If the stunning white-sand beaches on the island of Palawan are your next stop, your guide and recommendation regarding some of the best hostels in Palawan are here to make your journey a pleasant experience! Here you can find the best hostels in Palawan.
The Province of Palawan- one of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines, is frequently named among the greatest islands- and for a good reason. It features beautiful isles, pristine beaches, crystal-clear seas, an amazing diversity of marine life, shipwrecks, and imposing towering limestone cliffs.
Discover the most awesome hostels in El Nido and the best hostels in Puerto Princesa in our comprehensive guide!
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If the stunning white-sand beaches on the island of Palawan are your next stop, your guide and recommendation regarding some of the best hostels in Palawan are here to make your journey a pleasant experience!
The Province of Palawan- one of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines, is frequently named among the greatest islands- and for a good reason. It features beautiful isles, pristine beaches, crystal-clear seas, an amazing diversity of marine life, shipwrecks, and imposing towering limestone cliffs.
List of Cities in Palawan with great hostels
Let’s waste no more time and jump right into this great Palawan hostel collection.
Here are all the destinations we cover in this guide:
- Backpacking tips for Palawan
- Top 5 tourist attractions in Palawan
- Map with all hostels
- How to book hostels in Palawan
- FAQ
- Flights to Palawan
- Promo codes and Discounts
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
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
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
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | Happiness Hostel |
| 🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | Spin Designer Hostel |
| 🥳 Party Hostel: | Guni Guni Hostel |
| 👩❤️👨 Couple Hostel: | B&R Hostel Nagtabon |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel: | Frendz Hostel |
| 👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | Kame House Hostel |
| 🎒 for Backpacker: | Bakawan Hostel |
| 🏄🏻♀️ Beach Enthusiasts: | Mad Monkey Hostel Nacpan Beach |
| 🤑 Budget-friendly: | Happy Camper Hostel |
| 👫 For Socializing: | Hop Hostel |
| 🛏️ Pod-style Design: | Coco Rico Hostel |
| 📍 Top Location: | Michel Inn Coron |
| 🧘 Cozy Hostel: | Dayon Hostel |
Best Hostels in Palawan
Palawan is an incredibly popular travel destination located in the Philippines. It is known for its white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and the breathtaking natural landscapes.
It is also home to some of the most unique wildlife in the world, including the world-famous Palawan Peacock Pheasant, Palawan Porcupine, and Palawan Hornbill.
There are also many beautiful coral reefs and lush jungles to explore. There are also plenty of activities to do, from island-hopping and snorkeling to scuba diving and kayaking, making it the perfect destination for any type of traveler.
Best Hostels in El Nido
El Nido is a coastal town located on the Philippine island of Palawan. It is known for its white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and stunning limestone formations. It is a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkeling, and is home to coral reefs and a variety of marine life.
El Nido is also a great destination for taking a leisurely boat tour of the nearby islands and lagoons, and for exploring the nearby rainforest and its diverse wildlife. There are also plenty of opportunities for hiking, kayaking and other outdoor activities.
El Nido is also known for its unique culture, with a number of traditional festivals and celebrations taking place throughout the year.
Let’s have a look at these hostels in El Nido:
- Spin Designer Hostel
- Happiness Hostel
- Frendz Hostel
- Mad Monkey Hostel Nacpan Beach
- Kame House Hostel
Read: We have a comprehensive guide to the best hostels in El Nido.
Spin Designer Hostel
Your perfect starting point while touring northern Palawan is Spin Designer Hostel. This 5-star hostel features free Wi-Fi, free breakfast, tour arrangements, and a variety of open places where guests may socialise and meet other visitors.
They also provide hot and cold showers, in-house laundry facilities, 24-hour security, standby electricity, and safe lockers for each dorm resident. Their facility hosts events and activities and has a friendly staff that can provide you with local knowledge.
The property is located just 1 minute away from a surf-friendly beach, allowing you to enjoy the sun and water activities close to your lodging.
Check prices at: Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Happiness Hostel
The best accommodation for travellers on a budget is, without a doubt, the Happiness Hostel. They provide welcoming surroundings and cosy lodging at a very affordable price. You may relax in the lounge, play board games, or do other activities this property allows.
They have a tourist information centre where they can help you arrange for diving, water sports, and other excursions to really enjoy El Nido!
Check prices at: Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Frendz Hostel
By the name alone, we can confidently state that Frendz Hostel El Nido is one of the best hostels in Palawan that will allow you to connect with other backpackers.
They provide convenient shared and private rooms with air conditioning, private bathrooms, and free internet.
Enjoy delicious meals, beverages, and speciality coffee at Hub- their on-site partner restaurant and bar.
Couples may unwind in spacious, comfortable mattresses and enjoy luxurious en suites.
Check prices at: Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Mad Monkey Hostel Nacpan Beach
Mad Monkey Hostel Nacpan Beach is the perfect place to experience island life! It is only a 45-minute ride from El Nido and the ideal destination for beach enthusiasts looking to unwind and enjoy the sunshine.
