The 5 Best Hostels in El Nido: 2026 Edition

An evening out on the town in El Nido is bound to be a night to remember (or not). When the party ends, where will you lay your head? Where are all of the top hostels in El Nido hiding out? Let’s check out my top 5!

1. Frendz Hostel El Nido – Best Overall Hostel

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• Price: $$$
• Best for: Social backpackers who want to be in the thick of the action
• Highlights: Buzzing common areas, regular events and bar nights, central location within stumbling distance of El Nido’s main strip
• Dorms from: $20
• Private rooms from: $65
• Location: El Nido town centre

Frendz Hostel El Nido is the spot to be at in the heart of El Nido town. They’ve got a rooftop pool with jaw-dropping views of the surrounding islands – seriously, it’s the Philippines at its finest (and also one of my favourite hostels in the Philippines). Their daily events are not to be missed. It’s the best opportunity to meet fellow travellers and dive headfirst into El Nido’s wild nightlife. The staff know how to bring people together, starting every evening with a free shot on the roof – proper freshers’ vibes, but it’s all in good fun.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

1. Seriously insane views from the rooftop
2. Swanky hotel-like amenities
3. Tour desk offering some of the best day trips on the island

As for the dorms, they’re spotless and seriously comfy. Privacy curtains, personal lockers, and ensuite bathrooms cleaned daily – plus plenty of air-con to keep things cool. It’s spacious, social, and has that perfect buzzy vibe that keeps the good times rolling. Need to recover from the chaos? Hit up their in-house cafe and restaurant, HUB, for some quality coffee and breakfast. They’ve also got The Haqqy Life office downstairs to hook you up with the best tours in Palawan. Pro tip: book ahead – these island hopping tours are popular for a reason!

2. Outpost Beach Hostel – Best for Social Vibes

• Price: $$
• Best for: Backpackers who want beachfront access without sacrificing a social scene
• Highlights: Hammocks and chill common areas, solid in-house restaurant and bar, super social vibes
• Dorms from: $13
• Private rooms from: $48
• Location: Corong-Corong

Outpost Beach Hostel is where you can live the dream of basking on the beach all day and sinking beers with your new mates all night. Whether you’re sweating it out in a pool tournament, playing yet another round of Shithead, or just vibing at the on-site beach bar, this place is loaded with social spaces perfect for meeting fellow backpackers backpacking the Philippines. The staff are AMAZING. They bring the energy that turns this spot into one of those hostels you never want to leave. It’s a fun and social hostel with nightly events, cheap drinks, and good vibes all around.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

1. Direct beach access
2. Staff are legends
3. Strong community vibe without going full party hostel

The hostel itself is clean with some insane sea views, and while the dorms are suuuuper nice with spotless bathrooms, there’s also plenty of space to chill when you need a breather. It’s a bit further out from El Nido town, about a 35-minute walk or a 10-minute bike ride, but within walking distance to Pops Market for food runs. You can even book onto the hostel’s island tours – perfect for making new pals and getting out on the water for some unforgettable fun.

3. Mad Monkey Nacpan Beach: Best Party Hostel

• Price: $
• Best for: Backpackers who want to escape El Nido town entirely and wake up on one of the Philippines’ best beaches
• Highlights: Absolute beachfront on Nacpan, part of the reliable Mad Monkey chain so expect solid facilities and a built-in social scene, sunset volleyball
• Dorms from: $13
• Private rooms from: $50
• Location: Nacpan Beach

In true Mad Monkey fashion, their Nacpan Beach branch delivers exactly what you’d expect from a party place – pure chaos, all day, every day. Situated right on Nacpan Beach, it’s around half an hour from El Nido town so you’re not exactly central so it’s party aaaaaall day errry day baby. What makes this Mad Monkey hostel the go-to for a party El Nido? The on-site bar and restaurant, for starters serving up cold beers, fruity cocktails, and beach BBQs that are basically a rite of passage here. The vibe is lively but laid-back, with happy hours, free shots, and beer pong tournaments fueling the fun.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

1. Tons of cool events like sunset cruises
2. Welcome drinks to get the party started
3. Reps that’ll MAKE your stay

When you’re not sinking drinks, there’s volleyball on the beach, snorkelling, island hopping tours, and daily events like beach Olympics, bingo nights, and sunset cruises. It’s mad social from sunrise to sundown, and with the hostel planted right on the beach, you can roll out of bed and right onto the sand – living that beach bum life to the fullest. Accommodation is basic but comfy, with mixed dorms and tents for two, cold showers, with no A/C, so keep this in mind if that’s a non-negotiable for you!! But when you’re living in beach bungalows, who needs all the frills? At this Mad Monkey hostel, you’re here for the sun, sea, and endless good vibes.

