Looking for the best hostels in Puerto Princessa? Nestled in the Mimaropa region of the Western Philippines, Puerto Princesa is a beautiful coastal city that boasts breathtaking views of Palawan Island.
The city is famous among tourists because of its pleasant urban environment, fun boat trips, beautiful golden beaches, pristine forests, and massive limestone caves. But do you know what makes Puerto Princesa so unique and special? It is the world-famous underground river named the Subterranean River National Park.
Puerto Princesa is truly a nature lover’s paradise, offering you the unique opportunity to explore all its treasures while staying at one of the best hostels in Puerto Princesa.
Are you ready to explore Puerto Princesa’s other fascinating destinations? We’ve got the best hostels in El Nido and the best hostels in Coron to make your experience even more extraordinary!
Our favorite hostels in Puerto Princesa are:
- Guni Guni Hostel - best for solo travelers
- B&R Hostel and Bar - best for social butterflies
- Green Turtle Backpackers Guesthouse - best for backpackers
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
The nightlife at Palawan is amazing! There are so many bars and venues for clubbing and partying. This urban city offers a wide range of delicious local and international cuisines, from Italian to Japanese, Chinese, and Asian! Puerto Princesa is most famous for its fresh seafood, so if you are planning to visit here, don’t forget to indulge your stomach and soul in its sea delicacies.
And if you have more time, why not make a quick El Nido Island tour to explore the city while staying at some of the best accommodations there? Or take an underground river trip in the Subterranean River National Park to have the best time of your life? During your visit to Puerto Princesa, don’t forget to check out the zip line ride for a thrilling experience.
Enjoy beautiful cultural immersion by taking the Palawan Butterfly Ecological Garden and Tribal Village Tour. Trek to Olangoan Falls, watch the fireflies at Iwahig River or visit the historical Plaza Cuartel to learn about the magnificent history of the coastal city. And if you love nature, the Wildlife Conservation Centre at Puerto Princesa will give you an epic crocodile farm tour.
This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…
- are tired of crappy hostels!
- want a social Hostel to actually meet people
- are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience
Speaking of beaches, Honda bay is a popular seaside spot in Palawan. You can relax here and soak into the beauty of white sandy shores surrounded by crystal blue water. Boat trips, hiking, surfing, wildlife exploration, and underground river tour – this natural marvel will surely provide you with an unforgettable experience.
This gorgeous coastal city has been a popular tourist and backpacker spot for many years. You will find many cool hostels in Puerto Princesa according to your budget and needs.
What we cover in this article?
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.
Quick Introduction to Puerto Princesa
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Puerto Princesa cost 7€ – 15€ per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room starts from 22€ up to 35€ per night. This is a rough average just to give you an idea.
Prices always depend on season and holidays. Please always check exact rates on Hostelz.com or Hostelworld.com.
Check-In and Check Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3pm), while the Check-Out time is before 11:00 (11am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.
Safety in Puerto Princesa: Puerto Princesa is safe to visit. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines, and the local police take great steps to ensure the safety of the visitors.
Best Time To Visit Puerto Princesa: The best time to visit Puerto Princesa Palawan is between November and April, when the weather is dry and sunny. This is the peak season for tourism in the area, so prices tend to be higher.
🎁 New to Hostels? Read my guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. I especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels?
- Understanding Hostels in Europe - and what makes them special
The 3 Best Hostels in Puerto Princesa are …
Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Puerto Princesa.
- Guni Guni Hostel – best for solo travelers
- B&R Hostel and Bar – best for social butterflies
- Green Turtle Backpackers Guesthouse – best for backpackers
These are our favorite hostels in Puerto Princesa. We want to make your life even easier, so we put all accommodations on a map for you. We even added our own tips for favorite restaurants, things to see, and more.
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
🦸 Solo Traveler: | Guni Guni Hostel |
🎒 Backpackers: | Green Turtle Backpackers Guesthouse |
👩❤️👨 Couple Hostel: | B&R Hostel and Bar |
🥂 Social Butterflies: | B&R Hostel and Bar |
👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | Green Turtle Backpackers Guesthouse |
🧘 Cozy Hostel: | Guni Guni Hostel |
1. Guni Guni Hostel
Nestled in the heart of Puerto Princesa, Guni Guni Hostel is one of the best hostels in Puerto Princesa. An ideal option for backpackers and solo travellers, this place has everything to make your trip memorable!
This hostel features comfortable rooms with private bathrooms. They are designed elegantly and are kept well-maintained. Each room is air-conditioned and has private locker systems. In addition, GUNI GUNI also provides evening entertainment where you can enjoy and relax after a long day of touring in the city. There is an excellent on-site restaurant that provides delicious American, Asian or vegetarian breakfast.
Reaching GUNI GUNI is as easy and convenient! The nearest airport is Puerto Princesa International Airport, which is located just 1km away from the hostel.
The nice atmosphere, pleasant environment, affordable rates, and good food make GUNI GUNI ideal for backpackers. The hostel also features a shared lounge where you can watch TV, enjoy drinks, or play board games. A 24/7 front desk facility is also available to answer your queries and provide a comfortable experience.
The best part about this hostel is that it is pet-friendly, which makes travelling with your furry pet possible. The staff at the hotel are super friendly and will answer all your accommodation needs with utmost professionalism.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Location: 10 minutes from the hostel, you can visit a pristine beach and explore the beauty of Palawan Island. The property features an enchanting garden and a wonderful outdoor dining area where you can sit, relax, and interact with other tourists. Putting Buhangin Beach is located nearby, with its white shores and crystal blue water that will definitely enchant your senses.
