Happiness Hostel Boracay — Hotel in Malay

I’ve stayed in Happiness Hostel twice now: 8 days in August 2024 and 20 days in August 2025, and I can say it’s one of the best choices for solo travelers in Boracay.

What I liked: This is a true social hostel. If you’re traveling solo, you’ll never feel alone because there are plenty of activities and events, so you’ll never get bored. The crew and housekeeping staff were very friendly and accommodating. It was easy to make requests for maintenance, and in the restaurant the staff were very attentive. They’re partnered with several bars and restaurants. For example, I got free entrance tickets to Epic Bar and discounts like 10% off at some restaurants. The entire place is well maintained. Rooms are cleaned daily in the afternoon, and you can request towel and bedsheet changes after a couple of days. The bunk setup is great. Beds are very comfortable, each comes with two pillows, and the size is big enough to actually fit two people. Each bed has a designated locker for your things. Only note is the blanket is a bit thin if you get cold easily. AC works well, shower pressure is strong, hot water is available, and they even provide hand soap in the bathrooms. Security is reliable. I never lost anything during both of my stays. The hostel has CCTV and staff assigned at night for extra safety. Even when there were series of power interruptions, they had a generator so it wasn’t much of a hassle. Wi-Fi is fast enough for work (though read below for room signal). The location may not be ideal if you prefer beachfront at White Beach, but I found it very accessible since it’s right between Bulabog Beach and D’Mall.

Cons to consider: Noise can be an issue. Events usually end between 11 PM to 1 AM, so if you’re an early sleeper or working night shift, it might be tough. Wi-Fi signal doesn’t always reach some rooms. It’s fast outside, but once you’re in bed it sometimes drops. They really need a long-term fix for the sinks. They get clogged easily. After someone takes a shower, it can take 30 minutes or so for the water to fully drain. The restaurant doesn’t serve pork since the owner is Israeli. Not a big deal, but something to know beforehand.

Overall, Happiness Hostel lives up to its name. Great place for meeting people, socializing, and enjoying Boracay with good vibes. Just be mindful of the noise and room quirks if you’re planning a...

Not a great stay.

Staff, beds, restaurant and pool were all great but our stay was less than enjoyable.

Upon arrival we were asked if we had already checked in (causing some confusion and concern over if our beds had been given away). We were then informed that in our room of 4, 2 members had failed to check out before 9am (it was now 5pm) and were still in the rooms so we only had 2 beds. Shown to our room we saw how our roommate’s stuff covered every shelf and even left out bananas and used drinking cups.

Despite not having enough beds for our booking, the hostel did not offer much reassurance or any compensation. They called the guests to come and check out- one of which did so but one was uncontsctable. We later found out another guest was supposed to check in the same day as us into our room but were unable to due to this guest outstaying their booking. (We do not know the outcome of that situation).

Once given our beds we were sat in our room when a random man (we were a room of 4 girls) appeared from the showers and proceeded to leave. When an employee entered our room we felt unsafe and had to ask who said man was, before being told he was checking out and so they offered our shower to him. We were given no prior warning and considering the doors do not close without shove nor lock this is a concern for three young girls.

In addition, staff were often walking in and out of our room- often for cleaning purposes but never at the same time of day and sometimes multiple staff in and out. Sometimes unsure why they have entered too.

Finally, when checking in we asked about social events occurring. We were told due to it ring Holy Week (Easter) events would not take place over the weekend and in general the pool and bar close at 12am.

Expect loud music until midnight every night. On the Saturday of our stay there was extremely loud music (so loud I could hear over music through noise cancelling headphones and feel the vibrations of the bass) which did not stop until 1am causing myself a lack of sleep.

Nothing on the staff and a clean hostel with comfy beds but really not...

WARNING: LONG POST AHEAD

It was snatch, booking this trip for just $100 with Round-trip airfare and 4D3N Accommodation in Happiness Hostel Boracay.

Booked in a 4-Bed Shared Dormitory Room, which is highly recommended to solo travellers - Affordable yet offers you a nice, cozy stay.

I arrived at the hostel late. Exhausted and drained because of the long day and evening flight. But, Perry - Perry was the receptionist on duty when i arrived. And boy, I'm telling you. Perry is a ray of sunshine. He is the exact definition of "Hospitality". As soon as I walked in, he made me feel like we're friends/family. He gave me a brief tour and showed me my room, explained everything, and making me feel welcomed.

After I settled in, i went to their cafe to have my dinner and get ready for my work. I ordered Beef Kebab rice bowl which costs around P400+. Expensive, yes, but worth every bite.. and for a girlie who loves coffee. OMG. Guuurl!!! Their coffee is sooo perfect. I think their coffee runs in my bloodstream now. Highly recommend.

Bed is nice and cozy. You still have your own privacy even though it is shared. There's also toilet and shower in every room. You get to have your own locker wherein you can store your luggages, bags, important belongings, and you dont have to worry about buying locks, because they will issue a key for your locker.

Happy hour starts at 12noon-8pm, and I'm impressed how people from different accommodations come to Happiness to have fun and join the activities every night. I attended their Karaoke night, made friends with complete strangers, and had one or two cocktails.

It is accessible to Bulabog beach, easy transportation, and there are motorbikes and electric tricycles always on standby.

What I love the most during my stay is how their staff treat their customers. They wont treat you formally, but will definitely treat you like family.

To Haze, Perry, Von, and Biboy, see you soon!

Overall stay: 8/10 will definitely come back and book with Happiness again. Or maybe try their...