Help us with our hostels in Puerto Princesa, Philippines!

Philippines

Favourited 809 times

Host rating
Feedback
63
Last activity
26/12/2020
Nº of Facebook friends
1733
Badges

Map

Availability

2021

Min stay requested: at least 2 weeks

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What's this?

Details

Description
We are Kakay and John. We are running two (2) little hostels in Puerto Princesa City since 2016.

I am an international development practitioner and working on environment conservation and protection. I also organize environmental campaigns. I am a dive master in training and I know the Philippines quite well.

John is on sabbatical at the moment and doing the main management of the hostel especially when I am at my consulting work.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
General Maintenance
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help with Eco Projects
Help around the house
Animal Care
Hospitality/Tourism
Charity Work
Language practice
Art Projects
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
I am well traveled in the Philippines. I am a backpacker and volunteer myself. I can help you plan your trip in Palawan or the rest of the country.

I do lots of upcycling and recycling, too.

And as the nature of the project, hostel just offers a lot in terms of cultural exchanges.
Help
We need support mainly on the following for the hostel:

Main tasks:
- Housekeeping (cleaning of rooms, toilets, living areas and outside area);
- Front desk;
- Gardening;
- Folding clean sheets and hostel laundry;
- Grocery/food shopping; and
- Other hostel related stuff like encoding records and others.

For the cafe/bar:
- Gardening;
- Grocery/food shopping;

As a team living together:
- Cleaning of the staff/volunteer room

Special projects:
- Upcycling
- Recycling
- Art projects

All are light work. We have a routine to make things easier.

Good conversational English is a MUST as the volunteer work involves in dealing with guests.

When you write us, please make sure you have read the above-listed tasks. And kindly answer this question: Why are you WorkAwaying?
Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: Fluent
Tagalog: Fluent
Accommodation
You will stay at the hostel/cafe while you volunteer with us. You get your own bed in the staff/volunteer room.

The stay at the hostel/cafe is guided by some rules which we expect all the volunteers to abide to.

Since we live in the tropics, expect mosquitoes and other harmless insects.

We have cats and dogs at the other place, so if you are allergic inform us.
What else ...
There are so much to do in Palawan... I know camping places if that is what you are into. And I know protected areas. Write me!

I have posted some of the photos.
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
- Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
3 hours a day, 5 days a week- no food

Photos

Bar, Cafe and Kitchen

First bunk beds are ready.

The future hostel

Feedback left by and about host (63)

These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.

Accuracy of profile:
(4.2)

Cultural exchange:
(4.6)

Communication:
(4.8)

10/03/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (William & Dana)

Dana and Will are amazing volunteers. They are easy to get along with and are good team players. They have helped us a lot with the hostels and our pets. Both are always active and happy. They are reliable and responsible.

Communication with them prior to their volunteering has been easy. They are straight-forward with their queries and follow… read more

(Excellent )

01/03/2020

Left by Workawayer (William & Dana) for host

Kakay and John were amazing hosts for our first workaway in The Philippines. Extremely friendly and welcoming and we felt as if we were part of the family from day 1.

The work was easy and organized well. Both hostels are nice and chill with no loud road noise close by.

Kakay and John were also very gracious about organising our time off while… read more

(Excellent )

03/03/2020

Left by Workawayer (Ole) for host

My stay at Kakay's hostel was amazing. Kakay is an amazing host. She really helped me to make the most out of the two weeks I volunteered at her place. The host is quite familiar with the people of the region, and always knows what's going on. The workload was fair and there was a lot of flexibility in terms of schedule.

(Excellent )

15/01/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Miguel )

Info notice: Workawayer cancelled stay or there was a no show at the last minute

(No show)

30/12/2019

Left by Workawayer (Karla) for host

It was a nice time in Puerto Princesa, even though there are not many things to do around the city I enjoy my stay there with the other volunteers and the staff. Third was a great guy with a good and fun energy to be around with, always looking that everything is perfect for the guests.
The atmosphere of the hostel is super chill and all the… read more

(Very good )

30/12/2019

Left by Workawayer (Ayça) for host

Kakay is the most prompt host I've ever met in the Philippines, our communication was so easy, as well as the work itself in the hostel which starts feeling like home in a couple of days:) There's not much to do in Puerta Princesa that is why the friendships in the hostel are precious. It's such a light work but you have to be responsible of… read more

(Excellent )

26/08/2019

Left by Workawayer (Virginia & Jeronimo) for host

We had a nice time during our volunteer. Unfortunately we could not meet Kakay but the staff was super nice and welcoming.
Due to low season there was not many guests but we could exchange with the few guests that were there.
They are very flexible about working hours and days off.
The hostel is very comfortable and nice.

