Moalboal is my favorite coastal town in Cebu. Despite the size and the simplicity of this town, its name is widely known to travelers of all types. Moalboal is the man town where tourists base while exploring the many attractions of south Cebu.
Anyone who comes to Cebu and asks me where to stay, I immediately tell them to base in Moalboal without a doubt. In this article, I’ve detailed the top ten best hostels in Moalboal and they are all under $15 so you can spend a week here without breaking the budget. My personal favorites are Laguno Bed and Breakfast Hostel for its homely feeling and air conditioning and Pig Dive Hostel Moalboal as a budget accommodation.

QUICK PICKS: 3 BEST HOSTELS IN MOALBOAL
Don’t have time to read the whole article? No Problem! Here are my three favorite hostels in Moalboal.
WHY DO TOURISTS STAY IN MOALBOAL
The main pull for tourism in Moalboal is its diverse and magnificent marine life in the ocean making it a favorite scuba diving destination in the Philippines. You might have heard of the Moalboal sardine balls? Being in this place will not only give you the chance to see the beauty of the underwater but also will allow you to visit all of the popular waterfalls nearby.
The key attraction is diving in the must-dive sardine runs and other unique and amazing sea creatures such as sea turtles, and dolphins. Snorkeling, free diving, relaxing on the white beach, and do some activities in neighboring towns such as the canyoneering at Kawasan Falls are fun activities, too. As tourism flourish in the areas especially around Panagsama Beach, a wide range of accommodations thrives as well.

MY 5 FAVORITE CEBU TOURS
- Oslob Whale Sharks & Kawasan Canyoneering – This combo tour is the BEST VALUE way to enjoy a guided tour of the two most popular activities in Cebu.
- Moalboal Island Hopping & Kawasan Canyoneering: Swim with turtles and the sardine balls on an island-hopping boat trip from Moalboal aswell as Kawasan Canyoneering
- Bluewater Sumilon Island Day Tour – Visit the crystal clear water of Sumilon Island on this day tour.
- Kawasan Falls Canyoneering Tour (BEST PRICE): The classic tour. Number one most booked activity in Cebu!
- Bohol Day tour from Cebu: Want to visit Bohol but are short of time? See the top sights on this one-day adventure including transport.
Click the orange button below to view all of the top-rated tours on Klook

WHICH REGION TO STAY IN MOALBOAL
Based on my experience, most visitors make a good base camp around Panagsama Beach where you can find the sardine runs, there are also plenty of accommodations in Moalboal proper. If you want to be centrally located and close to bars, restaurants, bus pickup, and drop-off points, then this will be a good place to stay.

MOALBOAL BEST HOSTELS COMPARISON TABLE
Here’s the comparison table of the best Hostels in Moalboal.

10 AWESOME HOSTELS IN MOALBOAL
In this blog post, I’ve handpicked the ten best hostels to stay in Moalboal that have good value for money, excellent location, budget-friendly rates, and a great atmosphere. If you are keen on Moalboal but think you might prefer a hotel or a resort, I wrote a huge guide about all of the top places to stay in Moalboal!

CRAZY BEARS HOSTEL
Crazy Bears Hostel (Good Breakfast): This property is one of the top picks among hostels in Moalboal. This adult-only hostel is equipped with cozy accommodation, a garden, and a restaurant that serves a wide variety of food. What’s more, it provides a large bar where everyone gets to chill out, grab a beer, and even play card games.
I especially love the breakfast (really good!) and the quirky bamboo shower. Activities like snorkeling and scuba diving can be booked on-site. And all rooms are fully air-conditioned (major key!) and come with lockers and a shared bathroom. Beds are comfortable with curtains to keep your privacy.
Basically, it ticks all of the hostel boxes! The room rate starts at $13, but this comes with a complimentary breakfast and a good Wi-Fi connection. Winning!
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Crazy Bears Hostel



LAGUNO BED AND BREAKFAST HOSTEL
Laguno Bed and Breakfast Hostel (Excellent Location): Situated just nearby a bus station, local market, and restaurants, Laguno Bed and Breakfast Hostel is another amazing hostel in Moalboal. Everything is neatly pressed here with inclusions like a stable internet connection, a shared lounge, free toiletries, and hot shower (in a hostel!).
This hostel isn’t necessarily picturesque for Instagram but it is very homely, which is what the Philippines are all about. If you are on a tight budget for food, then there is a small kitchen with utensils for guests’ use. Rooms are fully air-conditioned and are immaculately cleaned including the bunk beds.
There is also a gym here, which is actually really rare in Moalboal. This is one of my top overall picks as one of the best hostels in Moalboal.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Laguno Bed and Breakfast Hostel



