Siargao is easily one of my favourite places on the planet. It’s one of those places you just know is going to become so popular in a few years time and turn into Bali 2.0. You should 100% visit Siargao before that happens.
The best hostels in Siargao are all located near to the town in General Luna. Just a short drive away from here, you’ll find rolling waves, turquoise lagoons, and epic cliff jumping. Or maybe, you just want to enjoy the castaway life, beer in hand – that’s cool too.
Away from all the hustle and bustle of the Philippines’s sprawling cities, Siargao gives you all the excitement of exploring a deserted island with any modern comfort you could imagine.
Thanks to this mix of modernity and rawness there’s never been a better time to visit Siargao than right now. You can experience just about anything here, from iced lattes and avo toast to remoteness, pristine nature and true, authentic Filipino island culture.
I’ve spent a fair bit of time on this island now, and plan to come back very soon. I’ve done LOTS of research both in the field and online so that you don’t have to (you’re welcome).
I have compiled a list of the top hostels in Siargao so that you can find the perfect place for you.
Looks like we’re going to Siargao… Get ready to hit the waves and find the best hostels on Siargao Island.
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels on Siargao Island
- Best Overall Hostel in Siargao – Happiness Hostel
- Best Party Hostel in Siargao – Mad Monkey Siargao
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Siargao – Sinag Hostel
- Best Hostel with a Private Room in Siargao – Sunlit Hostel
- Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Siargao – Hiraya Surf Hostel
The 5 Best Hostels on Siargao Island
Siargao was my favourite location on my recent backpacking trip to the Philippines. The island is brimming with tropical jungles, exotic beaches, and remote villages. No matter what corner of the island you explore, travellers are sure to find adventure here.
Other than the mysterious deep caverns and local culture, Siargao is perhaps most famous for its surfing. I was in Siargao for over two weeks and I think I went at least 10 times. Yeah, it’s that good.
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
Even with the island’s popularity, Siargao still maintains a sense of isolation. The island itself is over 169 square miles, while it may seem like no more than a dot on a map, you want to be sure you are booking a hostel close to the action. Most people staying in Siargao opt for Cloud 9 or General Luna – and this is a good idea.
Happiness Hostel – Best Overall Hostel on Siargao Island
Happiness Hostel is what everyone on the island is raving about. If you can get a bed there, you should book it. Happiness Hostel is so popular that it sells out SUPER FAST. If you want to stay in Siargao’s best hostel, I’d recommend booking in advance.
Happiness Hostel has both an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, an on-site bar/restaurant and even an on-site coffee house. The beds are super comfy, and every room comes with a wardrobe for guests’ clothing. Some of the private rooms even come with a balcony!
Happiness Hostel is wonderfully located. It’s just in between the town of General Luna and the Cloud 9 surf spot that Siargao is so famous for.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Two swimming pools
- Super clean hostel
- Air conditioning in all rooms
The best thing about Happiness Hostel is its design. This place is so well-kept, clean and damn aesthetic. It’s honestly a gorgeous place to live the hostel life.
Happiness Hostel isn’t the cheapest hostel in Siargao, but it definitely is the nicest. You can book a private room for around $70 a night or you can book a bed in a dorm room for about $20 per night.
The dorm beds are very private and contain shelves, storage space and curtains – kinda like capsule hotel vibes. I would recommend staying in Happiness Hostel to all the flashpackers or couples in Siargao. but remember, if you want to stay here, you’re gonna have to book in advance!
Mad Monkey Hostel Siargao – Best Party Hostel on Siargao Island
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
If you’re in Siargao and want to be sociable, meet other backpackers and have a few drinks, then Mad Monkey Hostel is for you. I’m not usually a fan of these chain hostels in the Philippines (or SEA Asia), but this Mad Monkey Hostel is actually decent.
I stayed here for a few nights and had a very pleasant time. I met a ton of cool backpackers from all over the world and slept soooo well every night I stayed here… I even slept through an earthquake!
Talking of sleeping, the dorm beds are HUGE – they’re queen-sized! The staff are lovely, especially Jovan (Jovan, I love you) there’s a nice pool and they even offer free shots at the bar every night.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free shots at the bar!