(Very good )

02/01/2019

Left by Workawayer (Rochelle) for host

It was Ricky and I’s first WorkAway expenerience and we had a great time at the Hostel. Kakay And Ivan were easy to work with and there were other volunteers there which made the experience a lot better. Kakay/Ivan always made an efforts to include everyone in activities which made it more of a family feel. :blush:

(Excellent )

10/12/2018

Left by Workawayer (Clémence) for host

It was great working with Kakay and Ivan, a bit quiet as it was during low season but between the two guesthouses there's always someone to hang out with. Work is easy and the facilities is really nice, you'll feel right at home! And Kakay is a marvellous cook, you're in for a treat. Thank for the opportunity guys, see you around!

(Excellent )

09/12/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Clémence)

Clem is an amazing volunteer! She is very experienced with hostel work and also very good with working with the team. She is responsible, helpful and flexible.

I would be very happy to have her in my team again!!!

Good luck with your future plans, Clem!

(Excellent )

23/11/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Ainhoa)

Ainhoa was a bubbly addition to the team.

We are just so disappointed that she decided to leave and move to another host without giving us a chance to find a replacement. She asked about moving to another host and we agreed. She offered to wait until the next volunteers arrive BUT she just suddenly decided to leave anyways that she won't lose… read more

(Neutral )

06/11/2018

Left by Workawayer (Ramona & Darren) for host

My wife and I had a wonderful experience working for Kakay in PP. Kakay is extremely passionate and driven about improving the environment and has great insight about travelling the Ppines.
The work was really enjoyable and relaxed. We thoroughly enjoyed our time here and were very lucky to have met some amazing other volunteers and Kakay.

(Excellent )

22/10/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Alice)

Alice volunteered with Kelly (a surprise addition and only asked to volunteer the day she arrived with Alice). They left before the agreed volunteering duration (2 weeks) as they got a "free ticket" for a seaplane (that's all what we know and what they told us).

Overall, it is OK having them as volunteers.

(Neutral )

30/09/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Iury)

Iury is a good volunteer. He gelled pretty well with the team. His bubbly personality added to what we were aiming for in the hostel --- new energy and positivity.

(Very good )

16/09/2018

Left by Workawayer (Iury) for host

I stayed in Puerto Princesa with Kakay a long time ago, but it was an amazing experience, they're all super cool, the staff and the adventurous people who usually stay there.
The job was fair and the city offers some attractions. I'll never forget my time with you girls.
I super recommend this opportunity to everyone,
Best regards!… read more

(Excellent )

30/08/2018

Left by Workawayer (Raluca & Petr) for host

We stayed a total of a month with Kakay, we enjoyed our stay and we felt like home. It was low season, which it meant not many people checking in, but we had a good time playing cards (MONOPOLY CARDS!!!!). It's a good place to volunteer, I recommend it if you want to stop by Palawan!

(Very good )

25/08/2018

Left by Workawayer (Jon) for host

My first experience in Workaway was with Kakay in the Hostel. I stayed with them for a month, and in all over the month, i felt good and happy there. Kakay tried to help me in a lot of things and we had such a good moments. She is trying to do plans and dinners with you and volunteers, so its so much easy to know other people. We felt so nice with… read more

(Very good )

17/03/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Jon)

Jon stayed with us for a month and it felt like having a someone you know for a long time around. He is jolly and just full of curiosity. He worked very well with the team especially with the other volunteers.

Thanks a lot for your help, Jon!

