As we explain in Backpacking the Philippines, the archipelago is an ideal country for backpacking. Proof of this is that you see more and more hostels in the Philippines that are perfect for spending a few days exploring and meeting people.
From cool hostels with bunks that have curtains and individual lights, infinity-style pools and bars for $15 a night, to modest shared dorms for $8, you have a huge variety of hostels all over the country. They’re a good alternative for those traveling solo or with friends who want to save money or meet other travelers. If you’re traveling as a couple and you like the hostel vibe but don’t want to sacrifice your privacy, don’t worry—most also have private rooms.
As lovers of this way of seeing the world, we’ve put together a selection of the best hostels in the Philippines. We’ve divided it by regions and destinations, prioritizing the most visited. If you don’t find a specific place, in each guide on our website, in the section about where to sleep, you’ll see other backpacker recommendations.
Where to book your hostel in the Philippines
Unlike other countries in Asia, in the Philippines there isn’t much room for negotiation when it comes to looking for accommodation in person. Unless you’re staying for long periods or going to very untouristy areas, it’s not usual for them to lower the price and, many times, it’s even cheaper to book online. So much so that we’ve had to book on our phone—on the receptionist’s advice—because the rate they gave us at the front desk was higher.
On the other hand, in very touristy places like El Nido, Coron or Siargao, we recommend booking in advance on a booking platform. This is especially important if you’re traveling in the Philippines during peak periods such as Easter, Christmas or Chinese New Year, when prices skyrocket.
The platforms we use to book are Hostelworld and Booking. Agoda also works well in the archipelago, but there isn’t a huge supply of hostels. Even so, take a look at all of them and compare prices. You’ll also be able to see the latest reviews from other travelers. This is especially important for us because we travel with a lot of electronics and we always check for reviews about theft. Same when it comes to dreaded bedbugs…
If you’re doing a long itinerary (20–30 days) or you’re thinking of improvising the route a bit—either because you’re worried about the weather or because you just prefer traveling that way—we recommend booking hostels with free cancellation. Many let you cancel or modify your booking 24–48 hours beforehand, saving you headaches.
Hostels in Palawan
Because it’s the country’s most visited area, you’re lucky to be able to choose from an enormous variety of hostels—some of which we consider the best hostels in the Philippines.
In both El Nido and Coron and Port Barton—especially the latter—you’ll breathe a very backpacker vibe. Depending on your budget, you can opt for one price range or another, but if you can, spend a bit more in Coron and El Nido, where the value for money is a little worse than in the rest of the country.
1. El Nido
Here we’ve put together a selection of cool hostels, but you can find more information in our article Best hostels in El Nido.
Spin Designer Hostel
Located right in the heart of El Nido Town and very close to the port, this is one of the highest-category hostels in the area. The facilities are super well kept, including even a ping-pong area. They offer shared dormitories for 4 people (mixed and female-only) and a few private double and single rooms with private bathrooms.
As for price, a bed in the dorm is around $13 with breakfast included. Considering El Nido’s prices and that these are small-occupancy rooms, we think the value for money is great. The hostel is well equipped, clean and the staff are very friendly. Highly recommended!
Book your bed at Spin Designer Hostel
© Spin Designer Hostel
Frendz Hostel El Nido
We’re raising the bar even more—this more than a hostel feels like a 4‑star hotel. Frendz can easily be one of the best hostels in the Philippines. Just take a look at the photos of its infinity pool overlooking the islands of El Nido, where there’s always a great atmosphere—cocktails and a DJ included. They also have a restaurant where guests get 10% off.
The facilities match its central location, and you can enjoy spotless 6‑bed shared dorms (mixed and female). Each bed has its own light and socket, as well as an attached locker. If you’re traveling as a couple or family and don’t want to give up the backpacker vibe, they also have private rooms.
© Frendz Hostel
More backpacker‑friendly hostel alternatives in El Nido:
- Aquaholik Bunk Bed: it’s in Corong Corong and, while it’s not the liveliest, it’s clean and the prices are more than fair.
- Outpost Hostel El Nido: one of our favorites because it’s right on Corong Corong Beach and has a very social vibe. There are mixed shared dorms (4, 6, 8 and 12 people), doubles with or without private bathroom and family rooms (3 or 5 people with private bathroom).