4. Spin Designer Hostel: Best for Flashpackers

• Dorm (mixed): From $16/night
• Private Room: From $40/night
• Address: Balinsasayaw Road corner Calle Real, Barangay Maligaya, Palawan, 5313 El Nido
• Price: $$
• Best for: Travellers who want a well-designed, social base in town without going full party hostel
• Highlights: Instagrammable interiors with a strong social atmosphere, common terrace with limestone cliff views, games area
• Dorms from: $16
• Private rooms from: $40
• Location: El Nido town centre

The award-winning Spin Designer Hostel is hands down the top spot for flashpackers willing to fork out a little more for amenities that actually mean living comfortably. In a place where decent Wi-Fi has to be prayed for to the internet Gods, Spin’s free and (relatively) reliable connection is a lifesaver for those trying to balance work with paradise. There’s A/C, hot showers, an outdoor pool, lockers, and great working areas to keep you comfy. Housekeeping keeps things spotless, and the communal kitchen and common areas are ideal for both getting things done and mingling with new mates.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

1. Chill vibes – social without it being party-focused
2. Stylish outdoor pool
3. A banging brekky included

This place has been designed to impress, with stylish spaces that are as easy on the eyes as they are functional. You get a free brekky to kickstart your day, tour arrangements to keep you adventuring, and loads of open spaces to chill, work or plan your El Nido itinerary. The vibe here is chill but social, meaning you can dip your toe in and make friends as easily as you can hermit-mode and charge your social batteries. The hostel’s nightly dinners are a highlight, making a perfect post-exploring hangout.

5. Happiness Hostel El Nido: Best for Chill Vibes

• Price: $$
• Best for: Travellers who want a sociable, centrally located base with a healthy eating focus
• Highlights: Complimentary coffee, tea, and morning snacks all day, balcony swings overlooking the beach, boho vibes
• Dorms from: $13
• Private rooms from: N/A
• Location: El Nido town centre

Happiness Hostel El Nido really lives up to its name – this place is a damn rainbow of good vibes. The location is spot on, with everything you could need right on your doorstep, from diners to shops, all within walking distance. Some pretty cool beaches like Las Cabañas Beach are just a short tricycle away too. The restaurant downstairs really is the main event though. Mediterranean food, healthy food and vibey events every night for you to get involved in.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• Central location that is pretty unbeatable
• DJ nights downstairs (they’re pretty funky)
• Super decked out dorms that give you a load of privacy

The hostel has a knack for creating a social atmosphere where it’s impossible not to meet cool people. With events on the regular, you’re bound to meet other people backpacking South East Asia and have something to do every night. The staff are legends too – super helpful and always up for making sure you’re having the best time. They also make it easy to book tours right from the hostel and trust me, with a crowd this cool you’re guaranteed a sweet ‘ol time. Add to that the essentials like good air con, fans at every bed, hot showers, and free water, tea, and coffee, and you’re all set for a solid stay.

Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting El Nido

Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to El Nido.

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.

El Nido’s blend of social hostels and scenic beauty makes it the perfect destination for solo travellers looking to meet new people, unwind, or party – no matter your travel style. Oh, and the dirt-cheap beer doesn’t hurt either!

El Nido was one of my favourite places that I visited both in The Philippines and in South East Asia so I know that you’ll have a BLAST here. Honestly, the landscapes are so unreal that European beaches will never quite measure up again.

Still undecided on where to stay? Frendz Hostel El Nido is my personal fave. Honestly, I still think about that pool with those views at least once a week.

Happy travels! And hey, if you discover any hidden gems or must-try spots along the way, drop me a comment – I’m always looking for the best new spot in the area.