Moalboal Backpackers Lodge

If you’re willing to rough it up a bit and have the most chilled out couple days on Panagsama beach, Moalboal Backpacker’s Lodge is a great way to go if you’re on a tight budget. It’s cute, its quirky, and it was the first hostel to open in the area. 

At only PHP350 a night for an adorable dorm bed with your very own fancy mosquito net (that is sarcasm incase it wasn’t obvious), it’s probably one of the lowest cost accommodation’s in this awesome little town, and it’s great value for money, and it just has so much character! In the morning they serve free tea, coffee or milo from their little minivan kitchen and reception area. You can order a really cheap breakfast or make up your own, PHP20 for an egg, 20 for toast, 30 for bacon (around $2AUD in total). 

12 bed mixed dorm

Wifi in the Philippines is renowned for being absolutely terrible, and this indie little hostel is no exception, but good luck finding one with perfect connection! But my favourite part about this hostel was the rustic little chill areas all over the place, with hammocks everywhere and random little staircases leading to unknown and mysterious places, like the shower room. The 12 bed dorm room is open air and looks over the town centre and the ocean, which is about 100m away. 

From the hostel, you can walk about 2 minutes and jump straight into the ocean where the turtles are every day, you’re bound to see them if you hire a snorkel for PHP100 and swim at high tide, any time before 1pm-ish. The Sardine Run is also right here in the water about 20m from the shore! We have never found it so easy to swim with fish and turtles! 

I also suggest renting a scooter if you can ride one, and going out to explore spots like White Beach and some of the incredible waterfalls. Read my story “Kawasan Falls" to hear more about the best one!

Kawasan Falls