Harbourside Backpackers
Lot 43, 1st Floor, Block Hs-4 Harbour Square, Sandakan 90000 Malaysia
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About
#4 of 10 hostels in Sandakan
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Ideally located in Harbour Square in the heart of Sandakan town center and opposite Harbour Mall shopping center. Only five minutes walk from central bus station and eight minutes walk from Mini bus station (bus to/from Sepilok Orang Utan Center). Close by to central market, bank, restaurant, cafe, shopping mall and supermarket.
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Property amenities
Paid public parking nearby
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Free breakfast
Baggage storage
Convenience store
Express check-in / check-out
Laundry service
Vending machine
Currency exchange
Non-smoking hotel
Shared bathroom
Shared kitchen
Shared lounge / TV area
Shops
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Room features
Air conditioning
Housekeeping
Kitchenette
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Modern
Budget
Languages Spoken
English, Chinese
Location
74Somewhat walkable
Grade: 74 out of 100
27Restaurantswithin 1 km
6Attractionswithin 1 km
Lot 43, 1st Floor, Block Hs-4 Harbour Square, Sandakan 90000 Malaysia
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152Reviews2Q+A19Room tips
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Nice clean rooms. A spacious community area with computer access, free wifi, a big television screen and a comfortable couch. My highlight definitely was the clean kitchen area with free bread, spreads and spices. As well as they have beers and soft drinks for sale and a little compartment in the fridge where you can store your stuff to keep it fresh. We only stayed one night in Sandakan but it was a great location to explore the local area from! A laundromat is just one street further and the local mall is just across the street.
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Date of stay: March 2020
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Clean, spaceous, computer access, free wifi, 1 minute walk from the harbour area, very friendly and considerate staff. You can have cheap soda's or beers till the reception closes (around midnight). Everything was excellent!
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Date of stay: September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Incredible noise levels from neighbouring karaoke bars. Smoke in the corridors seeping into the room. Fire exit being used as a cleaning cupboard. The sheets were stained, the mattress cheap sweaty smelly foam the room as basic as it could possibly be. The blanket resembled a dish cloth. And most importantly the wifi didn't work at all in the rooms. Staff didn't seem to have any interest in fixing any of these problems. This is Malaysia as it was about 10 years ago. Most of the decent cities in Malaysia have moved on, expect much better than this. Maybe not locally, all of the accommodation we tried in Sabah was really bad.
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Date of stay: February 2020
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
I only stayed in Sandakan for one night in between visiting Sukau and leaving for Lahad Datu and this hostel was a great option. It is well located, right in front of a mall with a supermarket and a few restaurant options.
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Date of stay: July 2019
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Single room with private bathroom was good and has AC. Most of the rooms don't have a window.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
There is nothing wrong with this hostel, across from the shopping mall, situated in a nice location. Still it lacked a nice atmosphere and the upstairs where the rooms are, is really dark. If you stay there for just a night, i would recommend it.
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Date of stay: July 2019Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
This was a nice place to stay on my recent return to the city of Sandakan. It was clean, comfortable and well staffed. The Reception was open at most hours and staff were happy to assist. This backpackers' was of a higher standard than most I have ever experienced.
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Date of stay: March 2019Trip type: Travelled solo
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: Try for a room area near the Reception area.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Stayed here whilst in Sandakan. Spotlessly clean, comfortable beds, shared bathroom areas always kept clean and stocked with loo roll/soap etc. It’s located opposite to a mall so you can grab a few bits if needed. It also has a kitchen and we cooked there most nights as we weren’t impressed with food in the area. It’s much cheaper to make your own! Would recommend staying here.
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Date of stay: March 2019Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
This is within a block of the harbor without a sea view, but still very nice. the folks are helpful with information and tour offers, the rooms are spacious, good facilities, fair wifi (hey! we are out in the middle of nowhere!) Really worthy of a look if you are in Sandakan.
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Date of stay: January 2019Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Extremely clean and comfortable backpackers with warm showers, big living areas, books and travel guides, and good breakfast. The staff were super helpful and gave us amazing tips on where to continue our travels.
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Date of stay: November 2018Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Included breakfast. Nice and friendly staffs. Clean rooms and clean bathroom and toilet. Have nice living room for watching television and have computer for searching information and also have wifi here.
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Date of stay: November 2018Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
LOCATION
MalaysiaSabahSandakan DivisionSandakan
NUMBER OF ROOMS
11
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Frequently Asked Questions about Harbourside Backpackers
Which popular attractions are close to Harbourside Backpackers?
Nearby attractions include Agnes Newton Keith Home (0.7 km), The Parish of St Michael and All Angels (0.8 km), and Sandakan Heritage Trail (0.4 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Harbourside Backpackers?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and laundry service.
What food & drink options are available at Harbourside Backpackers?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast during their stay.
Is parking available at Harbourside Backpackers?
Yes, paid public parking nearby is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Harbourside Backpackers?
Conveniently located restaurants include Balin Roof Garden Bar & Bistro, English Tea House & Restaurant, and Harbour Bistro Cafe.
Is Harbourside Backpackers located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.6 km away from the centre of Sandakan.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Harbourside Backpackers?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Chinese.
Are there any historical sites close to Harbourside Backpackers?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Agnes Newton Keith Home (0.7 km).