El Nido is home to stunning beaches, incredible limestone mountains, and crystal-clear waters. It’s a traveler’s dream, and personally, one of my favorite spots in the world. Backpacking through Palawan is a core memory of mine, partially because of the great hostels I visited. In this article, I’ll share the top 14 hostels in El Nido for your own unforgettable journey!
My personal favorites are Outpost Beach Hostel for its awesome sunsets and parties and Frendz Hostel for its rooftop swimming pool.
14 Best Hostels in El Nido, Palawan
El Nido has quickly become one of the top places to visit in the Philippines, with backpackers and international travelers flocking to the islands of Palawan. In the last decade, a dozen or more hostels have opened in El Nido, but the following are the ones I recommend. I’ve also included a bit about where to stay in El Nido. These are my top 14 hostels in El Nido, from El Nido Town to Corong Corong, and all the way to Nacpan Beach.
QUICK PICKS: 3 BEST HOSTELS IN EL NIDO
Don’t have time to read the whole article? No Problem! Here are my three favorite hostels in El Nido.
14 BEST HOSTELS IN EL NIDO COMPARISON TABLE
I’ve listed the 14 best hostels in El Nido below by their nightly rates, high to low. These rates reflect the price for a room during the high season (January – April). Some of these prices reflect the cost of an entire dormitory room. Rates are subject to change.
| ACCOMMODATION | ROOM RATES |
| Frendz Hostel | $35 |
| Happiness Hostel | $30 |
| Where 2 Next Nacpan | $30 |
| Laule’a Hostel | $30 |
| Mad Monkey Hostel Nacpan Beach | $25 |
| Kame House Hostel | $25 |
| Outpost Beach Hostel | $25 |
| Spin Designer Hostel | $22 |
| Frida Ka | $22 |
| Sip Sunset Hostel and Lounge | $20 |
| Kings Landing Hostel | $20 |
| Big Paul Hostel | $15 |
| Big Mike Hostel | $15 |
| Aliyah’s | $10 |
Best Hostels in El Nido: Which Region to Stay
El Nido has many budget accommodations spread across its different neighborhoods. To help you choose the best hostel in El Nido for your upcoming stay, I’ve outlined the distinct areas below, along with the best hostels in each region.
Here’s a quick summary:
- El Nido Town: If you want to be in the middle of the action with the greatest variety of budget hotels, El Nido Town proper is your best bet. My favorite budget hostel in town is Frendz Hostel.
- Corong Corong Beach: If you want to watch incredible sunsets right from your backyard, Corong Corong, Marimegmeg, or Las Cabanas Beach is perfect for you. The stretch between these 3 beaches offers beautiful sunsets, chill nightlife, and a fun vibe. I love Outpost Beach Hostel for its great sunset vantage point.
- Lio Beach: This area is well known as being a family location with pricier accommodations. I personally wouldn’t suggest it if you’re looking for backpacker vibes, as there aren’t any hostels on Lio Beach itself. Accommodations here (in the Lio Tourism Estate) are more expensive than in town, although Lakwa Motel is a good budget option.
- Nacpan Beach: If you want an even more remote setting for your beach holiday, Nacpan Beach, 40 minutes north of El Nido Town proper, has some great options. I recommend Mad Monkey Hostel for its great theme nights and relaxed vibe.
Best Hostels in El Nido: Town Proper
El Nido Town proper is the main hub of the region. This is where the island hopping tours and local ferries depart from, with El Nido airport just 15 minutes away. Town proper also offers a great selection of shops, restaurants, tour desks, accommodations, and laid-back nightlife.
Pros:
- Convenient for island hopping, local ferries, and shared van transfers from Puerto Princesa
- Many shops, restaurants, tour operators, and bars
- Greatest variety of budget hostels
- Close to Lio Airport (15 minutes)
Cons:
- Can be very noisy/ busy
- Not the cleanest part of El Nido
- The beach is okay
If this sounds like what you’re looking for, these are the best hostels in El Nido Town proper.
Frendz Hostel
Frendz Hostel is my favorite hostel in El Nido. Boasting a rooftop pool with sea views, this hostel is known for being a great place to meet new people while enjoying a comfortable and affordable stay. Guests can book dormitory rooms or private rooms with two full beds and a private bathroom. The hostel features a clean, modern aesthetic, with a trendy lounge and multi-story foyer.
Guests at Frendz can enjoy access to the beautiful rooftop pool, a restaurant & bar, in-house tours, and games facilities. Best of all, the hostel has a convenient, central location, and an exceptional staff. For a great vibe at a friendly price, Frendz is the best hostel in El Nido.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Frendz Hostel
Happiness Hostel
Happiness Hostel is one of the most centrally located hostels in El Nido. The property offers budget dormitory rooms that come with shared bathrooms, WiFi, and air conditioning. Each bunk bed is comfy, with some rooms offering sea views.
Guests can enjoy the natural aesthetic at the hostel, with a cozy shared lounge and a unique bar with hanging chairs. With a price that suits most backpackers and a central location, I highly recommend Happiness Hostel in El Nido Town.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Happiness Hostel
Spin Designer Hostel
Spin Designer Hostel is another contender for the best hostel in El Nido. Blending comfort and social life, Spin Designer Hostel is a boutique hostel that offers a wide variety of rooms. Accommodation options include a private room, female dormitory room, and mixed dormitory room.
