Is your next stop the beautiful white-sand beaches on Palawan island? Fabulous! This just so happens to be your gateway to the best hostels in El Nido.
Alongside 5 star accommodation, El Nido is home to corals reefs, lagoons, and steep karst cliffs.
If this sounds like your kind of destination, keep reading. It just gets better and better.
Hint: there’s a super cool party hostel right on the beach!
Your shortcut:
- SPIN Designer Hostel – a top pick for female solo travelers
- Happiness Hostel – one for solo travelers & backpackers
- Frendz Hostel El Nido – great for couples
Staying at one of these hostels? ❤️
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No longer will you need to question where to stay in El Nido – this is the only guide you need!
This guide is perfect for YOU, when …
- you’re tired of bad and crappy hostels
- you want to avoid the “young party kids”
- you’re happy to spend 1-2€ for a better experience
Be sure to check out our complete guide to the 21 best hostels in the Philippines if you’re a long-term traveler as well as our guide on the best hostels in Coron.
Our #1 choice and ONLY 5 star hostel in the Philippines is SPIN Designer Hostel. Keep scrolling to find out why.
What we cover in this article?
- Introduction
- 3 best hostels in detail
- Comparison chart of 3 best hostels
- cheapest hostels in El Nido
- best hostels in El Nido for solo travellers
- fun party hostels in El Nido
- other hostels worth a mention
- discounts and promo codes
- How to book?
- all hostel and sights on a map
- FAQs
- Flights
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.
Quick Introduction to El Nido
Average price for a bed: Hostels in El Nido cost 8€ – 19€ per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room starts from 14€ up to 53€ per night. This is a rough average just to give you an idea.
Prices always depend on season and holidays. Please always check exact rates on Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.
Check-In and Check Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3pm), while the Check Out time is before 11:00 (11am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.
New to Hostels? Read our full hostel starter guide here. We especially recommend reading:
- how to book hostels (and websites to use)
- 23 items for the hostel packing list
- Are hostels safe? 13 safety tips for hostels
The 3 Best Hostels in El Nido
Let’s jump right into the boutique hostels in El Nido.
We put all three accommodation on the map, you will find the map at the end of the article.
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | Happiness Hostel |
| 🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | SPIN Designer Hostel |
| 🥳 Party Hostel: | Mad Monkey Hostel El Nido. |
| 👩❤️👨Couple Hostel: | Frendz Hostel El Nido |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel: | Frendz Hostel El Nido |
| 👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | SPIN Designer Hostel |
| 🎒 For Backpackers: | Happiness Hostel |
1. SPIN Designer Hostel (5 star hostel)
Let’s go for a SPIN!
Stroll from 5 star hostel SPIN Designer Hostel to a surf-friendly beach in less than 1 minute!
Easily the #1 choice in El Nido. This hostel offers a unique design, great views, and a chilled atmosphere.
Can we use the word handsome to describe facilities and social spaces? It’s the perfect adjective, in our opinion.
Regardless, SPIN has done well to create exceptional comfort in well-thought-of spaces.
Shall we have a sneak peek at what’s on offer?
There happen to be four main social spaces to hang out in. These are:
- The Nest: central hub, seriously Instagramable
- The Deck: outdoor space, great breakfast area w/ music & limestone views
- The Woods: garden & outdoor amphitheater
- The Table: good food, great conversation
To make each one more enjoyable, there is brewed coffee and local tea on offer every afternoon between 4-6pm.
Grab a book from the library or challenge a friend with one of the many board games.
If that’s not enough, social butterflies are going to love the activities and events.
From BBQ nights and beer pong tournaments to basketball games with locals and beach clean-ups – there’s so much to try.
We can’t leave it there without mentioning the rooms. Tell your friends about it by connecting to their free wifi.
Choose from: private bunk (1-2 beds), private single, all-female dorm (4 beds) and mixed-dorm (4 beds).
Each one includes a free breakfast, en-suite and big lockers. Prepare to be spoilt.
Find out more at our full guide to SPIN Designer Hostel here.
Location: Let’s mention this again – SPIN Designer Hostel El Nido is just 1 minute from the beach. Handy stores, restaurants, and shops are all within walking distance, too.
This is one of the best beach hostels in El Nido Palawan backpackers for
- Female solo travelers
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Full Guide
2. Happiness Palawan Hostel
Happiness Hostel is a stunning premiere hostel option for the cost-conscious traveler, yet doesn’t lack awesome design and friendly atmosphere.
Stay here if you enjoy a chat and good food.
That’s right; Happiness will overflow when you see the menu at the on-site veggie restaurant and bar.
Hint: guests say the falafel is out-of-this-world delicious.
It’s a great El Nido backpackers accommodation, and one for solo travellers.
Each space is filled with bright design and warming furniture. The bamboo details are lovely!
As you wander around, have a read of the thought-provoking quotes.
Soon you’ll realize everything is designed to make you smile. Is it working?
Note: there is only one room type here, a 6-bed mixed dorm.
Expect to enjoy privacy and comfort in your pod-style bunk. Solid as a rock – there will be no squeaking here.
When you’re ready to shut the world out, slide the door across. Simple.