- Big Paul Hostel: if you’re after a cheap party hostel, this one is in Corong Corong and close to El Nido Town. The facilities aren’t luxurious, but it’s inexpensive and includes breakfast.
- Mad Monkey Hostel Nacpan Beach: part of a backpacker‑hostel chain in the Philippines. If you want a party, this is your spot. It’s right on the beach, where they have a bar and loungers.
2. Port Barton
You’ll find much more information in our guide Where to stay in Port Barton, but here we’ve selected the most interesting hostels:
Russel Place
It’s a perfect option for solo travelers as well as couples or groups of friends, since, in addition to dorms with 4 and 6 beds each with a fan for $7 a night, they also have small huts that work as single, double or family rooms.
Although it’s nothing particularly modern or new, everything is very well maintained and clean. Plus, the best part is the staff, who are lovely—hence the 8.7 on Booking.
© Russel Place
MiL’s Hillside Tourist Inn
Run by a lovely Filipino family, this is the typical hostel in the country, where private rooms are interspersed with simple 8‑bed dorms with a fan. In the shared dorms you’ll find a locker to use with your own padlock. The showers have hot water. They offer drinking water, coffee and tea for free. Plus, the garden is huge and there’s a shared kitchen. The downside? The Wi‑Fi—like everywhere in Port Barton—works so‑so.
It’s located in a very quiet area of Port Barton, yet just steps from the bus terminal and less than 5 minutes from the beach.
Book at MiL’s Hillside Tourist Inn
© MiL’s Hillside Tourist Inn
More hostel options for backpackers in Port Barton:
- CocoRico Hostel: the option if you want a party hostel, as it’s really the most “backpacker” one. That said, by municipal ordinance the music ends early, so you can still rest.
- Ferranco Tourist Inn: not a hostel as such, but they have very nice single rooms at a good price for those tired of sharing. It’s located right in the center.
- Garpeza Backpackers: the dorms have bunks with curtains for more privacy, and they also have doubles with or without a bathroom. All with air conditioning.
3. Coron
There are more and more backpacker options in Coron. Here are a few, but you’ll find all of this in much more detail in Where to stay in Coron.
Hop Hostel
If we had to choose a single hostel in Coron, it would be Hop Hostel. It has a great vibe, top‑notch facilities (including a pool), it’s central and it’s perfect for socializing—especially on the rooftop, from which 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, but also shared dormitories for 6, 8 and 12 people, some female‑only. The beds are super comfortable and each has its own socket and small lamp, plus curtains for more privacy. Of course, you’ll also be able to use lockers to store your valuables. As you’d expect, rooms have air conditioning. Prices are around $10 per night, pretty average for Coron.
© Hop Hostel Coron
Dayon Hostel
Located about 10 minutes on foot from the pier where the 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 dreamy, including a beautiful rooftop with amazing views. They also have a shared kitchen—perfect if you want to save.
It offers modern mixed or female dorms for 4, 6 and 12 people. They’re a little small. Each bed has its own light and socket, 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 what you want is a convenient location right in the center of town, this has to be your pick. It sits in the “core” of the town, surrounded by restaurants and a stone’s throw from the port for excursions. There’s a kitchen and a living room to meet more travelers.
As for rooms, there are 8‑, 12‑ and 16‑bed options for women only or mixed. In some of them there are also double beds. The rooms aren’t particularly spacious, but there’s a space to store your entire backpack, which makes the space go further. All of them have a bathroom and shower.
© BAMBAM Hostel
More backpacker options in Coron:
- Outpost Hostel – Coron: the location isn’t the best because it’s not in Coron Town, but there are plenty of cheap tricycles and, to make up for it, its pool with views is incredible. Plus, the shared rooms (4, 8, 6 and 12 beds, some female‑only) are spacious and spotless.
- Carillo guest house: simple but clean 8‑bed shared rooms and large, comfortable common areas. The best part is the family who run it—they’re lovely—and that a bed costs only $5, let’s be honest. Air conditioning at night.