The hostel includes little touches like a solid breakfast with brewed coffee, tour booking assistance, and self-service laundry. The shared kitchen, common spaces, and nightly entertainment are a huge bonus, helping create a great vibe to meet fellow travelers and enjoy your time in the islands. It’s one of the best hostels in El Nido Town proper.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Spin Designer Hostel
Best Hostels in El Nido: Corong Corong Beach
For this article, I’ve grouped together the sandy stretch from Corong Corong Beach to Las Cabanas Beach. Located just a few minutes south of El Nido Town proper, this strip makes up one of the best places to book a hostel in El Nido. These beaches are known for their incredible sunsets, boutique hotels, and fun nightlife. Personally, this is my favorite place to stay in El Nido as a backpacker.
Pros:
- Best sunsets in El Nido
- Many beach bars with a good atmosphere
- Variety of accommodations and restaurants
- 10 – 15 minutes from town proper
- Less crowded/ busy than town proper
Cons:
- Not all hotels have road access
- Some beaches aren’t swimmable
- Further from the main island hopping departure point
If this sounds like what you’re looking for, the following are the best places to stay in El Nido’s Corong Corong Beach.
Outpost Beach Hostel
Outpost Beach Hostel is a fun and social hostel located 2km (5-minute ride) south of downtown El Nido on Corong Corong Beach. It is located in a more serene environment compared to downtown El Nido. Outpost offers various size dormitories and private rooms all equipped with air-conditioning units and fans. The hostel has its own restaurant and beach bar which rocks every night with fun themes, events, and games. The bar shuts down by 11 PM so gettinga good night’s rest is not an issue. Outpost also has a very cozy second-floor lounge area for guests who just want to chill and don’t want to take part in the nightly bar events.
The view from Outpost is one of the best views that El Nido offers and the sunsets from this hostel are some of the best sunsets you may see in your life. Outpost also has its own travel desk, tour guides, and boats. The islands you want to see while you are in El Nido lie right in front of the hostel and the boat tour leaves right from the beach the hostel sits on, making it the most convenient boat launch spot.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Outpost Beach Hostel
Sip Sunset Hostel and Lounge
Sip Sunset Hostel and Lounge is a vibey hostel located on El Nido’s Corong Corong Beach. With world-famous sunsets at its doorstep and a fun, international crowd, it’s a great place to stay, drink, and dive into new adventures. Guests can choose from private or dormitory rooms, with simple but comfortable accommodations.
The highlight of staying at Sip Sunset Hostel is its beachfront location and great tours and activities. It’s perfect for backpackers or solo travelers looking to make new friends and join in on tours and excursions. It’s one of the best atmospheres out of the many hostels in El Nido.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Sip Sunset Hostel
Kame House Hostel
Kame House Hostel is a Japanese anime-inspired accommodation set in the Corong Corong neighborhood. At just a one-minute walk from the beach, it’s a great spot to catch tricycles on the main road as well as sunsets on the beach. The hostel is small, but well-maintained, featuring both private rooms and dormitories. Each room offers air conditioning and a patio.
As for amenities, Kame House has a great outdoor pool, garden, and bar. There’s also a shared lounge for guests to hang out and play board games and cards. Scooter rentals are also available for a reasonable price. With its nice outdoor hangout area and clean rooms, Kame House is a well-recommended hostel in El Nido.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Kame House Hostel
Big Paul Hostel
Big Paul Hostel is a great adults-only hostel in El Nido’s Corong Corong neighborhood. The hostel is named after its owner Paul who I’ve heard is pretty awesome. The property offers private double rooms and mixed dormitories just a two-minute walk from Corong Corong Beach. The rooms are spacious with comfy beds and free lockers.
Guests at Big Paul Hostel can enjoy a bar and shared lounge, as well as karaoke! There’s even an unlimited drink happy hour. For those seeking a welcoming place with a fun party atmosphere, Big Paul Hostel is one of the best hostels near El Nido’s Corong Corong Beach.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Big Paul Hostel
Best Hostels in El Nido: Nacpan Beach
Nacpan Beach is a gorgeous stretch of powdery white sand located 40 minutes north of downtown El Nido. Many people visit Nacpan Beach on day trips from El Nido, but the best way to experience this place is with an overnight stay at one of the great hostels in Nacpan Beach.
Pros:
- Best beach in El Nido
- Fun restaurants and bars on the beach
- Variety of budget and mid-range accommodation
- Least crowded part of El Nido
Cons:
- 40 minutes north of El Nido town proper & the airport/ transfer van station
- Island hopping tours are more expensive from Nacpan
- Some restaurants close in the evening after day trippers leave
If this sounds like what you’re looking for, the following are my top picks for best hostels in Nacpan Beach
Mad Monkey Hostel Nacpan Beach
Mad Monkey Hostel Nacpan Beach (Party Pick): Known as a party hostel chain in Southeast Asia, Mad Monkey Hostel is located on Nacpan Beach. It brings together people from around the world to have fun! The hostel is beachfront with 6-bed and 12-bed basic dormitory rooms fitted with power outlets, mosquito nets, electric fans, and lockers for your belongings (just bring your own lock).
