Ok so Here’s the Story about the Best Hostel in el Nido!!
How to Get to El Nido
To get to El Nido, first, book your international flight to Manila or Cebu International Airport through Philippine Airlines or AirSWIFT. In my case, I flew to Mactan-Cebu International Airport. Since I arrived at night, I stayed at a local hostel, and the next morning, I took a 7:00 AM flight to Coron, Palawan. (Click Here to check the ultimate Itineray for Coron!)
I spent four days exploring Coron before taking a 5-hour ferry from Coron to El Nido. The ferry was comfortable, but I recommend booking your tickets in advance, as prices can spike during peak seasons. You can book your ferry tickets Here!
Tip: Always book transportation in the Philippines ahead of time to save money and avoid surprises!
My Experience at Mad Monkey Hostel in Nacpan Beach
Since I couldn’t find a room at Frendz Hostel for my travel dates, I reluctantly booked Mad Monkey Hostel, a well-known party spot. Unfortunately, when I arrived, they were remodeling. The social areas were under construction, and the rooms only had fans—no air conditioning! Sleeping in such humid weather without AC was unbearable.
Things I didn’t like:
- Poor food quality.
- It’s 40 minutes from El Nido town, and you’ll need a shared van or bike to get there. Avoid taking a private tuk-tuk—they overcharge!
- No AC, just fans.
- Drinks and food were overpriced.
- Despite being a party hostel, the atmosphere didn’t feel very social.
Why I Chose Frendz Hostel
Frendz Hostel turned my experience around. From there, you can easily book tours to explore El Nido’s famous lakes and islands. I took Tour A and Tour C—both were fantastic, but Tour A was my favorite!
Frendz Hostel works with Haqqy Life, an agency that offers tours. Their trips include lively music, great food, and fun activities to help you connect with other travelers.
Things I loved about Frendz Hostel:
- Clean and well-maintained facilities.
- A pool with breathtaking views of the ocean and mountains.
- Affordable food options.
- Convenient location near shops, restaurants, ATMs, and pharmacies.
- Close to boat tour departure points.
One downside: Frendz Hostel gets fully booked during high season (December to April), so reserve your spot in advance.
Plan Your Solo Adventure to the Philippines!
Don’t wait—book your trip to the Philippines now! Just one piece of advice: avoid monsoon season (May to October). Heavy rainfall could ruin your plans, and while you might get lucky with good weather, it’s not worth the risk.
Have fun exploring and enjoy your adventures!