- Ecocio Jungle Hostel: although you’ll need to use transport all the time, it’s an awesome option. You’ll feel like family, right in the “jungle”. The restaurant is wonderful, with plenty of vegan options.
4. Puerto Princesa
It’s usually a stop‑off on a Palawan route, but since there are cool activities like the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River or the option to swim with whale sharks in the Philippines (in season), there are several hostels in Puerto Princesa that might fit. Here are a few, but you’ll find 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 say 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’ll reach the airport in just 10 minutes by tricycle and for 12 pesos per person. If you don’t feel like going out to dinner, there are several restaurants nearby, as well as the hostel’s own which, although a bit pricey, is great.
The facilities at Guni Guni are very modern. With female‑only and mixed 6‑bed rooms, they have private bathrooms (hot‑water showers, soap and shampoo), air conditioning and very private beds. Each bunk has its own socket and individual light. The common areas are nice 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’re not in love with the location, the truth is that in Puerto Princesa everything is close and getting around is cheap, so we highly recommend it. It’s a recently opened hostel and it has the best rating on Booking for its spotless facilities and common areas—especially its spectacular rooftop with sea views and a bar.
As for rooms, there are mixed or female‑only 8‑bed dorms for $9 and double rooms from $17, a very reasonable price. The dorms have bunks with curtains, a socket and individual lights, as well as a locker with a key right underneath. Plus, the fact that each room has a private bathroom is a real plus. For us, among the best hostels in the Philippines.
© Mojo Hostel
Other recommendable hostels in Puerto Princesa:
- LArtista Hostel: located very close to the bus/van terminal for El Nido and Port Barton, they have 4‑ and 8‑bed mixed rooms and everything is brand new. There’s a good restaurant, so you don’t even have to move.
- Hostel Privado: located on Rizal Avenue—that is, right in the center of Puerto Princesa—this small hostel has cozy double and triple rooms and 4‑bed dorms. The family who run it are charming and the Wi‑Fi works well.
Hostels in Manila
The Philippine capital isn’t the prettiest city in the world, but you don’t have to run away. We lived there for over a year and believe it has its own little charm and that it’s a good place to spend a couple of nights at the end of your trip. Since it’s huge, our recommendation is to stay in Makati, specifically in the Poblacion area. Here, besides having some of the best hostels in the Philippines, you’ll find lots of bars and restaurants and easy boat access to Intramuros. In Best hostels in Manila you’ll find more information, but below we offer a selection.
Lub d Manila Makati, one of the best hostels in the Philippines
Lub d is a Southeast Asia hostel chain, and its Manila branch is, for us, one of the best hostels in the Philippines. The location is excellent—in Poblacion and super close to the boat stop to Intramuros, a cheap and convenient way to reach the city’s historic part. You’ll also find plenty of bars and restaurants.
You can choose between double, quadruple and shared dorm rooms, all of them super modern and clean. They have bathrooms and lockers. The common areas are spacious and pretty, and among them a rooftop restaurant with views stands out. Not only that, they organize lots of activities, so it’s perfect if you want to socialize.
As it’s our favorite, we’ve dedicated an exclusive article to it: Staying at Lub d Makati.
Z Hostel .
Located in the same area as the previous one, this hostel is for you if you’re after a backpacker vibe, since it’s common for them to host parties on the terrace, walks around Makati and even trips to Intramuros. The restaurant is quite good, so it’s great if you don’t want to move much and prefer to 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 or female‑only. Prices start at $14, which may seem pricey, but for Manila it’s quite standard. Breakfast, although a bit basic, is included in the room price.
© Z Hostel Manila
Other backpacker‑friendly hostels in Manila:
- Mad Monkey Manila: for those looking for a bit of a party, this should be your pick. It’s a branch of a chain with hostels in the Philippines in places like Siargao or Bohol, and the vibe is guaranteed. It’s also in Población, where the first two we mentioned are located.
- NoMadsMNL Backpackers Homestay: if you want to stay near Manila Airport, this is the most backpacker option. There’s another one nearby by the same owner that’s perhaps even better for backpackers—it’s this one.
- Yamato Hostel: if you want to be halfway between the airport and Intramuros, this is the best alternative. A new, clean hostel with fantastic beds. You just have to take a look at the photos.
