Planning a trip to the Philippines? Palawan Island should definitely be on the list of your must-visit destinations. No one visits Palawan Island without visiting El Nido, a place that is endowed with the remarkable beauty of nature as it features white-sand beaches and rich coral reefs. Appreciate nature by visiting Big Lagoon, a heaven on Earth where you can indulge in recreational activities such as boating and fishing. Nacpan Beach promises the ultimate beach vacation as you marvel at the crystal clear water and get a tan while lying on the soft sands. In addition to attractions, you also need to think about accommodation. If you are looking to stay in an accommodation at a friendly cost, keep reading. This article lists the best hostels in El Nido, Palawan, the Philippines.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on January 17, 2025.
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1. Frendz Hostel El Nido (from USD 27)
Featuring a bar, Frendz Hostel El Nido, which is located close to Big Lagoon, is another friendly accommodation to consider. You can opt for a family room or a queen room for more privacy. But, if you do not mind sharing, you can stay in a dormitory. The facilities offered by the hostel include shared bathrooms, air conditioning, free wireless internet and pool tables.
Frendz Hostel El Nido
9.27 km (5.8 mi) from Shimizu Island
2. Spin Designer Hostel - El Nido (from USD 19)
Having a strategic location that is within close proximity to Corong Corong Beach, Spin Designer Hostel offers a shared kitchen that is equipped with barbecue facilities along with a games room to keep you entertained, and a common terrace that makes for an excellent place where you can sit back, recharge your energy and stare at the lush forest right in front of you. The hip hostel also comes with free toiletries, towels and bed linens. For privacy, you are welcome to book a room that features a private bathroom.
Spin Designer Hostel - El Nido
9.33 km (5.8 mi) from Shimizu Island
3. Kame House Hostel (from USD 14)
Good breakfast for an additional fee, kitchen for guest use, nice food nearby
Affordable with additional charges for towels and breakfast
A bit far from town, close to beaches and good restaurants, easy reach to lively places
Indoor chill area, outdoor patio with pool & bar, free water and towel (with deposit), scooter rental
Set just a few steps away from Corong Corong Beach, Kame House Hostel provides a shared kitchen, where you can cook up a light meal, barbecue facilities, a garden to please your eyes and calm your mind and soul, a shared lounge to relax and mingle with other guests, and a bar which offers a selection of drinks for the night. You will stay in a room which comes with a patio and air conditioning.
Kame House Hostel
9.17 km (5.7 mi) from Shimizu Island
4. Happiness Hostel (from USD 16)
Delicious meals and drinks at the on-site restaurant, free morning snacks, and discounts on breakfast for guests.
Affordable rates for dorm rooms with private beds, free breakfast, and discounts on meals at the on-site restaurant.
Convenient central location in El Nido town, close to the beach, port, restaurants, and tour operators.
Comfortable beds with privacy features, clean bathrooms, swings in the common area, and free water, tea, and coffee available.
Just like its name, Happiness Hostel promises happy days throughout your stay. Enjoy a night of restful sleep on a cozy bed in a six-bed dormitory. To start fresh, you can enjoy a delicious breakfast either at the on-site restaurant or at the on-site bar. If you like the food, you can come back later at lunch or dinner time. For those traveling with loved ones, the hostel provides a collection of board games or puzzles for entertainment. There is also an outdoor terrace where you can enjoy the surrounding views while recharging.
Happiness Hostel El Nido
8.86 km (5.6 mi) from Shimizu Island
El Nido Tour Guide
Rosalyn Capablanca
From Palawan Paradise, greetings! Hello, my fellow nomads! Your guide to Palawan, the Last Frontier, is me, Rosa! I live in a tropical oasis surrounded by luscious flora and blue lakes. Together, let me be your ticket to paradise as we discover Palawan's wonders.Palawan is well known for its breathtaking islands, each with an individual allure. The most well-known locations are Puerto Princesa,... Read more
5. Bunakidz Lodge (from USD 35)
Situated within walking distance of the bayside area, Bunakids Lodge features a terrace on which you can relax while admiring the views of the city and breathing in the peaceful atmosphere. Certain rooms offer private balconies, whereas a flat-screen TV can be found in every room. If you are traveling with family members, the hostel also offers a family room that can accommodate up to eight people. As a guest, you can enjoy free wireless internet access and private parking throughout your stay.
