t particularly spacious, but there’s storage for your entire backpack, which makes better use of the space. All have a bathroom and shower.
© BAMBAM Hostel
More backpacker options in Coron:
- Outpost Hostel – Coron: the location isn’t the best because it isn’t in Coron Town, but there are plenty of cheap tricycles, and its incredible pool with a view makes up for it. Plus, the shared rooms (4, 8, 6, and 12 beds, some female-only) are spacious and spotless.
- Carillo guest house: simple but clean shared rooms for 8 people and spacious, comfortable common areas. The best part is the very friendly family that runs it and, let’s be honest, the fact that a bed costs just $8. Air conditioning at night.
- Ecocio Jungle Hostel: although you’ll need transportation every time you go out, it’s an amazing option. You’ll feel like part of a family, right in the “jungle.” The restaurant is wonderful, with plenty of vegan options.
4. Puerto Princesa
It’s usually a stopover on a trip through Palawan, but with great activities like the Palawan Underground River or the chance to swim with whale sharks in the Philippines (in season), there are several hostels in Puerto Princesa that could suit you. Here are a few, but you’ll find everything in much more detail in Where to Stay in Puerto Princesa.
Guni Guni Hostel
This was the last one we tried in Puerto Princesa, and we can tell you that, for us, it’s one of the best hostels in the Philippines. The location, although not right in the city center, is very good: you can reach the airport in just 10 minutes by tricycle for 12 pesos per person. If you don’t feel like heading out for dinner, there are several restaurants nearby, as well as the hostel’s own restaurant, which is great, although a little expensive.
The facilities at Guni Guni are very modern. Its single-sex and mixed rooms for 6 people have private bathrooms (with hot showers, soap, and shampoo), air conditioning, and beds with plenty of privacy. Each bunk has its own outlet and light. The common areas are lovely and include a TV area with a game console. The Wi-Fi is lightning-fast.
Book Your Bed at GUNI GUNI Hostel
Mojo Hostel
Although we don’t love the location, everything in Puerto Princesa is close by and getting around is cheap, so we highly recommend it. It’s a recently opened hostel with the highest rating on Booking.com, thanks to its spotless facilities and common areas, especially its spectacular rooftop with sea views and a bar.
As for the rooms, there are mixed or female-only 8-bed dorms for $14 and double rooms from $27, a very reasonable price. The dorm beds have curtains, outlets, and individual lights, plus a locker with a key right underneath. Having a private bathroom in each room is a real bonus, too. For us, it’s one of the best hostels in the Philippines.
© Mojo Hostel
Other recommended hostels in Puerto Princesa:
- LArtista Hostel: very close to the terminal for buses and vans to El Nido and Port Barton, it has mixed rooms for 4 and 8 people, and everything is very new. There’s a good restaurant, so you don’t even have to go out.
- Hostel Privado: on Rizal Avenue, right in the center of Puerto Princesa, this small hostel has very cozy double and triple rooms and 4-person dorms. The family that runs it is lovely, and the Wi-Fi works well.
Hostels in Manila
The Philippine capital isn’t the world’s prettiest city, but there’s no need to rush out of it. Having lived there for over a year, we think it has its own charm and is a good place to spend a couple of nights at the end of your trip. Since it’s huge, we recommend staying in Makati, specifically in the Poblacion area. Besides some of the best hostels in the Philippines, you’ll find plenty of bars and restaurants here, plus easy access by boat to Intramuros. Our guide to the Best Hostels in Manila has more information, but here’s a selection.
Lub d Manila Makati, One of the Best Hostels in the Philippines
Lub d is a Southeast Asian hostel chain, and its Manila branch is, for us, one of the best hostels in the Philippines. The location is excellent, in Poblacion and very close to the boat stop for Intramuros, a cheap and convenient way to reach the city’s historic district. There are also plenty of bars and restaurants.
You can choose from double rooms, quadruple rooms, and shared dorms, all super modern and clean. They have bathrooms and lockers. The common areas are spacious and attractive, with a restaurant on the rooftop offering great views. They also organize lots of activities, making it perfect if you want to socialize.
