Anilao Backpackers

Anilao Backpackers

118, Barangay San Jose, Anilao, Luzon Philippines
Traveler (44)
Double bed fan room upstairs
Room & Suite (11)
Lunch
Dining (4)

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About

#1 of 1 hostel in Anilao
4.5 of 5 bubbles
Location
3.9 of 5 bubbles
Rooms
4.5 of 5 bubbles
Value
4.3 of 5 bubbles
Cleanliness
4.7 of 5 bubbles
Service
3.8 of 5 bubbles
Sleep Quality
Not a resort, but a home for travellers and divers...
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Property amenities
Free breakfast
Airport transportation
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HOTEL STYLE
Budget
Charming
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  • 29
  • 11
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Detailed Reviews
Do_moreandmore wrote a review Apr 2015
Canada
5.0 of 5 bubbles
This was a stopover on our way to join our live aboard (Vasco) that was doing the transition trip from Anilao to Tubbataha, so we didn't expect much, but this place was a great surprise!

There is a bunch of high class expensive resorts around Anilao that are remote and far from the village. Anilao Backpackers is meant for divers, so not the place for someone expecting a princess's hotel. But the most welcoming staff, amazing home cooked meals, great location in the village, inexpensive and most of all......THE DIVING! Wow! This is macro paradise, small stuff Capital.

By the way, where else can you get shuttled to your dive sites on a 3 wheel motorcycle???

Anilao Backpackers THE spot in Anilao.
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Date of stay: March 2015
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FarahNurSuaidah wrote a review Mar 2016
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Initially made a booking for two but ended up solo. But Jho still welcoming me since they also got a group of guest for diving as well. She's systematic in organising things. She made me to share the boat with other group of guest but provided a personal divemaster for me i.e. Jess (Jho's husband) and Justine (Jho's son). Even let me borrowed her hood because the water was cold. The dive trip turned out awesome. I had a good companies through out the trip in Anilao. Cc: Simon, Sterwina, Livie and Sandy. I shall thanks Ian for being part of my trip too.

Since I'm Muslim and difficult to find halal food, she tried her best to prepare something that I could eat during my stay. I shall thanks Chef Jhen and Angela too. Oh, not to forget, the delicious of the Buko Pandan dessert that they made it and the ube ice cream and cake as well. It was yummy. Thank you for being so particular about my needs.

Thank you to all the crew of Anilao Backpackers for doing a great job and making my trip a memorable one. I'd recommend to anyone to stay and dive with Anilao Backpackers :)
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Date of stay: February 2016Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Donnie Marie C wrote a review Sep 2018
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
This is a backpackers haven for a budgeted trip to Anilao Batangas. This is not a resort, it is a homestay accommodation for travellers and/or dive masters who are on a very tight budget. They have an AC room that is good for 3persons, a dorm-type roomgood for 4pax, and 1 AC room with own toilet. If your budget is really tight, the fan room/bed is on the balcony that is also shared with fellow travelers and divers. This is a place where most of the Dive Masters in Anilao stays. At night, you can to share stories with them, have a few/plenty of drinks and meet new friends. I came with my dive master highschool classmate Abet Lagula. The new owner/manager of the place is an Australian Diver (his name is Dean) who fell in love with our dear country Phillippimes and decided to stay in this magical place. As you know, Anilao is the most closest dive site from Manila. There is a kitchen here where you can cook meals or buy food at the port. By the way, i slept in one of the AC room with shared toilet and it was like sleeping inmy own room. Very comfy. The design of the place is very Filipino with the bamboo floors, walls and roof. I will definitely go back here.
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Date of stay: September 2018
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa W wrote a review May 2014
Bern, Switzerland
3.0 of 5 bubbles
We stayed at Anilao Backpackers for three nights and dived during two days. The room was very small and the mattress worn out. It was extremely noisy from the Karaoke bar right next to it, the traffic and the roosters. On the first day we got lunch and dinner (charged with 200 Peso each, mostly seafood) even though we didnt order it. The breakfast though was nice and included in the room price.
The diving was good and the local divemaster was very good and found a lot of things for us. He and the staff at Anilao Backpackers were very nice and welcoming.

During the first day however the owner of Anilao Backpackers was diving with us as well and we have never seen such bad diving behavior as displayed by this woman. To get a perfect picture she would just lie down on coral and critters. Then she crawled on hands (with gloves) and fins to the next object. When I told her underwater she didnt react, neither did she anytime afterwards.
If she hadnt left Anilao the next day, we would have left Anilao Backpackers to find another place. Even if it was a bit more expensive.

