Salt hangs in the air of Palawan mornings. Backpackers shuffle through narrow streets, plastic cups of iced coffee in hand, waiting for vans or ferries that never seem to leave on time. Between the limestone cliffs and turquoise water, El Nido and Coron have become a kind of pilgrimage for budget travelers. Not the polished kind—those who chase warmth, not Wi-Fi speed. Both towns now hum with hostels that balance cost and comfort without losing that raw island charm.
Many travelers reading about the top 5 richest cities in the Philippines also glance at lists of the poorest cities in the Philippines, curious how tourism changes small coastal economies. Palawan stands somewhere between those worlds, its hostels proving that even simple places can offer unforgettable stays.
Budget Hostel Comparison Table
| Hostel | Location | Starting Price (USD) | Type | Best Feature |
| Frendz Hostel El Nido | El Nido | 12 | Dorm & Private | Rooftop bar with local music |
| Spin Designer Hostel | El Nido | 15 | Dorm | Clean and modern layout |
| Kame House Backpackers | El Nido | 10 | Dorm | Peaceful garden setting |
| Outpost Beach Hostel | El Nido | 14 | Dorm & Private | Beachfront sunset spot |
| Happiness Hostel | El Nido | 13 | Dorm | Café serving local breakfast |
| Maya Hostel | El Nido | 8 | Dorm | Close to the port |
| Hop Hostel | Coron | 12 | Dorm | Rooftop with bay view |
| Outpost Hostel Coron | Coron | 15 | Dorm & Private | Pool and shared bar |
| Joval Homestay | Coron | 6 | Dorm | Quiet neighborhood |
| Dayon Hostel | Coron | 10 | Dorm | Central location |
| The Divers Den | Coron | 11 | Dorm | Dive-friendly setup |
| Coron Backpacker Guesthouse | Coron | 8 | Dorm | Shared kitchen and homely feel |
Top 12 Budget Hostels in El Nido & Coron for Backpackers
The road between El Nido and Coron isn’t smooth, but travelers keep crossing it anyway. The two towns share the same saltwater heartbeat—both noisy and calm, rough yet welcoming. Each hostel adds its own rhythm to the island soundtrack.
1. Frendz Hostel El Nido
Backpackers gather here before island tours, trading maps and mosquito spray. Nights end on the rooftop with live music drifting into the streets.
2. Spin Designer Hostel
This hostel feels organized without losing its warmth. Smooth floors, sturdy bunks, and a common room that actually stays quiet when needed.
3. Kame House Backpackers
Wooden huts, banana trees, and hammocks—nothing fancy, just calm. Guests often end up extending their stay after that first breakfast in the garden.
4. Outpost Beach Hostel
A few meters from the sand, this place runs on sound. Laughter, waves, clinking bottles. It feels young, restless, and full of stories.
5. Happiness Hostel
Its café smells like toasted bread and brewed coffee by sunrise. Travelers leave sandals at the door, talk softly, and stay longer than planned.
6. Maya Hostel
Small rooms with slow ceiling fans. Close enough to the pier to hear the morning boats warm their engines. Simple and steady.
7. Hop Hostel Coron
The rooftop is the star here. Guests sit on beanbags watching the bay turn gold at sunset, beers sweating in the heat.
8. Outpost Hostel Coron
Built for movement and noise. Pool parties spill into late nights. The staff somehow remember everyone’s names by morning.
9. Joval Homestay
Set in a quieter street away from the traffic. Wooden walls, low light, and a kind owner who knows every shortcut in town.
10. Dayon Hostel
Close to everything—port, market, and eateries. Clean bunks, shared bathrooms that actually smell fine, and an easy check-in.
11. The Divers Den
Divers wake early here. The place smells faintly of seawater and gear oil. Breakfast is served fast so guests can catch their dive boats.
12.Coron Backpacker Guesthouse
A local family runs it. They lend umbrellas, cook home meals, and help arrange tours that cost less than anywhere else in town.
Traveler Notes and Local Insights
Budget travel in Palawan doesn’t mean giving up comfort. It means trading hotel slippers for flip-flops and elevators for wooden stairs. During the rainy months, prices drop and conversations last longer since ferries often stop. Even power cuts bring people together, swapping flashlights for stories.
Locals have adapted quickly. Many hostels now use solar panels, refill stations, and small recycling points. It’s not perfect, but it’s progress. Travelers often say they remember the sound of roosters and tricycles more than the beaches. That’s what stays after the trip ends—the rhythm of the islands that never really goes quiet.
FAQs
1. How much do hostels in El Nido and Coron usually cost?
Dorm beds start around eight dollars per night, with private rooms averaging fifteen.
2. Are these hostels safe for solo travelers?
Yes, most have lockers, cameras, and common areas that stay lively even late.
3. Which town is better for island tours?
El Nido has more routes, but Coron’s lagoons feel less crowded and more rugged.
4. Is it easy to travel between El Nido and Coron?
Ferries run daily, taking about four to five hours, though delays are common.
5. What’s the best time to visit Palawan on a budget?
June to September offers lower prices, cooler nights, and fewer crowds.
Disclaimer: Stay updated with the lastest news, from politics to business trends, while also catching up on the lastest news in sports covering matches, scores, and tournaments. Explore the latest news in entertainment with celebrity updates, movies, and shows, and don’t miss the latest news in games, featuring trending releases and esports highlights.