RedDoorz at Bunakidz Lodge El Nido Palawan
8.94 km (5.6 mi) from Shimizu Island
6. Mad Monkey Hostel Nacpan Beach (from USD 20)
Good food at reasonable prices, but some items may be overpriced and the menu could be improved for vegan/vegetarian options
Reasonable pricing for beachfront location, but food and drinks can be expensive
Located directly on Nacpan Beach, offering stunning sunsets and crystal-clear water; a bit far from El Nido town but provides everything needed on-site
Beachfront location, lively atmosphere, daily social activities, spacious communal areas, clean and comfortable rooms, on-site bar with events
Nestled on Nacpan Beach, Mad Monkey Hostel Nacpan Beach should be your first choice of accommodation if you are looking to marvel at the beach views every single day. Whenever you want to get to the beach, you can simply walk a few stepd from your doorstep and you’ll be on the beach in an instant. The hostel comes with several room types including loft and superior glamping tent. All rooms come with shared bathrooms. Moreover, the hostel features an on-site restaurant and a bar where you can relax over a glass of wine and enjoy live music performance until late at night.
Mad Monkey Hostel Nacpan Beach
22.11 km (13.8 mi) from Shimizu Island
7. Lexias El Nido (from USD 42)
Delicious food at the on-site restaurant with a fantastic sea view, but limited breakfast options and occasional service issues.
Affordable rates with great value for money, but some amenities may not be available as advertised.
Situated on a steep hill with breathtaking views, close to an amazing beach and zipline, with a free shuttle service to the town.
Free shuttle service, spacious rooms, pool table, cooking facilities, and a swimming pool (when available).
Enjoy a wonderful stay at Lexias El Nido which boasts an outdoor swimming pool that welcomes every guest to have a relaxing dip to wash the fatigue away after an adventure on the island. In addition to the swimming pool, guests can also savor delectable dishes and enjoy drinks at the on-site restaurant and bar. You are also welcome to play billiards in the hostel.
Lexias Hostel and Workspace - El Nido
Address: Marimegmeg Beach, Corong Corong
8.53 km (5.3 mi) from Shimizu Island
8. Big Paul Hostel (from USD 15)
Last but not least, you should also consider staying at Big Paul Hostel which provides you with quick access to attractions such as Papaya Beach and Matinloc Shrine. Featuring a bar, a shared lounge for relaxation and free access to wireless internet, the hostel offers a mixed dormitory room or double room. Head to the on-site restaurant every morning to relish a continental breakfast before setting off.
Big Paul Hostel
9.15 km (5.7 mi) from Shimizu Island
9. ZEN Hostel OMP El Nido (from USD 8)
Set not far away from Big Lagoon and Matinloc Shrine, some of the most popular attractions in El Nido, this hostel offers two room types. You can choose whether to enjoy a good night’s sleep on a bunk bed in a mixed dormitory room or on a bunk bed in a six-bed mixed dormitory. As a guest, you will also have access to a shared bathroom and a kitchen. Moreover, you can access the unlimited wireless internet for free. As a compliment, you will be provided with a bottle of water daily.
ZEN Hostel OMP El Nido
Address: Located in Our Melting Pot El Nido, Real Street, Palawan
9.09 km (5.7 mi) from Shimizu Island
10. Big Mike Hostel (from USD 8)
Featuring free wireless internet access throughout the property, Big Mike Hostel offers budget double rooms for up to two people, and a mixed dormitory for those who are on a very tight budget. In the morning, satisfy your stomach by indulging in an energizing breakfast at the on-site restaurant. You can choose to indulge in Asian and vegetarian options too.
Big Mike Hostel
Address: San Joaquin St. Brgy. Buena Suerte, Zone 2, El Nido, Palawan
8.92 km (5.6 mi) from Shimizu Island
A superb vacation in the Philippines
Make the most of your precious time in El Nido by visiting as many attractions as you possibly can. Do not forget to book one of the hostels mentioned above because you do not need to stay in a five-star hotel to enjoy the ultimate stay.
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