Hostels in the Philippines: Cebu
As with Manila, Cebu City isn’t exactly a blissful corner, but it’s not the horrid place it’s often made out to be either. You could spend one or two nights in the city while you bide your time to visit the surrounding islands or, in fact, you can stay longer to do some of the day trips from Cebu we suggest. In our opinion, good areas are those around Fuente Osmeña and Ayala Mall. From there you have access to both bus terminals (North and South) and the port, as well as leisure areas. If you have an early‑morning flight, you can also stay in 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 lack options. Here are our favorites.
Kasa Boutique Hotel
One of the most recent additions to the hostel scene in the Philippines is Kasa Boutique Hostel. With double and family rooms and mixed dorms for 8 backpackers in a minimalist design, what won us over were its common areas, perfect for working or socializing. They also have a kitchen you can use, as well as a restaurant. The beds are comfortable and have individual lights and sockets, plus curtains for more privacy.
The location is good, relatively close to Ayala Mall—where you’ll find plenty of restaurants and shops—and not too far from the port. Still, keep in mind you’ll definitely need to use taxis or public transport.
Book your bed at Kasa Boutique Hotel
© Kasa Boutique Hotel
Balai Balai Capsule Hotel Cebu
It’s rare to find capsule‑style hostels in the Philippines, but you have the closest thing here in this Cebu hostel. Its bunks offer complete privacy to travelers exploring the country solo or as a couple. The beds are comfortable and spacious—even for taller travelers.
It’s a good place to stop for 1 or 2 nights, since it’s close to the port and also the whole historic area. The staff are extremely friendly.
Book your capsule at Balai Balai here
© Balai Balai Capsule Hotel Cebu
More backpacker hostel alternatives in Mactan (near the airport):
- Murals Mactan: a nice hostel for spending a night before catching a flight, and it also has a restaurant so you don’t have to look for places to eat.
- Transit Point Hostel Mactan Cebu: don’t expect much luxury, but its 10‑bed shared dorm for $10 a night is fine and it’s very close to the airport.
Hostels in the Philippines: Visayas
As you know, the Visayas is a huge region with multiple islands to explore. We wanted to put together a selection with the best hostels in the Philippines on the most popular ones: Bohol, Siquijor, Malapascua, etc.
1. Bohol
You’ll find many more alternatives in our article on the best hostels in Bohol and Panglao.
Nautilus Hostel & Hammocks
Quite 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 after a relaxed vibe. As its name suggests, it has hammocks for sleeping (with a fan, sheet and safe), shared dormitories with 4 and 6 beds and what they call budget double rooms, separated from each other by curtains, from $11 a night. If there are two of you and you want more privacy, you can choose the deluxe doubles, which do have walls, air conditioning and a private bathroom.
They rent scooters for only 300 pesos and breakfasts are also quite inexpensive (120–150 pesos). You have free cold and hot (potable) water whenever you want. So it’s a pleasant option for solo backpackers or couples looking to save.
Book at Nautilus Hostel & Hammocks
© Nautilus Hostel & Hammocks
Red Picnic Hostel Panglao
Although it looks more like a hotel than a hostel because of its facilities, its 8‑bed shared dorms are incredible and look like they’re straight out of a catalog thanks to their comfy beds—each with its own socket, light, locker and, best of all in our opinion, a curtain. The prices aren’t bad either, from $11 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’s not right in the thick of Alona Beach, but you won’t have trouble finding transport or renting a scooter. In our opinion, it’s worth it because the common areas include a restaurant, a pool table area and a fabulous 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 option. They have several dorms with bunks that provide a lot of privacy, modern, clean bathrooms and also common areas to meet people and maybe join them to visit the island. There’s free water, coffee and tea all day.
The location isn’t the most central (30 minutes from what’s considered the city center), but it’s very quiet, which in a noisy city like Tagbilaran is appreciated. You can get around by jeepney or tricycle for little money.
© Spinning Cat Hostel
More hostels for backpackers in Bohol:
- Be My Guest Hostel: it’s right next to Panglao Airport, so it’s not too far from the Alona area—though you’ll need a scooter. Don’t expect big facilities, but a bed in a shared dorm is about $5, and each has a mosquito net and a fan. Everything is spotless.
