[Where I’ve Been] Inside El Nido’s super cool Spin Designer Hostel

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El Nido is a place I will probably keep returning to, because of its bone white sand beaches, cerulean waters and small town feel despite the rapid commercialization around it. The third time I visited this year, I found a hostel that is aesthetically appealing, comfortable and is as close as one will probably get to hotel level service from a backpacker’s accommodation.

A trip to El Nido can be tiring, especially if we’ve been out doing any of the island hopping tours (A, B,C, D) or land trips to nearby beaches in Nacpan and Las Cabanas. We need a place to rest and relax in between tours or on days we simply don’t want to do anything. SPIN Hostel is one of those backpacker places where we can hangout, socialize with other travelers or do various activities aside from having spacious and comfortable beds (one dorm bed can fit two people). As a person who has traveled in various parts of the Philippines and Asia, I’ve been to very good and very bad dorms.

At SPIN, The Nest, Table and Deck are hangout spots for travelers who want to meet like-minded people possibly to hang out with for the duration of their stay in El Nido. The Nest has a bird’s nest-inspired design that is both beautiful and airy. It provides the lounge and lobby area a distinct and open look. The closeness of these common areas make it easy to start a conversation with people, whether it is while eating or browsing for the best place to eat on your gadget.

Things to do in El Nido

For first-timers tour A and C are the recommended trips because they cover everything from lagoons to beaches, and the iconic towering tear-like limestone formations. For those who are returning, include tour B and C; the former has an excellent snorkeling site (Pinagbuyutan Island) and the beautiful Snake Island where you can see the snake-like sandbar from a viewpoint. The latter covers Cadlao Lagoon that has emerald waters surrounded by towering rock formations, and a snorkeling spot. It also includes the white sand beaches of Natnat, Paradise and Bukal.

Nacpan Beach is accessible by land and provides a view of the twin beaches from a hill. To get the best views of the sunset, head on to Las Cabanas Beach. – Rappler.com

Joshua Berida is a full time writer, part-time wanderer with insatiable wanderlust. He plans his next trip during a current one. He plans on exploring the Philippines and beyond. Read about his adventures on thewanderingjuan.net