Your stay — Purple Tree Hostel
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The Property — Purple Tree Hostel
Purple Tree Hostel in Malate is a no-nonsense backpacker base: basic but clean dorms and private rooms, a small rooftop with city views, and a common area that buzzes with solo travellers comparing notes. It suits the budget-conscious explorer who prioritises location over luxury, five minutes from the baywalk and a ten-peso jeepney ride from Intramuros. Standing in the lobby you hear the clatter of lockers, see hand-painted murals on the walls, and smell fresh pandesal from the café next door.
Chronicles of Manila
Manila was founded in 1571 as a Spanish colonial trading port, layered atop the Muslim settlement of Maynilad. Much of its historic Spanish-era core—Intramuros, the walled city—was flattened during the Battle of Manila in 1945. Reconstruction was chaotic and rapid, producing a dense, traffic-choked metropolis of American-style buildings and neon-lit malls. Today Manila remains the political and cultural capital of the Philippines, its energy a mix of deep colonial history, mall culture, and resilient street life.
Best Time to Visit
Full Manila guide →Best months
February to April: dry season, clear skies, least rain, and comfortable temperatures around 28-32°C. Fewer typhoons than later in the year.
Peak / festival surge
April (Holy Week) + December–January: domestic tourists flood the city; hotel prices can double. Major events include the Feast of the Black Nazarene (January) and Lenten processions.
Budget shoulder season
May–June and October–November: lower rates, still manageable weather (May is hot but dry; Oct/Nov sees brief heavy showers). Crowds thin out.
Weather & packing
Manila is hot and humid year-round but July is smack in the southwest monsoon, meaning sudden downpours that flood streets in an hour. Pack a light waterproof jacket and waterproof sandals—trainers will stay wet for days.
Live City Briefing — Manila
- The LRT-1 extension to Bacoor opened in 2024; for Purple Tree, the Vito Cruz station is a 10-minute walk.
- Malate's baywalk promenade has been upgraded with new benches and lighting, popular for sunset jogs.
- Typhoon season is peaking in July; check PAGASA bulletins and expect occasional flight delays.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Purple Tree Hostel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on floors 4 to 6 at the rear of the building (facing away from the street). These floors sit above the street-level noise but below the roof, which can get hot. The rear position avoids the worst of Manila's traffic rumble and jeepney horns.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on floors 1 and 2 (ground and first) due to direct street noise from busy Manila roads, foot traffic, and the hostel reception/lobby. Also avoid rooms facing the main street, as vehicles idle and honk until late.
Best views
Limited view from a rear-facing room: you'll overlook an inner courtyard or back alley, not the street. Street-facing rooms offer a view of Manila's chaotic street life, but come with constant noise.
Quietest floors
Floors 3 through 6. Floor 3 begins to escape ground-level disturbances, and floors 4-6 are the sweet spot for quiet.
🔊 Noise notes
The hostel is at 430 on a main Manila road, so expect traffic noise (jeepneys, tricycles, buses) from about 6am to midnight. Pay attention to the adjacent buildings—if there's a karaoke bar or construction site nearby, it can bleed into rooms even on higher floors. Weekend nights are louder.
Insider tips
1) Earplugs are essential—pack them, as the hostel may not provide quality ones. 2) If you're arriving by taxi or ride-share, use the address '430, Manila' but have the driver go around the block to find the quietest drop-off point near the hostel's side entrance, if one exists, to avoid the main street chaos.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Purple Tree Hostel
Free Wi-Fi throughout; 10 Mbps average. No login required – open network. Paid upgrade to 50 Mbps available at PHP 150 per day.
No lift – dorm rooms on 2nd floor (stairs only); private rooms on ground floor accessible via ramp.
No physical newspapers; free digital access via PressReader on lobby tablets (no personal login). Building is a 1950s Art Deco structure with original terrazzo floors and a retro sign.
Check-in from 14:00; early bag drop available from 10:00. Late check-out until 12:00 free (subject to availability), PHP 500 per hour after 12:00. Standard check-out 11:00.
Free for day-of arrival/departure; PHP 100 per day for longer storage.
Ground floor private rooms have step-free access via a ramp at the main entrance; upper dorm floors accessible only by stairs. No wheelchair-accessible bathroom in dorms.
No on-site parking. Nearest public car park at SM City Manila (3-minute walk), PHP 50 per hour, PHP 300 overnight (18:00–06:00). No EV charging.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: 12% government tax (VAT) included in quoted rates; no separate city tax.
Deposit & card hold: Full prepayment required at booking for non-refundable rates; refundable rates require a credit card hold of PHP 1,000 for incidentals upon check-in.
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Nuestra Señora De Guia Parish Church (221 m · ~3 min walk)
- Mosque: Ermita Mosque (289 m · ~4 min walk)
- Church: Central United Methodist Church (920 m · ~12 min walk)
- Church: PGH Chapel (1.1 km · ~13 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Robinsons Manila — 848 m · ~11 min walk
Plaza Nuestra Señora de Guia — 101 m · ~1 min walk
Museo Pambata — 189 m · ~2 min walk
Rizal Park Open Air Auditorium — 672 m · ~8 min walk
Children's Playground — 951 m · ~12 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
RCBC — 193 m · ~2 min walk
Mercury Drug — 136 m · ~2 min walk
7-Eleven — 66 m · ~1 min walk
UBE Bus — 1.0 km · ~13 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Philippine Peso, PHP
Use ATMs from major banks like BDO or BPI for the best rates; avoid money changers at the airport and tourist-heavy spots as they give poor rates.