PIG DIVE HOSTEL MOALBOAL
Pig Dive Hostel Moalboal (Value for Money): Pig Dive Hostel is one of the best-rated hostels in Moalboal. Carrying sustainability and eco-travel principles, this amazing hostel was made from recycled containers. It promises budget accommodation in a unique style but without compromising comfort, and the rate starts at $13 per night.
All rooms come with air conditioning, lockers, comfy beds, and free Wi-Fi. While the private rooms have a private bathroom, dormitory-type rooms have a shared bathroom facility. Another thing to love about the property is that they offer a free shuttle service from and to Panagsama Beach and can organize some water excursions for you. That’s not all of it, this property has loads of places to chill like the communal kitchen, shared lounge, outside hammocks, and barbecue facilities ready to use.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Pig Dive Hostel Moalboal




HANGOVER HOSTEL
Hangover Hostel (Great Atmosphere): Don’t let the name discourage you as this hostel has an awesome and friendly vibe. This is a pet-friendly hostel and all rooms are fully air-conditioned with a nice touch of green plants on every corner. Bunk beds are fitted with curtains to give you privacy and are very comfortable to sleep on.
There is a sun terrace and en-suite bathroom in all rooms. Although the property is not technically on the beach, you still get to enjoy the silence of the night or the party vibe that this property creates. While they take pride in the nice and clean facilities, there are plenty of activities on offer as well as complimentary rum coke every night. If you love to party or meet new people, then stay in Hangover Hostel, which is one of the top party hostels in Moalboal.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Hangover Hostel


SMOOTH CAFE, COCKTAIL BAR & HOSTEL
Smooth Cafe, Cocktail Bar & Hostel (Value for Money): Smooth Café, Cocktail Bar & Hostel is another famous property that is technically a blend of cafe and accommodation located in Panagsama area. It is one of the few places that offer live music entertainment and vegetarian dishes. Two of the highlights of this place are their great coffee (especially the latte!) and the ambiance created to forge friendships or simply chill at the bar after a tiring day of water adventure.
All dorms are fully air-conditioned and are very spacious with lockers. And, bunk beds have personal light, charge portals, and curtains.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Smooth Cafe, Cocktail Bar & Hostel



SOUTHPOINT HOSTEL AND RESTOBAR
Southpoint Hostel and Restobar (Excellent Staff): Southpoint Hostel and Restobar is your home away from home. Despite the distance from the beach, the quiet and cozy atmosphere makes this an ideal hub in Moalboal. Standard double rooms and dormitory rooms are available. For $7 a night, you can grab a bunk bed in a 4-bed dormitory room.
The hostel has a restaurant and bar that serves tasty breakfast and drinks on-site. There are free Wi-Fi and parking as well as activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and canoeing can be booked at the tour desk. What makes this place great is the attention they give to little details and treating all guests like a family. If location, breakfast, and nice staff are your top priorities when booking a hostel, Southpoint Hostel and Restobar is your pick.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Southpoint Hostel and Restobar


TITANIC’S NIPA HUT
Titanic’s Nipa Hut (Budget): This is a fabulously-rated place and probably one of the cheapest accommodations in Moalboal. Titanic’s Nipa Hut is a real basic Filipino architectural type of lodging as it is made out of local building materials such as palm trees and bamboo. The hostel features a patio with comfy bamboo seats overlooking the garden, free WIFI, coffee, and drinking water.
All rooms are spotless and spacious. Besides, they all come with an electric fan, a small space for your belongings, and a bathroom. A bit far from the town and restaurants, but this shouldn’t be a problem as scooter rentals are readily available.
The hosts are extremely friendly and helpful. Undoubtedly, this is one of the best accommodations in Moalboal.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Titanic’s Nipa Hut


CHIEF MAU MOALBOAL CEBU
Chief Mau Moalboal Cebu (Cozy Atmosphere): Most backpackers would already be sold by just seeing a hostel is in a central location. Chief Mau is just within proximity to everything and it has more to offer. Dorms and private double rooms are brilliantly designed with comfy beds and the bathrooms are clean with good shower facilities.
At the property, guests not only get to enjoy the comfort of the facilities, but also the night activities ranging from movie nights, billiards, and board games. A communal area is a perfect place to chill and hang out with bean bags and hammocks around creating a cozy atmosphere. The space is well-ventilated and guests can either relax on the hammocks or work with their laptops. Other amenities include a bar, a restaurant, and even an ATM is available on-site.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Chief Mau Moalboal Cebu



