Manila may be a little new to the hostel scene but thatâs not stopping us from creating a roundup of the best hostels in Manila city.
There are so many accommodations (and it’s hard to choose!). Therefore, we condensed it all to the 3 coolest hostels in Manila – handpicked and reviewed in person!
Traveling to Manila is an experience like no other! Explore vibrant, bustling streets filled with delicious food, fascinating culture, and a unique energy that will make your trip one of a kind.
From the city’s bustling nightlife to the amazing historical sites, Manila is a must-see destination. Enjoy a show at the iconic Cultural Center of the Philippines, or take a stroll through the iconic Intramuros district.
Whether you’re looking for a chance to relax and explore or a night of endless adventure, Manila is the perfect place for a fun and exciting holiday!
We’ve also put together the ultimate guide to the best hostels in the Philippines, including the 3 best hostels in El Nido Island and the best hostels in Coron.
Our favorite hostels in Manila are:
- Z Hostel - best for party lovers
- Lub D Philippines Makati - best for digital nomads
- Ola! Hostel Manila - best for solo travelers
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
Good to know: This guide was written by a local native from Manila đ
Especially for Manila Hostels, you should pay attention to the type of hostel that you want. This is why we organized this guide with labels for solo-travelers, backpackers, and couples.
This guide is perfect for YOU, when youâŠ
- 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
While weâre at it, we have also listed down some vital information to help you navigate this busy metropolis.
What we cover in this article?
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.
Whether you’re in Manila for a stopover or you’re staying to explore, checking in at a hostel can be a great way for you to experience real Filipino hospitality and meet fellow travelers along the way.
Quick Introduction to Manila
Average price per bed: Ranging from $6- $15 per night, Manilaâs hostel prices can be relatively higher compared to its neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia. Rates depend on the amenities that the hostel offers as well as the type of room that youâre booking.
We always encourage you to check the exact rates via Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.
Check in and check out: The average check-in time for most hostels in Manila is 14:00 (2PM), while the check-out time is before 12:00 noon. In case youâre arriving earlier, most hostels are open to keeping your luggage at their front desk until your check-in time. You can always ask or contact your hostel beforehand for easier and hassle-free arrangements.
Manila Tourism Tax: There is no standard rate for Manilaâs tourism tax, although most published rates are a little higher for foreigners.
Transportation: Manila is known for its hellish and extremely crowded transportation systems, but it is possible to find a workaround if you know what time to travel.
Times to avoid are 7AM-9AM as well as 5PM-8PM as it tends to get really crowded and hard to go to places.
There are different modes of transportation in the city but we donât recommend taking the trains as it is not as efficient as railroads in other countries. Good options to go around are:
- P2P (Point-to-Point) buses as well as car rental services.
- Grab, a phone app that you could use to book transfers (like Uber). This way, you can avoid unnecessary charges as the app already shows the price for the duration of your trip.
Safety in Manila: Probably no more dangerous than the next city, Manila has its share of pickpockets and petty criminals that you have to look out for. We have created a safety guide below and shared some tips and tricks on how you can make the most out of your trip to the city.
đ 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 Manila are âŠ
Letâs jump right into the coolest hostels in Manila.
- Z Hostel â best for party lovers
- Lub D Philippines Makati â best for digital nomads
- Ola! Hostel Manila â best for solo travelers
These are our favorite hostels in Manila. 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.
1. Z Hostel
2. Lub D Philippines Makati
3. Ola! Hostel Manila
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 𩾠Solo Traveler: | Ola! Hostel Manila |
| đââïž best for Female Solo Traveler: | Ola! Hostel Manila |
| đ„ł Party Hostel: | Z Hostel |
| đ©ââ€ïžâđš Couple Hostel: | Lub d Philippines Hostel |
| đšâđ©âđŠ Family Hostel: | Lub d Philippines Hostel |
| đ©âđ» For Digital Nomads: | Lub d Philippines Hostel |
| đ§ Cozy Hostel: | Ola! Hostel Manila |
1. Z Hostel
Our first pick for the list is Manilaâs first pioneering social hostel, Z Hostel.
Located in the heart of Makati, Z Hostel has a vibrant vibe thatâs perfect for young and energetic travelers.
They pride themselves on being a social place: a space thatâs not a pit stop for your trip, but instead, a highlight where you find new friends and meaningful connections.
