In our data, the cheapest Philippine island stays rated 4.0 or higher start at about 12 euros a night for two guests in Siargao (Tres Islas Hostel), about 16 euros in Boracay (Boracay Backpackers, Chill Out Hostel) and about 17 euros in El Nido (Frida Ka Hostal). Cost guides put island hopping at roughly 22 to 45 US dollars a tour.
The boat leaves at nine. You step off a white beach into knee-deep water, climb onto a wooden outrigger boat with a handful of strangers, and head out between limestone cliffs where the sea changes from green to blue to a colour that does not have a name. By lunchtime the boatmen have grilled fish and rice on deck. This is island hopping in the Philippines, and it is the reason many travellers come. The surprise is the price: the islands are less expensive than their postcards suggest.
The cheapest well-rated stays right now
We kept only places with a Google rating of at least 4.0. Prices are for two guests, 25 to 28 November 2026, read from Google Hotels on 21 October 2026, lowest price we found for that offer.
Boracay
| Hotel | From per night | Rating | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boracay Backpackers | about 16 € | 4.0 (414 reviews) | 4 sites |
| Chill Out Hostel Boracay | about 17 € | 4.7 (489 reviews) | 3 sites |
| Shore Time Dormitel | about 17 € | 4.4 (174 reviews) | 3 sites |
Siargao
| Hotel | From per night | Rating | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tres Islas Hostel | about 12 € | 4.5 (187 reviews) | 2 sites |
| Sunset Surf Hostel Siargao | about 15 € | 4.9 (134 reviews) | 3 sites |
| Ilakai Hostel | about 17 € | 4.6 (171 reviews) | 5 sites |
El Nido
| Hotel | From per night | Rating | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frida Ka Hostal | about 17 € | 4.1 (150 reviews) | 2 sites |
| Mad Monkey Nacpan Beach | about 22 € | 4.1 (154 reviews) | 1 site |
Good to know: Some of these are hostels, and the cheapest offer may be a bed or a small private room. Open the hotel page and check what is included. Nacpan Beach is outside El Nido town, so transport is part of the price.
Why people love the Philippines
- The water and the islands. Clear sea, limestone cliffs, white sand and small islands within a short boat ride.
- Friendly locals. English is widely spoken, which makes everything easier.
- Variety. Party beaches in Boracay, surf culture in Siargao, lagoons and cliffs in El Nido.
- Island life. Slow days, sunsets and cheap fresh seafood.
What to experience
- Island hopping in El Nido. Tours A to D visit lagoons, beaches and snorkelling spots, usually with lunch included.
- Sunset at White Beach in Boracay. Walk the beach path in the evening.
- Surf or watch the surf in Siargao at Cloud 9.
- Rent a scooter and explore the coast roads, where you can.
- Eat grilled fish with rice at a beachside stall.
What does it cost?
Cost guides report that hostel beds cost about 400 to 900 pesos (roughly 7 to 16 US dollars), island-hopping tours about 1,200 to 2,500 pesos (roughly 22 to 45 dollars) and a scooter rental about 350 to 600 pesos a day (roughly 6 to 11 dollars). A typical budget traveller is estimated at 25 to 45 dollars a day. These are guide estimates, not our own measurements, and tours often add environmental or entrance fees on the day.
How to save even more
- Book the first night and extend once you know the weather, as island weather can change plans.
- Compare total prices with taxes, see taxes and fees explained.
- Choose free cancellation because boat and flight schedules can change.
Questions
Which island is cheapest in our data? Siargao has the lowest prices in our database, but only six hotels with prices, so treat it as a first impression.
Are the Philippines cheaper than Thailand? Not in our data: the cheapest rated stays here cost about 12 to 17 euros against 7 to 11 in Bangkok. Island stays are generally more expensive than city stays.
Are these prices permanent? No. They are a snapshot for late November 2026. Compare your own dates.