Since it’s our favorite, we’ve dedicated an entire article to it: Staying at Lub d Makati.
Z Hostel
In the same area as the previous hostel, this one is for you if you’re looking for a backpacker atmosphere, as they regularly host rooftop parties, walks around Makati, and even trips to Intramuros. The restaurant is pretty good, too, so it’s great if you want to stay put and meet people.
There are double rooms and shared rooms for 4, 6, and 8 people, as well as 6-bed female dorms. You can choose between mixed and female-only rooms. Prices start at $22, which might seem expensive but is very typical for Manila. Breakfast, although a little basic, is included in the room price.
© Z Hostel Manila
Other recommended backpacker hostels in Manila:
- Mad Monkey Manila: if you’re looking for a bit of partying, choose this one. It’s a branch of a chain with hostels in the Philippines in places like Siargao and Bohol, and a lively atmosphere is guaranteed. It’s also in Poblacion, where the first two we mentioned are located.
- NoMadsMNL Backpackers Homestay: if you want to stay near Manila Airport, this is the most backpacker-oriented option. The same owner has another place nearby that might be even better for backpackers: this one.
- Yamato Hostel: if you want to stay halfway between the airport and Intramuros, this is the best option. A new, clean hostel with fantastic beds. Just take a look at the photos.
Hostels in the Philippines: Cebu
Like Manila, Cebu City isn’t exactly a pleasant spot, but it isn’t the horrendous place it’s often made out to be, either. You could spend a night or two in the city while you wait to visit the surrounding islands, or even stay longer to take some of the day trips from Cebu we suggest. In our opinion, the areas around Fuente Osmeña and Ayala Mall are good places to stay. From there, you have access to both bus terminals (North and South), the port, and places to go out. If you have an early flight, you can also stay on Mactan, the island where the airport is located.
As the country’s 2nd most important city, Cebu also has some of the best hostels in the Philippines. If you want a comfortable place to rest and meet people, you won’t be short on options. Here are our favorites.
Kasa Boutique Hotel
One of the newest additions to the hostel scene in the Philippines is Kasa Boutique Hotel. It has double and family rooms and minimalist mixed dorms for 8 backpackers, but what won us over were its common areas, perfect for working or socializing. There’s also a kitchen you can use, as well as a restaurant. The beds are comfortable and have individual lights and outlets, plus curtains for added privacy.
The location is good, relatively close to Ayala Mall, where there are plenty of restaurants and shops, and not too far from the port. Still, bear in mind that you’ll definitely need to use taxis or public transportation.
Book Your Bed at Kasa Boutique Hotel
© Kasa Boutique Hotel
Balai Balai Capsule Hotel Cebu
It’s rare to find hostels in the Philippines with capsule-style beds, but this Cebu hostel comes closest. Its bunks offer complete privacy to travelers exploring the country solo or as a couple. The beds are comfortable and roomy, even for taller guests.
It’s a good place for a 1- or 2-night stopover, as it’s close to the port and the historic district. The staff is incredibly friendly.
Book Your Capsule at Balai Balai Here
© Balai Balai Capsule Hotel Cebu
More backpacker hostels in Mactan (near the airport):
- Murals Mactan: a nice hostel for a night before catching a flight, with a restaurant so you don’t have to look for somewhere to eat.
- Transit Point Hostel Mactan Cebu: don’t expect much luxury, but its 10-bed shared dorm for $16 a night is decent, and it’s very close to the airport.
Hostels in the Philippines: Visayas
As you know, the Visayas is a huge region with many islands to explore. We’ve put together a selection of the best hostels in the Philippines on the best-known islands: Bohol, Siquijor, Malapascua, etc.
1. Bohol
You’ll find many more options in our article on the best hostels in Bohol and Panglao.