Meet many other tourists from other countries in the seaside bar and lounge area, and make sure to watch the sunset while sipping on a drink. The restaurant offers delectable fresh-off-the-grill regional and international fare!
This hostel has shared dorms, private lofts, and storage lock boxes, and provides some amazing tours and nightly events!
Check prices at: Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Kame House Hostel
A five-minute tricycle ride will get you to Kame House Hostel from both the heart of El Nido City and the stunning Las Cabañas Beach.
The Kame House consists of 7 dorm rooms with 8 and 6 beds and 1 private room that may accommodate 2 people.
They also feature a bar, Wi-Fi, a swimming pool, a lounge area, a computer gaming and movie area, and a kitchen available to all visitors.
Additionally, they provide motorbike rentals, van transfers, and island and inland tours.
Check prices at: Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in Coron
Coron is known for its stunningly beautiful islands and lagoons, which have made it a popular spot for scuba diving and snorkeling. The crystal clear waters and the rich marine life make Coron a great destination for those looking for a beach getaway. It’s also known for its natural landscapes, with mountains and limestone cliffs that are perfect for trekking and exploring.
There are also plenty of opportunities for bird watching, as the area is home to a variety of exotic birds. Kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing are all popular activities, and the beaches and lagoons provide a perfect backdrop for relaxing.
The town of Coron itself is full of interesting shops, restaurants, and bars, and there are plenty of opportunities for cultural exploration.
Here you’ll find the best hostels in Coron.
For a more detailed guide, check the best hostels in Coron.
Michel Inn Coron
Michel Inn Coron is well located in the heart of Coron and features air-conditioned rooms, a patio, free Wi-Fi, and a bar. It also offers a common kitchen, a concierge service, and tour planning for visitors.
This well-decorated hostel is conveniently located close to practically everything- from dining establishments to hotels, excursions, laundromats, nightclubs, banks, markets, and retail stores.
Dicanituan Beach, Coron Public Market, and Mount Tapyas are just some of the well-known attractions close to the hostel.
Check prices at: Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
Dayon Hostel
Dayon Hostel is perfectly located in the heart of Coron and offers air-conditioned rooms, a patio, free Wi-Fi, and a bar. It also features a 24-hour front desk and communal kitchen.
The property has 7 dorm rooms, providing its visitors with a concierge service, a tour desk, and luggage storage. Each dorm has a common bathroom with a bidet.
Check prices at: Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Bakawan Hostel
Bakawan Hostel, one of the best hostels in Palawan, is perfectly situated in Coron and is about 1.5 kilometres from Mount Tapyas. It has air-conditioned rooms, a common area, free Wi-Fi, and a patio.
Dicanituan Beach is 2.2 km away, Maquinit Hot Spring is 4.4 km away, and Coron Public Market is 800 m from the residence.
Each room at the hostel has a private bathroom and linens. The resort offers à la carte, continental, and American breakfast options.
Check prices at: Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Happy Camper Hostel
The centrally located Happy Camper Hostel in Coron offers a garden, free Wi-Fi, and a common area. A tour desk and a communal kitchen are also available.
Airport shuttle service is offered by the lodging, as well as bicycle rentals. Every room at the hostel has a private bathroom with a bidet.
Check prices at: Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
Hop Hostel
Hop Hostel is the ideal starting point for exploring the stunning Calamian chain of islands. This is due to its convenient location, close to the town of Coron and its calm, blue ocean.
They have a cosy common area called “the den,” a fantastic kitchen, a small cinema, a beautiful terrace, and, most importantly, tidy bedrooms in roomy quarters. The hostel offers a safe for your belongings, lockers for your valuables, and bunk curtains for privacy.
Check prices at: Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in Puerto Princessa
Puerto Princesa is a vibrant city located in the western part of the island of Palawan in the Philippines. It is a popular tourist destination due to its stunning beaches, diverse wildlife, and rich culture. The city is home to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is home to a unique underground river system with amazing limestone formations, crystal clear waters, and rich biodiversity.
Apart from the amazing park, Puerto Princesa has many other attractions to offer. The city is known for its diverse cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and numerous outdoor activities such as kayaking, jungle trekking, and island-hopping.
Here goes the best hostels in Puerto Princesa.
Good To Know: We have a detailed guide to the best hostels in Puerto Princesa.
Guni Guni Hostel
Located in Puerto Princesa City, Guni Guni Hostel has a garden, free private parking, a communal lounge, and a bar. The hostel provides free Wi-Fi and night-time entertainment.
There are a total of 4 dorm rooms, each of which can house 30 people. Every room in the hostel has a private bathroom, and each morning, the hotel offers an American, Asian, or vegetarian breakfast. All of the rooms include air conditioning and standby power supplies, which conveniently puts this accommodation on our list of best hostels in Palawan.
Check prices at: Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
B&R Hostel Nagtabon
B&R Hostel Nagtabon is the ideal place to relax, catch some waves, and explore Nagtabon Beach and the Underground River, both of which are only a minute away from one another.
