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Time and time again Boracay has been voted as having the most pristine, breathtaking beaches in the entire world! Many people travel across the world just to lay out on the Philippines’ soft white sand and take in the warm ocean breeze.
Boracay is so much more than just chill island living, travelers can enjoy kitesurfing, scuba diving, boat tours and trekking on the island’s vast lush jungles.
Due to the resort closure of Boracay to preserve the island’s natural beauty, many hostels and hotels have closed down. The island has since undergone a “trial period”, gradually allowing tourists to enjoy the exotic beaches. Hostels in Boracay Island are still rare, so booking the perfect place to stay can be a hassle.
That’s exactly why I have created this one-stop worry free guide to the best hostels in Boracay… So you can spend less time searching for hostels and more time kicking it on the beach!
From uber posh hotels to laid back hostels, Boracay is a destination where people of ALL walks of life can come together. Boracay island is a great place to meet new friends and enjoy a true tropical paradise.
So let’s get into Boracay Island hostels!
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Boracay
- Best Overall Hostel in Boracay – Frendz Resort and Hostel
- Best Hostel in Boracay for Solo Travellers – Chill Out Hostel
- Best Cheap Hostel in Boracay – Chillax Boracay
- Best Party Hostel in Boracay – Happiness Hostel Boracay
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Boracay – Lazy Dog Bed & Breakfast
The 5 Best Hostels in Boracay
With the whole island comprising of only about 10km, Boracay is literally brimming with excitement. There’s nightlife, and leisure, and it’s a must-stop on any Philippines backpacking itinerary. From remote mountain peaks to tranquil beaches, travellers will always find something to do in the Philippines’ own enclave of serenity and adventure.
Being such a world-famous destination, Boracay brings together both your luxury tourists and weary backpackers. The only unfortunate thing about the island paradise is the massive number of tourists who all converge on this small dot on the map.
1. Frendz Resort and Hostel – Best Overall Hostel in Boracay
- Dorm (mixed): From $12
- Private Room: From $42
- Address: Frendz Resort Station 1 Boracay Island, Boracay Island, Philippines
Just a short walk away from the beach, Frendz Hostel Boracay puts you right up and close to some of Boracay’s most gorgeous beaches. The hostel takes it a step further in making you feel part of the family wither their free pasta and taco nights. These are simply my preliminary reasons as to why this is my favourite overall of the Boracay Island hostels.
These, as well as their live music, award-winning reputation and the fact that they’re a family-run hostel, give them a big tick from me. With hostel-organised boat trips to discounts on diving gear, Frendz Hostel Boracay hooks you up with everything you need to explore Boracay Island. So if you have any interest in taking to the waters and discovering the diverse marine life Boracay has to offer, these are your guys!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Swimming Pool
- Cable TV
- Air Conditioning
Frendz Hostel Boracay has rooms suitable for any budget, whether you want to bunk in with five to ten other people or a private room. There’s a 10-bed female-only dorm too if you’re travelling solo as a female; this can be nice sometimes. The rooms each have a private bathroom, so there’s never a big wait, which is key.
You’re less than a minute from the stunning White Beach, so swimming is immediately accessible, and so are the shops! There’s no free breakfast or real cooking facilities, but there is a restaurant and a bar onsite. If you feel like staying in one night, stay in, let the friendly hosts at Frendz Hostel Boracay look after you.
2. Chill Out Hostel – Best Hostel in Boracay for Solo Travellers
- Dorm (mixed): From $10
- Private Room: From $32
- Address: Zone 5A, Bulabog Road, Next to Cool Stay Inn, Boracay Island, Philippines
Chill Out Hostel is one of the few backpackers’ hubs that truly covers all of the bases. Putting its guests smack in between Bolabog and White Beach, relaxation is only a few flips of the flops away. Great if you’re travelling solo and don’t want to faff with transport – it’s the best Boracay hostel for solo travellers in my humble opinion.
With Boracay Island being world renowned for wind sports, you’ll really appreciate the sheltered outdoor common area at Chill Out Hostel. There’s room to catch up with your new homies and meet other guests at this Boracay Island hostel. There isn’t a swimming pool here, but you’re within walking distance of the beach so you can pop down and refresh yourself at any time.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Air Conditioning
- Private Bathrooms
- Free Wifi
If you’re feeling a bit antsy about breaking into the social scene and making new friends, book into Chill Out Hostel Boracay on the weekend! Why, you ask? Free drinks, baby! That’s right, this is not a drill. The social vibes is nurtured at this Boracay hostel. From the 10% off food for all guests to the free drinks on the weekend, they do what they can to bring people together.
