Near Boat Station 1 Balabag Main Beach White Beach Path, Boracay, Philippines | (937) 315-4602
Near the restaurants and bars in Station 2
Three-minute walk to buzzing White Beach
Affordable rates in traditional bungalows with verandas
Private rooms, and shared gender-specific dorms available
Open-air restaurant and bar with a pool table
Homey perks like free pasta nights
Free Wi-Fi
Some rooms lack air-conditioning
Not all have en-suite bathrooms
Restaurant isn't big enough for number of guests
Minimum stays may apply
Wi-Fi may not cover all rooms
Frendz Resort Boracay is a no-frills hostel with 10 traditionally decorated bungalows, both private and shared, in Station 2. Upgraded rooms have air-conditioning and there are female-only dorm options, but not all have en-suite bathrooms. A simple open-air common area houses a restaurant and bar, but guests at the nearby Casamso Boracay sister hotel get access, and it can be too crowded as a result. Even so, perks like the free pasta night score rave reviews from backpackers. It's not directly on the beach, nor in the most convenient spot down a tucked-away alley, but it's still close to dining and nightlife. It's well worth comparing with rates and amenities at the equally budget-friendly Dave's Straw Hat Inn in Station 3.
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Scene
Laid-back hostel with homey perks for backpackers and the budget-conscious
This small, but busy hostel is geared toward budget travelers looking to socialize with other backpackers. Its thatched bamboo bungalows and dorms fill up easily, and the place feels like a little village, with tropical flora sprouting alongside gravel paths between that lead to a central open-air pavilion. A small reception desk made of thick bamboo poles shares this common area with a pool table and simple wooden seating for the restaurant and bar. Don't come here with poshtel expectations -- this is no branch of the Generator chain, after all -- but it's fine enough for those who don't need much in the way of frills. Even so, get togethers like the weekly pasta night do add a nice communal vibe. Solo travelers mingle with couples, and groups of friends, lounging around between trips to the beach or more happening destinations.
Location
Three-minute walk to White Beach, near restaurants and bars
The hostel lies on narrow alley that can easily be missed from the highway amid the residential blocks in Station 2. The lively area is a three-minute walk from White Beach, Boracay’s most famous stretch of sand, and there are dozens of nightlife and dining spots within a short walk. The popular D'Mall is also less than a 10-minute walk away (the shortest route is along the beach). Station 2 is the most popular area among tourists, and the immediate neighborhood -- especially the area along the beach -- can be busy and loud. Station 3, known for its varied dining options and quieter vibe, can be reached by bike in about 15 minutes. Attractions in Station 1, such as Willy’s Rock and the Holy Rosary Parish, are just a 10-minute walk away in the opposite direction. The trip to the airport should take about 45 minutes and includes a ferry ride.
Rooms
Shared dorms and private rooms in traditional bungalows, some lack air-conditioning and en-suite bathrooms
The hostel has 10 separate rooms and dorms, all in bungalows with bamboo walls and thatched roofs. All open to verandas with cushioned bamboo seating. Shared dorms are either male or female and lack air-conditioning, with table and floor fans covering five (or more) twin beds. Each bed has a personal locker and an outlet, but there's little in the way of amenities. Some have shared en-suite bathrooms that have simple walk-in showers lined with local marble, but guests in some rooms need to use common bathrooms down a flight of stairs. There are also deluxe private rooms with with queen beds and private bathrooms that benefit from air-conditioning and old tube TVs. Free Wi-Fi is available, but it doesn't reach all rooms equally.
Features
Restaurant and bar, pool table, free Wi-Fi
The hostel's restaurant and small bar share space in the central open-air pavilion. The homemade operation also has an espresso machine and breakfast is available (not included). Guests rave about perks like the free pasta night and evening social hours, during which everyone gathers and trades stories and travel tips. There's a pool table and board games like chess for guests to use. Free Wi-Fi is available in the common areas, though may not be strong enough to reach all of the rooms.