Nautilus Hostel & Hammocks
Fairly close to Alona Beach (less than 10 minutes on foot and much less by tricycle), this is our favorite hostel in the area if you’re looking for a relaxed atmosphere. As the name suggests, it has hammocks to sleep in (complete with a fan, sheet, and safe), shared dorms with 4 and 6 beds, and what they call budget double rooms, separated from one another by curtains, starting at $18 a night. If there are 2 of you and you want more privacy, you can choose the deluxe double rooms, which have proper walls, air conditioning, and their own bathroom.
They rent motorcycles for just 300 pesos, and breakfast is also very affordable (120-150 pesos). Free hot and cold drinking water is available whenever you want it. It’s a nice option for solo backpackers or couples looking to save money.
Book at Nautilus Hostel & Hammocks
© Nautilus Hostel & Hammocks
Red Picnic Hostel Panglao
Although its facilities make it look more like a hotel than a hostel, its 8-person shared dorms are incredible and look straight out of a catalog, thanks to their comfortable beds, each with its own outlet, light, locker, and, best of all in our opinion, curtain. The prices aren’t bad either, starting at $18 a night. If you’re traveling with friends or as a couple, they also have private rooms.
It’s on Panglao’s main road, very close to beautiful White Beach, so it isn’t right in the thick of things at Alona Beach, but you won’t have trouble finding transportation or renting a motorcycle. In our opinion, it’s worth it for the common areas, which include a restaurant, a pool table area, and a fabulous swimming pool.
Book Your Bed at Red Picnic Hostel
© Red Picnic Hostel Panglao
Spinning Cat Hostel
If you’re looking for comfort and want to explore Bohol from its capital, Tagbilaran, Spinning Cat is the best choice. They have several dorms with bunk beds that offer plenty of privacy, modern, clean bathrooms, and common areas where you can meet people and perhaps join them to explore the island. Water, coffee, and tea are free all day.
The location isn’t the most central (30 minutes from what’s considered the city center), but it’s very quiet, which is welcome in a city as noisy as Tagbilaran. You can get around cheaply by jeepney or tricycle.
© Spinning Cat Hostel
More backpacker hostels in Bohol:
- Be My Guest Hostel: right next to Panglao Airport, so it isn’t very far from the Alona area, although you’ll need a motorcycle. Don’t expect impressive facilities, but a shared dorm bed costs around $8, and each has its own mosquito net and fan. Everything is spotlessly clean.
- Bohol Hammock Hostel: if you want to get away from it all and explore a more rural side of Bohol, this is your place. Not far from the Chocolate Hills, it has cabins and completely open-air shared dorms with mosquito nets. The setting is beautiful, and they offer a lovely communal dinner for 150 pesos.
- Peaceland Backpackers Hostel: if you want to stay on Panglao but outside the Alona area, this will be a perfect fit (although you’ll need a motorcycle). Clean, lovely common areas, a pool, local crafts… And on top of that, a bed costs just $7 a night.
- Hive Capsule Hotel: if you want to stay in Bohol’s capital, Tagbilaran, close to the port, you’ll like this new hostel with single and double capsule beds.
2. Siquijor
Hostel options used to be limited, but as the island gets more attention, there are more and more hostels. We go into much more detail in Where to Stay in Siquijor, but here are a few hostels in the Philippines we’ve enjoyed:
Tagbalayon Lodging House
More and more backpackers are visiting Siquijor, and accommodation owners have noticed, so there’s now a considerable selection. One of our favorites, and one of the best hostels in the Philippines, is Tagbalayon Lodging House. It’s in an area with plenty of restaurants, very close to Tubod Sanctuary (the best in San Juan), but they also rent motorcycles at very good prices and arrange transfers throughout the island.
As for the rooms, the dorms have had a real makeover and are now much more comfortable than before, with beds with individual lights and curtains, plus air conditioning. You’ll find them from just $14. If you’re traveling as a couple but still want a backpacker atmosphere, you can get a private double room from just $30. Everything is sparkling clean, and the staff is lovely.
Another bonus is the restaurant, which offers excellent value for money, perfect if you don’t want to go looking for somewhere to have dinner and want to meet other guests. They have vegetarian options.
