10 Cool Hostels in the Philippines for a Vacation to Remember

From a plane-themed surf stay in La Union to a design-led base in El Nido, these hostels offer practical facilities, social spaces and convenient access to some of the Philippines’ most popular destinations.

Travelling around the Philippines often means moving between busy cities, laid-back surf towns and far-flung islands. Choosing a hostel can help keep accommodation costs manageable, but price is not the only factor worth considering.

Some hostels are built around group activities and lively evenings, while others offer coworking areas, quiet communal spaces or private rooms for travellers who value a little more personal space. Location matters too, especially when an early ferry, an island-hopping tour or a morning surf session is involved.

Whether you are planning a short city break or a longer trip across the country, these hostels in the Philippines cater to a range of travel styles.

Also read: 5 Basic Do’s & Don’ts of Staying in a Hostel

1. Lub d Manila Makati, Metro Manila

Image credit: The Flying Fish Hostel Official Facebook Page

Best for: Travellers seeking a quieter, design-conscious hostel

The Flying Fish Hostel offers a calmer alternative to the party-focused hostels found in some of the Philippines’ busier island destinations. Its wood-heavy interiors, open communal areas and garden views give the property a relaxed atmosphere that suits slower stays in Dumaguete.

Guests can choose between dormitory accommodation and private rooms. Depending on the room category, facilities include air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, storage space, bedside sockets and access to balconies or garden-facing areas.

The shared spaces provide room to read, work or meet other guests without making socialising feel compulsory. There is also an on-site restaurant, while the hostel can assist with practical arrangements such as transport and local travel planning.

Dumaguete itself is a useful base for exploring Negros Oriental or continuing towards nearby islands. The hostel therefore suits travellers who want somewhere comfortable to pause between more active parts of their itinerary.

2. Charlie’s Hangar Surf Hostel – San Juan, La Union

Image credit: Charlie’s Hangar Surf Hostel

Best for: Surfers and relaxed beach getaways

Charlie’s Hangar Surf Hostel stands out before you even reach the reception area. The aviation-themed property incorporates a retired DC-3 aircraft, where guests can sit back and take in views of the beach.

Its location in San Juan puts travellers close to the waves and within a short walk of Urbiztondo Beach. This makes it a convenient option for experienced surfers as well as first-timers planning to book a lesson nearby.

The facilities are straightforward but useful. Guests have access to personal lockers, electronic key cards, Wi-Fi, picnic tables, grills, hammocks and on-site parking. Camping spaces and outdoor showers are also available for travellers who prefer an even simpler stay.

This is not a resort-style escape, but that is part of its appeal. Charlie’s Hangar works best for travellers who want to spend most of their time by the water and return to an easy-going beachfront base at the end of the day.

3. Lub d Manila Makati, Metro Manila

Best for: City breaks, digital nomads and groups

Located along Makati Avenue, Lub d Manila Makati places travellers close to Poblacion’s restaurants, cafes, bars and nightlife. It is a practical first or final stop on a longer trip around the Philippines, particularly for travellers who want to stay in one of Metro Manila’s livelier neighbourhoods.

The property combines shared dormitories with a wide selection of private rooms, including configurations designed for friends and families travelling together. Its facilities include coworking areas, meeting rooms, a games area and several spaces for relaxing between trips around the city.

A rooftop restaurant and bar gives guests somewhere to spend the evening without having to head straight back into Poblacion. While the overall setup feels more polished than a traditional backpacker hostel, the shared areas still make it suitable for solo travellers looking to meet people.

4. Chief Mau Moalboal Cebu, Moalboal

Best for: Snorkelling, diving and outdoor adventures

Chief Mau places guests close to one of Moalboal’s biggest natural attractions. The hostel is located just a short walk from the water, where travellers can snorkel or dive alongside the enormous schools of sardines found near the coast.

Accommodation includes backpacker dormitories and private rooms, with some private categories offering air-conditioning and balconies. Around the property, guests will find a restaurant, bar, garden, terrace, hammocks and a dedicated social area.

The hostel can also help arrange popular excursions around southern Cebu, including canyoneering trips, island-hopping tours and visits towards Oslob. This can save travellers the trouble of coordinating separate operators after arriving in town.

Its social atmosphere makes Chief Mau particularly suitable for solo travellers, although its proximity to the beach and range of private rooms also work well for couples and small groups.

5. Mad Monkey – Panglao, Bohol

Best for: Social travellers and lively hostel nights

Mad Monkey Panglao is designed for travellers who want the hostel to be part of the holiday rather than simply somewhere to sleep. The property regularly holds games, themed evenings and other organised activities, making it easy for solo guests to meet people.

Facilities include a swimming pool, bar and restaurant, coworking space, gym, gaming room and billiards. Guests can choose between air-conditioned dormitories and private rooms, while dorm beds include privacy features for a more comfortable night’s sleep.

The hostel can also assist with tours around Bohol and Panglao. Popular options include snorkelling around Balicasag Island, visiting Hinagdanan Cave and travelling inland towards the Chocolate Hills.

