Is your next stop at 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 coral 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 - best for female solo travelers
- Happiness Hostel - best for solo travelers and backpackers
- Frendz Hostel El Nido - best for Couples
- Extra: Outpost Beach Hostel - best for Party People and Social butterflies
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
1. SPIN Designer Hostel
2. Happiness Hostel
3. Frendz Hostel El Nido
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.
This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…
- are tired of crappy hostels!
- want a social Hostel to actually meet people
- are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.
Quick Introduction to El Nido
The 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 around 50€ per night. This is a rough average just to give you an idea.
Prices always depend on the season and holidays. Please always check the exact rates on Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.
Check-In and Check-Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3 pm), while the Check Out time is before 11:00 (11 am). 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.
Book your hostel in advance: Even though backpacking offers a lot of flexibility, it’s still a good idea to book your hostel early in El Nido, particularly during peak season. With only a few options for accommodation, the most popular hostels tend to fill up pretty fast.
Bargain wisely: When shopping for souvenirs, arranging transportation, or booking island hopping tours, feel free to negotiate prices to a certain extent. However, remember to be courteous and respectful when bargaining, taking into account the local economy and the livelihoods of those offering the services.
🎁 New to Hostels? Read our guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. We especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels? (and websites to save $)
- 23 clever items: the hostel packing list to download
- How does the Hostelworld App work exactly? Our Advanced Guide
The 3 Best Hostels in El Nido are …
Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in El Nido.
- SPIN Designer Hostel – best for female solo travelers
- Happiness Hostel – best for solo travelers and backpackers
- Frendz Hostel El Nido – best for Couples
- Extra: Outpost Beach Hostel - best for Party People and Social butterflies
These are our favorite hostels in El Nido. We want to make your life even easier, so we put all accommodations on a map for you. We even added our own tips for favorite restaurants, things to see, and more.
1. SPIN Designer Hostel
2. Happiness Hostel
3. Frendz Hostel 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 |
| 🦋for Social Butterflies: | Outpost Beach Hostel |
1. SPIN Designer 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.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
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
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
2. Happiness Hostel
Happiness Hostel is a stunning premiere hostel option for the cost-conscious traveler, yet it doesn’t lack awesome design and a 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 travelers.
Each space is filled with bright designs 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?
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
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 travelers
- Backpackers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
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 travelers.
Every traveler 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 cozy. There’s even a towel on your bed! El Nido backpacking has never been this awesome.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
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
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
4. Outpost Beach Hostel
Welcome to Outpost Beach Hostel , where the good vibes flow like the waves – sorry for this pun, but you get the point.
Outpost offers various size dormitories and private rooms all equipped with air-conditioning units and fans. This cool hostel not only has its own restaurant but also a beach bar that throws epic events, games, and themes every night. Get ready to party with the best of them!
When the clock strikes 11 PM, it’s lights out, so you can enjoy a peaceful slumber. But if you’re still up for some low-key fun, head up to the cozy second-floor lounge and relax.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
Did we mention the view? Prepare to have your mind blown by the most epic sunsets El Nido has to offer.
Outpost’s got it all covered:
A travel desk, tour guides, and boats take you to those island havens just off El Nido.
And the best part? The boat tour leaves straight from the sandy beach fronting the hostel.
Location: Outpost Beach Hostel is a fun and social hostel located just a 5-minute ride south of downtown El Nido on Corong-Corong Beach – known as sunset beach. It is located in a more serene environment compared to downtown El Nido.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
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 traveler hostel because of the single-sexed dorms. Four bedrooms mean 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 traveler.
Including older travelers.
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.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
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 beachfront hostel so you can enjoy the white sand all day long. That beach has secured this hostel a place on our list of favorite beach hostels around the world.
You won’t feel alone here because the staff makes an effort to know you by name and call you 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 really appreciate the staff that offers to carry my luggage up to my room, and this is the kind of warm reception you can expect from this hostel.
Even when the bar is right below, and fun parties happen at night, they are strict in their 11 PM quiet hours. Which is perfect for solo travelers who want to have fun but still manage to get a good night’s rest.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
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-see in your El Nido backpacking guide because not only does it have awesome accommodations, but it also has the best parties on 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 stuff
You may fancy joining the twice-weekly booze cruise if you’re around for a while. It’s lots of 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
Other El Nido backpackers hostels worth a mention
We just can’t get enough of the hostels on 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 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 motorbike.
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
What about the cheapest hostels in El Nido?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in El Nido.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in El Nido
- add your dates
- Order the listings by price
Simple as that.
Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.
Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.
Any Discounts?
You can find all our hostel discounts worldwide here. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the freshest hostel discounts directly in your inbox. There are even special discount codes that we only share in our newsletter.
It is completely free to join!
How to book?
The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.
We included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
Read: step-by-step guide on how to book with Hostelworld
We recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of El Nido best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/ bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.
The coolest Hostel App you need comes as well from Hostelworld. It gives you super cool features like you can contact your hostel mates beforehand and make plans together. Find more details in our review of the app
Scan the QR Code with your Smartphone to download the Hostelworld App from the App Store - like a real Hostel Geek!
Need an eSIM Card for El Nido?
Get your eSIM Card with Airalo.com instantly online. It is easy to set up and cheap! Read our review of Airalo here.
No more searching for mobile stores. Get your eSIM Card for now and enjoy it instantly after landing in your new destination.
Our Favorite Hostels in El Nido put on a map + sights
Let us have a look at 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 would 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 an Island Hopping and Beaches tour.
Any questions about hostels in El Nido?
🤔Join our Facebook Group and TikTok here!
Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥
FAQs
Here we share with you the most asked question:
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 their kind:
- SPIN Designer Hostel – best for female solo travelers
- Happiness Hostel – best for solo travelers and backpackers
- Frendz Hostel El Nido – best for Couples
- Extra: Outpost Beach Hostel - best for Social butterflies
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 use Skyscanner and Omio.com to find cheap flights and good connections all over the globe.
Skyscanner has a bunch of cool features like Multi-City Trip. Instead of doing this research step-by-step, Skyscanner offers this flight planning tool.
More handmade Guides for you
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 brought 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
Do you have any questions left, maybe doubts? Then please leave it in the comment below. We are very keen to help you - and actually you would even do us a favor!
Your question will help us to improve this El Nido guide.
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 will never recommend you any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. We are constantly updating all our guides to keep them as fresh and accurate as possible.
Safe travels,
The Hostelgeeks
CLOSED Hostel: 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 was great and helpful. Add to that is the amazing location. The hostel has free breakfast, too 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.
Best Travel Websites we recommend ❤️
(Fresh Update 2023)
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 🤓
- Airalo.com - eSim Cards for traveling worldwide
- Onward Ticket - get 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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