Book at Tagbalayon Lodging House
© Tagbalayon Lodging House
Fable Hostel
The best hostel in Siquijor, without a doubt, is Fable Hostel. With its well-equipped dorms, common rooms, and organized activities, it really comes closest to the classic hostel experience. It’s on the road to Paliton Beach, with several restaurants nearby, but renting a motorcycle is still the most convenient option, as you’ll need one to explore the island. Don’t worry, they’ll offer you one right there at a good price.
They have several 8-bed shared dorms: one mixed, one for women, and one for men. All are very spacious, with air conditioning, beds with curtains and outlets, and modern lockers. It’s true that it isn’t especially cheap (around $26 a night), but a light breakfast (coffee/tea and toast with butter) is included, and the place is spotless. For us, it’s one of the best hostels in the Philippines.
© Fable Hostel
Need more recommendations? Here you go:
- Little Nomads eco-guesthouse: Olivier and Sophie will help you enjoy the island at this simple hostel with double rooms and 6-person dorms built from nipa. The breakfast they offer is great.
- Residencia Diosa: a paradise for backpackers traveling solo, as a couple, or in a group. They have private rooms and a dorm at great prices and in a good location, just steps from the island’s best marine sanctuary.
3. Malapascua
For a closer look at accommodations on this small but fantastic island, check out Where to Stay in Malapascua. For now, here are the few hostels you’ll find there.
Malapascua Budget Inn
Perhaps the only hostel in Malapascua that actually has a hostel atmosphere. It’s right next to the market, an ideal spot for lunch and dinner, and just steps from the beach, so everything is easy.
Don’t expect impressive facilities, but the staff is friendly and the common areas usually have a lively atmosphere. The shared rooms have 4 or 14 beds, and both have air conditioning. The beds in the larger dorm are more “capsule-style,” but both dorms have curtains for a little extra privacy. If you prefer, you can also choose one of the double rooms with a private bathroom for just $37 a night.
Book at Malapascua Budget Inn Here
© Malapascua Budget Inn
Threshershack Inn
This Philippine hostel is near Malapascua’s small pier. It has 4-person dorms from just $11, and while they’re simple, they’re clean. Bear in mind that there’s no air conditioning, but each bed has its own fan, and since it’s right by the sea, it usually doesn’t get too hot at night.
If you’re traveling as a couple or with friends, there are much more modern double rooms with balconies, some with sea views. They do cost a bit more, at around $56 a night.
© Threshershack Inn
4. Moalboal
Moalboal is another destination where more and more hostels are opening, reflecting its growing popularity among Filipinos and those of us visiting from abroad. We cover much more in Where to Stay in Moalboal, but here’s a small selection of backpacker hostels.
Crazy Bears Hostel
This type of accommodation has boomed in Moalboal as tourism has grown, and some really are among the best hostels in the Philippines. A great example is Crazy Bears, next to Three Bears, one of our favorite places to eat in Moalboal. It’s on a long road that leads down to the sea, where you’ll find this part of Cebu’s famous school of sardines.
Its mixed rooms for 8 to 10 people have comfortable beds with curtains, outlets, lights, and lockers. An extra bonus: they give you 2 pillows, adding extra comfort for those of us who like to relax in bed after a long day of little adventures. They have nice common areas, where there’s usually a backpacker vibe.
Book Your Bed at Crazy Bears Hostel
© Crazy Bears Hostel
MAAYONG Hostel
A little better than the previous option, and well located too, is the MAAYONG Hostel, which is also one of the recent openings. As you can see, the common areas are great, everything is spotless, and the staff is lovely. The shared rooms are mixed 12-bed dorms, but the beds are great and have curtains, giving you plenty of privacy. Of course, there are lockers, and the Wi-Fi works brilliantly. Prices are around $19 a night, which we think is very good for the area and what it offers.
It also has a really good restaurant with great prices to boot. In our experience, it’s the best hostel in Moalboal.