Z Hostel is smacked right in the middle of Poblacion, a neighborhood full of establishments promoting good food, local arts, music, and culture.
If youâre not in the mood to explore nearby bars, you can just stay in Z and experience their roof deck where events and parties are held almost every night.
Aside from parties, the hostel also offers free city tours for its guests.
Other than social gatherings and fun activities, Manila Z Hostel also boasts its top-notch accommodation with clean and comfortable rooms, secure lockers, and friendly staff.
They also offer free breakfasts for guests as well as a free wifi connection. If you are interested in staying in one of the design hostels in Manila, Z Hostel is a top option.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Location of the Z Hostel: Ideal!!
Z Hostel is located in Makati, one of Metro Manilaâs central business districts.
It is located near banks, parks, and malls, and is relatively near Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Manilaâs main airport), accessible with a 9.3km drive.
Since this hostel Makati is located in the middle of Poblacion, one of the cityâs hot spots for night outs, there are tons of bars that you can swing by, enjoy, and experience the true Manila party scene.
The place is bustling with affordable bars in Manila and restaurants for almost every cuisine â Indian, Japanese, Korean, American, Italian â you name it, youâll eventually find something around this area.
After a night of partying at the hostel, you can get a good cup of coffee at Commune, which is just 550m away â or a quick 8 minute walk. Seriously, a top location!
Who stays at Hostel Z?
Anyone whoâs down to party!
Z Hostel has hosted guests from all parts of the globe â from England, USA, Australia, France, Netherlands, and many other countries. There really is no limit to who you can meet in this hostel.
Hostel Z is the best hostel in Manila for:
- social butterflies
- party lovers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
2. Lub D Philippines Makati
Lub D Philippines Makati is one of the largest hostels in Manila to date.
A franchise from a chain of hostels all over south east Asia, Lub D Makati boasts premiere accommodation and facilities for guests, providing well-thought spaces like a chill out lounge, a co-working area, and a rooftop bar and restaurant.
They offer comfortable dorm and private rooms with air conditioning and great views of the city.
Aside from the usual provisions like hairdryer and toiletries, Lub d also offers coin-operated washing machines and dryer for convenience. They also serve Ă la carte breakfast for an additional fee.
Because of their functional areas, Lub d makes a great hostel for digital nomads who are also looking for work spaces while traveling.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Location of Lub D Makati: Great!
Like Z Hostel, Lub d is also located in Makati and is accessible to most parks, banks, and malls.
It is less than 2 km away from Greenbelt and Glorietta Malls, and roughly 3km from Bonifacio Global City, another CBD in the metro. The best way to get there is by public transport.
The nearest points of interest are:
- A. Venue Mall (just across the hostel) and
- Century City Mall, which is 500m away (8 minute walk).
Restaurants and bars are also just walking distance from the hostel. No worries here!
Aside from food, malls, and nightlife, what makes the hostelâs location great is its accessibility to most embassies.
Maybe interesting: Canadian and Australian embassies are both less than 30 min walk away, and just a quick 15 minute ride from the hostel. (We hope you won’t need this information though!)
Who stays at Lub D Makati?
A mix of solo travelers and busy digital nomads from across the globe.
Because of its convenience and functional spaces, Lub d is a great hub for people who would like to hustle even while on-the-go.
This hostel is also a great option for traveling families who would like to book a private room. It is also one of the great places to go for couples in manila.
Lub d Makati is the best hostel in Manila for:
- couples
- digital nomads
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
3. Ola! Hostel Manila
Ola! Hostel Manila provides a variety of accommodations, ranging from comfortable dorms to private rooms. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and en suite bathrooms.
The hostel has a common area with a TV, a fully-equipped kitchen, and a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city. Other amenities include a 24-hour reception, laundry facilities, and a café.
Ola Hostel Manila is a great option for budget travelers looking for a comfortable, convenient, and affordable stay in Manila.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
Location:Â The hostel is a modern hostel located in the heart of Ermita, Manila. It is within walking distance of some of the city’s most popular attractions, such as the National Museum, Intramuros, and Rizal Park.
Ola Hostel Manila caters to all types of travelers, from backpackers and budget-minded travelers to female solo travelers.
This is one of the best hostels in Manila for
- solo travellers
- female solo travelers
- social butterflies
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in Manila for Solo Travelers?
Hostels are generally solo traveler friendly, but if youâre looking for the best hostel in Manila for solo travelers, then here are our recommendations that would best suit your personality.
