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The 10 Best Hostels In Cebu, Philippines: The Budget Guide

The 10 Best Hostels In Cebu, Philippines: The Budget Guide

Cebu City is known as the “Queen of the South” and is considered one of the most visited cities in the Philippines. While many tourists visit Cebu City, the south has become one of the top regions to visit in the Philippines due to its incredible blue waterfalls, whale sharks, and snorkeling with sardine balls. It’s actually a super cheap island to visit and some of the hostels in Cebu are really modern and fun places to stay. In this blog post, I have put together a list of what I believe are the 10 best hostels in Cebu.

My personal favorites are Murals Hostel and Café for its affordability and family rooms and Mad Monkey Cebu City for its great atmosphere and rooftop bar.

QUICK PICKS: MY 3 FAVORITE HOSTELS IN CEBU

Don’t have time to read my detailed breakdown of all the top hostels in Cebu? No worries! These are my three top value picks for hostels in Cebu. If you book one of these three, you are guaranteed to have a great vacation in a great location!

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Murals Hostel and Café

  • Affordable rates
  • Family rooms
  • Free parking
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Chief Mau Moalboal Cebu

  • Lovely common areas
  • Bar & restaurant
  • Location is fantastic
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Mad Monkey Cebu City

  • Party Hostel
  • Rooftop Bar
  • Great atmosphere

DIFFERENT REGIONS TO STAY IN CEBU

This blog is broken down into three regions:

Cebu City: Near the airport, good for a few days to sightsee, cheap.

Moalboal: Chill beach vibes, near all the waterfalls, transport via moped or bus.

Oslob: Whale Sharks, waterfalls, island-hopping

BEST HOSTELS IN CEBU COMPARISON TABLE

HostelsRates
Murals Hostel and Café$12
Mad Monkey Cebu City$15
Shejoje Poshtel Hostel$8
Happy Nest Hostel$9
Moalboal Shaka Traveler’s Place$15
Pig Dive Hostel Moalboal$12
Chief Mau Moalboal Cebu$9
Noordzee Hostel Boljoon$8
Luna Oslob Travellers Inn$16
Sascha’s Resort Oslob$15

10 BEST HOSTELS IN CEBU

This article is broken up into different regions of Cebu such as Cebu City, Moalboal, Oslob. So if you are looking for a cheap yet good place to base yourself, this is my list of the top 10 hostels in Cebu, Philippines.

Region: Cebu City

MURALS HOSTEL AND CAFÉ

Murals Hostel and Café (Coffeeshop/Insta-worthy): Convenience, Instagrammable, affordable rates, and good facilities are among backpackers’ top priorities. That is why Murals Hostel and Cafe is by far the best hostel in Cebu City. This hostel is considered as ‘digital nomad haven” and you’ll know why! They have a 24-hour co-working space so you’re sure to get all of your work editing and blogging done without any problem!

I personally love the hostel’s social atmosphere as you can easily meet and make friends with fellow backpackers. It’s the ideal point of departure for all your adventures in Cebu City. Restaurants and shopping centers like Ayala and SM are just within easy reach so it’s pretty convenient.

Just outside the property, you’ll find yourself sipping your favorite latte in one of the best coffee shops in Cebu called TGD or “The Daily Grind”. The terrace bar was a bonus! This is my top pick for hostels in Cebu and I actually lived just around the corner!

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Murals Hostel and Café

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Murals Hostel and Café

  • Affordable rates
  • Family rooms
  • Free parking

MAD MONKEY CEBU CITY

Mad Monkey Cebu City (Pool/Party Hostel): Don’t book into Mad Monkey unless you are prepared to party and stay up all night long! This ultimate party hostel in Cebu City is one of the most highly-rated accommodations amongst backpackers and travelers from around the world. Mad Monkey has its own Filipino fusion restaurant with some delicious vegan options.

Each room is equipped with AC and lockers where you can store your valuables. They have a lively rooftop bar which is perfect to meet people and a lovely infinity pool where they often throw pool parties- not to mention the sun loungers and bean bags are an extra bonus!

I love the fact that guests can join day excursions and get involved in different parties every day. If this wasn’t enough, the hostel has a billiard room, beer pong at night, and many games to keep you entertained for days! You’ll definitely have fun here! It’s one of the best hostels in Cebu that is close to the airport for convenience.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Mad Monkey Cebu City

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Mad Monkey Cebu City

  • Party Hostel
  • Rooftop Bar
  • Great atmosphere

SHEJOJE POSHTEL HOSTEL

Shejoje Poshtel Hostel (Budget): There’s nothing better than having both privacy and a hostel vibe than staying in a capsule hotel. This is not your typical backpacker hostel but if convenience and comfort are among your top priorities in looking for a place to stay in Cebu, the Shejoje Poshtel is the best pick for you!

This Japanese-inspired capsule hostel has enough rooms to accommodate your stay. And each pod is cozy and equipped with fans, good lighting, and an outlet for charging your device. It’s perfect for a one-night base if you are traveling to Bohol or if you want to take a bus bound for South Cebu. For $8 a night, you can get a single capsule bunk bed, which makes it one of the cheapest hostels in Cebu!

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Shejoje Poshtel Hostel

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Shejoje Poshtel Hostel

  • Japanese-inspired capsule
  • Good lighting
  • Cheapest hostel

HAPPY NEST HOSTEL

Happy Nest Hostel (Budget/Location): Are you looking for a cheap hostel in Cebu while backpacking in the city? Then, you might want to check out Happy Nest Hostel. This youth hostel is located near Pier 1 where the public boats and fast crafts for Bohol and other neighboring islands are docked and just within walking distance from the popular attractions in Cebu.