- Bohol Hammock Hostel: if you want to get away and explore a more rural side of Bohol, this is your spot. Not far from the Chocolate Hills, they have huts and fully open shared dorms with mosquito nets. The place is beautiful and they offer a lovely communal dinner for 150 pesos.
- Peaceland Backpackers Hostel: if you want to stay in Panglao but not in the Alona area, this will be perfect for you (though you’ll need a scooter). Clean, nice common areas, pool, local crafts… Not only that—the bed costs just $4 a night.
- Hive Capsule Hotel: if you want to stay in Bohol’s capital, Tagbilaran, near the port, this new hostel with single and double capsule beds will appeal to you.
2. Siquijor
Although the options used to be limited when it comes to hostels, as the island gains prominence there are more and more. In Where to sleep in Siquijor we go into much more detail, but here are a few Filipino hostels we’ve liked:
Tagbalayon Lodging House
More and more backpackers are going to Siquijor, and hoteliers have noticed—so there’s now a considerable variety. One of our favorites and one of the best hostels in the Philippines is Tagbalayon Lodging House. It’s in an area with lots of restaurants very close to Tubod Sanctuary (the best in San Juan), but even so, they have scooters to rent at a great price and arrange transfers all over the island.
As for the rooms, they’ve given the dorms a good facelift, so they’re now much more comfortable than before and have beds with their own light and curtain, as well as air conditioning. You’ll find them from just $9. If you’re traveling as a couple but still want a backpacker vibe, you can get a private double room from just $19. Everything is spotless and the staff are lovely.
Another plus is that they have a restaurant with excellent value for money—perfect if you don’t want to go out looking for a place for dinner and to socialize with other guests. Vegetarian options are available.
Book at Tagbalayon Lodging House
© Tagbalayon Lodging House
Fable Hostel
The best hostel in Siquijor, without a doubt, is Fable Hostel. It’s truly the one that most closely matches the hostel concept thanks to its well‑equipped dorms, common rooms and the activities they organize. It’s located on the road to Paliton Beach and there are several restaurants around, but even so, the most convenient thing is to rent a scooter, since you’ll need it to explore the island. Don’t worry—they’ll offer one right there at a good price.
They have several 8‑bed shared dorms: one mixed, one female and one male, and all of them are very spacious, with air conditioning, beds with curtains and sockets, and modern lockers. It’s true it isn’t especially cheap (around $16 a night), but it comes with a small breakfast (coffee/tea and toast with butter) and the place is spotless. For us, 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‑bed dorms made of nipa. The breakfast they offer is great.
- Residencia Diosa: a paradise for solo backpackers, couples or groups. They have private rooms and a dorm at a great price and with a good location—steps from the island’s best marine sanctuary.
3. Malapascua
To dig deeper into the accommodations on this small but fantastic island, take a look at Where to stay in Malapascua. In the meantime, here are the few hostels on it.
Malapascua Budget Inn
Perhaps the only hostel in Malapascua that truly has a hostel vibe. It’s located right next to the market—an ideal place for lunch and dinner—and a few steps from the beach, so you won’t have to complicate your life.
Don’t expect big facilities, but the staff are friendly and there’s usually quite a vibe in the common areas. The shared rooms are for 4 or 14 people, but both have air conditioning. The larger dorm’s beds are more “capsule‑style”, but in both you have a curtain for a bit more privacy. If you want, you can also choose one of the double rooms with a private bathroom for just $23 a night.
Book here at Malapascua Budget Inn
© Malapascua Budget Inn
Threshershack Inn
This Filipino hostel is located near Malapascua’s small pier. It has 4‑bed dorms from just $7, and although they’re simple, they’re clean. Do note there’s no air conditioning, but each bed has its own fan and, being right by the sea, it’s usually not too hot at night.
If you’re traveling as a couple or with friends, they have much more modern double rooms with a balcony, some of them with sea views. The price is a bit higher—around $35 per night.
© Threshershack Inn
4. Moalboal
Moalboal is another destination where there are more and more hostels, showing its rise in popularity both among Filipinos and among those of us coming from abroad. In Where to stay in Moalboal we tell you much more, but here’s a small selection of backpacker hostels.