The beds and the bathrooms are clean and comfortable in the dorm rooms and the nightly rate beats the average Boracay cost. The dorms sleep up to 10 people (female only or mixed) and there’s the option for private rooms too which sleep two to four people. The staff are stunning, so friendly and helpful and passionate about sharing all their home has to offer.
3. Chillax Boracay – Best Cheap Hostel in Boracay
- Dorm (mixed): From $9
- Private Room: From $29
- Address: Diniwid Road, Boracay Island, Boracay Island, Philippines
This eco-friendly Boracay backpackers hostel is made up of recycled shipping containers, giving the building a fresh and hip look. All adding up to be one of the most affordable hostels on Boracay Island.
Chill Out truly takes the cake with its free rum nights, outdoor barbeque, and free diving/ kitesurfing lessons. These guys embrace sustainability too which is imperative on an island like Boracay! There are self contained private rooms if you like your privacy, and plenty of common areas if you’re looking to make new friends.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free Wifi
- Swimming Pool
- Air Conditioning
For those looking to just kick it on the beach, Diniwid Beach is just a short walk away. If you’re one of those party animals looking for an all-night rager, Chill Out is one of the best Boracay hostels to be in. This place seems to attract good, friendly people who love to have a good time.
You can choose to stay in a dorm which sleep six to eight guests, with an option for a femaly only dorm too. The facilities are tidy and the staff are friendly, so make yourself at home in this Boracay Island Hostel. Being off the main drag, it’s not quite off the beaten path, but just enough so that you’ll have more local interactions.
Make a splash in the hostel’s onsite pool or enjoy Chillax’s bar, gardens, games, deck, and even its cinema! For you budget travelers or romantic couples, the prices of Chillax are low enough to fit any budget. The private rooms even include their own balcony, so you can feel that Boracay truly is your oyster.
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View on Osprey4. Happiness Hostel Boracay – Best Party Hostel in Boracay
- Dorm (mixed): From $14
- Private Room: From $43
- Address: Happiness Hostel Boracay, Bulabog Road, Brgy Balab, Boracay Island, Philippines
Fun reps, friendly staff, and nightly events make this hostel my favourite party hostel in Boracay. They really have so much on offer here, including daily tours and water sports activities for you to try. They have a cafe, a restaurant, a bar, a tattoo shop, a pool and even a skate bowl with board rentals.
You certainly won’t get bored at this Boracay Island hostel. Aesthetically, it’s one of the nicest hostels I’ve come across in the Philippines. On top of all that, it’s one of the nicest hostels I’ve found in the Philippines.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Swimming Pool
- Board Games
- Air COnditioning
The staff are great, the food’s delicious (and reasonably priced) at the onsite restaurant, and the beds are clean and comfy. Whether you’re in the mood for adventure, downtime, or a bit of both, Happiness Hostel Boracay has you covered. This youth hostel has everything you need to start the party, too.
From the onsite Bar, to the outdoor swimming pool, to the air-conditioned rooms so that you can sleep it all off. This is one of the great Boracay hostels that might change your life, with the skate park, the yoga and the tattoo shop, it’s too fun. Hostel life can become addictive, and this place is a classic example of the reason why.
5. Lazy Dog Bed & Breakfast – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Boracay
- Dorm (mixed): From $17
- Private Room: From $30
- Address: Bulabog Beach, Malay, Aklan, Balabag, 5608 Boracay, Philippines
Lazy Dog Bed & Breakfast stands apart from the rest with its unique bamboo decor and spacious lounge areas. This wide open space and free (strong!) wifi make it the perfect place for all you digital nomads out there! Get ready to spread out and enjoy island living, and be able to get all of that work done from the comfort of your hostel.
Other than the Lazy Dog’s superb ambience, the hostel also offers a shared kitchen, restaurant, and even a sun deck. For me, when I’m working and travelling, it makes such a difference to be able to make myself at home and settle into a place.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Walking Distance to Bulabog Beach
- Free Wifi
- Air Conditioning
There is a free breakfast included in the cost of this Boracay hostel, which is a treat for anyone! It’s epic to get up, be looked after and then get straight into your workflow for the day. There’s an onsite restaurant and bar that can take care of your eating requirements for the rest of the day, too.