If the underwater environment and good diving behavior is important to you, then this is not the place to stay! We will not go back because we dont want to support her in any way. We know that taking good underwater pictures is easily possible without damaging corals and smashing our so loved nudibranchs!
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Date of stay: May 2014
2.0 of 5 bubblesValue
3.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
3.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
3.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
4.0 of 5 bubblesService
2.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MakiGirl wrote a review Sep 2014
Johannesburg, South Africa
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Anilao backpackers does what it says on the box - it's cheap, friendly and well organized for diving. Rooms are small and a bit noisy (traffic and the ever-present Filipino rooster) but clean. Plenty of shared bathrooms with hot water. Breakfast was generally eggs and toast with pancakes thrown in from time to time. Other meals were generally rice with meat or fish but tasty with some variety. There are not many nearby options for eating out.

The diving is amazing and we saw a bucket-list bobbit worm so were totally thrilled. You can do a shore entry a short walk away but it is worth doing one or two days of boat diving if you can find 3/4 people to share the boat costs with. Rental gear was fine.

It really is easy and cheap to follow the website instructions to get from Manila to the hostel on public transport.

Really good option for diving in Batangas.
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Date of stay: August 2014
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: Downstairs rooms seemed quieter
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Micdiver77 wrote a review May 2014
Taguig City, Philippines
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Anilao Backpackers is the PERFECT place to stay if you are budget-conscious yet looking for the hotel basics - - soft beds, hot water, wifi, good food! The staff are also friendly and very helpful.

Anilao Backpackers is strategically located across one of Anilao's famous dive sites - - "Basura". Basura is great for muck and night diving, and a haven for macro photographers - - frogfishes, nudibranches, pipefishes, shrimps that come in all shape and sizes. Sometime a turtle if you are lucky and if you go really early in the morning.

Because of Anilao Backpacker's strategic location, it has become the second home of some of Anilao's famous and experienced divemasters and underwater photographers. So you would often leave with great tips and advices for your next dive!

Truly, Anilao Backpackers has all the components for a perfect dive experience...
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Date of stay: May 2014
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
4.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
4.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
4.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
badhotelhater wrote a review Feb 2014
Cleveland,Oh.
4.0 of 5 bubbles
I had checked pricing on a number of resorts in Anilao. Many were very high, almost unaffordable.
We were not interested in spending big money we just wanted a nice place to stay and dive.

We really found it at Backpackers! Its a Philippine resort I would not hesitate to go back to, in fact I've made reservations to go back this year

Although it is not somewhere you can get your nails done in the lobby,its clean and its very reasonably priced with very friendly people.
You will most probably leave with a number of great new friends.
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Date of stay: November 2013
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
4.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
4.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
4.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with friends
Room Tip: Personally I liked the 'white noise' from the A/C unit. Besides I live in a COLD climate,...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Penn DLSantos wrote a review Feb 2014
Manila, Philippines
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I frequently go to Anilao for diving and I also bring groups for scuba trips. Anilao Backpackers is always on the top of the list for budget divers. The rooms are clean, they got hot shower, and WiFi too! Home cooked Filino food is good, and you also have the option to walk to a couple of nearby resort restaurants with a view of the sea. The staff and the regular dives who frequently visit here are very friendly.

Shore diving from Basura (which is famous for macro photography) is just a walk across from the road. You can request for a boat dive from the staff, or you can get a better deal if you don't mind joining other divers to share the boat rental. Most divers who come here are photographers and they are always willing and ready to share some tips. The common area downstairs is always a friendly spot for sharing your dive experience for the day or simply hanging out while editing and uploading your photos. The hammock upstairs is my favorite when I want to read a book and take a nap.

They have available rental equipment for traveling divers who do not want to carry their dive gear on their trips.

Staying here gives a very homey feel. I can live here!
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Date of stay: February 2014
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
4.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
4.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
4.0 of 5 bubblesService
4.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with friends
Room Tip: Choose the rooms upstairs if you like to get more sleep, the rooms downstairs are closer to the...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wayne Ku wrote a review Mar 2016
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We didn't stay there but dove with these fine folks. After searching around this place has by far the best deal for diving. Php 1500 shore dive including full gears. And from what I can saw of the facility, it's clean, comfy and reasonablely priced. But what will bring me back is the family that operate the place. Warm, good hearted people that always greet you with a big smile and will go out of their way to help you out in anyway.
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Date of stay: March 2016Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ae_Cha890 wrote a review Mar 2016
Brunei Darussalam
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I stayed at Anilao Backpackers on 20-23rd Feb 2016. I travelled to Anilao with 3 other pax. It's my third time to Anilao.(Diving trip)

Food is very good and Jhen was amazing behind the kitchen, she will try to make all dishes to suit your tastebuds. There was a muslim staying there during our stay and they made food to suit her. I don't think halal meat is easily accessible in the Philippines. Breakfast is always on table once they know you are awake. Tea/Coffee/water/fruits/banana is free flow. On our 2nd last night stay, it was Chap Goh Mei in which i told them to make our dinner more special(chinese new year last day). We were served local mussels and they bought 3 tubs of UBE ice cream. On top of the ice cream, they were served buko pandan.(a local filipino delicious dessert)

Our rooms were clean and bed was comfy.They have thick blankets too, i used it when i was there. Shower was excellent, HOT and good pressure(3mins is all you need). Power sockets were all adequate. WIFI is extremely good, never disconnect at ALL.

