Packed with action and adventure, El Nido has endless beaches, epic nightlife, cheap drinks, great food, and all of it comes at a super cheap price.
Ultimately, El Nido is nothing short of a backpacker’s paradise.
But as with any popular backpacker city, El Nido has a ton of bad hostels, which is the exact reason we put together this backpacker’s guide to the best hostels in El Nido.
There are a ton of hostels in El Nido, but many of them are poorly reviewed. So we took the highest reviewed hostels in El Nido, and put them together in this one list.
Then, to take it a step further, we’ve organized the best hostels in El Nido by different travel-categories. We know that everyone travels differently, so this list is a reflection of that! Whether you want to travel to El Nido to party, meet other travelers, or just save as much money as possible, our list of the top hostels in El Nido will get you exactly where you want to be.
Then you can focus on what matters – exploring this amazing island!
- Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in El Nido
- The 10 Best Hostels in El Nido (and other cheap backpacker’s accommodation)
- Best Hotels for Budget Travelers in El Nido
- What to Pack for your El Nido Hostel
- Why you should travel to El Nido
- FAQ about Hostels in El Nido
- More Epic Hostels in Philippines and Southeast Asia
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in El Nido
- Best Party Hostel in El Nido – Mad Monkey Nacpan Beach
- Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in El Nido – Outpost Beach Hostel
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in El Nido – Spin Designer Hostel
The 10 Best Hostels in El Nido (and other cheap backpacker’s accommodation)
El Nido (and most of The Philippines) is already cheap, so finding an affordable hostel is never a challenge. The challenge lies in finding a quality affordable hostel to stay in when backpacking the Philippines. But don’t worry. We got you.
We’ve searched for the best hostels (and some budget hotels) in El Nido, making it easier for you to plan your perfect stay.
Looking for the cheapest El Nido hostel? Check. How about the best hostel for solo travelers in El Nido? Best party hostel in El Nido? We’ve got you covered. Have a look and book the best El Nido hostel for you.
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Best Party Hostel in El Nido – Mad Monkey Nacpan Beach
- $$
- Restaurant-Bar
- Lockers
- Housekeeping
Mad Monkey Nacpan Beach is a sociable and fun hostel right on the beach of Nacpan. It’s around half an hour from El Nido town. What makes this the best party hostel in El Nido are the onsite bar and restaurant, where you can always grab a cool beer or a fruity cocktail, beach BBQs, and a lively yet laid-back vibe. Join in with volleyball on the beach, go snorkelling, take an island hopping tour … there are many ways to have fun at this El Nido backpackers hostel. Living is basic here, with cold showers and fans (no A/C), no Wi-Fi, and simple but comfortable mixed dorms and tents for two.
Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in El Nido – Outpost Beach Hostel
- $$$
- Restaurant-Bar
- Bike Hire
- Tour Desk
The best hostel for solo travellers in El Nido, Outpost Beach Hostel has various dorms and private rooms right on Sunset Beach. Bask on the sands in the day and drink a beer with others in the onsite bar and games room, complete with foosball and board games, in the evenings. There are various common areas to suit all. Grab a book from the book exchange for some relaxation or veg out in front of the TV. Exploring is easy thanks to bike rentals and a range of tours. No need to worry about finding an El Nido hostel near the airport either—shuttle services are available.
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that still stands the test of time: the backpacker-approved Osprey Aether.
Want more deetz on why it’s so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REIBest Hostel for Digital Nomads in El Nido – Spin Designer Hostel
- $$$
- Free Breakfast
- Free Wi-Fi
- Laundry Facilities
The award-winning Spin Designer Hostel is the best hostel for digital nomads in El Nido. In a place where Wi-Fi is often limited, Spin Designer’s free and relatively reliable Wi-Fi can be a godsend for those needing to work while exploring. This recommended hostel in El Nido has a range of other handy facilities too, including a tour desk, laundry facilities, and lockers. Hot showers and A/C add to your comfort while housekeeping services keep everywhere clean. There’s a communal kitchen and various common areas where you can work and mingle. Breakfast is free too!
Best Cheap Hostel in El Nido – Hakuna Matata – El Nido
- $
- Laundry Facilities
- Lockers
- Luggage Storage
Hakuna Matata – El Nido is a laid-back hostel that fully embraces the Swahili phrase of “No Worries”. The small and basic bamboo rooms offer a local experience in a great central location close to town and the beach. If you want to unplug and unwind this top hostel in El Nido could be an ideal place for you—there’s no Wi-Fi and the hostel doesn’t use generators when power cuts happen. The mixed dorms sleep six and the hostel has a chill-out area with hammocks, tables and chairs, and basic cooking facilities. Perfect for budget travellers, Hakuna Matata – El Nido is the best budget hostel in El Nido.
Hakuna Matata – El Nido is one of our favourites in El Nido but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
More of the Best Hostels in El Nido
Here are three more of the best hostels in El Nido…
Are you looking to stay in specific neighborhood? Check out our guide to El Nido’s best areas to stay.
Austria’s Guesthouse and Restaurant
- $
- Free Breakfast
- Restaurant
- Laundry Facilities
With cheap beds in mixed dorms for ten and a range of affordable private rooms for between one and six, Austria’s Guesthouse and Restaurant is a great youth hostel in El Nido for solos, couples, and groups. Wake up to a free breakfast and enjoy top-notch facilities like an onsite restaurant, tour desk, gift shop, laundry facilities, a chilled-out balcony, and a sociable common room. Wanna de-stress? Book a massage!