(Very good )

20/07/2018

Left by Workawayer (Hannah) for host

Kakay is cool and will help you organise future travels and awesome days off which she is flexible about so you can take them when you want them. She is also an amazing cook so get in on all her dinners there while you can! The work is easy and it's a chilled environment to hang out in.

(Very good )

24/06/2018

Left by Workawayer (Nicolas) for host

Work is easy with good ambiance!

(Neutral )

26/05/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Nicolas)

Nico is an industrious WorkAway volunteer.

(Neutral )

12/06/2018

Left by Workawayer (Elizabeth) for host

I volunteered with Kakay, Gaile, and Ivan for 2 weeks and had a great time! My primary duties were 4 hours/day at the hostel reception, making beds, and some occasional light cleaning. For every 5 days you work you get 2 days off, and Kakay is very flexible and will allow you to arrange your schedule with other volunteers so that you can have more… read more

(Very good )

04/06/2018

Left by Workawayer (Miki & Lauris) for host

Hello Kakay!!! We are really happy we had a chance to do our 1st workaway at your hostel. You are a positive and energetic woman who welcomes every guest with an open heart.
During our stay we learned a little bit about hostel management and how to treat tourists from all around the world. Sometimes it wasn't easy, because people are so… read more

(Excellent )

30/05/2018

Left by Workawayer (Vinny & Maggie) for host

We had a fantastic stay at this workaway!

We split our time between helping on reception for one week then we spent a week building yoga platforms and general maintenance. Kakay went out of her way to help us plan our days off and make sure our stay was comfortable. Ivan and Gale were very accommodating, fun staff to work alongside :)

Between… read more

(Excellent )

20/05/2018

Left by Workawayer (Meg & Emma) for host

We volunteered here for two weeks (End of March-April 2018) and simply loved the taste of the local Filipino lifestyle that this Workaway gave us. Kakay is the most inspiring human, with a passion for the environment that is incredibly contagious. Our stay at the hostel reminded us that “there is no planet B”. We worked as receptionists (such a… read more

(Very good )

09/05/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Alix)

Alix had a good rapport with the team and even came back after her trip to the north of Palawan.

She was supposed to stay with us for 2 weeks but stayed just a week since she preferred moving to a hotel in El Nido as she believed she can do more there and really want to be there. I respect that she asked me after 2 days if it is OK to move and… read more

(Good )

07/05/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Mattia)

Matti and Federico are fun to work with. They are very caring and are good team workers.

Thanks a lot for a good one week working with us. And good luck with your adventure!

(Very good )

18/04/2018

Left by Workawayer (robin & wai han ) for host

Thank for everything during this wonderful experience in palawan !
We came to help for 2 weeks and we stayed one month and a half.
We really enjoyed to give you a hand in this hostel and cafe it was very knowledgeable for us, we learn a lot about the Philippines and the marine life around
Very flexible and helpfull team on every point
All the… read more

(Excellent )

21/03/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Aleix)

Aleix is one of the most active volunteer we've had. He is a good team member and also pretty good with animals. We tried to save a cat, though we failed at least we tried. He came as a volunteer and left as a friend and I am looking forward to meeting him again in the future.

(Very good )

19/01/2018

Left by Workawayer (Aleix) for host

I ve been part of this vulunteer for a week.i really recomend if you will stay in Puerto Princesa, in take part of this little project and this family. Kakay is a multi-project person. I learn a lot and ive won a friend. She will take care of you and helps to explore the island.
Simply very good

(Very good )

17/03/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Sean)

Sean is one of our best volunteers. He is a good team member and the guests appreciated his assistance.

It was good to have you around and thanks for the help here!

See you somewhere in this world or back here in Palawan.

(Excellent )

26/02/2018

Left by Workawayer (Sean) for host

I spent one week volenteering with Kakay and absolutely loved it. The work was not too demanding, mostly checking in guests, helping guests book vans and tours, and making sure the common area at the hostel was tidy.

The best part was getting to know Kakay and her team. They are involved in so many projects in Puerto Princesa and doing a great… read more

(Excellent )

21/02/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Sindy)

No Show

(No show)

23/01/2018

Left by Workawayer (Pascal & Katharina) for host

We spent two weeks at the Hostel. The perfect place for our first workaway experience!