We would even claim all three top hostels in Manila we shared are great for solo backpackers!
1. Z Hostel (Makati)
As weâve mentioned on the earlier part of the article, Z Hostel prides itself on being a social hostel, offering guests a multitude of opportunities to meet new people.
It has a roof deck bar and itâs located in Poblacion, one of the best places to party and experience Manila nightlife.
This hostel would best suit you if you are an extrovert who thrives when meeting new people. There are tons of opportunities for you to meet fellow travelers and even party-loving locals when you stay in this hostel.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Lub d Philippines Hostel (Makati)
Lub d Philippines Hostel prides itself for its convenience and functional spaces. If you are looking for a fuzz-free hostel that offers top-notch accommodation and facilities, then this hostel is definitely worth checking out.
Lub d Philippines Hostel is also located in the middle of one of Manilaâs central business district, Makati, which make it easy to navigate around and explore.
It also has an amazing selection of restaurants and bars, so you can definitely find something for you.
This hostel would best suit you if you are someone who wants to find a good balance between socializing and working.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Makati Junction Hostel (Makati)
Another hostel located in Makati, Junction Hostel is also situated near Poblacion, but in a more secluded and peaceful area, a few blocks away from the bars and party places.
Junction has great and spacious rooms for guests, prioritizing comfort and relaxation.
While you can still meet plenty of fellow travelers and possibly new friends, Junction Hostel has a more laid back vibe, giving you plenty of time to âchillâ and enjoy some âme timeâ.
They also offer a co-working space, which is perfect for digital nomads who would like to squeeze in some time to get things done.
This hostel would best suit you if you are someone who would really like to relax and get away while still staying connected.
This is also a great place for digital nomads and solo travelers who would like to enjoy some peace and quiet.
Top hostel in Manila for:
- Digital Nomads
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Party Hostels in Manila
Party, booze, and meeting new friends while traveling? Yes, please! Check out the best party place in Manila.
Manila may be busy and can come across as chaotic sometimes, but the party scene in this side of the world is still amazing. Filipinos are one of the friendliest people out there, and you will definitely experience this if you try the nightlife in Manila.
You can definitely check out some of our favorite hostels to party (they have bars!) but you can also enjoy the nightlife by joining in at pub crawls.
- Z Hostel
- Pink Hostel (closed)
Z Hostel (Makati)
Our personal recommendation if you want to stay in a party hostel. Z Hostel is conveniently located in Poblacion where good bars are.
They also have a rooftop bar and some cool social events every night. this hostel is usually in the top list of the Manila bar guide for travelers.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
CLOSED: Pink Hostel (Malate)
Located in Malate, Pink Hostel has a chill party vibe but located in a good area with tons of bars in Manila.
The Pink Manila Hostel is a big party hostel with a nice roof top terrace and a swimming pool. Better pack your swim suit/ bikini, fellas!
Good to know: It is the best party hostel in Manila, also known for being a gay-friendly hostel.
More Hostels worth a mention
We have listed the best hostels Manila has to offer but we have more. Let’s have a look at this interesting hostel, Draper Startup House for Entrepreneurs.
Stay energized and inspired at the Draper Startup House for Entrepreneurs! Located in the beautiful city of Manila, this hotel offers the perfect combination of comfort and convenience. Get ready to be surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the city!
With a shared lounge, terrace, restaurant and bar, you’ll have everything you need for a productive stay. Plus, you’ll be close to some of Manila’s best shopping centers including Power Plant Mall, Glorietta Mall, and Greenbelt Mall.
After a busy day, come back and relax in your private room, equipped with a bidet and free WiFi. And the fun doesn’t have to stop there.
Bonifacio High Street and Shangri-La Plaza are just a short distance away, so you can explore the city and make the most of your stay.
Check out the reviews before booking because we came across some negative reviews.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
What about the cheapest hostels in Manila?
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 Manila.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Manila
- 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 Manila 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 Manila for Female Traveler on a Map + Sights
Let us have a look at the map. Below, we list all three best Manila 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 Manila we absolutely enjoyed:
- Rizal Park
- Fort Santiago
- San Agustin Church
- National Museum of Fine Arts
- Star City
- Cultural Centre of the Philippines
Looking to explore further afield of the city? Check out these awesome tours:
- Full day Tagaytay Ridge Tour
- A tour of Manila Old and New
- Taal Volcano tour from Manila
FAQs
Here we share with you the most asked question:
How to have a blast for only $20 a day in Manila
How about some saving tips to survive Manila with less than 20 Dollars a day? Yes, you read perfectly, you can survive Manila with just 20 Dollars a day in your pocket!
