How to find the best hostels in El Nido
El Nido, a beautiful place in the Philippines, is a big name amongst travellers. Backpackers from all over the world go crazy for its lush jungles, friendly locals, black limestone cliffs and blue lagoons. Its beaches are some of the best in the world with the deepest, clearest blue water you can imagine. If you can’t wait to experience this paradise yourself we’ve got some amazing news – El Nido is also home to some of the best hostels in the Philippines!
Whether you want to stay right on the beach or close to bars and clubs, in the heart of El Nido or in its quieter areas, you’ll find just what you’re looking for. But wait… what are you looking for? Get inspired and excited with our list of the best hostels in El Nido and get a sweet taste of what’s to come. We hope you’re ready for the ultimate island life!
Jump straight to:
- Best hostels in El Nido for solo travellers
- Best hostels in El Nido for couples
- Best party hostels in El Nido
- Best of the rest hostels in El Nido
Best hostels in El Nido for solo travellers
Kame House Backpackers
A brand new place with a little pool that’s only 200 metres to the beach – these are some pretty convincing reasons to stay at Kame House Backpackers. Throw a central location, a bar, free breakfast, amazing travellers from all over the world and a chilled-out vibe into the mix and ‘tadaaa’… you’ve got the perfect foundation for a solo-traveller’s haven and all the ingredients for an amazing time!
Hostel highlights:
- Free breakfast
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Terrace
Address: Corong Corong, 10 m from la plage entrance
Neighbourhood: Barangay Corong Corong
Our Melting Pot
You’ve travelled to a new place all by yourself, full of excitement and energy… you drop off your bags and get ready to go out and explore – where would you want to be staying? RIGHT in the centre of course! Our Melting Pot is a hostel in central El Nido, surrounded by nice restaurants, markets, bars and clubs, as well as all the tour agencies, bike hires and transport options. Start your day right with a free breakfast, grab some new travel buddies (you’ll meet lots of people from all around the globe here) and enjoy everything El Nido has to offer.
Hostel highlights:
- Free breakfast
- Common room
Address: Real Street, Barangay Masagana, El Nido Palawan
Neighbourhood: El Nido centre
Big Paul Hostel
Travelling solo? Big Paul’s got your back! This hostel is popular for its great social vibe, nice facilities, hammocks to enjoy your travel-life to the fullest, its short distance to the beach and – of course – the owner, Big Paul. He’ll make sure you have an amazing stay, no matter what it takes: from a friendly face to free rum and cokes and shots every night!
Hostel highlights:
- Free breakfast
- Common room
- Tours/travel desk
- Bar, café & restaurant
Address: Corong-Corong, El Nido, Palawan
Neighbourhood: Barangay Corong Corong
Big Mike Hostel
We’ll leave this one to one of our amazing travellers who pretty much summed it up best:
‘The best hostel we’ve ever stayed in, Mike and his wife cared for every guest so well. Even brought my friend a birthday cake for him as a surprise. Everybody we met in the hostel had extended their stay for various reasons and so did we. We will definitely stay here again next time we’re in El Nido!’ – mic dropped.
Hostel highlights:
- Free breakfast
- Common room
- Tours/travel desk
- Terrace
Address: San Joaquin Street, Bgy. Buena Suerte, El Nido
Neighbourhood: Barangay Buena suerte
Happiness Hostel
It’s true that happiness can be found in hostels, particularly hostels with swings, bamboo interiors, cosy beds and a bar. Luckily, Happiness Hostel lives up to its name! You can find it right by the beach above one of the nicest restaurants in town (which sounds like a good date night combo) and it’s the perfect place to chill and unwind, with a relaxed atmosphere and friendly faces.
Hostel highlights:
- Common room
- Terrace
- BBQ
- Tours/travel desk
Address: Serena Street, Buena Suerte, Palawan, 5313 El Nido
Neighbourhood: El Nido centre, Barangay Buena Suerte
Best party hostels in El Nido
Outpost Beach Hostel
A typical day at Outpost Beach Hostel? Enjoying some breakfast and meeting new friends in the lounge, before lazing at Sunset beach, the paradise that is literally at the hostel’s doorstep. Or perhaps exploring the beautiful islands on a hostel boat tour. You might want to head back for some funny Nintendo or PlayStation battles or the amazing sunset view. Enjoy a delicious dinner in the hostel’s restaurant made by a chef called Jeff, or if it’s a Sunday a freshly made BBQ! When the sky turns from blue to pink to red and the first stars appear, it’s time for the fun to start. Join in with the lively vibe of Outpost Beach Hostel and head to the bar for an amazing time. After making lots of new friends and unforgettable memories, fall into your bed with a smile on your face, knowing you’ll start the next day in paradise.