At the beginning we were introduced to our special projects (room painting and fence renewal) which we would work on beside helping out with the hostels daily chores.

Work we did
- repainting a room
- replaced bamboo fence
- check-in / check-out (waiting for… read more

(Excellent )

05/01/2018

Left by Workawayer (Nikoletta) for host

Kakay and the rest of the team are amazing!! really good vibes. Looking forward to seeing you all again!

(Excellent )

16/09/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Henk-Jan )

Henk was one of our best volunteers. Always asking what else to be done and flexible. With his skills, he managed to help us improved our little garden and even made two trees grow out of the tree that the neighbor decided to cut. After his trip north of the island, I asked him if he want to volunteer again and he said YES!

Thanks a lot for… read more

(Excellent )

19/05/2017

Left by Workawayer (Henk-Jan ) for host

My first workaway experience was a big succes. I felt a little bit helpless in the beginning about the Job, but in no time i felt at home. The whole team was good with me, and i really enjoyed my stay to the max! The provided food was mostly so good that i was almost ashamed for my poor payback. All together, it couldnt be better ;) I even came… read more

(Excellent )

25/08/2017

Left by Workawayer (Sarah) for host

It was my first Workaway Experience and I enjoyed it so much !!
The atmosphere in both the hostel as well as Kakay's newly opened café is just so relaxed and chilled out. The work was easy, the food great and Puerto Princesa is a lovely city. Definitely a recommendation for all fellow Workawayers ( also: if you stay there, don't miss out on… read more

(Excellent )

12/05/2017

Left by Workawayer (Karin) for host

Kakay is the most amazing and welcoming host, like the entire team anyway. I've felt super welcoming and at home and would recommend everyone to stay here as a volunteer or as a guest at the hostel or cafe. I'd like to thank Kakay and the rest of the team for the great time I've had here, the conversations we've had, the laughs shared, the songs… read more

(Excellent )

07/05/2017

Left by Workawayer (Cannelle) for host

Please see our feedback policy for more info about why this review is not displayed

(Negative )

25/04/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Cannelle)

Please see our feedback policy for more info about why this review is not displayed

(Negative )

27/02/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (jelyn)

Jelyn and Felie are good volunteers. It was easy to work with them and the team liked them immediately.

Both are energetic and happy! Good choice for volunteers!

(Excellent )

20/02/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Claudia )

Claudia is a good team mate! She is very responsible. She is easy to get along with. What I like most is her straightforwardness.

She started as a volunteer and became a friend.

Come back soon!

(Excellent )

15/11/2016

Left by Workawayer (Claudia ) for host

Sorry for a late review. I stayed 2Weeks in the hostel and really enjoyed my work there. It's an easy work with lovly people around and delicious food, thanks Kakay for the great vegetarian dishes.
It was very hard to leave your place and a pleasure to met you again in manila. Thanks for everything and i hope to see you again.Big big hug

(Excellent )

20/02/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Anna)

Anna is one of our best volunteers. She worked to well with everyone and Hey Jude loves her.

I can highly recommend Anna as a volunteer. You can come back anytime, Anna!

(Excellent )

30/01/2017

Left by Workawayer (Anna) for host

I was volunteering here for one week and then stayed for another couple of days! I felt like at home and met amazing people! Everyone in that hostel is so kind and able to help with EVERYTHING!
The work in the hostel is really light, it was not anything hard!
Also Grilling on Fridays is amazing, even for me as a vegan were the meals just… read more

(Excellent )

10/01/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Ola)

It was a great opportunity having Ola as part of our team. She fits so well immediately. It was short but intense - the first busiest week at the hostel.

Good luck with your travels and you know where we are!

- Kakay, Jec, and Mel

(Excellent )

27/11/2016

Left by Workawayer (Ola) for host

I spent only a week here but had a great time and would definitely recommend it to other workawayers. Jec and Mel are both lovely and helpful and instantly make you feel like a part of their team. I was lucky to be there on the 14th of November when the Supermoon took place. We all went to Sabang and watched it on the beach there. The week flew… read more

(Excellent )

25/11/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Julián & Inés)

Ines and Julian are both happy people. It was easy to work with them. Both are pretty sociable.