- Massive dorm beds
- Perfect location
Mad Monkey offers a range of services other than just a bed for the night. You can book island hopping tours, rent mopeds or even devour some delicious food in the on-site bar/restaurant.
My favourite thing about this Mad Monkey Hostel was its location. It’s right next to Cloud 9, Siargao’s world-famous surf break. You can literally smell the beach from the hostel it’s that close and getting into town is just a quick and pleasant drive.
I would recommend this Mad Monkey Hostel for solo travellers in Siargao. As well as any social groups of friends who want to meet others, get drunk, and have the time of their lives. Make sure to check the prices on Booking.com and Hostelworld to find the best rates because they can change A LOT.
Sinag Hostel – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads on Siargao Island
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
Sinag Hostel is actually my favourite hostel in Siargao. They have a coworking space in the upstairs area and have some of the best wifi in Siargao. Their Starlink wifi was elite and never let me down.
The beds are comfy, they provide free towels and each room has air conditioning which is essential in Siargao. Each bed has its own plug sockets and locker AND the showers have hot water.
Not only do they run an epic hostel but they also offer a ton of tours and onward travel options to help you to create your perfect Siargao itinerary. They also offer motorbike and surfboard rentals too. What more can a backpacker need?
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Coworking Space
- Aircon in rooms
- Family style vibe
I forgot the last thing that a backpacker needs… alcohol. Well, luckily for you (and me), Sinag Hostel is super sociable and they sometimes offer free shots of alcohol. I got a little bit drunk at their family dinner which was fun – they host these every Wednesday and I can 10/10 recommend.
There’s a perfect mix of social interaction and chillness to this place, so it really is great for any type of backpacker. They offer private rooms, 8-bed dorms and family rooms to suit all kinds of travellers. And if you get too drunk to drive home, you can crash on the sofa for 200 Pisos (unofficially).
Last but not least there are a ton of cute hostel pets here. Marley is my favourite. He’s blind but he’s the most loving dog in Siargao (once you get to know him).
Sunlit Hostel – Best Hostel with a Private Room on Siargao Island
Sunlit Hostel is defo one of my favourite Siargao Island hostels. They offer dorm beds for a very fair price ($12), but their private rooms are something else. They’re seriously nice, y’all.
The private rooms are great for couples in Siargao. Unfortunately, there isn’t an ensuite option. But, the rooms are so spacious, they even have bean bags inside and they look stunning.
If you want to stay in one of these nice private rooms, book in advance; they sell out fast! This goes for pretty much all private rooms on Siargao Island – there is a lot of demand for these kinds of stays (especially in a hostel environment).
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Huge common area
- Very clean and tidy
- Darts, Pool & Ping Pong
Sunlit Hostel is in a prime location in General Luna; where all the action in Siargao is.
My favourite thing about my brief stay here at Sunlit Hostel was the massive common area with a bunch of fun mini-games to keep me busy instead of working. They have darts, pool and ping pong!
The common area was huge and was filled with hammocks and bean bags. They also have an on-site bar where you and your new hostel buddies can indulge in a few Red Horses. 😉
If you time your visit right, you can join in with the family dinner for a small extra charge. If you’re here for one of these, I would recommend it to anyone, especially solo travellers in Siargao as they’re super sociable.
Hiraya Surf Hostel – Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Siargao
My favourite thing about Hiraya Surf Hostel is the design of the hostel. This thatched-roof hostel is just so damn pretty. It really amplifies the island vibe you feel when you’re here in Siargao and I’m all here for it.
Hiraya Surf Hostel is in a prime location. It’s just a three-minute walk (or even less if you do the surfer’s jog down) to the world-famous Cloud 9 surf break after checking the forecast!
Despite the dorm room being an 18-bed dorm, the room is so spacious and equipped with some grade-A air-conditioning. This makes it feel like you aren’t even sharing a room with others.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- TWO rooftop terraces
- Playstation, foosball, and pool table.
- Perfect Location
At Hiraya Surf Hostel they have a bunch of standard hostel amenities such as an on-site bar, a pool, free parking, bicycle/moped rental and more. The on-site cafe offers a nice affordable breakfast too.
Hiraya Surf Hostel is a great hostel for solo travellers in Siargao mainly for two reasons. The first reason is that the shared dorms are so big, that you are bound to make friends in your room.