Hostel highlights:
- Common room
- Terrace + amazing view
- BBQ
Address: Sitio Lugadia National Highway
Neighbourhood: Lugadia
Mad Monkeys Nacpan Beach
This hostel is all kinds of mad: mad fun, mad social and madly beautiful! Located on one of the best beaches in the world, the famous Nacpan beach, this Mad Monkeys lives up to the chain’s great reputation. Maybe it’s the perfect location, the beautiful view, the chill out areas, the island-hopping tours, the lively bar (with unlimited free beers & house spirits from 7.30 to 8 pm) or the perfect mix of all those things. But there’s something about this place that creates an amazing vibe around the clock.
Yes, we did say unlimited booze, but you can look forward to more than just a night time booze bonanza. Join the hostel’s famous Nacpan Booze Cruise that runs twice a week and experience El Nido’s beautiful surroundings while partying with new friends. At the hostel itself, you can enjoy beachside BBQs, woodfire pizzas, cocktails, paddle boarding, coconuts and fun from sunrise to sunset – all day, every day. We could go on about everything Mad Monkeys has to offer, but why don’t you book it and find out?
Hostel highlights:
- Roof terrace + amazing view
- Volleyball and sunbed area
- BBQ
Address: Nacpan Beach,Sitio Calitang, Barangay Bucana, El Nido
Neighbourhood: Nacpan Beach
Best of the rest hostels in El Nido
Where 2 Next
Think not only of a hostel but a little community to recharge, relax and rejuvenate. Where 2 Next describes itself as a place with an authentic village spirit and an amazing vibe. Here you’ll find all you need to regain some energy, like the beautiful Nacpan and Calitang beaches. Staying here will not only help to make you feel good, but you’ll also help the environment by supporting an eco-friendly hostel that runs on solar power. It’s a remote hostel, but this is nothing to stress about as they offer transport upon request.
Hostel highlights:
- Pancakes for breakfast
- Airport transfer
- Eco friendly
Address: Sitio Calitang, Barangay Bucana, Lot B2, Region 3
Neighbourhood: Nacpan Beach
Erlittop Garden
Okay, this hostel is not just remote, it’s REMOTE! An hour’s drive from El Nido in the fishing town of Sibaltan, you’ll (finally) find Erlittop Garden. Hint: you’ll know that you’ve arrived when you see a beautiful garden area, lush plants, an amazing sea view and cute huts that form a village for travellers, backpackers and adventurers. All the huts cater to different needs; they have some facing the sun, some facing the sea and some completely nestled into the green jungle. They even have a sunrise hut with the best morning entertainment you could wish for. In the daytime join one of their boat tours to explore the closest islands, snorkelling spots and remote beaches. If you want to become one with nature and experience a real remote getaway, Erlittop Garden is what you’re looking for.
Hostel highlights:
- Book exchange
- Terrace
- Bike hire
Address: Purok 1A, Sibaltan
Neighbourhood: Sibaltan
The Cavern Pod Hostel & Specialty Café
Do you find it hard to decide between a dorm and some privacy? Well the Cavern Pod Hostel makes it easy, offering you your own pod with a comfy single bed, a charger, lights and blackout curtains – so it’s up to you if you want to mingle or stay single! After a good rest, a delicious breakfast and some great coffee are waiting for you in the Specialty Café, giving you the perfect start to explore El Nido.
Hostel highlights:
- Dehumidifier
- AC
- Café & restaurant
Address: 527 National Highway, Brgy. Corong-corong
Neighbourhood: Barangay Corong Corong
We hope you found what you were looking for and are even more excited for your island adventure. Did you try one of these hostels or have a favourite that other backpackers need to know about? Tell us all about it in the comments!
Keep reading 
The ultimate guide to backpacking the Philippines
7 secret islands in the Philippines you won’t believe are real
7 things to do in the Philippines for adventure nerds
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