Cheapest Hostels in the Philippines to Stay in 2026 – Travel Explorer Exclusive
Discover the cheapest and most comfortable hostels in the Philippines for 2026. Travel Explorer’s exclusive guide covers top budget stays in Manila, Cebu, Siargao, Boracay, and Palawan — perfect for backpackers and digital nomads alike.
ASIA
11/7/20255 min read
🌏 Introduction
The Philippines — a tropical dream of 7,641 islands, turquoise waters, and warm smiles — remains one of the most affordable travel destinations in Asia in 2026.
With tourism booming again after the global rebound, backpackers and digital nomads are flocking to the country not just for its beaches and diving spots, but also for its incredible hostel culture.
From the party hostels of Boracay to the peaceful bamboo dorms of Palawan, the Philippines offers travelers budget stays with million-dollar views — often under $10 per night!
In this Travel Explorer Exclusive, we explore the top cheapest hostels in the Philippines for 2026, complete with real traveler insights, updated prices, and why each one deserves a spot on your bucket list.
🏙️ 1. Z Hostel – Manila
Location: Makati City, Metro Manila
Average Price (2026): $11–13 per night
Z Hostel is the backpacker legend of the Philippines’ capital. Located in the lively neighborhood of Poblacion, this hostel combines modern comfort, great food, and a rooftop bar with panoramic city views.
Why It’s Great:
Daily rooftop events and live music
Free Wi-Fi and breakfast
Central location near nightlife and cafes
Spotless, modern dorms and private rooms
Travel Explorer Tip: Stay on a weekend to catch their famous rooftop sunset party — easily one of the best social experiences in Manila.
🏝️ 2. Mad Monkey Hostel – Boracay
Location: Station 2, Boracay Island
Average Price (2026): $9–11 per night
Mad Monkey has built a reputation across Southeast Asia for offering fun, social stays at budget prices — and the Boracay branch might just be the best.
Why It’s Great:
2-minute walk to White Beach
Poolside bar with daily happy hour
Free shots on arrival
Dorms with A/C, lockers, and privacy curtains
Travel Explorer Verdict: Perfect for party lovers and beach seekers — you’ll make friends fast and memories even faster.
🌊 3. Spin Designer Hostel – El Nido, Palawan
Location: El Nido Town
Average Price (2026): $12–14 per night
Spin is not just a hostel — it’s a work of art. Designed with Filipino architecture and tropical minimalism, it’s perfect for travelers who want an affordable stay without compromising comfort.
Why It’s Great:
Free breakfast buffet
Beautiful garden lounge and outdoor bar
High-speed Wi-Fi and workspaces for nomads
Social events like BBQ nights and island hopping sign-ups
Travel Explorer Insight: Palawan can be pricey, but Spin makes paradise accessible without breaking the bank.
🏄♂️ 4. Lampara Siargao Boutique Hostel – Siargao
Location: General Luna, Siargao Island
Average Price (2026): $10–12 per night
Siargao, the “Surfing Capital of the Philippines,” is known for its laid-back energy and Lampara perfectly captures it.
Why It’s Great:
Beachfront location
Chill bamboo lounge with hammocks
Free surfboard rentals and lessons available
Great for couples and solo travelers alike
Travel Explorer Tip: Siargao hostels fill up fast in surf season (March–September), so book early!
🏞️ 5. Outpost Beach Hostel – Palawan
Location: Corong Corong Beach, El Nido
Average Price (2026): $9–10 per night
Outpost Beach Hostel is a favorite among backpackers who love sunsets, laughter, and good vibes.
Why It’s Great:
Stunning beachfront views
Daily sunset parties
Local Filipino meals served on-site
Clean rooms with sea breeze ventilation
Travel Explorer Verdict: If you want a social yet scenic stay in Palawan, this is your spot.
🏖️ 6. The Circle Hostel – La Union
Location: San Juan, La Union (LU Surf Town)
Average Price (2026): $8–10 per night
Known for its iconic slogan “There are no strangers, only friends who haven’t met,” The Circle Hostel is a home for artists, surfers, and wanderers.
Why It’s Great:
Artistic and open-air design
Surf lessons and rentals nearby
Strong community vibes
Hammocks, bunk beds, and chill zones
Travel Explorer Insight: The Circle is eco-friendly and plastic-free — a great example of sustainable travel in 2026.
🏡 7. Nomad’s Hub – Cebu City
Location: Capitol Site, Cebu City
Average Price (2026): $7–9 per night
Nomad’s Hub is perfect for travelers passing through Cebu before heading to the islands. It’s modern, clean, and has a strong digital nomad community.
Why It’s Great:
Fastest Wi-Fi in Cebu
Air-conditioned co-working café
Friendly staff and security lockers
Walking distance to Ayala Mall and food markets
Travel Explorer Verdict: The ideal stopover for budget travelers before hitting Cebu’s beaches or ferries.
🏖️ 8. Frendz Hostel – Boracay
Location: Station 1, Boracay
Average Price (2026): $10–12 per night
Frendz Hostel perfectly balances party and peace. It’s only a 3-minute walk to White Beach but still tucked away in a quiet area.