We had Ian(Buhay Dagat) as our diving spotter. Ian was amazing from spotting critters as he understands alot about the marine life. We were at Maracaban/Caban to shoot the Rhino Scorpionfish, ian went down to look for it first then he came back up to fetch us back down to its location. Ian was not just any spotter, he was also a super macro spotter and YES, he has abit of camera skills. Make sure you ask for Ian if you ever coming back to Anilao. Things he spotted for us during this trip: juvenile hairy frog fish, juvenile painted frog fish, parasites sucking life out of a damsel fish on its face, a rare elegance sp butterfly nudi(translucent and it's pink in color. At our last dive day, he also brought us to Maracaban local village to have a sight on it and he brought us to a very secluded beach behind Maracaban. And not only did we visit beaches but he also brought us to Sea Spring resort(natural HOT spring during our surface time intervals).

Anilao has alot of critters and sure has made its spot in world famous muck diving locations but Anilao Backpackers made it even more SPECIAL, felt like we were living at our own house. Lastly, Jho is definitely one of the most down to earth manager i met in my life. She'll make sure you are not worried. She can make up to your requests(call in massages to the backpackers), fresh coconuts and crates of beers. Jho is very responsive to her email.(anilaobackpackers@gmail.com)

Above all that i have said has nothing to do with the management of Anilao Backpackers for profits or any commission but its written from what i have been treated at Anilao Backpackers. Come as a guest and leave like a family.

Thanks you Jho, Jhen, Angela, Ian, Justin and boat crew for making our diving trip a remarkable one. We'll be back SOON!!!
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Date of stay: February 2016
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Answer from Marj D
37 contributions9 helpful votes
Hi @arleanmd you may go to their FB page of the same name anilaobackpackers and contact Ms Jho of the availability of the rooms. You may also call them at +63 999 970 7654 (Philippine Number) The diving is not limited to shore dive. You can also have reef dives, night dives and mostly micro dives which is really worth it. Accommodation, food and the family of divers composed of Ate Jho, Kuya Mac and Kuya Jes are very helpful and hospitable. Food is great and ambiance is very homey. Hope you enjoy your dive and stay there. Cheers!
Tricy87 asked a question Mar 2015
Surfers Paradise, Australia4 contributions
Is there a website? What can I do to book?
Answer from timho
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia1 contribution
Hi moritz...got your message :) Sorry we've so few room and all booked up by thailand group for this weekend. Fb message me in future :) Tim Ho
reviews-by-me-115881 asked a question Aug 2014
Manila, Philippines2 contributions2 helpful votes
Is this place right on the beach? What are their rates?
Mavicity C wrote a tip Jul 2016
23 contributions25 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"I love the non-aircon rooms above because you can sleep outside, on the veranda overlooking the beach."
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laiyinsusy wrote a tip May 2016
Hong Kong, China53 contributions96 helpful votes
4.0 of 5 bubbles
"Get an air-con room, a must during the summer time."
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Frank W wrote a tip May 2015
Hamburg, Germany41 contributions11 helpful votes
4.0 of 5 bubbles
"Don't book Fan Room if you are noise sensitive"
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neoindiana wrote a tip May 2015
Singapore, Singapore45 contributions6 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"aircon room are quieter"
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MakiGirl wrote a tip Sep 2014
Johannesburg, South Africa246 contributions95 helpful votes
4.0 of 5 bubbles
"Downstairs rooms seemed quieter"
Read full review
Not the right property for you?
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LOCATION
PhilippinesLuzonCalabarzon RegionBatangas ProvinceAnilao
NUMBER OF ROOMS
5
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ANILAO BACKPACKERS - Hostel Reviews (Philippines) - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Anilao Backpackers
What food & drink options are available at Anilao Backpackers?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Anilao Backpackers?
Conveniently located restaurants include D' Brothers Sports Bar & Grill, Jollibee, and Flatwhite Cafe.
Does Anilao Backpackers have airport transportation?
Yes, Anilao Backpackers offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.