Cafe Moto Hostel

Bike rentals were the standout for me. Having one made exploring Puerto Princesa easy and fun, and the nearby mall has plenty of familiar shops plus a big grocery store for snacks and supplies. The airport is about a 35-minute walk away, which was handy as a solo traveler. The dorm was clean, comfortable, and set up thoughtfully, and the whole hostel felt well cared for. I loved the relaxed, social atmosphere and the motorcycle-themed café and interiors. I’d happily stay at Cafe Moto Hostel again.

We’ve had dinner there more than once, and the tofu teriyaki and nachos were great each time. On Valentine’s Day we also had ribs, caramel cake, and Vietnamese coffee. Breakfast delivery was still hot: a waffle, bacon, and egg sandwich, plus adobo. The menu has a good mix of Filipino and Western food. After two years without Mexican food, I was glad the nachos hit the spot. The one Mexican meal I’d had in El Nido had made me ill. I didn’t see the rooms, but the place has a relaxed, traveler-friendly feel. It’s across the highway from Robinson mall, tucked behind a gas station, and feels like a destination in Puerto Princesa.

Robinsons mall is right across the street, and there’s a Starbucks next door, so picking up necessities or coffee is easy. The hostel also has a restaurant and small bar. I found the staff helpful throughout my one-night stay, including checking repeatedly whether my car to El Nido had arrived, even though I hadn’t booked it through them. My room was comfortable. The bathrooms and toilets are separated for men and women, hairdryers are provided, and the showers have hot water. The motorcycle decor reflects the owner’s enthusiasm for bikes and scooters. There’s also information about the guard dog, Cane Corso. The staff were very welcoming, and I’d book here again. The location also makes getting to El Nido convenient.

The food I tried at the restaurant was tasty, and the staff had been friendly and accommodating. They even invited me to their Halloween party, which I attended. Since I was considering staying at the hostel, a staff member offered to show me the rooms. Then a woman suddenly came in and demanded to know what was happening. She said she was his girlfriend. I was confused and uncomfortable. It felt very unprofessional for a staff member’s partner to interrupt him while he was working. It was embarrassing, and I was only there as a customer wanting a meal, not to get involved in anyone’s relationship. After that, I’m not sure I’d return even to eat, in case it happened again.