If work’s getting a bit much, you can order a massage to your room at the Lazy Dog, a delightful treat to indulge in. Things like this make staying at this Boracay hostel for a while comfortable and easy, this, plus being within walking distance to Bulabog Beach. This Boracay backpackers’ accommodation is homely and secure, the perfect place for DN’s to park up.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Budget Accommodation Options in Boracay
Haven’t found the one yet? No drama, mama, keep on scrolling for some more epic, affordable hostels on Boracay Island. There aren’t many hostels here, so I’ve sprinkled a couple more accommodation options for budget-conscious travellers, too.
Kasiyahan House with Private Swimming Pool
- Private Room: From $60
- Address: Malay, Western Visayas, Philippines
This epic one-bedroom Airbnb in Boracay puts the island’s hostels to shame! Well, that’s an exaggeration, but if the hostels I’ve mentioned aren’t quite floating your boat, then maybe you want to splash some cash here? You sure do get a lot of bang for your buck in Boacays, the cost is pretty minimal for accommodation, so might as well get it!
There’s a sweet outdoor swimming pool that’s completely private and just for you. This place is perfect for couples travelling together. There’s a sweet, helpful housekeeper who will happily help you with anything, from ordering food to getting the BBQ going.
Green House Boracay
- Private Room: From $22
- Address: Zone 4 Cagban – in front of Auhana Hotel, Manoc-Manoc, 5608 Boracay, Philippines
Green House Boracay is a guesthouse that’s pretty good bang for your buck. Steeper than the Boracay hostel cot, but the privacy and internet power you get in return are exponential. Add in the sunset bar (Y Not) owned by the same crew (where you get discounts!), and you’re basically saving money by staying here.
This home is located in a private, quiet residential area, just a 10-minute walk from the beach and tucked away off the street. There’s a full kitchen if you want to self-cater, which is a great way to save extra coin on your backpacking budget. You even have your own, private outdoor terrace to enjoy eating or lounging in, surrounded by shady plants.
The Haven Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $11
- Private Room: From $60
- Address: Casa Dayang Bldg., Second Floor Station 2 Main Road Balabag, Balabag, 5608 Boracay, Philippines
This budget-friendly accommodation in Boracay offers late check out and early check in for all its guests – ain’t that a treat?! The beds a this Boracay Island hostel each have blackout curtains, so sleeping in until check out is definitely an option. The beds are notoriously comfortable, and the place is generally clean, from the bedrooms to the bathrooms to the kitchen.
Having a full kitchen at your disposal is fabulous for making a morning coffee and keeping your food costs low. There are also toiletries in the bathrooms which feels extra luxurious. There’s the option for dorm rooms or private family rooms, great if you’re travelling with the family.
Lighthouse Inn
- Dorm (Male/Female): From $20-$80
- Private Room: From $60
- Address: lucky tito hotel Boracay , balabag Malay Aklan beside Henann crystal sands in front Balabag elementary school, near in dmall., Balabag, 5608 Boracay, Philippines
The dorm rooms here are split between male and female in this Boracay Island hostel – or should I say accommodation? There are two dorms which each sleep eight people, then a selection of private rooms to choose from depending on the size of your party. Each room has free wifi and air conditioning and a private, en-suite bathroom, as well as a wee kettle – how sweet?!
The Lighthouse Inn (formerly Lucky Tito Dmall Boracay) is centrally located, close to any amenities you may need in town. The beach (white beach) is only a short walk away, too, epic if you’re here for a kitesurfing adventure!
Boracay Rental
- Private Room: From $55 (2-night stay)
- Address: Malay, Western Visayas, Philippines
This simple studio is perfect for a small family, group of friends, or even a couple. It’s basically beachfront and has a full kitchen setup, but also has a restaurant right out front. There’s epic fibre wifi if you’re doing the digital nomad thing and there’s air conditioning so you’ll be nice and cool and able to work.
There’s a cleaner that comes twice a week which is so sweet if you’re staying longer than a couple of nights. There are plenty of restaurants and spas down the street as you’re at White Beach, at station three. This means it’s out of the main drag and private and has a local feel.