VILLAVANTE BACKPACKERS LODGE
Villavante Backpackers Lodge (Value for Money): Nestled in the heart of the action and close to some popular attractions, Villavante Backpackers Lodge is a two-story accommodation that offers clean yet decent rooms. Not the cheapest but considering the things you get when you stay here, I’d say it’s pretty much good value for money.
Despite the size of the rooms, this mostly contained essential stuff and the beds are comfy enough. Not all rooms come with air conditioning, but an electric fan is available. Also, tour desk, room service, free Wi-Fi, and barbecue facilities are offered for guests’ convenience. Also, moving around will be easy as motorbike and car hire can be arranged in the hostel.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Villavante Backpackers Lodge
MOALBOAL SHAKA’S TRAVELER’S PLACE
Moalboal Shaka’s Traveler’s Place (Excellent Location): This place is another fabulous accommodation and has become a traveler’s favorite sanctuary. The location is perfect, just a few steps away from the beach which is closer to seeing the sardine runs and sea turtles. There are plenty of rooms to choose from and some have sea views.
This is the place if you love to be lulled by the sound of waves and get a room for a very reasonable price. The place is well-maintained and sensitive to small details like providing drying racks in your room, drinking water, and beach towels. The rooms are neatly arranged with beds comfortable enough plus free Wi-Fi. I can’t recommend this hostel enough!
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Moalboal Shaka’s Traveler’s Place




I hope this guide helped you choose a hostel in Moalboal and you found it helpful! Enjoy your trip!
TOP 3 PLACES TO STAY IN MOALBOAL
Moalboal is the best place to base for all your Cebu adventures. It is central to most waterfalls, canyoneering, snorkeling, beaches and within driving distance of the Whale Sharks!
- My TOP Pick: Dolphin House Resort – Private Beach, Outdoor Pool, Great Location.
- Beachfront: Teobas Homestay – Native Style Bungalow, Ocean-front location.
- Best Resort: Oceanfront Paradise Resort – Oceanfront, beach access, beautiful pool
MORE CEBU TRAVEL GUIDES
- Ultimate Cebu Bucketlist: 26 AWESOME THINGS TO DO ON CEBU
- Canyoneering Guide: KAWASAN FALLS CEBU CANYONEERING
- Ultimate Oslob Guide: WHAT TO DO IN OSLOB CEBU
- Digital Nomad Guide to Moalboal: THE DIGITAL NOMAD GUIDE TO MOALBOAL, CEBU
- Waterfall Chasing: 14 BEST WATERFALLS IN CEBU
- Moalboal Guide: 20 BEST THINGS TO DO IN MOALBOAL
- Alegria Guide: 13 BEST THINGS TO DO IN ALEGRIA
- Hiking Osmena Peak: OSMEÑA PEAK IN CEBU – A BEAUTIFUL SUNRISE HIKE

MORE OF MY PHILIPPINES GUIDES
- The Ultimate Philippines Itinerary: 3-4 WEEK PHILIPPINES ITINERARY
- Best Island Hopping Trip: BIG DREAM BOAT MAN IN CORON
- The Backpacker’s Guide to the Philippines: 1 MONTH FOR $800
- Ultimate Guide to Coron: 22 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN CORON
- Ultimate Guide to Siargao: 40 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN SIARGAO
- Ultimate Guide to Romblon: 17 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN ROMBLON
- Ultimate Guide to El Nido: 20 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN EL NIDO
- Ultimate Guide to Bohol: 27 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN BOHOL
- Ultimate Guide to Sibuyan: 9 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN SIBUYAN

MY ACCOMMODATION GUIDES FOR THE PHILIPPINES
- Luxury in South Cebu: 18 BEST SOUTH CEBU RESORTS
- Bucketlist: 13 BEST PHILIPPINES OVERWATER BUNGALOWS
- Beach Resorts in North Cebu: BEST RESORTS IN CEBU
- El Nido Resorts: 12 BEST RESORTS IN EL NIDO
- Moalboal Accommodation: WHERE TO STAY IN MOALBOAL
- Panglao Resorts: 13 BEST LUXURY RESORTS IN PANGLAO
- Siargao Accommodation: WHERE TO STAY IN SIARGAO
- Hostels in Cebu: 10 BEST HOSTELS IN CEBU
- Sustainable Resorts: 12 BEST ECO RESORTS IN THE PHILIPPINES
- Coron Accommodation: WHERE TO STAY IN CORON
