Borneo Sandakan Backpackers
Block HS-5, Lot 54 & 55, 1st & 2nd floor, Sandakan Harbour Square, Sandakan 90000 Malaysia
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Room & Suite (11)
Bathroom (3)
About
#4 of 40 Specialty lodging in Sandakan
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Newly Refurbished & Upgraded! We are grateful and at the same time proud to present and kick-start Borneo Sandakan Backpackers in a different milestone. Having in mind to provide comfortable, affordable and convenient accommodation for solo travelers, couples, families and friends travelling to Sandakan, we are still continuously striving for more improvement in terms of service, cleanliness and security of the hostel. Come visit us and we are excited to share as much as we know on travelling around Sandakan, Kinabatangan and around Sabah. Located at Sandakan Harbour Square of the city center, where we are one floor above the 7-eleven in Sandakan Harbour Square adjacent to the Sandakan Harbour Mall. This will be a good place to stay for its surrounding atmosphere with the locals, to be nearing the sea, shopping mall, grocers, restaurants, bars, tour operators, bus station and also the Sandakan Heritage Trail just within walking distance.
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Property amenities
Paid public parking nearby
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Free breakfast
Airport transportation
Baggage storage
Concierge
24-hour front desk
Restaurant
Car hire
Non-smoking hotel
Shared bathroom
Shared kitchen
Shops
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Room features
Air conditioning
Hair dryer
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Budget
Languages Spoken
English, Malay
Location
77Somewhat walkable
Grade: 77 out of 100
25Restaurantswithin 1 km
8Attractionswithin 1 km
Block HS-5, Lot 54 & 55, 1st & 2nd floor, Sandakan Harbour Square, Sandakan 90000 Malaysia
Getting there
Car HireSee all Sandakan car hire
178Reviews0Q+A13Room tips
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We stayed here for 2 nights. It is nearby shops and restaurants, good location, a lot of things like the busstation (mini bus station) are on walking distance. At arrival we met Frank, he is really kind and helped us during our stay. It was no problem to leave our bags for one day to visit Turtle Island. You can also book some tours over here. The photos you see above are old, the place looks more modern now. Rooms are bit small but clean and aircon works fine. Showers are good, nothing special. It was a great stay!
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip 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.
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We spent a very contented three nights at this clean and efficient hostel in downtown Sandakan. When we arrived on Sunday, Sandakan was a hectic mess. The streets were crowded; the traffic appalling. It made for a slightly stressful and very sweaty introduction to the former capital city of Sabah (or North Borneo as it used to be known). What a relief to get into our room at this hostel. The aircon works! The walls are soundproof! The bed is comfortable! Plus, the shared bathroom facilities are in a respectable state! Admittedly, we were in town during the quiet season and there weren't many other guests. The hostel may not feel quite the same if there is a queue for the showers or a race for toast at breakfast. Speaking of breakfast, it was very basic. Bread is provided for toasting and then applying peanut butter, jam, etc. There was also a bowl of fresh fruit and another of boiled eggs one morning (this seemed more haphazard - first come first served?). Another minor issue is that there are several 'backpacker hostels' in very close proximity to each other in Sandakan, which can get confusing for first-time guests and taxi drivers. Make sure you're arriving at the right one! (This one is above a Seven-11 shop). But these are meer quibbles. Our overall experience was solidly positive. The room and facilities fine; staff helpful; the location handy. It seemed top-notch value. For other travellers to Sabah who aren't too fussed about luxury, I'd certainly recommend staying in this hostel for the Sandakan leg of your trip (and then splashing out on more expensive accommodation elsewhere, eg at Danum Valley or Lankayan Island). During our stay here we got a taxi out to Sepilok for the obligatory (and hugely enjoyable) visit to the orangutans and sun bears. All very easy to do. We also did a day visit to the Kinabatangan river. Plus we used the nearby 'Laundrybar' laundrette for a much-needed wash of pants and socks. Everything worked very well!…
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Date of stay: November 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.