Important: the free Wi-fi can only be enjoyed in the common areas.
If staff are an important part of your experience, El Nido will please you. They go above and beyond to make every single guest feel welcome.
Location: Right across the road from the beach. Sea views can be enjoyed from the balcony swing.
This is one of the best in El Nido Palawan hostels for
- Solo travellers
- Backpackers
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
3. Frendz Hostel El Nido
Going by the name, we can say with ease that Frendz Hostel El Nido is a wonderful option for meeting like-minded travellers.
Every traveller type is welcome to join the Frendz tribe.
To support this, both dorm, and private rooms are available.
There is a bed for every budget:
- Standard double private
- 4-bed family room
- 6-bed female dorm
- 6-bed mixed dorm
We’re fans of smaller, more intimate dorms. They allow for socializing and privacy.
It’s no exception here. Each bed is personalized and super cosy. There’s even a towel on your bed! El Nido backpacking has never been this awesome.
Couples can collapse in big, plush beds and take advantage of swanky en-suites.
Now let’s get back to the fun atmosphere of this place.
Where better to spend an afternoon than in the rooftop pool! Just look at those views!
Grab a drink from the bar next door and then head down to the on-site restaurant. Guests receive 10% off.
Resident DJs and local artists often play, creating a great party vibe. Yet a peaceful sleep can still be enjoyed.
Location: Right next to handy shops and restaurants, just minutes from the beach. Paradise.
This is one of the best hostels in El Nido for
- Couples
- Small groups
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
What about cheapest hostels in El Nido?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels for El Nido Palawan backpackers.
We think, it’s not worth it to go with the cheapest hostel out there.
Why?
The difference is usually 1-2€ ($1-2) per night, and a lot of amenities are not included. This can be breakfast or linen.
However, if you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you wanna save every penny, there are ways to find the cheapest places in El Nido. Backpacking El Nido can be cheap if you know the right place to look.
- Open Hostelworld with full list of budget places to stay in El Nido
- Order the listing by price
Simple as that.
Read: 15 hacks for booking hostels
Make sure you use then the other filters and rank per price.
Also keep a close eye on the ratings, especially the “extreme ratings”. Meaning, the best and worst. These ratings can give great insight on what to expect.
Best Hostels in El Nido for Solo Travellers?
What is seriously the best hostel in El Nido for solo-travellers?
For the solo ladies out there, El Nido SPIN Designer Hostel is the top choice for you.
It’s a great female solo traveller hostel because of the single-sexed dorms. Four bed rooms means intimate discussions, privacy and quiet time.
Yet although we highly recommend it for women, we also want to state that SPIN is great for every type of solo traveller.
Including older travellers.
That’s thanks to the single bed privates and plenty of big spaces to spread out in.
The atmosphere is beautifully balanced between social and ‘me time’. We love it, and we’re sure you will too.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
The Outpost Beach Hostel El Nido is also a great hostel for solo travelers. It’s a bit far from the town center but it’s also a beach front hostel so you can enjoy the white sand all you want. That beach has secured him a place on our list of favorite beach hostels around the world.
You won’t feel along here because the staff makes an effort to know you by name and call by it. They make you feel at home so much that you won’t want to leave.
You can just ask the staff too if you want fun boat trips and waterfall tours.
I appreciated the staff when they offer to carry luggage and case up to your room. Such camaraderie here in Outpost.
Even when the bar is right below and fun parties happen at night, they are strict in their 10:30 PM quiet hours. Perfect when you just want to relax and chill.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Hostelworld
Party Hostels in El Nido
Remember earlier when we said the best party hostel in El Nido is right on the beach?
We weren’t kidding. Welcome to Mad Monkey Hostel El Nido.
Mad Monkey Nacpan beach is a must place in you El Nido backpacking guide because not only does it have awesome accommodation, it also has the best parties in all the island.
Undoubtedly the place to be for a party because of the…
- 30 minutes of free drinks every evening
- Resident DJs
- BBQs, volleyball & paddle boarding
- Awesome fun staff
If you’re around for a while, you may fancy joining the twice-weekly booze cruise. Super fun!
Wind down in the common room and choose between bamboo-bed dorms and tent accommodation.
Important: You can purchase a so-called Golden Ticket by Mad Monkey. Stay 30, 60 or 90 days in their hostels at a super low rate and one-time payment. Check more info about Golden Ticket here.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Official Website
Other El Nido backpackers hostels worth a mention
We just can’t get enough with the hostels in the island. Here are more hostels that we thought you should also check. We were impressed by these hostels too!
- Kame House Backpackers
Kame House Backpackers
Kame House is very much like a home for backpackers. It has several shared spaces like the movie area, the mini pool by the bar, the shared kitchen, and more.
It’s also near Corong Corong beach so you can begin the island tours in just a few minutes of motor bike.
Perhaps one of the things that’s very appealing about the Kame House is the family vibe going on.
Fun Fact: It’s named Kame House because it does look like the Kame House from the Dragon Ball Z anime.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
CLOSED: Big Paul Hostel
What’s not to like about Big Paul Hostel when you have free booze like rum and coke the whole time you’re there?
the staff were great and helpful. Add to that is the amazing location. The hostel has free breakfast too to so you can start your day with a full tummy.