© Maayong Hostel
More options:
- Laguno Hostel and Guesthouse: it’s on the main road in Moalboal town itself, rather than Panagsama. Still, its homey atmosphere and shared dorm beds for $8 make it a good fit if you’re looking for a cheap hostel in the Philippines.
- Pig Dive Hostel: a newly built hostel with spotless facilities, lovely common areas, and a kitchen. Although it’s a little way from the center, it has a shuttle service roughly every 45 minutes.
Hostels in the Philippines: Mindanao
We wrap up with one of the country’s trending regions: Mindanao. Siargao in particular has an incredible backpacker atmosphere, so lots of hostels have opened in recent years that we’re sure you’ll love. And if you’re hoping to go surfing in the Philippines, they’ll make that easy too, with plenty of options for renting a board or finding an instructor.
1. Siargao
Here’s a small selection. You’ll find all of them covered in more detail, along with more options, in our article Hostels in Siargao.
Sunlit Hostel
In our opinion, Sunlit is one of the best hostels in the Philippines for many reasons, but the main one is that it offers the winning combination of socializing and rest. It has great common areas, including a fully equipped kitchen for making breakfast or simple meals and a brand-new pool, but noise isn’t allowed after 11:00 p.m.
The atmosphere is great, with hosts organizing all kinds of activities and communal dinners (known as boodle fights in the Philippines) on some days of the week. The location is also quite good, with several restaurants nearby, including Vedya, one of our favorite places to eat in Siargao.
The shared dorms are modern and comfortable. They have air conditioning, and each bed has a curtain, light, and outlet, so you’ll have complete privacy. If you’re traveling as a couple or with a friend, they also have very reasonably priced double rooms. A bed costs around $21, pretty average for Siargao.
© Sunlit Hostel
Mad Monkey Hostel Siargao
Part of the same chain as the Nacpan hostel in El Nido, this Philippine hostel will win you over with its location near Cloud 9 and its fabulous pool. The beds are very large and comfortable, and everything is generally quite clean, but what wins backpackers over is the amazing atmosphere you’ll usually find here. There are plenty of activities and several hosts who give you tips to help you enjoy your stay even more. There’s also a decent restaurant and bar, although they’re a little expensive.
The dorms sleep 6 or 12 people, with the option of choosing female-only dorms. All have air conditioning, lockers, individual lights, charging areas, and fans. They’re also individually partitioned for extra privacy. A bed in a shared room costs around $21, but it depends on the season.
Book Your Bed at Mad Monkey Hostel Siargao Here
© Mad Monkey Siargao
Other recommendations:
- Three Little Birds Surf Hostel: right next to Cloud 9 and several restaurants and nightlife spots, making it a nice choice if you want to socialize but also rest and focus on surfing. There are dorms with or without air conditioning (depending on your preference and budget), but either way, you’ll have a bed with a curtain and its own locker. The common area is lovely and has a small kitchen if you want to save money. Still, the best thing of all is the lovely staff. By the way, they have Starlink internet.
- Alpas Siargao: possibly one of the island’s most beautiful hostels, newly renovated and right in General Luna (everything is within walking distance). They have a generator, so you won’t be affected by the island’s frequent power outages.
- La Finca Boutique Hostel: in the north of the island, specifically in Pacifico, this is one of the most modern and well-maintained hostels in the Philippines. If you want to spend a few days experiencing a completely different Siargao, we recommend it 100%.
- Sinag Hostel: newly built double rooms, quadruple rooms, and mixed dorms, but what really wins you over is the staff, who make you feel at home. A good location for exploring Siargao and its nightlife. It has a kitchen.
2. Camiguin
Camiguin sees very little tourism, so the truth is that you’ll find just one hostel on the island. We’ll tell you about it here, but if you’d prefer a single or double room this time, you’ll find more options in Where to Stay in Camiguin.
Shey’s Travellers Inn
This really is the only place that can be considered a hostel in Camiguin. It’s a seaside homestay with limited facilities, but it’s run by a Filipino family who go out of their way for their guests, which is the main reason travelers give it a 9.7 on Booking.com.