We bring you these real travel recommendations, from friends to friends. We will introduce you to a hidden bar, a hipster food court, a local garden, a bar with the best jamming bands in Metro Manila, and much more!
But first, a little basic knowledge.
The Philippines’ busiest and most populated region, Manila, has a different charm that only a few could fully understand.
The city spills with traffic and its streets swarm with people from all walks of life.
Unlike most of the tourist destinations in the country, Manila does not boast itself of nature — instead, it reflects a different side of the country, one that shows the reality of what Filipinos have to live with every day.
Manila has a unique personality that you would either love or hate.
- It’s the rebel amongst the tropical paradise destinations of the country, one that would never cease to exist because of the vital role that it plays.
- It is home to skyscrapers and shanty towns, to people from different walks of life, to a mishmash of the country’s personality and rich history.
- It’s a culturally confused metropolis but at the same time a culmination of what the Philippines is about: An eccentric blend of diverse influences
Alright, now you know. Now let us find out how you have a blast in Manila for $20 and less:
- Circumvent Manila like a pro-commuter1
- Bunk beds as accommodation
- No more lonely nights with Manilaâs Happy Hour
- Detoxify your mind, body and spirit for FREE
- Release your inhibitions and Party like no one knows you
1. Circumvent Manila like a pro-commuter1
Going around Manila can be literally taxing with your wallet if youâll give the cab driver the freedom to roam you around.
Hence, travelling like a local is a must.
The modes of transportation around the city are often via JEEPNEYS, BUSES, TRICYCLES and MRT (electronic trains).
The jeepneys are jeep hybrids from WW2 widely use to go around Manila and have labels signaling your end destinations. For each destination, with less than 1 dollar, you can roam around Manila and go to the Mall of Asia which is the largest mall in Asia.
The buses and MRT however, with less than 2 dollars, you can go to the three common terminals in the city such as the Alabang Terminal, Pasay Terminal and Cubao Terminal, which are the gateways to the wonderful beaches, mountains, and volcanoes in the Philippines.
For instance, the Alabang Terminal houses the buses that lead to Taal Volcano in Tagaytay and the Mayon Volcano in Bicol, as well as, the buses that could take you to the island of Boracay.
2. Jump into bunk beds
From the airport, you can rest your tired body and grab an accommodation in nearby hostels.
A bed in most of the Manila Hostels can only damage your wallet for as low as 10 dollars a night. Since you are reading this guide, you most likely made your choice already.
Congrats, thanks and sorry for bringing this up again.
Yet, it is true. Hostels in Manila and Philippines can be high quality. Make sure you check our complete guide to the best hostels in Philippines – with itinerary and more tips for a perfect Philippines backpacker guide.
3. No more lonely nights with Manilaâs Happy Hour
You read it right!
Manila could be the happiest place on earth with its daily Happy Hours in quite numerous bars on weekdays.
Never miss this opportunity, since beers could go as low as 1 dollar per pint and cocktails could dip to as low as 2 dollars for a buy one take one promo.
One good example is Spicy Fingers Bar in Greenbelt Makati. Have a Cocktail from Monday to Friday, 6pm to 8pm for only 1 dollar.
They have the longest happy hour with shots and drinks priced at 50 pesos each.
If you just want to be tipsy right away, try their Weng Weng and Liquid Cocaine. Please be warned though, this is not for the faint of heart.
After a glass or 2 of WengWeng or Liquid Cocaine, you will never remember the best night you just had and the rest is Facebook or Instagram History. This place also delivers absolute entertainment having the best jamming bands in Metro Manila where you can also belt out your lungs and sing on stage.
Please do not be an idiot: Always drink responsibly with hostel mates and stay at safe hostels! Manila safety is so-so but let’s just be responsible for the sake of it all.
4. Detoxify your mind, body and spirit for FREE
After days of intoxicating and partying time, dispel your gut with toxins and revive your senses with the taste of urban nature.
Enjoy the blushing heat of the morning sun in some of Manilaâs wonderful urban parks. Sweat it out while jogging and doing park yoga in Makatiâs Ayala Triangle.
