This is iiit. Two weeks to go til Boracay! Last time I was there 2010 pa pala, so I'm pretty excited!:) Was able to book 2 roundtrip tickets for just P1,800 (yes, that's for 2 people and already includes fees and taxes!) via AirAsia. Jackpot. I'm just praying the flight won't get delayed. Schedule should go as planned for us to make it to the last banca trip which is til 10pm. Crossing all my fingers, sama na fingers ng mga kapitbahay. Haha! Anywaaaay, with our flight booked next step was to search for a place to stay in. The easiest and most convenient way to do that is via www.agoda.com. Tried and tested! You already know how huge a fan I am of Agoda as evidenced by my "How to Travel on a Budget" post 2 years ago. I almost always book hotels here when I travel 'coz it's relatively cheaper than other sites. Here o!
Going back, I spent 2 days (yeees, forever feeling travel agent kung magaddik sa paghanap ng hotel) searching for the perfect hostel/hotel/inn in Boracay. I was searching for any accommodation between P1-2K price range bilang poorita aragon coz so much bills to pay haha. There was so much to choose from! But one stood out and particularly caught my fancy. Guys, say hello to my home in Boracay for 4 days, MNL Beach Hostel! Booking was also easy breezy via Agoda.com. Of course:)
MNL Boutique Hostel is the first backpackers inn in Boracay, I think. It's the only hostel (based on photos) that closely resemble those I stayed in at Singapore! My hostel stays in SG were all pleasant, so I really can't wait to experience the magic that is MNLHostel. With all the feedback I'm hearing and seeing, I hope I don't get tempted to leave everything behind and just live there. Haha!
SEN VIET Hotel in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. Read my blog post HERE.
Nice room, nice bathroom, nice breakfast! Great deal!:)
Leisure Inn, Malaysia. Read my blog post HERE.
The Anne Black, YWCA in Hongkong. Read my blog post HERE.
MNL Boutique Hostel is the first backpackers inn in Boracay, I think. It's the only hostel (based on photos) that closely resemble those I stayed in at Singapore! My hostel stays in SG were all pleasant, so I really can't wait to experience the magic that is MNLHostel. With all the feedback I'm hearing and seeing, I hope I don't get tempted to leave everything behind and just live there. Haha!
What are backpackers hotels/inns or boutique hostels based on my experience? They are budget, no frills type of accommodations. They usually offer dorm type rooms but most of them have private rooms available too. Expect bathroom sharing except for private rooms with CR na inside. So bring your own toiletries! So happy that MNLHostel provide towels na! Woot. In summary, MNLHostel said the goal is provide a comfortable place to stay and also promote camaraderie. Sometimes I prefer staying in boutique hostels coz aside from cutting traveling costs, the feel, ambiance and energy of the whole place is intoxicating. So full of life! Literally & figuratively. If you want to fully immerse in traveling, I highly recommend staying in backpackers inn. Lalo na kayong mga single! Swear. Haha. So much promise! Lol. But seriously, it makes the whole traveling experience complete. Share a bathroom, a meal, activities, sports, movies, drinks, stories, smiles & laughter with foreigners and locals. You'll be amazed at how much wiser, happier and bolder you'd come out after the whole experience.;)
Here are the different facilities and amenities...
Breakfast is served at the roof deck! Amazing view;)
Roof Deck, where all the fun happens! I'm excited to make new friends:)
* Sun Deck
* FREE WiFi
* Heated Power Rain Showers
*Airconditioned and Fan Rooms Available
*24/7 Security -- Key Card Access
*No Curfew
*Common Room with HD TV, Surround Sound & Book Exchange
*Self Catering Kitchen
*Your COOL-Cierge and Tour Desk
*Nightly Fun-tivities and BYOB
And here the different budget yet cozy & artsy rooms!
Double Room (1 Queen bed)
Twin Room (2 Single beds)
Deck Suite (1 Queen bed + direct access to sun roof)
Dorm rooms are available in 4, 6, 8-bed mixed, 6-bed female only with air-con and 8 and 10 bed fan..
When you book at MNLHostel, you just don't get a nice comfy bed to sleep in. They also give added treats for their guests to have the best experience. Here are the room inclusions:
Double, Twin & Suite
Ensuite Toilet and Bath
Heated Rain Showers
8.5 inch spring mattress
Hotel Grade Linen and Pillows
Comfy Duvets
All Airconditioned
Unique Artwork
FREE Continental Breakfast
FREE Linen
FREE Bath Towel
FREE Beach Towel
Dorm Rooms
Pod-Style for privacy
Built in Facilities like personal socket, lamp and ledge
8.5 inch spring mattress
Hotel Grade Linen and Pillows
Common Toilet and Bath
Heated Rain Showers
FREE Breakfast
FREE Linen
FREE Bath Towel
FREE Beach Towel
FREE Locker
Aaaand, I am sold! The hostel's location offers more options as well. If you want to sunbathe, party or shop, then take a 5-10 minute walk to D'Mall and the white beach.If you want naman to kitesurf or explore, take a 2-minute walk to Bulabog beach front.
Beach front
Map:)
Getting there is easy too. Just watch this video and follow the instructions below!
From Caticlan (MPH) airport:
*Take a tricycle to the Caticlan Jetty Port
*Take a boat to boracay island (Php 25 + Php 100 terminal fee + Php 75 environmental fee)
*Upon arrival on boracay island, take a tricycle and have them bring you to MNL Boracay Beach Hostel (beside Bulabog Central Inn) -- Php 150
From Kalibo (KLO) airport:
*Upon arrival, take Southwest Airport to Hotel transfers to MNL Boracay Beach Hostel, in front of Danaru Spa (Php 500)
Book through Agoda!
Here's the link: http://www.agoda.com/mnl-boutique-hostel/hotel/manila-ph.html
Now you could plan your sweet escape anytime, anywhere through Agoda's mobile app!
I've tried it and it's heaven sent!!! I'm always on the go and I spend more time on my phone than my laptop. Now I can browse through their wide hotel selections and book anytime, anywhere. You could even filter your searches according to your budget (which I always do, the cheaper the better haha), your preferred location, star rating and preferred facilities. Ang saya. So convenient. Go for it! ;)
Watch out for my Boracay post soon! March 9, come sooner pleaaase.
Follow MNLHostels:
Address:
Manila - Valdez cor Santiago St. Poblacion, Makati, Manila, Philippines 1210
Boracay - Road 1-A, Bulabog, Brgy. Balabag Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan 5608
Follow Agoda:
Agoda Company Pte Ltd (Agoda.com) is one of the leading Asia-based, online hotel reservations company, which specializes in securing the lowest discount hotel prices. Agoda.com is part of priceline.com (Nasdaq:PCLN). Agoda.com's network includes more than 360,000 hotels worldwide. The multinational staff of more than 1,400 professionals, located throughout the world, provides a first-rate reservation service that uniquely combines local knowledge and local connections to provide the best hotel deals to both business and leisure travelers.
