Description

Friendly's Guesthouse is the premier backpackers' hostel located in the heart of Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. This Manila hostel is the ideal home for budget-conscious travelers. It boasts comfortable accommodations, complete amenities, and easy access to urban conveniences.

Rates are very affordable and start at PHP 325 a night (that's less than USD 10). This already gets you a dorm bed, closet space, and use of the common area with television, kitchen and lounge. Accommodations get better - that is, bigger beds, more spacious living space, and air-conditioning and private baths in some rooms - as rates go higher.

Rates aren't the only main draw of Friendly's Guesthouse. If anything, as attractive as the rates are, these play second fiddle to the incomparable service and fun that it offers. Friendly's Guesthouse has a communal feel, which you'd sense the minute you set foot on the premises.

Benjie, the owner and manager, is a gracious host. Some may even think of him as a tour guide of sorts, taking his guests to different curio spots in Manila, be it the nearby flea market, the barbecue/bar next door, or the wet market where you can have the vendors cook you fresh and awesome Filipino dishes.

Location

From the Manila International Airport (also referred to as the Ninoy Aquino International Airport):
When coming from the airport, it is best and cheaper to head to the departure area and flag a taxi from there. Ask the driver to take you to the intersection of Adriatico and Julio Nakpil Streets in Malate, Manila. Insist on using the meter. Get off the cab if the driver refuses to turn on the meter or makes any other excuse for not using it.

From the Clark Airport in Pampanga:
Clark is at least four hours away from Friendly's Guesthouse. Nevertheless, it should be a fun and hassle-free journey. You can take several buses that ply from Pampanga to Manila. There are buses that drop off guests at Metro Manila's SM Megamall. Others take you all the way to their Pasay City bus terminal. Pasay City is closer to where Friendly's is but it shouldn't matter that much if you get off at Megamall. For both options, you can take a taxi and have the driver go to the corner of Adriatico and Julio Nakpil Streets. Again, insist that the cab driver turn on the meter. Otherwise, get off and just flag down another taxi.