Tagbalayon Lodging House

Tagbalayon Lodging House is a well-liked guesthouse in Tubod, San Juan, a few minutes' walk from Tubod Beach and about a kilometre from Maite Beach. It has 27 rooms — private rooms, family rooms and dorm beds — most with an adjoining terrace or balcony overlooking the garden, and some with a private bathroom; minors aren't allowed in the dorms without a parent or guardian's consent. Rates for private rooms run roughly $17-26 a night depending on season and room type.

It's rated 4.6/5 on TripAdvisor (29 reviews, #1 of 3 specialty lodgings in Tubod) and scores 9.2/10 ("Superb") on Hostelworld from close to 300 reviews — reviewers consistently praise the staff as warm and attentive, and highlight the complimentary welcome drinks, port pickup and occasional family-style dinners. On site: a garden, a lively bar, free Wi-Fi and private parking, bike hire, luggage storage, security lockers, a tour desk, currency exchange and scooter rental (around ₱350/24h). The on-site restaurant, Carenderia de Seanlhyan, serves Filipino and vegetarian dishes.

A couple of things to know: Wi-Fi that some guests say drops out at times, and an atmosphere a few find more geared toward Western backpackers than a strictly local experience.