They have double and quadruple rooms, as well as a 4-bed shared dorm. It isn’t a typical hostel setup, but you’ll get a double bed with a fan from just $11. If you want to save money, you can also use the shared kitchen and then enjoy your meal in the common areas overlooking the sea.
© Shey’s Travellers Inn
Map of the Best Hostels in the Philippines
To help you picture where everything is, we’ve marked all the hostels in the Philippines we’ve mentioned on this map:
A Few Things to Consider When Choosing Your Hostels in the Philippines
Hostel Prices in the Philippines
Prices vary considerably depending on your destination. In areas with very few tourists, you can find beds from $10-11, as Filipinos themselves (not necessarily young people) also choose this type of accommodation when looking for the cheapest option. However, we’d budget a little more if you’re planning to visit the best-known destinations. As a general rule, a hostel bed in the Philippines costs between $16 and $32. El Nido, Coron, and Siargao are especially expensive destinations.
Prices also vary considerably depending on the season you’re planning to travel in. You’ll usually find the lowest prices between October and November and between January and March. As you can read in Best Time to Visit the Philippines, the rainy season runs roughly from June to October, but since so many of us Europeans travel during our summer, there are no longer major price differences at that time. Prices tend to rise in April and May, as that’s the Philippine summer and a time for school breaks and vacations from work.
Hostel Check-In and Check-Out Times in the Philippines
These aren’t very different from those at hostels elsewhere in the world. Check-in is usually around 3:00 p.m., and check-out is between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. If you want to make the most of your time at your destination, many will store your luggage for free.
Other Useful Facts About Hostels in the Philippines
We’ve backpacked all over the world and know how important it is to have a kitchen in some destinations, especially when eating at restaurants is very expensive. Perhaps because eating out in the Philippines is so cheap (from $1), hostel kitchens aren’t common, and those that do exist often get little attention and aren’t well equipped. If this matters a lot to you, check carefully when booking.
On a related note, it’s quite common for hostels to offer breakfast and even include it in the price of a bed. In many cases, it’s simply bread with jam/butter and coffee/tea, but some places offer something more elaborate for a little extra.
Another useful thing about hostels in the Philippines that you shouldn’t overlook is that many provide drinking water dispensers where you can refill your bottle or get hot water to make tea or coffee. That’s why we always stress the importance of bringing a stainless steel water bottle [affiliate link]. This way, you’ll save money on drinks and generate less plastic waste.
As elsewhere in the world, at many hostels you’ll need your own padlock for the locker and a quick-drying towel [affiliate link]. Otherwise, you’ll have to rent them and pay a little extra.
Don’t pack too many clothes. Almost all hostels in the Philippines offer a laundry service for $1-2 per kilo and will have your clothes clean by the next day. If your hostel doesn’t, there’s sure to be a laundry just a few steps away. They’re very common throughout the country. Our article What to Pack for the Philippines will give you a good idea of the essentials.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hostels in the Philippines
To wrap up, here are answers to travelers’ most common questions on the subject:
Are there many hostels in the Philippines?
Yes, as such a popular backpacking destination, it has loads of them, especially in places like Manila, El Nido, Siargao, and Coron.
How much does it cost to stay in a hostel in the Philippines?
It depends a lot on the season and destination, but budget between $14 and $24 a night for a bed in a shared dorm.
Where can you find the most hostels in the Philippines?
The destinations with the most hostels in the Philippines are El Nido, Siargao, and Coron.
Is the Philippines a good destination for backpackers?
Without the slightest doubt, yes. It’s easy to travel around, there are all kinds of destinations, it’s safe, and you’ll meet lots of people… The reasons are almost endless!
We hope this selection of the best backpacker hostels in the Philippines has helped you choose some great places to stay on your next adventure. You can find more accommodation options in each guide on our website, in Hotels in the Philippines, and, if you want something special, in Best Resorts in the Philippines.