There are plenty of food establishments around so it’s very convenient. The bunk beds are big enough with curtains for your privacy. The hostel has a living room too where you can chill after a long day of exploring the city. This is highly recommended especially if you are looking for a place near the port, bus terminals, or Cebu proper. 

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Happy Nest Hostel

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Happy Nest Hostel

  • Very convenient
  • Free WiFi
  • 24-hour front desk

Region: Moalboal

MOALBOAL SHAKA TRAVELER’S PLACE

Moalboal Shaka Traveler’s Place (Location): Everything is value for money here! From its perfect location, comfortable and clean accommodation, and a great restaurant on site. This hostel is just right on Panagsama beach which makes it a perfect spot for snorkeling and sunset view.

The sardine run is only a few minutes away from here which is why this hostel is quite popular for backpackers and budget- travelers. There are a lot of restaurants and dive shops around plus the property can arrange Kawasan falls trip for a cheaper price. You won’t only save your money but also you’ll have great fun with the local guides. This is easily one of the top hostels in Moalboal!

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Moalboal Shaka Traveler’s Place

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Moalboal Shaka Traveler’s Place

  • Value for money
  • Comfortable and clean
  • Snorkeling & sunset view

PIG DIVE HOSTEL MOALBOAL

Pig Dive Hostel Moalboal (Clean/Modern): This eco-friendly backpackers hostel is made up of recycled shipping containers, giving the building a fresh and unique look! This may not be located at the beach but the hostel provides a free shuttle service that will take you to Panagsama Beach and pick you up.

The hostel is brand new so it means the beds are so comfy and really good quality. Yes! When it comes to cleanliness, this hostel exceeds expectations! The highlight is the rooftop bar where guests can socialize and make friends.

There’s a great open-air kitchen which I can imagine gets social as well at dinner time. With accommodating staff, clean beds, and reasonable prices, you can’t fault Pig Dive, which is one of the most unique hostels in Cebu.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Pig Dive Hostel Moalboal

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Pig Dive Hostel Moalboal

  • Fresh and unique look
  • Free shuttle service
  • The rooftop bar

CHIEF MAU MOALBOAL CEBU

Chief Mau Moalboal Cebu (Location/Social Vibe): I love a hostel with a good social vibe, somewhere I can relax after a long day of exploring and meet fellow travelers at the same time. That is the reason why I picked Chief Mau as one of the top hostels in Cebu! They have lovely common areas, a bar, and a restaurant within the hostel where you can just hang out, grab a beer, and socialize with the other backpackers.

The best part about Chief Mau has to be its upbeat atmosphere and the fact that they don’t only provide bunk beds but also deluxe double beds for people who want privacy. You might want to try their recommended specials such as their famous finger-lickin’ Buffalo wings. Sure it’ll make your mouth water!

The location is fantastic because of its close proximity to the famous sardine run. If you want to meet new friends and have a good time, check out Chief Mau Moalboal!

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Chief Mau Moalboal Cebu

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Chief Mau Moalboal Cebu

  • Lovely common areas
  • Bar & restaurant
  • Location is fantastic

Region: Oslob

NOORDZEE HOSTEL BOLJOON

Noordzee Hostel Boljoon (Budget): Most backpackers or budget-traveler would already be sold by just seeing that Noordzee is located right on the beach of Boljoon. The hostel offers accommodation from budget dorms to deluxe dorms and amenities for either budget or luxury travelers. Nothing better than enjoying your cocktails at the beach bar or just simply sunbathing on the private beach with beach loungers.

I love the rooftop restaurant better as you can have a panoramic view of the ocean while having breakfast or tea. With hostel-organized whale sharks excursions, canyoneering, visiting waterfalls, and climbing mountains, Noordzee Hostel hooks you up with everything you need to take to the waters and enjoy all that Boljoon has to offer! There aren’t too many hostels where you get beach access like this so for me it is up there as one of the best hostels in Cebu if you are down south!

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Noordzee Hostel Boljoon

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Noordzee Hostel Boljoon

  • Private beach
  • Free Wi-Fi 
  • Hot tub on-site

LUNA OSLOB TRAVELLERS INN

Luna Oslob Travellers Inn (Location): Luna Oslob Travellers Inn is set in the heart of Oslob Cebu, putting you in the center of the action. This Inn is a perfect base if you want to visit the whale sharks, Tumalog waterfalls, and also close to neighboring islands such as Dumaguete and Siquijor.

Whether you’re traveling alone or with groups, the property can organize tours for you. They provide simple yet functional facilities to their guests to ensure one gets the utmost comfort and relaxation while away from home. Apart from the hostel’s simple setting, backpackers would also love its convenient location – being near to the market and shops. 

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Luna Oslob Travellers Inn

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Luna Oslob Travellers Inn

  • Convenient location
  • Can organize tours
  • Beachfront

SASCHA’S RESORT OSLOB

Sascha’s Resort Oslob (Pool/Value): Sascha’s Lodge is located in Oslob, 125 km away from Cebu City. Sure it’s away from the crowded streets and hustle and bustle of the urban setting, but staying in this beachfront hostel lets you swim, snorkel, or scuba dive with whale sharks.

Honestly, I love a hostel that has really thought about what travelers want and need, and by that, I mean having a swimming pool on site. Should you find yourself wanting to take a break from your activities, stay indoors, and enjoy the pool. As a solo backpacker, you want to usually find that spot between having the option of meeting other travelers and being able to also have some valuable “me time” and you can easily find that at Sascha’s. Definitely one of the best accommodations in Oslob!

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Sascha’s Resort Oslob

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Sascha’s Resort Oslob

  • Swimming pools
  • Beachfront
  • Airport shuttle

I hope you enjoyed this article about the best hostels in Cebu and found a place to stay.