They both came in the busiest time of the hostel ever. Our first time to get the hostel full and for more than a week.

My apologies with the stress at the hostel. Mel and Jec were really tired and were kinda displaced because of the number of… read more

(Very good )

14/11/2016

Left by Workawayer (Julián & Inés) for host

Volunteering here was a very good experience, overall. At first, we felt at home and Kakai was very kind, generous and friendly with us. She even gave us tips and recommended places to visit during our free time. We also loved the night we spent playing the ukulele (Kakai plays it very good jaja) and singing. We also met great people there like… read more

(Very good )

08/09/2016

Left by Workawayer (Ondrej) for host

Such a nice place where to spend couple of weeks and do various tasks in and around the hostel. Very cozy place with friendly owner Kakai. I highly recommend this hostel not just for volunteering but also for spending there couple of nights as a guest.

(Excellent )

23/08/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Ondrej)

Ondrej is one of the most industrious volunteers we had. He is polite and friendly.

Thanks a lot for the benches and for all the help around the hostel. Good luck with your future travel plans and come back when you have the chance!

It was nice having you around.

(Very good )

27/08/2016

Left by Workawayer (Clara) for host

Kakay and Jec became dearest to me. So much that I've been coming back. I had a very good experience here helping around bamboo work, plant boxes, compost and chill upcycling with paper straps.
The place is beautiful, as much as the girls who run it. Kisses y'all!!!

(Excellent )

23/08/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Clara)

Clara is a happy person who fits so well with how we operate. She helped us with our compost and many other things. Thanks for bringing sunshine with you!

Have an amazing time in Palawan!

(Very good )

26/08/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Dogukan)

(No show)

23/08/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Fernando)

It was really nice having Fernando as a volunteer. He is handy with his skills in carpentry and use of power tools. Thanks for being our handyman while you were around.

Looking forward to welcoming you here someday and hopefully soon! You are not that far from the Philippines anyways.

(Excellent )

21/08/2016

Left by Workawayer (Fernando) for host

This Workaway experience was great thanks to Kakay and Jec, they are amazing people! Working at the hostel was very fun, I met some great people and ate some of the best food I've ever tried (Kakay and Jec are great on cooking).
I really hope to go back and spend some more time at this amazing place! I am sure it will be an awesome… read more

(Excellent )

25/07/2016

Left by host for Workawayer ()

Julie started the first paintings on the front wall of the hostel and made it pretty. Hope more artists will be following her.

She's a hard-working volunteer and I highly recommend her.

And she is a nice and happy person!

(Excellent )

24/07/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Max & Andrea)

I'm so glad to have hosted these two amazing people! They are easy to work with and fun to have around.

Both are hard-workers and very systematic. Thanks a lot for helping with the painting of all the cabinets for the hostel. And the shelves. You both have definitely left a mark and are gonna be forever part of the hostel.

(Excellent )

06/07/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Paulo)

Paulo, Lucia, and Maria Clara were all amazing. Having them for two weeks was a good exchange and they were really great help.

Looking forward to be staying at their hostel in Porto Alegre someday!

Everyone in the hostel misses you!

(Excellent )

02/07/2016

Left by Workawayer (Paulo) for host

This was our first workaway project and we can certainly say it was great ! Kakay, Edmund, Michael, Thelma and the little Walter were our Filipino family for two weeks. The kindest family we have to say! We worked hard during this period but at same time we learned many interesting things from building a bamboo fence and wood furniture to making… read more

(Excellent )

25/06/2016

Left by Workawayer (Lisa) for host

Kakay, the owner, is amazing! She is so sweet and even organized trips for us Workawayers. Working with her on the hostel and seeing it change so quickly into the real hostel, was very cool.
The staff is just lovely and the food tastes amazing! I love that Kakay puts such a big emphasis on recycling and upcycling.
This was my first Workaway… read more

(Excellent )

14/06/2016

Left by host for Workawayer ()

Mari was my first ever WorkAwayer. She is just amazing.

She's helped me a lot and she's seen how the hostel transformed.

Thank you very much and hope to see you again!

(Excellent )

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