It has nice looking gardens with pathways and a few restaurants and cafes.
The location is also very convenient for a commuter like me. Plus itâs always accessible to almost everything.
Or in the afternoon if you want to awaken your inner bohemian and artistic flair you can commune with still life artists and painters in Taguig Bonifacio Uptown Global Park where Guhit Pilipinas used to hang out and teaches still life paintings and photography tricks.
Then if you are still up for an afternoon stroll, grab a bike near the Cultural Center of the Philippines for about 1 dollar per hour and pedal around the historical Spanish remnants in Luneta Park and the walled city of Intramuros in Manila, as you savor and meditate life with the lingering beauty of the sunset along Roxas Boulevard, a scenic view entirely for FREE.
5. Release your inhibitions and Party like no one knows you
With only 4 dollars in tow, your can enjoy 5 bars, 5 shots and a great company in Party Manilaâs organized Pub Crawl event. Their motto:
âNo one parties aloneâ
They also have quirky themes that youâll love. At a standard, Party Manilaâs Pub Crawl offers five joints pubs + clubs that come along with five FREE shots.
They used to start the drill at H&J Bar in Makati and be sure to be early to get all the 5 shots! Was able to join this kind of event in Boracay though and it was way too crazy, but soon will try to have a version of it in Manila too!
Armed with your 20 dollars to spare in a day and with these 5 practical tips at heart, youâre now ready to board and explore Manila as if youâd been in Manila before.
Things to do in Manila
While most tourist spots in the Philippines are located far from Manila, it doesnât mean that there are no good spots that you can enjoy in the metro.
Whether youâre in the city for a day or two, here are a few options on what you can do. This is your Manila guide:
1. Party and meet some new friends
Manila may not have the biggest nightlife, but the city has some decent places to party and meet some new friends.
One of the spots that you can visit if youâre in the mood for some booze is Poblacion in Makati, where tons of bars, restaurants, and hostels are located.
Some places that you can check out are:
- Dulo MNL
- Polilya
- Antidote
- Run Rabbit Run.
Most bars in Poblacion offer speak-easy drinks and has a more chill, laid back vibe.
If you are looking to dance the night away, you can visit the nearby Bonifacio Global City where most of the popular clubs are. You can check out:
- Valkyrie,
- Palace Pool Club,
- Nectar (a special LGBTQ+ club),
- Early Night, and
- The Island.
2. Museums and historical sites
While Manila has heavily evolved and has become one of the most industrialized cities in the country, there are still a few places that hold the interesting history of what the Philippines went through in the past.
Most of those are located in the heart of Manila, where the National Museum is located.
This museum holds the largest collection of the countryâs artifacts, paintings, and sculptures.
Another place to visit is Rizal Park, which is just a few meters away from National Museum.
This historical park holds close to the country as it is where their national hero, Jose Rizal, was executed in 1896.
While youâre at it, you can also visit Intramuros, which is just adjacent to Rizal Park. This walled city was created by the Spaniards as defense for foreign invasions.
Today, Intramuros is home to multiple historical locations like Fort Santiago and the San Agustin Church (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
3. In-city activities
If you are just looking to pass some time in Manila but is not really interested with history or party, there are also tons of fun activities that you can try within the city.
Here are some places that you can check out:
| Name | Activities | Branches | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gandiva Cafe and Archery Range | Archery | Pioneer Mandaluyong SM Megamall SM North EDSA | Starts at $7 |
| Power Up Climbing Gyms | Wall Climbing | ROX Bonifacio High Street Tandang Sora, Quezon City Cubao | Starts at $4 |
| Ninja Academy | Parkour | Las Pinas Pasig CityLibis | Starts at $8 |
| Commander Shooting Range | Target Shooting | Cubao, Quezon City | Starts at $6 |
| Trampoline Park | Trampoline | Shaw Boulevard, Pasig City | Starts at $3.50 |
| City Kart Racing | Race Track, Karts | Circuit Makati, Makati City | Starts at $39.80 |
| The Dessert Museum | Instagrammable Museum | S Maison, Conrad Hotel, Pasay City | Starts at $14 |
| Lazer Maxx | Laser Tag | Greenhills Shopping Center, San Juan ETON Centris, Quezon City | Starts at $4 |
4. Shop âtil you drop in Manilaâs biggest malls
Manila has some of the biggest malls in the country so if youâre in the mood for buying stuff, then youâre in the right place. Some places that you can check out are:
- SM Mall of Asia (Pasay),
- SM Megamall (Mandaluyong), and
- Glorietta (Makati).
