About

Nestled amongst beautiful green trees, just a short 10 minute walk from town, Mama Hostel is a colourful, budget-friendly backpackers hostel that prides itself on a warm welcome and outstanding customer service. Our aim is to create a home from home atmosphere where our guests can relax, share their adventures, and leave us having created lifelong memories in this little corner of paradise!

Mama Hostel offers a range of private rooms with aircon or fans, along with six dorm rooms, all equipped with aircon, When not out enjoying all the amazing things El Nido has to offer, our guests can relax in our spacious chill-out zone on the first floor, or sit and swap travel stories around our communal outdoor tables. Free coffee is available in the Reception Area 24/7, along with a drinks fridge and a small snack shop. Breakfast is available every day from 7am - 11am.

We truly want your stay with us to be as relaxed as possible, so we offer a wide range of additional services to make your life easy! Our friendly Front Desk Officers are a font of local knowledge and can provide you with a wealth of suggestions for things to do, places to go, as well as recommendations for the best of El Nido's dining and nightlife.

We can help you book the famous ABCD boat tours, along with Tour Z, a truly special tour unique to El Nido. We have motorbikes available to rent so you can explore the many stunning places nearby, such as Nacpan and Duli Beaches. We also can arrange onward transportation for you to other destinations within Palawan, including Puerto Princesa and Port Barton, as well as to nearby Lio Airport.

Welcomed to Mama Hostel with a big smile, we hope you will have a wonderful stay with us, and will leave us with an even bigger smile!

Terms and conditions:

Cancellation policy:
7 days before arrival. In case of a late cancellation or No Show, you will be charged the first night of your stay.
Payment upon arrival. Cash only.
Taxes not included - 15.00%

Check is in from 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Please advise us the day before if you require a later check in time.
Check out is at 12:00 noon.
Reception Hours: 7:00 am until 11:00 pm

Mama Hostel has a designated area for smoking outside.

The Reception Area is alcohol free from 10pm onwards, but guests are welcome to enjoy a drink in their rooms or at the outside tables.

To ensure all guests enjoy their stay, please keep the noise to a respectful level after 10:00 pm.

House Rules

Check In

15:00 - 23:00

Check Out

until 11:00

Taxes Not Included

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Facilities

Free WiFi
Free Luggage Storage
Meeting Rooms
Airport Transfers
Luggage Storage
Tours/Travel Desk
Currency Exchange
Shuttle Bus

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Reviews

7.9Very Good(127)

Value for Money
7.8
Security
8.3
Atmosphere
7.5
Cleanliness
7.5
Staff
9.5
Location
8.0
Facilities
7.0

Summary of traveller reviews

Mama Hostel in El Nido is praised for its incredibly friendly and welcoming staff, making guests feel at home. It's noted as great value for money, though some recent reviews mention issues with cleanliness and basic facilities.

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Stayed in May 2026

8.9

Samuele

Male, 18-24, Italy

Nice place

Stayed in Apr 2026

9.1

sophie

All Female Group, 18-24, England

This hostel is extremely good value for money. The family who run it are so lovely and offer a wide range of services. The price reflects the standard. It’s a comfortable bed, with air con and a clean bathroom. Would stay again

Stayed in Apr 2026

Rain

Female, 31-40, Philippines

Very accommodating will go back here

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Location

Sitio Caalan, Barangay Buena Suerte, El Nido, El Nido, Philippines

0.6km from city centre

About El Nido

Located on the northernmost point of Palawan Island, El Nido is your gateway to the heart-stopping beauty of the Bacuit Archipelago. The dazzling clarity of the teal waters and towering limestone cliffs contrast against the somewhat haphazard buildings of the town. El Nido is less westernised than other well-known spots in Southeast Asia, making it both a thrilling discovery and, at times, an adventurous challenge. The prize? Unspoiled views, truly wild marine life and an up-and-coming party scene.

There are El Nido hostels right on the sand, some with beach bars and restaurants for watching the sunset with a cold beer. For a party, stay in an El Nido hostel with resident DJs and visiting musicians. A hostel with a campfire on a quiet beach can be just the thing for a peaceful retreat. As with many growing destinations, comforts like hot showers and always-on electricity won't be available everywhere, though you will find hostels in El Nido that pride themselves on having such luxuries. Check out the best hostels in El Nido here.

The municipality of El Nido has 18 barangarays (neighbourhoods). The liveliest is Maligaya, or Zone I, which is where most of the hostels are. This is where to come for a party, plus the white sands, azure ocean, bars and restaurants of Las Cabanas beach are just a walk away. 45 accessible islands promise natural wonders – you'll find glittering lagoons around Miniloc Island, and Snake Island is easily recognised by its S-shaped sandbar and untouched beaches.

El Nido's main attractions are its marine wildlife, geological formations and inviting waters. Snorkellers are spoilt for choice around Bacuit Bay, and experienced divers can try the Dilumacad Underwater Tunnel – 40 metres of colourful coral and schools of fish. For something unique, steal away to Matinloc Island's secret lagoon. Its soft shore and tranquil waters can only be reached by swimming through a small hole in the towering karst cliffs that hide the beach from view. Prefer to stay on land? You can hike up Taraw Peak for unrivalled views of mountains, sea and sky.

If you're flying in internationally, you'll likely need to catch a connection from Manila to Palawan's Puerto Princesa International Airport. From there it's a twisty six hour drive via shared minivan to El Nido itself. Buses are cheaper but the trip can be up to 3hrs longer. You'll arrive at Corong Corong bus station, and the town is a short tricycle ride from there.

Mama Hostel

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About El Nido

About El Nido