I don’t know about you, but as a solo traveller, I find it far easier to start a conversation with someone in my room than just someone chilling in the common area. Speaking of the common area, it’s super nice, it’s super big and, it’s super sociable. See, Hiraya Surf Hostel is the perfect choice for solo travellers in Siargao.
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View on Osprey View on REI3 More Great Places to Stay in Siargao
Not found the hostel of your dreams on the best island in the Philippines yet? Don’t fret; I’ve got a few more places to stay in Siargao up my sleeve that may just be perfect for you.
Ilikai Hostel
The best thing about Ilikai Hostel is undoubtedly their on-site fitness centre/gym. They also have a gorgeous hang-out space and a plethora of other amenities available.
To be honest, it’s a bit criminal that Ilikai Hostel didn’t make it into my top five, but there are that many good hostels in Siargao! It’s kind of a homestay in Siargao so that’s my excuse…
At Ilikai Hostel they offer dorm rooms for as little as $9 and also superb private rooms. Ilikai Hostel is just so damn beautiful too. Defo a great shout for a cheap place to stay in Siargao that’s still super nice.
Kawili Hostel
Kawili Hostel is located just in between General Luna and Cloud 9 – which is pretty much the prime location for a hostel in Siargao. They have Starlik wifi which is great for digital nomads and a pool which is great for… well… everyone!
They have a 12-bed dorm with some good AC and some downright beautiful staff members. This is another good option for a cheap(ish) place to stay in Siargao.
Surfer’s Hostel
Surfer’s Hostel is a great budget hostel on Siargao Island. Dorms can be as cheap as $10 per night at the right times, and on the right hostel booking sites! They also have private rooms on offer which can be a great option for couples in Siargao.
It’s in a serene location, has free wifi, and a glorious common area/shared lounge too. Most importantly though, they have surf lessons and surfboard rentals available at good prices. Hence the name of the place!
What to Pack for Your Siargao Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay in the Philippines 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. Check out our definitive hostel packing list for our top packing tips!
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!
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!Why You Should Travel to Siargao
Siargao Island has often been called the surfer’s capital of the Philippines. The overall vibe of the island perfectly captures that indescribable surfer vibe with a down-to-earth laid-back atmosphere.
Even if you aren’t a surfer, there’s so much to do here in Siargao. I promise you will never get bored.
The best thing about Siargao is the people. The splendid hospitality of Filipinos is often spoken about, but I felt it most here in Siargao. I have met some friends for life here, and if you visit, I know you will too.
I don’t say this often about places I’ve travelled to, but this is one of those places I really think I could live. You already know I’m planning my return trip, but next time I’m staying at least a month.
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
Get ready to surf the waves or simply explore the vibrant island of Siargao. You will have the time of your life, and I can guarantee that!
FAQs About Hostels in Siargao
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels on Siargao Island. If you have any of your own questions, ask me in the comments below. 🙂
Get Insured BEFORE Visiting Siargao
I don’t travel anywhere without insurance, and neither should you. Equip yourself with some good insurance for the Philippines to have a stress-free time in Siargao.
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!
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Final Thoughts on Hostels in Siargao
By now I hope my epic guide to the best hostels in Siargao Island has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure! There are so many great choices of places to stay here, you really can’t go wrong.
If I were to visit Siargao again, I would defo stay in Sinag Hostel. I loved the friendly, homely and welcoming vibe from the staff there and it was splendid value for money. Their coworking area was a lifesaver and it was perfectly located in Cloud 9, just a short drive away from General Luna.
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
If I were you, I’d just make sure to check rates on both Booking.com and Hostelworld. Then, pick whichever hostel suits YOUR needs best. This will be different for everyone.
If you think I’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit me up in the comments!
- Check out the best Philippines travel guide on the net for all your inspo!
- Prepare your wallet with our guide to the cost of living in the Philippines.
- Find out where to stay in the Philippines to get the most out of your visit.
- Don’t forget to pack right for you trip to the Philippines with our complete packing list.
- And bring your travel camera to capture the breathtaking views Philippines has to offer!
- Let’s get you ready for your next country with our Southeast Asia backpacking guide.
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
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!