Credit and debit cards are accepted at malls, hotels, and larger restaurants, but cash is still king for small shops, street food, and jeepneys; contactless pay is gaining but not universal.
Not mandatory but appreciated; leave 10-20 PHP for small meals, 50-100 PHP for nicer dinners, round up taxi fares, and give 20-50 PHP to hotel porters/maids.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A basic cup of barako (local coffee) from a carinderia or bakery is around 15-25 PHP.
A rice-and-ulams (viand) meal from a carinderia costs 50-80 PHP.
An affordable main dish at a local eatery (e.g., silog meal) is about 80-120 PHP.
Head to busy street corners or public markets like Cartimar or the area around Baclaran Church for cheap grills and fried bites.
Budget supermarket chains: Puregold, Savemore, and Dali (discount store) are common in the 430 area.
Affordable clothing is at the Baclaran flea market or tiangges (open-air markets) near churches or transport hubs; also check Divisoria if you travel a bit.
Cheapest way around is by jeepney (9-13 PHP per ride within the city); from the airport, take the NAIA Loop City bus to the nearest LRT/MRT station or a jeepney for the most budget option.
Eat at carinderias and avoid tourist-oriented spots; use public transport like jeepneys and LRT instead of taxis/rideshares; buy water and snacks from local sari-sari stores rather than convenience stores.
Emergency Contacts
ManilaIn Manila, Philippines, dial 117 for police and ambulance services, 114 for fire department. For tourist assistance, contact the Philippine National Police Tourist Police Division at +63-2-524-1728. The main emergency hotline is also accessible through 911 in some areas.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Manila, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Purple Tree Hostel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · RCBC — 193 m · ~2 min walk — pharmacy · Mercury Drug — 136 m · ~2 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) → Manila City / Rizal Park area
💡 Budget-friendly option. NAIA Express goes to Pasay City. Transfer needed to reach The Manila Hotel. Good for light luggage travelers only.
Rizal Park vicinity → Intramuros / Local attractions
💡 Iconic Manila experience for short local trips within Intramuros. Picturesque but slow. Perfect for tourists exploring historic districts near The Manila Hotel.
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) → The Manila Hotel, Rizal Park
💡 Use official taxi stands or Grab app to avoid overcharging. NAIA to Intramuros is relatively straightforward. Avoid peak hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM).
Airport (NAIA) to Intramuros District → The Manila Hotel, Rizal Park
💡 Most economical local transit option. Requires walking to/from stations and transfers. Use beep card for seamless travel. Not ideal for heavy luggage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Purple Tree Hostel?
Request a room on floors 4 to 6 at the rear of the building (facing away from the street). These floors sit above the street-level noise but below the roof, which can get hot. The rear position avoids the worst of Manila's traffic rumble and jeepney horns.
Which rooms should I avoid at Purple Tree Hostel?
Avoid rooms on floors 1 and 2 (ground and first) due to direct street noise from busy Manila roads, foot traffic, and the hostel reception/lobby. Also avoid rooms facing the main street, as vehicles idle and honk until late.
Is Purple Tree Hostel noisy?
The hostel is at 430 on a main Manila road, so expect traffic noise (jeepneys, tricycles, buses) from about 6am to midnight. Pay attention to the adjacent buildings—if there's a karaoke bar or construction site nearby, it can bleed into rooms even on higher floors. Weekend nights are louder.
Which rooms have the best views at Purple Tree Hostel?
Limited view from a rear-facing room: you'll overlook an inner courtyard or back alley, not the street. Street-facing rooms offer a view of Manila's chaotic street life, but come with constant noise.
What are insider tips for staying at Purple Tree Hostel?
1) Earplugs are essential—pack them, as the hostel may not provide quality ones. 2) If you're arriving by taxi or ride-share, use the address '430, Manila' but have the driver go around the block to find the quietest drop-off point near the hostel's side entrance, if one exists, to avoid the main street chaos.
What time is check-in at Purple Tree Hostel?
Check-in at Purple Tree Hostel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Purple Tree Hostel have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi throughout; 10 Mbps average. No login required – open network. Paid upgrade to 50 Mbps available at PHP 150 per day.
Is there a city or tourist tax at Purple Tree Hostel?
12% government tax (VAT) included in quoted rates; no separate city tax.
Where can I eat cheaply near Purple Tree Hostel?
A rice-and-ulams (viand) meal from a carinderia costs 50-80 PHP.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Purple Tree Hostel?
Cheapest way around is by jeepney (9-13 PHP per ride within the city); from the airport, take the NAIA Loop City bus to the nearest LRT/MRT station or a jeepney for the most budget option.
When is the best time to visit Manila?
February to April: dry season, clear skies, least rain, and comfortable temperatures around 28-32°C. Fewer typhoons than later in the year.
Top Attractions in Manila
💡 Go on a weekday morning to avoid school groups. Photography without flash is allowed in most galleries. Prepare for security checks – no large bags or food inside.
💡 Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat. The free nightly light-and-sound show at the Rizal Monument starts at 7pm on weekends.
💡 Rent a bamboo bike (P150/hour) from the Intramuros Visitors Centre. Sundays are car-free on Calle Real, making it much safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
💡 Go on a guided walking tour by 'Binondo Food Crawl' (P600–800) to navigate safely and sample the best dumplings, hopia, and noodle soups. Avoid weekends when it's impossibly crowded.
💡 The church itself is free to enter for prayer or quiet contemplation. The museum costs P200 (about $4) – worth it for the well-curated collection. Go mid-morning when the stained-glass windows catch the light.