Crazy Bears Hostel
In Moalboal there’s been an explosion of this type of accommodation thanks to the rise in tourism and, honestly, some are among the best hostels in the Philippines. A great example is Crazy Bears, located next to Three Bears, one of our favorite places where to eat in Moalboal. This is a long road that ends at the sea, where you’ll find the famous sardine run in this part of Cebu.
Its mixed rooms for 8 to 10 people have comfortable beds with curtains, outlets, a light and lockers. An extra plus: they give 2 pillows, which adds extra comfort for those of us who like to relax in bed after a long day of adventures. There are nice common areas, where the backpacker vibe is usually guaranteed.
Book your bed at Crazy Bears Hostel
© Crazy Bears Hostel
MAAYONG Hostel
A step up from the previous one and well located is MAAYONG Hostel, which has also been one of the recent openings. The common areas, as you can see, are great, everything is spotless and the staff are lovely. The shared rooms are 12‑bed and mixed, but the beds are excellent and have curtains, giving lots of privacy. Of course, there are lockers and the Wi‑Fi works amazingly well. Prices are around $12 per night, which we think is very good for the area and what it offers.
It also has a restaurant that’s excellent and well priced. In our experience, the best hostel in Moalboal.
© Maayong Hostel
More options:
- Laguno Hostel and Guesthouse: it’s not in Panagsama but in Moalboal town itself, on the main road. Even so, its homey vibe and shared‑dorm beds for $5 will suit you if you’re looking for a cheap hostel in the Philippines.
- Pig Dive Hostel: brand‑new hostel with everything spotless, nice common areas and a kitchen. Although it’s a bit far from the center, they have a shuttle roughly every 45’.
Hostels in the Philippines: Mindanao
Finally, we wrap up with one of the country’s trendiest regions: Mindanao. Especially in Siargao you’ll find a huge backpacker vibe, so in recent years loads of hostels have sprung up that we’re sure you’ll love. Plus, if you’re looking to do some surfing in the Philippines, these places make it easy, since you’ll have no trouble renting a board or finding an instructor.
1. Siargao
Here’s a small selection—you’ll find them all explained in more detail and more options in our article Hostels in Siargao.
Sunlit Hostel
In our opinion, Sunlit is among the best hostels in the Philippines for many reasons—but the main one is that it offers the winning combination of socializing and rest, with great common areas that include a full kitchen to make breakfast or simple meals and a brand‑new pool; noise isn’t allowed past 11pm.
The vibe is great, with hosts who organize all kinds of activities and communal dinners (Filipino boodle fights) on certain days of the week. The location is also quite good, with several restaurants nearby, including Vedya, which is one of our favorite places where 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 total privacy. If you’re traveling as a couple or with a friend, they also have doubles at a very good price. Bed prices are around $13, which is pretty average for Siargao.
© Sunlit Hostel
Mad Monkey Hostel Siargao
From the same chain as the Nacpan hostel in El Nido, this Filipino hostel will win you over with its location near Cloud 9 and its fabulous pool. The beds are very large and comfortable and overall everything is quite clean, but what really wins backpackers over is the amazing vibe. They have loads of activities and several hosts who’ll give you tips to enjoy your stay even more. They also have a decent restaurant and bar, although a bit pricey.
Dorms are for 6 or 12 people, with the option to choose female‑only dorms. All have air conditioning, lockers, individual lights, a charging area and a fan. They’re also partitioned individually to provide more privacy. A bed in the shared room is around $13, 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, so it’s a nice option if you want to socialize but also rest and focus on surfing. They have dorms with or without air conditioning (depending on what you prefer/want to pay), but in both cases you’ll have beds with curtains and your own locker. The common area is super pleasant and has a small kitchen if you want to save. Even so, the most important thing is the staff—they’re charming. By the way, they have Starlink.
- Alpas Siargao: possibly one of the prettiest hostels on the island, newly renovated, right in General Luna (walkable to everything). They have a generator, so you won’t suffer from the island’s frequent power cuts.