This is one of the best hostels to stay in if you love socializing and meeting new people. Many would say that Corong Corong beach is way better than El Nido beach but you’d have to go there in person to make that call.
How to book?
We recommend using Booking.com or Hostelworld for your reservations.
Hostelworld is the most popular website when it comes to hostel bookings.
Read: step-by-step guide on how to book with Hostelworld
On both platforms your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.
We included the handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
Here is the overview:
- SPIN Designer Hostel: Booking.com | Hostelworld
- Happiness Hostel: Booking.com | Hostelworld
- Frendz Hostel El Nido: Booking.com | Hostelworld
- Mad Monkey Hostel Nacpan Beach: Booking.com | Hostelworld
We recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! Remember to check availability of the hostels you want to stay in before booking.
All of El Nido best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish hostels, secure your room or bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.
Any Discounts?
Currently, we have no special hostel discounts in El Nido. I know, it’s a pity. You can subscribe to our newsletter to receive our newest hostel discounts always to your inbox.
You can find all our hostel discounts worldwide here.
All 3 Hostels put on a map + sights
Let us have a look on the map. Below we list all three best El Nido hostels on a map.
Personally, we love to plan our trips with a map having all sights and potential hostels on it. We thought this map will help you with planning your trip too.
We also included the main tourist attractions you’ve to know in this list:
- Nacpan Beach
- Secret Lagoon
- Shimizu Island
- Cathedral Cave
- Papaya Beach
- Big Lagoon
Have a blast and enjoy a Island Hopping and Beaches tour.
(View the full size map here)
FAQs
Here are few of the frequent questions we’ve compiled for you because we know you have some questions needing answers.
What are the best hostels in El Nido?
We don’t just make up a backpackers El Nido hostel list, we make the best list. All the hostels mentioned here are the best of its kind. Well, of course, there are some glitches here and there because standard vary.
But we assure you that any of the hostel from this list are amazing and will give you the comfiest stay in the island of Palawan.
Are there cheap accommodations in El Nido?
El Nido has high-end hotels but the island also has cheap and budget hostels. You don’t have to look far, they hostels are pretty much everywhere. Just be careful because sometimes, you really get what you paid for.
What are the best sites for finding hostels?
Of course, the best site to find hostels is Hostelgeeks.com. We have the best hostels world has to offer.
We are doing our best to deliver the best hostels to you. Check out the best hostels in the world guides; from Paris to Tokyo.
You can also have a look at Hostelworld.
Flights to El Nido?
We enjoy Skyscanner, Omio.com and Kiwi.com to find cheap flights all over El Nido.
This new website has super cool features like a so-called radius search. Just draw a circle over Asia and find the cheapest rates for the area.
Here is our review of Kiwi.
More guides
Alright, this is your answer to where to stay in El Nido.
Remember: we’ve collected the 21 best hostels in the Philippines.
We did the leg work for you and bring you more hostel guides to destinations:
- 3 best hostels in Manila
- best hostels in Palawan
- best hostel in Puerto Princesa
- best hostels in Cebu
- best hostels in Bohol
- best hostels in Boracay
- best hostels in Siargao
- best hostels in Coron
- best hostels in La Union
- best hostels in Moalboal
- 27 best hostels in Taiwan
- best hostels in Hong Kong
- best hostels in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
There are so many awesome hostels in Asia to explore.
You can find all our new and updates articles for Best Hostels in here.
We also created a huge guide to hostels. Here we cover how to build lifetime friendships in hostels, the perfect packing list and more.
Over to you
Was this useful? Do you have any questions, doubts?
Then please please leave us a comment. This list of awesome El Nido hostels should be as informative and useful as possible.
Your question will help me to understand what I have missed to mention.
Therefore, drop us a comment, we are keen to help you!
Last note: Our commitment
This is a genuine article to help you travel a bit smarter and find the best place on a budget! We ONLY recommend places we know you will enjoy, no matter what.
Hostelgeeks will never recommend you any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. Here we only share with you places we also recommend to our best friends and family!
Enjoy this fine hostel selection and all 5 Star Hostels.
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Booking Hostels and Discounts 👏👏👏
As a user of Hostelgeeks, you also have access to exclusive hostel discounts. For booking hostels, we use:
- Hostelz.com - hostel price comparison
- Hostelworld
We recommend installing the Hostelworld App. It is very useful!
How to find cheaper Flights ✈️
The first websites we always check are Skyscanner and Google Flights.
Find our step-by-step process in our review about Skyscanner.
Travel Insurance made easy 🤒
We are currently using Safetywing and Hey Mondo. We wrote detailed guides about these insurances:
- Our review of Safetywing, compared to others
- a detailed review of HeyMondo Travel Insurance
Smartest Travel Tools you need to know 🤓
- Onward Ticket - get a proof for onward travel
- iVisa - get your visa online fast
- Get Your Guide - for activities and sightseeing tickets
- Omio.com - for all types of transport
Find all our recommended travel tools and websites here.
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