Just a few minutes walk away from the hostel, you can reach the beach and have an amazing island-hopping tour. Other nearby attractions include the historical Plaza Cuartel, the magical Butterfly Garden, and Palawan Museum.
The best choice in Puerto Princesa for
- solo travelers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
2. B&R Hostel and Bar
For all the social butterflies out there, we have an amazing recommendation for one of the best hostels in Puerto Princesa.
B&R Hostel and Bar is a family-operated hotel and bar that is located in Bacungan. It offers incredible accommodation services and plenty of opportunities for an unforgettable nightlife experience while enjoying the cocktails at the bar and interacting with new people.
The dormitory rooms are well-insulated and protected from bugs. They have comfortable beds, clean linen sheets, and privacy curtains that guarantee undisturbed sleep. The toilets are designed in western style and are very easy to use. The best part is that the staff always keeps the rooms and bathrooms clean and tidy.
You can easily access the hostel from Puerto Princesa International Airport or San Vicente Airport via a public bus.
There is a live music session that makes the whole experience even more memorable. The area is quite popular for snorkelling, canoeing, karaoke, game room, and fishing. B&R Hostel Nagtabon is best for people who wish to explore Puerto Princesa and interact with locals.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Location: The hotel is located just 10 minutes away from Nagtabon Beach, where you can enjoy many fun activities. In addition to that, the Butterfly Garden, Rancho Santa Monica, Viet Ville Restaurant, and Talaudyong Beach are situated just moments away from the accommodation.
B&R also boasts an impeccable on-site restaurant that offers delicious American, British, and Asian food and a designated outdoor space for bonfires and picnics where people enjoy their leisure time.
A great choice for
- social butterflies
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
3. Green Turtle Backpackers Guesthouse
Green Turtle Backpackers Guesthouse is a popular beach and dive resort in Puerto Princesa. It is known for its beautiful white sand beach, crystal clear waters, and abundant marine life.
The resort offers a wide range of activities and amenities including diving, snorkeling, kayaking, boat tours, fishing, and more. Green Turtle is a great place for a relaxing beach holiday.
Take a walk across the sandbar, grab a drink and relax on the beach, do bird watching or hike to View Point; these are just a few of the adventurous things you can do during your stay at one of the best hostels in Puerto Princesa!
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Location: Located on Palawan Island, Green Turtle is overall the best hostel for residing in Puerto Princesa. Situated near San Jose New Market, the neighbourhood of this hostel will provide you with a perfect opportunity to explore the vibrant culture of the coastal city. With the gorgeous over-the-water views it provides, you will certainly enjoy surfing, kayaking, and diving.
It is just a few minutes from the San Jose Bus Terminal, considered the main transportation hub of Palawan Island. Snake Island is just 20 km away from here. You can quickly hop on a bus and travel to any desired location. All the rooms in the hostel are located upstairs and offer breathtaking views of the beachside.
This is one of the best hostels in Puerto Princesa for
- backpackers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in Puerto Princesa for Solo Travelers?
Guni Guni Hostel is the best hostel for solo travelers.
There is a resto-bar at Guni Guni Hostel where guests can meet other travellers, locals, and artists while enjoying good food, great cocktails, and ice-cold beers that fit any budget.
They also have a lounge where you can watch TV or Netflix or play Nintendo.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
More Hostels worth a mention
At the moment, we think you are all set with the hostels we just shared with you. We always try to keep our guides super fresh and up to date. We might add more hostels worth a mention soon here if we feel that it could enrich your travel and hostel experience.
Backpacking Tips for Puerto Princesa
Before you pack for your Palawan adventure, don’t forget to memorise and keep these things in mind:
- Check out island hopping in Honda Bay to have the best relaxing time. For island hopping, we recommend you travel in a group to avail discounted rates.
- Don’t forget to try some of the local specialities. Kalaui and Bona’s Chao Long Haus are famous restaurants that provide fresh and delicious seafood cuisine.
- If you’re looking for a peaceful location to spend some time, Port Barton is an amazing place.
- The most convenient way to explore the stunning waterfalls situated inland is to rent a mountain bike.
- Take a boat tour to explore the breathtaking beauty of Puerto Princesa.
- Bring a substantial amount of cash with you on your trip, as many places here in Puerto Princesa don’t accept ATMs or Debit cards.
- Hike to Nagkalit-kalit to witness the breathtaking scenery of the limestone hill of Taraw Cliff.
- There is a Midtown bakery located on the main street of Rizal that offers excellent breakfast. Make sure to also try their Choco drink and coffee while you’re there.
- When preparing for your trip, pack a pair of sunglasses, bug repellents, waterproof bags, flip-flops, swimsuits, adventure gear, comfy clothes, a camera, and sunscreen. These are some essentials that no Puerto Princesa trip can be possible without.
What about the cheapest hostels in Puerto Princesa?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Puerto Princesa.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Puerto Princesa
- add your dates
- Order the listings by price
Simple as that.
Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.
Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.
Any Discounts?
From time to time, I receive special promo codes for booking platforms, hotels, or hostels. I will be sharing these here once received. Bookmark this page to get an update.
How to book?
The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.
I included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
I recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Puerto Princesa best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.
My Best Hostels in Puerto Princesa for Female Traveler on a Map + Sights
Let us have a look at the map. Below, we list all three best Puerto Princesa hostels on a map.
Personally, we love to plan our trips with a map having all sights and potential hostels on it. We thought this map will help you with planning your trip too.
In Puerto Princesa we absolutely enjoyed:
- Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
- Honda Bay
- Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm
- Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center
- Balinsasayao Twin Lakes National Park
- Ugong Rock
- Mitra’s Ranch
- Baker’s Hill
- Crocodile Farm
- Napsan Beach
FAQs
Here we share with you the most asked question:
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