There are also some âshopping districtsâ in Manila like Divisoria and Greenhills but be wary when visiting. While the prices are cheap, it can be really, really crowded.
This also a favorite spot for most petty criminals plus some sellers tend to ask for bigger prices from foreigners.
If you plan on visiting, make sure to bring only the essentials, be aware of your surroundings, and bring a Filipino friend to help you haggle down most prices.
5. Explore outside of the city
If ever you find yourself stuck in Manila for more days than you intend to, feel free to explore outside of the city and into the nearby provinces.
Get yourself a Manila tourist attractions map if you want to make a do-it-yourself day tour.
There are also Bunk 502 nice spots for mountain climbing, swimming, diving, and surfing just a few hours away.
Here are our recommendations:
Batangas
Good spot for: Diving, Beach Bumming, Day hikes
Travel time: 3-4 hours from Manila
Recommended places:
- Anilao (Diving)
- Mt. Gulugod Baboy (Hiking for beginners, Beach)
- Pico de Loro (Hike)
- Mt. Batulao (Hike)
- Laiya (Beach Bumming)
Bulacan
Good spot for: Day hikes
Travel time: 3-4 hours from Manila
Recommended spots:
- Mt. Manalmon
- Mt. Gola
Rizal
Good spot for: Day hikes, Nature Trips
Travel time: 3-4 hours from Manila
Recommended spots:
- Mt. Daraitan
- Mt. Balagbag
- Mt. Pamitian
- Masungi Georeserve
La Union
Good spot for: Surfing, Beach bumming, Chill nightlife
Travel time: 4-6 hours from Manila
Recommended spots:
- Urbiztondo (Surfing, Nightlife)
- San Fernando (Surfing, Nightlife)
- Tangadan Falls (Hike)
Tips for traveling in Manila
One of the biggest challenges in Manila is transportation.
Transportation!!!
Aside from the heavy traffic, most transportation systems are inefficient, with buses and trains spilling with crowd trying to get to one place to another.
While there isn’t much that can be done, there are still a few things that you can do to make the most out of your trip to Manila.
Here are some of our tried and tested tips that you can use when you visit this bustling city.
1. Grab App
Grab is a cab / carpool / car hailing app thatâs almost similar to Uber.
You can book a ride going from one place to another without worrying that your driver is overcharging for your fare. For additional convenience, you can also easily connect the app to your credit card but you also have an option to pay in cash.
2. Download Angkas App
Are you a daredevil whoâs interested to roam around the streets of Manila on a motorbike?
Then Angkas App is for you. You can use it to book motorbikes (like Uber!) and a driver will pick you up and bring you to your destination.
Just be sure that youâre prepared for the ride: traffic and driving in Manila is way different than most places and this kind of experience might not be the best for everyone.
3. Take advantage of P2P Buses
Want to save some fare going to one place to another? You can check out P2P Buses or Point-to-Point buses.
Fares are just around USD 1.50 to 2, depending on the place that youâre going, plus the buses are fairly new and not crowded.
You can find these buses on most major malls in Manila or even at the airport. Make sure to check schedules and pick-up places online before trying it out, though.
4. Use Maps.Me
Internet is slow in the Philippines and WiFi isnât always available. Make sure to stay on track on where youâre going by downloading maps that can be accessible offline.
You can use apps like maps.me, which is totally free of charge.
5. Buy a local SIM card
As mentioned, internet is not always readily available, so you if you want to, you can buy cheap prepaid cards in most stores in Manila.
There are also available internet promos that you can take advantage of, with rates as low as USD 1 for 3 days of internet.
Travel safely in Manila
Manila is probably no more dangerous than your next destination.
While itâs a safe place to visit, but be sure to be on the look for petty criminals and pickpockets especially on crowded areas.
Here are some helpful tips that you can follow to keep yourself safe while traveling in this busy city:
Stay alert especially on crowded areas
Keep your valuables near to you or leave them at your hostel if youâre going out to party (bringing important things and getting drunk / tipsy may not be the best combination).
If youâre about to have your money changed, make sure to double check and count your money before leaving the counter.
