Before becoming a well-known international tourist destination, Boracay was a paradise to a few backpackers for almost three decades.
Image: Anna Moskowitz - Pixabay
The backpackers’ paradise is now on everyone’s bucket list. Who would not want to experience an island with the finest and purest white sand in the world?
Since the emergence of several facilities and world-class resorts, Boracay has evolved into one of the busiest vacation spots in the country. But despite its status, the island continues to cater to its original market: the backpackers. As backpackers are known for traveling on a budget, you can find many cheap hotels in Boracay that cater to them.
So, if you’re traveling with a bunch of adventurous friends and looking for where to stay in Boracay, here’s a list of affordable hotels in Boracay.
True to its name, Chillax Flashpackers Boracay follows the concept of backpackers—backpackers with a bigger budget. Chillax also incorporates sustainability in its place. Its rooms are constructed using containers shipped to the island and upcycled to fit the hotel’s concept. Aside from that, Chillax also houses a swimming pool made from an upcycled construction dumpster. The accumulated dirt in the pool water is then used again for their garden. Chillax Flashpackers Boracay has six dorm rooms with suite bathrooms and balconies and six-bed, eight-bed, and ten-bed rooms. The hotel has a roof deck, bar and grill, games room, and cinema.
Where:3rd and 4th floor Pat's Creek Bar, Station 2, White Beach
Rate:PhP700 a night per guest
Balcony area of Hostel Avenue overlooking White Beach
Image: Hostel Avenue
The primary edge of Hostel Avenue Boracay in attracting visitors is its strategic location. This hotel in Boracay is at the central part of Station 2 beachfront, where most of the island action happens. The hostel is just a short walk away from D’Mall and is surrounded by bars, restaurants, and shops. If you’re lucky enough to occupy the upper level of the building, you could certainly enjoy the uninterrupted view of White Beach. You can also meet fellow travelers at their balcony area or a bar just downstairs of the hostel building.
All rooms have capsule-inspired beds, air conditioning, CR, locker, and electric outlets and can accommodate 20 guests. There’s also a designated area for Wi-Fi.
Rate:PhP700 a night per head for a minimum of six guests
Dorm rooms are perfect for solo travelers or groups.
Images: Boracay Backpackers
If you prefer a more peaceful place to stay, Boracay Backpackers could offer that. Boracay Backpackers is a laidback hostel in Station 1 in Barangay Balabag that has a mix of basic dorms and private rooms. For dorms, you can choose between a four-bed or an eight-bedroom. The hostel offers a garden where you can laze around. It likewise has an open-air bar where you can chill alone or with friends.
If you’re a dog lover, you would love Whiskey—the resident dog of this homey place in Bulabog in Barangay Balabag. This cheap hotel in Boracay also has a café named after the owner’s dog. Whiskey’s Café is set in a serene garden with hammocks and comfortable chairs that you can laze around. The café serves both local and Western dishes. Lazy Dog Bed & Breakfast has an 8-bed dorm room for solo travelers on which each person gets their towel, linens, and lockers for their valuables.
Orchids Resort in Station 3 offers a rustic vibe with its native cottages and rooms made of bamboo and nipa. The resort does not have dorm rooms but has 19 rooms you can choose from. It has a fan and cottage rooms, but air-conditioned rooms are also available on the resort if you prefer one. Each room has a bamboo closet, lampshades, and a balcony where you can relax in a bamboo chair. The resort likewise offers guests concierge, laundry, and transfer services.
For starters, Frendz Hostel boasts its regular free pasta night every Wednesday and Sunday, followed by a live music session of local artists from Boracay. The Frendz Hostel in Station 2 can also organize fun tours around Boracay and the nearby Carabao Island since it is conveniently located two minutes from White Beach. Its guests can also get discounts on the hostel’s partner restaurants, dive shops, and kitesurfing schools. For the rooms, this hotel in Boracay has eight native-style fan or air-conditioned private and dorm rooms where you can opt to stay.
Where:Bulabog Road, Barangay Balabag, Boracay Island
Rate:Starts at PhP400
Colorful standard rooms at Jeepney.
Image: Jeepney Hostel and Kite Resort
A hostel, a sports bar, and a kite school in one place: Jeepney Hostel and Kite Resort for you. Jeepney caters mainly to adventurous souls who kitesurf and windsurf on the Bulabog side of Boracay. The hostel has bamboo dorm rooms for backpack travelers, while those who prefer privacy can occupy rooms on its resort part.
Some rooms even have a terrace or balcony so guests can chill and relax. Speaking of relaxation, Jeepney also has a 24-hour sports bar. This bar hosts regular parties and public viewing of your favorite sports tournament. Jeepney likewise offers adventure tours and kitesurfing lessons.
November 2022 Update:Jeepney Hostel and Kite Resort is permanently closed.
So, which of these cheap Boracay hotels do you like best? Let us know them! Since you cannot enter the island without a reservation, it’s advised to contact a hotel as soon as you find one you like.
This article was initially published in Yoorekka on January 16, 2019.
Rates may change without prior notice.
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About Karen Bermejo
Karen writes to earn a living, tell stories and promote her advocacies. She’s a traveler and a volunteer. Her adventurous soul makes her more comfortable to sleep on the couch of a stranger than pay bucks for accommodation. Her ultimate dream is to travel the world, master a foreign language and learn how to swim. To keep her sanity while chasing her dreams, she chases waterfalls on weekends.
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