The A Hostel
- Private Room: From $101
- Address: Main Road Station 2 Boracay 2nd Floor Casa Dayang Building, Balabag, 5608 Boracay, Philippines
The A Hostel nails it with its location—just a quick 5-minute stroll to D’Mall and White Beach at Station 2. The dorms are comfy and practical, with privacy curtains, a light, shelf, and charging points for all your gadgets, plus lockable drawers for your valuables. Showers are hot and powerful, the Wi-Fi is solid, and the whole place is impressively clean.
The standout here is the staff—genuinely friendly, helpful, and always ready to make your stay as smooth as possible. If you’re after a no-frills, fuss-free spot to crash while exploring the Station 2 area, this is a great pick.
W Hostel Boracay
For those looking to get back to basics, W Hostel is a pretty straightforward hostel without many of the bells and whistles of the other guys. This backpackers offers budget beds with a chill down to earth vibe.
Even with being relatively basic, W Hostel still offers an enticing pool and sunny rooftop terrace where you can soak up some rays. W Hostel is one of the best places to base yourself out of before exploring the rest of vibrant Boracay!
Freestyle Academy Kitesurfing
As you may have already assumed by the hostel’s name, Freestyle Academy Kitesurfing specializes in watersports by putting its guests close to the action on Bulabog Beach.
Other than it’s dedication to kitesurfing, the hostel also offers budget rooms, an inviting terrace, and even an onsite bar. Sporty or not, Freestyle Academy is the perfect place to stay to begin your Boracay adventure!
Island Jewel Inn
Island Jewel Inn offers some of the cheapest private rooms on the entire island. It doesn’t matter if you are off on a romantic getaway or just a solo backpacker looking for a place to unwind, this hotel is sure to leave you refreshed and ready to head back out to the beach!
With its own restaurant and only being 2 minutes from White Beach, Island Jewel Inn is truly one of the best places for travelers looking to get away from it all! Just make sure you’re on alert for scammers – a real buzzkill to any holiday.
My Hostel Boracay
My Hostel Boracay feels like home, the kind of place where you can kick back and relax. The location is perfect if you’re after peace and quiet, plus the beach is just a stone’s throw away. Discover the best of the Philippines in Boracay.
The rooftop is the ideal spot to unwind under the stars, chatting with the super friendly staff who are all about showing you the best of the island. With a bar on the rooftop and some seriously chill vibes, it’ll soon become your favourite spot. With a mix of private and dorm rooms, all featuring air conditioning, ensuites, and balconies with killer views, it’s a seriously chill spot to call your base.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Boracay
Everyone needs good travel insurance, even in the paradise that is the Philippines.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
FAQs About Hostels in Boracay
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Boracay.
What to Pack for your Boracay Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out our definitive Hostel Packing list for our top packing tips!
How much does a hostel cost in Boracay?
The average price of hostels in Boracay ranges from $12 – $16. Of course, the private rooms are on the higher end of the scale than the dorm beds. You can expect rates to increase slightly during peak travel seasons.
What are the best hostels in Boracay for couples?
Happiness Hostel Boracay is a top-rated hostel for couples in Boracay. It’s clean, and in a good location.
What is the best hostel in Boracay near the airport?
Just 33 minutes from Caticlan Airport, Ocean Breeze Inn also offers airport transfer.
Final Thoughts on Boracay’s Hostels
By now I hope my epic guide to the best hostels in Boracay has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure! Boracay is an absolute treat to visit and while it’s a bit more built up and resort vibes than other islands in the Philippines… It’s blaaardy beautiful.
From the powdery whistle, sugar crystal sand beaches to the lush green tropical jungle creeping down to the blue ocean…. ae carrumba, I love it! If you’re still on the fence about what hostel to book – that’s understandable.
But take the plunge, baby! Worst case scenario, you hate it and you move. Best case scenario is that you don’t spend any more time worrying about it and start planning the rest of your vacay – holla!
So my suggestion would be to bite the bullet and book a couple of nights at Frendz Hostel Boracay – it’s fresh and fun. It’s not too new but it’s not dank and run down either. I reckon it’s the type og hostel that attracts great folk and you’ll have a ball.
Wherever you stay in Boracay, I’m sure you’ll have a fabulous time – it’s simply stunning and the people are wonderful too.
If you think I’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit me up in the comments!
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in the Philippines for a wealth of info!
- Check out the best places to stay in Boracay before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Southeast Asia backpacking guide.
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