Itâs best to have these changed in malls or banks rather than small money changers along shanty streets. Better be safe than sorry.
Kalesas (two-wheeled horse-drawn cart) drivers in Manila are known for overcharging tourists and foreigners. Make sure to agree to a price for your ride beforehand and be sure to inform them that the price is for the whole ride and not per person.
When riding a taxi, make sure to tell your driver that you are going to pay by the meter and not a contract price. Most drivers would ask for âcontractâ prices which are way too big than the usual rates.
You can also opt to use Grab, a ride hailing app, that gives fixed rates upon booking.
Itâs always best to know where your embassy is located. Just in case of emergencies.
There might be a few things that may worry you, but donât let it stop you from enjoying your trip. Be alert, stay aware, and have fun!
Read: our full list of safety tips for traveling the world
More handmade Guides for you
Remember to have a look at our collection of 21 best hostels in the Philippines.
Need help in other destinations in Southeast Asia? Check out our other guides below:
- 3 best hostels in El Nido
- best hostels in Cebu
- best hostels in Bohol
- best hostels in Puerto Princesa
- best hostels in Boracay
- best hostels in Coron
- best hostels in Siargao
- best hostels in La Union
- best hostels in Moalboal
- 3 best hostels in Bangkok
- coolest hostels in Hong Kong
- 3 awesome hostels in Chiang Mai
- best hostels in Hanoi
- best hostels in BusanÂ
- best hostels in Vang Vieng, Laos
- 3 best hostels in Vientiane, Laos
- best hostels in Laos
Safe travels!
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CLOSED: Tambayan Capsule Hostel & Bar (Malate)
Update: This hostel has permanently closed. We’ve kept this content here for your information.
Let’s take a look at a hostel in malate, Manila. A restored mansion redesigned to become a home for adventurers and travelers, Tambayan Capsule Hostel & Bar offers modern accommodation with sleek capsules and private rooms.
Located near most of Manilaâs historical sites and museums, this would be a great treat for travelers who would like to know what the city is all about.
They are also located near bars and also has their own (located at the rooftop) but other than that, Tambayan Hostel has more of a âhotelâ set-up, giving guests more opportunity to enjoy their own company.
This hostel would best suit you if you are interested in visiting some historical sites in Manila or if you are just looking for a place to rest before a flight (around 20 minutes from the airport). It is also a 26-drive to Crossroads Hostel Manila and 20-minute drive to Power Plant Mall.
CLOSED: Haven Backpackers Hostel
Update: This hostel has permanently closed. We’ve kept this content here for your information.
Last, but definitely not the least, is Haven Backpackers Hostel.
Unlike Z Hostel and Lub d, this hostel is located a little further from the busy party areas and is situated in a more secluded part of Makati.
As far as accessibility is a concern, it is still pretty accessible, although you would need to take a car or public transport to reach the bars and restaurants.
If youâre looking for a place to stay with tons of tours available, then Haven is the right hostel for you.
They offer city tours and even tours outside of Manila, giving you plenty of options on the places that you can go.
Since Haven Backpackers Hostel aims to cater to travelers on a shoestring budget, they offer relatively cheaper rates and a bit less of luxury compared to the other two hostels.
The amenities and free breakfast are pretty basic and the rooms accommodate up to 12 pax, so be prepared to share your space with a lot of people.
Other than that, Haven Backpackers Hostel is still a nice place to stay, with their accommodating staff and a good mix of travelers. Just make sure to manage your expectations when booking.
Location of Haven Backpackers: Near the airport Ninoy Aquino International
Compared to the other two, Haven Backpackers Hostel is the one nearest to the airport, just located 6km away from Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
This hostel would be great for those who have flights to catch. This is your ultimate Manila airport hostel because you can just take a rest and then get ready for your flight.
While itâs a little far from the busy party scene, Haven Backpackers Hostel compensates for its accessibility to other spots in the greater Manila area, like the Cultural Center of the Philippines (3.5km away) and National Museum (4.5km away).
Who stays at Haven Backpackers?
If you are a backpacker and solo traveler looking for an affordable hostel, then Haven Backpackers Hostel is the place for you in Manila.
This is also perfect for travelers who are looking for a place to stay while waiting for their next flight or arriving very late at night.
If you have been looking for a cheap hostel manila, you have just found it.
Haven Backpackers Hostel is the best hostel in Manila for:
- solo travelers
- travelers that have early/ late flights