Why It’s Great:
Free pasta nights
Rooftop pool with sea view
Regular music jams
Great mix of locals and travelers
Travel Explorer Tip: Try the “Frendz Burger” — easily one of the best hostel meals in the Philippines.
🌅 9. Where2Next Hostel – Manila
Location: Ermita, Manila
Average Price (2026): $8–9 per night
Where2Next is a small, community-style hostel perfect for travelers on long stopovers in the capital.
Why It’s Great:
Friendly family-run atmosphere
Airport shuttle service available
Free breakfast
Clean dorms and 24/7 reception
Travel Explorer Verdict: Ideal for overnight stays between flights or ferries.
🏞️ 10. Mad Monkey Hostel – Cebu
Location: Cebu City
Average Price (2026): $10–13 per night
Mad Monkey’s Cebu branch brings tropical fun to the city center. With pool parties, karaoke nights, and Filipino street food, it’s a must for energetic travelers.
Why It’s Great:
Rooftop pool
Modern dorms and private rooms
Regular social activities
10 minutes to Cebu Port
Travel Explorer Insight: Perfect for those traveling to Bohol or Siquijor next — the ferry terminal is nearby.
💡 Bonus: 5 Insider Tips to Save Money on Hostels in the Philippines (2026 Edition)
Book Directly: Most hostels give you 10–15% discounts if you book via their website.
Travel Off-Season (July–October): Prices drop by up to 40%.
Stay Longer: Weekly stays often include free nights or laundry service.
Bring Cash: Many remote hostels charge extra for credit card payments.
Join Local Events: Many hostels offer free dinners, karaoke, or tours for guests — saving you meal money.
🧳 What $10 Per Night Gets You in the Philippines
Even in 2026, the Philippines is among Asia’s cheapest countries for travelers.
Here’s what $10 typically covers:
A/C dorm bed with privacy curtain
Fast Wi-Fi
Free breakfast
Social area and events
Access to beaches or local attractions nearby
You’re not just saving money — you’re buying community, experiences, and memories.
🧭 Suggested Backpacker Route (2026 Traveler Circuit)
For those planning a full journey across the Philippines, here’s a budget-friendly hostel route to maximize fun and minimize transport costs:
Start in Manila – Z Hostel or Where2Next
Head to Cebu – Nomad’s Hub or Mad Monkey Cebu
Take ferry to Bohol or Siquijor – local beach guesthouses
Fly to Palawan – Spin Hostel or Outpost Beach Hostel
End in Boracay or Siargao – Mad Monkey or Lampara Boutique
Total average stay: 10 nights under $120 — including paradise sunsets and new friendships daily.
📱 Booking Tools for 2026
New-gen booking apps have made finding hostels even easier this year:
Hostelworld AI Search: Shows the cheapest verified hostels with real-time ratings.
Agoda Meta Deals: Aggregates last-minute local discounts.
Travel Explorer Hostel Finder: Curates the top-rated stays by country and budget range.
CryptoPay Stays: Lets travelers pay in Bitcoin or USDT directly for instant confirmation.
Travel Explorer Tip: Always read 2026 reviews — many hostels update designs yearly or change management.
🌿 Eco-Friendly Hostels Gaining Popularity
Sustainability is a growing travel trend. In 2026, many hostels in the Philippines have adopted solar energy, rainwater collection, and plastic-free policies.
Eco-hostels like The Circle, Green Monkey, and Siargao Lagoon Eco Stay are pioneers in low-waste tourism — offering travelers guilt-free paradise living.
Travel Explorer Prediction: By 2027, 60% of Philippine hostels will be green-certified or fully solar-powered.
✈️ Getting Around Cheaply
The Philippines can seem scattered, but travel between islands is simple and affordable:
Domestic flights via Cebu Pacific, AirAsia, or Philippine Airlines cost as low as $25.
Ferry trips between Cebu–Bohol–Siquijor–Negros average $8–15.
Local transport (jeepneys, tricycles, GrabBike) rarely costs over $2.
Travel Explorer Insight: Travel light, stay flexible, and enjoy island hopping without worrying about costs.
💬 Real Traveler Review
“I spent 45 days traveling across the Philippines with a $600 budget. From surfing in Siargao to sleeping in hammocks in La Union — I met the kindest people and stayed in hostels cleaner than some hotels in Europe.”
— Lena T., Backpacker from Germany (2026)
That’s the true beauty of traveling here — the luxury is in the experience, not the price tag.
✅ Conclusion
If you’re dreaming of white beaches, palm trees, sunsets, and smiles — without spending a fortune — the Philippines in 2026 is your paradise.
For under $12 a night, you can stay in clean, fun, and friendly hostels surrounded by travelers from around the world.
From Z Hostel’s skyline rooftop in Manila to Lampara’s beachfront hammocks in Siargao, every stop offers a story, a view, and a connection you’ll remember forever.
So pack light, stay curious, and let the Philippines remind you that adventure doesn’t need luxury — it just needs you.
© 2025. All rights reserved.