Our Melting Pot
- $$
- Free Breakfast
- Bike Hire
- Luggage Storage
Our Melting Pot was designed with travelers in mind, offering comfort, security, sociability, and affordability in the heart of El Nido. It’s our pick for the overall best hostel in El Nido in 2021. There’s free breakfast, round-the-clock reception, hot showers, lockers, and generators for emergency power backup. It manages to hold on to a rustic vibe while still offering modern comforts. Dorm beds have curtains for privacy and there are various common areas where you can make heaps of new traveling buddies or chillax. Other plus points include bike rentals, luggage storage, and Wi-Fi.
Our Melting Pot is one of our favourites in El Nido but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Amos Hostel El Nido
- $
- Restaurant-Bar
- Tour Desk
- Lockers
A top hostel in El Nido for budget travellers, Amos Hostel El Nido is cheap as chips and comfortable. The staff members are friendly and helpful and there’s a decent sociable atmosphere. There are mixed dorms for six and eight, and the private double are great for couples and BFFs. There’s a restaurant/bar and the hostel is close to the night market and other places where you can eat and drink. Hop on a bus for a short ride to reach the beach and El Nido’s fun nightlife. It’s one of the best backpacker hostels in El Nido for people travelling on the cheap.
Amos Hostel El Nido is one of our favourites in El Nido but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Best Hotels for Budget Travelers in El Nido
With just a few El Nido hostels to choose between, maybe you’d prefer a hotel instead? We’ve sorted through the top choices here too, bringing you the best hotels in El Nido for all budgets.
Best Budget Hotel in El Nido – David’s Guest House
- $
- Laundry Facilities
- Airport Shuttle
- Massage Services
Located right on the beachfront, David’s Guest House is an awesome budget hotel in El Nido for people who like to be close to the action. Rooms are available for two and three. All rooms are en-suite with air conditioning and Wi-Fi. Airport shuttles can be arranged and the hotel can also help you to arrange various fun activities, including fishing, snorkelling, and massages.
Best Mid-Range Hotel in El Nido – Cabanas de Nacpan Resort
- $$
- Free Breakfast
- BBQ
- Kids’ Play Area
A fabulous place for adventurous couples and families, Cabanas de Nacpan Resort offers accommodation in luxury tents on a rustic farm. The beach is just a couple of kilometres away and parking is available at the resort. The rate includes the use of a scooter, making it easy to get around and explore. Breakfast is free and there are heaps of family-friendly amenities, including a play area, cots, family rooms, board games, and child-minding services. If you’re seeking a unique El Nido experience, this resort is ideal.
Best Splurge Hotel in El Nido – El Nido Coco Resort
- $$$
- Restaurant
- Swimming Pool
- Tour Desk
A short stroll from the beach and surrounded by nature, the peaceful El Nido Coco Resort is great if you want to splash out and make your accommodation part of your overall El Nido experience. There’s an outdoor pool, a spacious sun terrace, an on-site restaurant, and a tour desk; whether you want to chill or explore, this El Nido hotel has you covered. Each room is en-suite with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a safe, a fridge, a kettle, and a hairdryer.
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What to Pack for your El Nido Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from us, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straight forward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art we have perfected over many years.
Check out our definitive Hostel Packing list for our top packing tips!
Why you should travel to El Nido
If you are heading to El Nido, prepare yourself to have an absolute blast. While not the most authentic Philippines experience, it’s a backpacker paradise with no shortage of good times. The only hard part about El Nido is leaving!
And with the help of this list, you might never have to leave! The best hostels in El Nido covers every type of traveler, making booking a hostel a piece of cake.
So, what’s it gunna be? Are you going to book the best hostel for solo travelers? Or maybe the best party hostel in El Nido?
If you can’t pick – stress not! Just book at Mad Monkey Nacpan Beach. It’s a solid party/fun hostel with great reviews, a good price and overall value that make it a no brainer for one of the top hostels in El Nido for 2021.
FAQ about Hostels in El Nido
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in El Nido.
Travel Safety Tips for El Nido
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More Epic Hostels in Philippines and Southeast Asia
Hopefully by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to El Nido.
Planning an epic trip all across Philippines or even Southeast Asia itself?
Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!
For more cool hostel guides around Southeast Asia, check out:
- Best hostels in Manila
- Best hostels in Coron
- Best hostels in Siargao Island
- Best hostels in Kuala Lumpur
Over to you
By now I hope our epic guide to the best hostels in El Nido has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure! After you’ve booked your favorite hostel, plan your trip using our El Nido itinerary!
If you think we’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit us up in the comments!
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
This was super helpful, thank you! Really cool to see the hostels rated on whats important to you (ie I just want to meet new people). Cheers!
El Nido is such a beautiful place for backpackers to go to. A lot of cheap hotels, tours, food and drinks. I’ve been there once with my friends and we stayed there for about a month with limited budget and we went home with money to spare! Love the pictures that you took. Shows how people are welcoming there and they really are!
I personally have been to Outpost Beach Hostel, it is a basic accommodation suitable for a traveler on a tight budget. You will be assured of meeting young travelers.
Thanks for the post, it really gives a great insight into El Nido.