Its energetic atmosphere will not suit everyone, especially travellers looking for an early and completely quiet night. For those who enjoy poolside afternoons and organised social activities, however, it offers plenty to do between island excursions.

6. Spin Designer Hostel, El Nido, Palawan

Image credit: Spin Hostel

Best for: Design, comfort and a calmer social stay

Spin Designer Hostel offers a more polished take on backpacker accommodation. Located in El Nido town, it provides convenient access to restaurants, shops and the operators running the area’s well-known island-hopping tours.

As its name suggests, design is central to the experience. High ceilings, natural materials, colourful furniture and open communal spaces give the property a distinctive look without sacrificing practicality. Guests can choose between dormitories and private rooms.

The hostel has a garden, terrace, library, games area and several places to sit between excursions. Breakfast is served in the morning, while tour assistance is available for travellers who have not yet arranged their activities around El Nido.

Spin is social, but it is not built solely around nightlife. It suits couples, solo travellers and small groups who appreciate the communal side of hostel travel but prefer a more relaxed environment at the end of the day.

7. Murals Hostel and Cafe – Cebu City, Cebu

Image credit: Murals Hostel and Cafe Official Facebook Page

Best for: Short city stays and travellers passing through Cebu

Cebu City is often used as a gateway to beaches, waterfalls and neighbouring islands, but it is worth allowing time to explore the city itself. Murals Hostel and Cafe offers a relatively quiet base within reach of Ayala Center Cebu and other commercial areas.

The property includes air-conditioned accommodation, a garden, shared lounge and terrace. Its cafe and restaurant also make it convenient for travellers who want to eat or have a coffee without immediately heading out into the city.

Compared with a large party hostel, Murals has a more laid-back atmosphere. It is therefore better suited to travellers looking for a place to rest, catch up on work or spend a night in Cebu City before continuing to another part of the island.

Its central setting also makes it practical for guests planning to visit Cebu City’s historical attractions or organise onward transport to destinations such as Moalboal, Bantayan Island or Bohol.

8. Hang Loose Hostel, General Luna, Siargao

Best for: Solo travellers, surfers and longer stays in Siargao

Hang Loose Hostel is situated in General Luna, placing guests close to many of Siargao’s cafes, restaurants and transport services. It works well for travellers who want access to the town’s social scene while still having a comfortable base for surfing, island tours and day trips.

The hostel offers several accommodation styles, including open dormitories, smaller air-conditioned dorms, family rooms and private rooms for couples. Dorm beds come with curtains, lockers, personal fans, reading lights and charging points.

Shared lounge and workstation areas are available for guests who need to catch up on work or plan the next part of their trip. The property also has a roof deck where travellers can dine, relax and look out over General Luna.

Hang Loose has enough communal space to be social without relying entirely on organised parties. This makes it a good middle ground for travellers who want to meet people but also need time to themselves.

9. Frendz Resort & Hostel Boracay

Best for: Travellers who want both beach time and a social atmosphere

Frendz Resort & Hostel Boracay is located a short walk from White Beach, giving guests easy access to the island’s sand, restaurants and activity providers without placing them directly in the busiest beachfront areas.

The property offers both dormitories and private rooms, all centred around communal spaces designed for guests to spend time together. A swimming pool provides an alternative to the beach, while regular evening events and food specials add a social element to the stay.

Tours and island activities can also be arranged through the hostel. This is useful for travellers interested in boat trips, water activities or exploring parts of Boracay beyond the main stretch of White Beach.

Frendz strikes a useful balance between a party hostel and a quieter resort. Guests can join the activities and meet other travellers, but the property also has enough space to

10. Hop Hostel – Coron, Palawan

Image credit: Hop Hostel

Best for: Island-hopping trips, sunset views and meeting other travellers

Hop Hostel provides a comfortable base in Coron town, where many travellers stay before joining boat tours around the Calamian Islands. Its elevated setting and view deck make it an especially appealing place to catch the sunset after a day on the water.

The hostel offers mixed and female-only dormitories as well as private rooms. Dorm beds include curtains, lockers and charging sockets, while air-conditioning is available throughout the accommodation areas.

Its communal facilities are more extensive than those at many budget hostels. Guests have access to a shared kitchen, common room, mini theatre, swimming pool, garden and several outdoor areas. The hostel also organises activities that may include movie nights, games, beach trips and sunset outings.

Tour-planning and booking assistance is available for travellers who need help arranging their Coron itinerary. With plenty of shared spaces and regular activities, Hop is particularly well suited to solo travellers who want an easy way to meet people.

Also read: 10 World-Class Islands in the Philippines Travellers Rave About

Choosing the right hostel in the Philippines

The best hostel for your trip depends on more than the lowest available rate. A beachfront location may matter most in La Union or Boracay, while convenient tour arrangements can make a bigger difference in El Nido, Coron or Moalboal.

It is also worth checking the atmosphere before booking. Properties such as Mad Monkey Panglao are intended for travellers who enjoy regular events and lively evenings, while Spin Designer Hostel and The Flying Fish offer a calmer experience.

Whichever style you prefer, check the latest room details, policies and guest reviews before confirming your stay. A little research can help you find a hostel that fits both your budget and the kind of trip you want to have.