- La Finca Boutique Hostel: it’s in the north of the island, specifically in Pacifico, and it’s one of the most modern and well‑kept hostels in the Philippines. If you want to spend a few days in a totally different Siargao, we 100% recommend it.
- Sinag Hostel: double, quadruple and mixed dorm rooms in new construction, but what wins you over is the staff, who make you feel at home. Good location to explore Siargao and enjoy its nightlife. There’s a kitchen.
2. Camiguin
As an island with very little tourism, the truth is that in Camiguin you’ll only find one hostel. We tell you which one here, but you’ll find more options if you want single or double rooms this time in Where to stay in Camiguin.
Shey’s Travellers Inn
This is really the only place that can be considered a hostel in Camiguin. It’s a homestay by the sea that doesn’t have much infrastructure, but it’s run by a Filipino family who go above and beyond for their guests—the main reason travelers give it a 9.7 on Booking.
They have double and quadruple rooms but also a 4‑bed shared dorm. It’s not a very hostel‑like layout, but you’ll have a double bed with a fan from just $7. If you want to save, you can use the shared kitchen and then enjoy it in the common areas overlooking the sea.
© Shey’s Travellers Inn
Map of the best hostels in the Philippines
To make it more visual, we’ve marked all the Philippines hostels we’ve mentioned on this map:
A few things to consider when choosing your hostels in the Philippines
Price of hostels in the Philippines
Prices really vary depending on your destination. In very untouristy areas you’ll be able to find beds from $6–7, since Filipinos themselves (not necessarily young people) also opt for this kind of budget accommodation. However, we’d aim a bit higher if you’re planning a trip through the most popular destinations. As a general rule, the price of a bed in a hostel in the Philippines ranges between $10 and $20. Especially expensive destinations include El Nido, Coron and Siargao.
Prices will also vary depending on the season you’re planning your route. Normally the cheapest time is between October and November and between January and March. In Best time to travel to the Philippines you can read that the rainy season runs roughly from June to October, but since so many Europeans travel in our summer, you no longer see big price differences at that time. Prices tend to rise in April and May, since it’s the Philippine summer and school/work vacation time.
Hostel schedules in the Philippines
This doesn’t differ much from hostels in other parts of the world. Check‑in tends to be around 15:00 and check‑out between 11:00 and 12:00. If you want to make the most of your time at the destination, many will store your luggage for free.
Other useful facts about hostels in the Philippines
We’ve backpacked all over the world and we know how important it is to have a kitchen in some destinations—especially because eating in restaurants can be very expensive. Perhaps because in the Philippines it’s very cheap (from $1), it’s not common for hostels to have a kitchen, or those that do don’t give it much importance and it’s poorly equipped. If this is something you value, take a close look when booking.
Related to the above, it’s quite common for hostels to offer breakfasts and even include them in the bed price. In many cases this is simply bread with jam/butter and coffee/tea, but in others they’ll make something more elaborate for a little extra.
Another useful thing in Philippine hostels—which you shouldn’t overlook—is that many offer drinking‑water dispensers where you can refill your bottle or pour hot water to make tea or coffee. That’s why we always stress the importance of bringing a stainless steel bottle. This way you’ll save on drinks and generate less plastic.
As elsewhere, in many hostels you’ll need your own padlock for the locker and a quick‑dry towel. Otherwise you’ll have to rent them and pay a bit more.
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 from one day to the next. If the hostel doesn’t have it, there’s sure to be a laundry a few steps away. It’s very common throughout the country. In our article Backpack for the Philippines you can get a good idea of the essentials.
Frequently asked questions about hostels in the Philippines
To wrap up, we answer the most common questions travelers have on this topic:
Are there many hostels in the Philippines?
Yes. As it’s a very backpacker‑friendly destination, there are loads—especially in places like Manila, El Nido, Siargao and Coron.
How much does it cost to sleep in a hostel in the Philippines?
It depends a lot on the season and the destination, but figure between $9 and $15 per night for a bed in a shared dorm.
Where are there more 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 comfortable to travel, there are destinations of all kinds, it’s safe, 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 cool places to stay on your next adventure. You can look for more sleeping options in each of the guides on our website at Hotels in the Philippines and, if you want something special, at Best resorts in the Philippines.
