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People walk across a scenic wooden bridge in General Luna, Philippines at sunset.

Southeast Asia

Backpacking Philippines

The Philippines is an island-hopping destination, and El Nido on Palawan is one of its main backpacker bases for boat trips around limestone islands and lagoons.

Photo: John Matthew / Pexels

Hostel destinations in Philippines

People walk across a scenic wooden bridge in General Luna, Philippines at sunset.

Siargao

Surf breaks, palm-lined roads and island hopping around General LunaExplore Coron Bay, a tropical paradise with clear waters and limestone cliffs in the Philippines.

Coron

Island hopping, clear lakes and wartime wrecks in northern PalawanStunning aerial shot of Manila's skyline under a clear blue sky, capturing urban architecture.

Manila

A sprawling capital of Spanish-era walls, nightlife and onward flightsSerene sunset view with a silhouette of a traditional boat on the waters of Moalboal, Philippines.

Moalboal

Sardine swims, reef diving and waterfalls on Cebu's south-west coastA bright summer scene showing a speedboat cruising near Boracay's white sand beach, Philippines.

Boracay

White Beach, sunsets and nightlife on a small island off PanayVibrant traditional boats floating on the clear waters of El Nido, Philippines, surrounded by lush cliffs.

El Nido

Limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons and island hopping in Bacuit Bay, Palawan

Hostels and backpacking in Philippines

The Philippines is an archipelago, so travel here is shaped by ferries and domestic flights rather than long overland routes. Palawan, Siargao, Siquijor and the Visayas are popular with backpackers, and El Nido in northern Palawan is known for island-hopping trips through the limestone islands and lagoons of Bacuit Bay.

Hostels in El Nido and other island towns tend to be casual and social, with many organising boat trips, sunset drinks or group dinners. English is widely spoken, which makes it straightforward to arrange trips and get local advice. Weather plays a big part in planning, as boat trips depend on sea conditions.