Along with all the standard tours, they also organise mountain hikes, river kayak excursions, and bike rides along the local beaches.
The staff provides drop-off and pickup services at all destinations, along with the rental of motorcycles and mountain bikes. Here, you can try the tastiest cuisine and the coolest drinks at their bar/restaurant, which is open from early morning to late night.
Check prices at: Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Best Hostel in San Vicente: CocoRico Hostel
The undiscovered treasure of Port Barton in the San Vicente Region is where one of the best hostels in Palawan is situated. You don’t need to seek any further if you’re looking for a location with a laid-back atmosphere and a vibrant social scene – Coco Rico Hostel is the right spot for you!
They chose a pod-style design with curtains to provide you with absolute privacy and convenience. Each bed is made of quality materials and is 35% larger than the average hostel bed. Each room at the hostel has a private bathroom and linens.
Check prices at: Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Backpacking Tips for Palawan
1. The dry summer months, which run from November to May, are the ideal time to visit Palawan and its surrounding areas. The Philippines’ summer season, which lasts from March through April, is when the hotness reaches its peak. These months are best for doing Palawan trips, particularly island-hopping and Puerto Princesa Underground River tours.
2. Most inhabitants choose to visit islands and beaches during this period, which is the busiest season. Booking your trips in advance is strongly advised throughout the summer. If you desire exclusivity when travelling in a large group, you may even take advantage of private excursions.
3. When visiting this area, make sure that you wear lightweight, breathable clothing that allows you to move freely. You might choose to use aqua shoes if you’re taking part in island-hopping or beach trips to increase the protection of your feet while swimming. If you’re doing a land or city trip, dress comfortably and pack an umbrella, sunglasses, and hats to protect you from the sun.
4. Puerto Princesa frequently serves as the entry point to the province of Palawan, since more flights arrive here than at other airports. It’s important to consider which location best suits your tastes, as your entry point will impact your budget and itinerary.
Top 5 Tourist Attractions in Palawan
1. El Nido – Enjoy the breathtaking lagoons, limestone cliffs, and white sand beaches in this stunningly beautiful area.
2. Underground River – Go spelunking in the world’s longest navigable underground river.
3. Coron Island – Explore the picturesque lagoons, beaches, and islands of Coron.
4. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park – Dive and snorkel in the crystal clear waters of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
5. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park – Take a boat tour of the underground river located in this unique natural park.
What about the cheapest hostels in Palawan?
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 Palawan.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Palawan
- 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 Palawan 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!
All Top Hostels put on a map + sights
How about we put all hostels that we just mentioned on a map? Of course, we did this for you.
Below you find our handmade map with all hostels, our secret tips, and so much more.
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 included handy links to each of the recommended hostels. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
Here is the overview:
- Spin Designer Hostel – Hostelworld | Booking.com
- Happiness Hostel – Hostelworld | Booking.com
- Frendz Hostel – Hostelworld | Booking.com
- Mad Monkey Hostel Nacpan Beach – Hostelworld | Booking.com
- Kame House Hostel – Hostelworld | Booking.com
- Michel Inn Coron – Hostelworld
- Dayon Hostel – Hostelworld | Booking.com
- Bakawan Hostel – Hostelworld | Booking.com
- Happy Camper Hostel – Hostelworld
- Hop Hostel – Hostelworld | Booking.com
- Guni Guni Hostel – Hostelworld | Booking.com
- B&R Hostel Nagtabon – Hostelworld | Booking.com
- CocoRico Hostel – Hostelworld | Booking.com
We recommend booking your hostel as early as possible!
All of the best Palawan 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 fixed.
FAQs
Here we share with you the most asked question:
Are hostels in Palawan safe?
Not all hostels in Palawan are necessarily safe, especially the ones that offer cheap prices in sketchy areas. They might be illegal hostels or ones without the proper licenses and safety measures put in place.
In all fairness, it is best to check out Hostelgeeks.com because we feature safe hostels in Palawan. You can find backpacker hostels with top ratings here! Keep a close eye on the overall ratings on booking platforms!
If you are not secure, you can also email us and ask us!
How much are rooms in Palawan?
Hostels in Palawan cost 15€ – 19€ per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room is around 53€ per night. This is a rough average just to give you an idea. Prices always depend on the season and holidays.
Is Palawan worth visiting?
Yes, Palawan is definitely worth visiting. With its stunning beaches, lush rainforests and spectacular limestone formations, Palawan is one of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines. It is known for its excellent scuba diving and snorkelling opportunities and offers plenty of activities, attractions and stunning landscapes that are sure to delight any traveler.
What are the best sites for finding hostels?
Of course, the best site to find hostels is Hostelgeeks.com
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.
Staying at one of these hostels? ❤️
Share your photo and tag us @hostelgeeks on Instagram.
Flights to Palawan?
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
We did the leg work for you and bring you more hostel guides to destinations:
- 3 best hostels in Manila
- 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
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 Palawan 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
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(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 🤓
- 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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