They also have tent accommodations if you are not up to sleeping in a dorm room. Its Beach & Bar Restaurant serves reasonable and delicious food options and alcoholic drinks.
Another thing is the property offers free alcohol shots every hour from the afternoon to midnight. Plus, you can easily book some excursions on-site. Undoubtedly, this adult-only hostel is one of the best hostels in El Nido!
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Mad Monkey
Where2Next Nacpan
Where2Next Nacpan is another nice hostel in El Nido’s Nacpan Beach area. This native-style accommodation features traditional building materials and expansive gardens. Guests can choose from double rooms, cottages, and dormitories, all at a great price. Each bed offers a mosquito net, pillows, a towel, and a blanket.
The property has a restaurant, free parking, a nice outdoor patio, and a lounge. They also offer free coffee in the mornings and can assist with booking tours and excursions. For guests who prefer to be in nature, Where2Next Nacpan is a great hostel in El Nido’s Nacpan Beach.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Where2Next Nacpan
Other Recommended Hostels in El Nido
While the properties below didn’t make my “Best Hostels in El Nido” list, they’re still solid offerings. They’re all located in El Nido Town, making for a convenient base for your travels and island-hopping tours.
Laule’a Hostel
Laule’a Hostel is a centrally located hostel in El Nido Town. Set just a 2-minute walk from El Nido Beach and the island-hopping departure point, it’s a convenient base between adventures. The hostel offers many private rooms, as well as dormitory rooms you can book for an entire group. It’s ideal for families or groups of friends traveling on a budget. My favorite highlight is the breakfast area upstairs with a view of the limestone cliffs of El Nido! For travelers who aren’t looking for a party, it’s one of the most low-key hostels in El Nido.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Laule’a Hostel
Frida Ka
Frida Ka is a colorful hostel in El Nido town named after Mexican painter, Frida Kahlo. With beautiful murals and Mexican cuisine, it’s a unique vibe in the Philippines! The hostel offers dormitory rooms with bunkbeds that offer curtains for privacy, private powerpoints, and reading lights. The hostel also has a Mexican restaurant and an outdoor terrace with views of the Bay. With its clean and spacious rooms and central location, Frida Ka is a great option among the hostels in El Nido.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Frida Ka
Kings Landing Hostel
Kings Landing Hostel is a Game of Thrones-inspired hostel in El Nido Town, close to the port. This family-owned property features dormitory rooms named after the great houses of Westeros! The rooms come with cold air-conditioning and hot showers, a combination that shouldn’t be taken for granted.
Amenities include free Wi-Fi, parking, and airport transfers at an additional charge. The staff can also assist with tour bookings and laundry. With a great price and convenient location, Kings Landing is one of the cheapest hostels in El Nido.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Kings Landing Hostel
Big Mike Hostel
Big Mike Hostel is one of the most affordable hostels in El Nido. The hostel is centrally located near everything, including El Nido Port. The property offers double rooms, as well as dormitory rooms with air-con and shared bathrooms. The rooms are fairly minimal, but each one is clean and well-maintained.
The hostel provides guests with free coffee, tea, and water. Breakfast is included, either in a local style or as a vegetarian option. Shuttle services can be arranged, and the staff can assist with tour bookings. For a simple stay at a good price, Big Mike Hostel is a solid choice among the hostels in El Nido.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Big Mike Hostel
Aliyah’s Hostel
Aliyah’s is another no-frills accommodation in El Nido Town proper. This hostel offers private budget rooms and dormitory rooms at some of the lowest rates in the region. Considering the hostel is close to Taraw Cliff and El Nido Port, it’s good value for money. Each room has a bathroom, but only the budget double room has air conditioning. This El Nido hostel is simple yet cozy enough to have a comfortable stay.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Aliyah’s
Conclusion: Best Hostels in El Nido
That’s it for my complete guide to the best hostels in El Nido! Hopefully, you found the perfect budget accommodations for your upcoming stay. As always, safe travels!
ARE YOU KEEPING UP WITH MY EL NIDO SERIES?
You want to go island-hopping in El Nido but aren’t sure whether TOUR A,B,C or D will be better? Take a look at my El Nido Island Hopping Guide that compares all of the four tours to help you pick the best one for you.
Wondering what there is to do in El Nido? I’ve been twice and spent almost 30 days in El Nido so I’ve got some great recommendations for you in my Travel Guide to El Nido: 20 Awesome Things To Do
Which region will you choose for your accommodation in El Nido? I’ve broken each region down and given you suggestions for budget, value and luxury in El Nido Town, Lio Beach and Las Cabanas Beach in this guide: Where to stay in El Nido
My Review and photos of: Tour A
My Review and photos of: Tour B
My Review and photos of: Tour C
The most epic activity you can do in El Nido on the land is to hike up Taraw Peak and I share the photos and tell you how you can use the same local guide as me in this blog post: Hiking up Taraw Peak – What You Need to Know