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Very much enjoyed our recent stay. Family room v.clean and comfortable. Shared bathroom immaculate. All very recently refurbished. Staff and owner v. friendly & helpful. Great position close to bus terminal, taxis, market, mall & restaurants of all types.
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Date of stay: July 2019Trip type: Travelled with family
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.
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We stay there for two nights. The breakfast was good, the room was clean, the showers were clean and toilets were ok. But the quality of bed mattresses and pillow are not good. I could not sleep because the yogi is not real yogi but some foam.
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Date of stay: June 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.
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We actually ended up staying about 8 nights with gaps in between as we explored the surrounding places (Kinabatangan river, turtle island, sepilok etc) which were all easy to get to. The friendliest staff make you feel so at home, great eggs for breakfast. Perfectly clean rooms which are absolutely huge and the best location for teaching restaurants and the mall.
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Date of stay: July 2018Trip 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
Really nice people running this place.. Also location is great..I got the private room with shared bath.. Very clean rooms and helpful staff.. Internet works and books and info on city all organized.. Well done!
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Date of stay: April 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.
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Response from Abdul-Ham-Adam, Borneo Sandakan Backpackers at Borneo Sandakan Backpackers
Responded 19 Jul 2018
Dear Donnbhat, Thank you very much for your review and feedback. We will definitely continue to improve our rooms, facilities and services. We hope to see you again! Regards, Borneo Sandakan Backpackers
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I have stay this place for 2 night. The place was located in town so that is very easy for you to take a walk to town. The staff was very frndly and you will feel like at home when they start talking to you. the facilities was so good. they will rccommnd you a place to visit
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Date of stay: March 2018Trip 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
Response from Abdul-Ham-Adam, Borneo Sandakan Backpackers at Borneo Sandakan Backpackers
Responded 19 Jul 2018
Dear Guest, Thank you for staying with us at Borneo Sandakan Backpackers. We appreciate your kind review and hope to see you some day! Kind Regards, Borneo Sandakan Backpackers
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed here a couple of nights either side of our Kinabatangan River cruise tour and were very impressed. The rooms are clean, spacious and have great air con. The staff were all extremely pleasant and friendly and helped us with whatever we needed. Nice free breakfast included. Shopping mall is one minute away and there’s a couple of restaurants nearby to get a quick meal. Ideal place to place to stay in Sandakan.
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Date of stay: March 2018
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.
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Response from Abdul-Ham-Adam, Borneo Sandakan Backpackers at Borneo Sandakan Backpackers
Responded 19 Jul 2018
Hi Emma H, Thank you so much for your great review of our backpackers. We are happy to hear that you had an enjoyable stay with us. Hope to see you again. Regards, Borneo Sandakan Backpackers
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This is an extremely fine hostel, you get a clean, spacious room, towels and a free Wi-Fi. There are four showers and four toilets, so you won't mind a room doesn't have them. It is located in the center of Sandakan, within a walking distance from anywhere you would like to get to, staff will answer all questions and point the best location for your need.
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Date of stay: October 2017Trip 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
Response from Abdul-Ham-Adam, Borneo Sandakan Backpackers at Borneo Sandakan Backpackers
Responded 19 Jul 2018
Hi Marek J! Glad to know that you've enjoyed your stay here at Borneo Sandakan Backpackers. We appreciate the review - thank you very much. See you soon. Regards, Borneo Sandakan Backpackers
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Just stayed for one night before we went on a tour. Cheap but clean with good facilities and helpful friendly staff in the middle of Sandakan. No issues with the hostel but if you can avoid staying in Sandakan I would as it's not much to talk about, better staying in Sepilok if you can.
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Date of stay: February 2017Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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.
Helpful
Response from Abdul-Ham-Adam, Borneo Sandakan Backpackers at Borneo Sandakan Backpackers
Responded 19 Jul 2018
Hi Joey L, Thank you for staying with us at Borneo Sandakan Backpackers. We appreciate your review - thank you very much. Regards, Borneo Sandakan Backpackers
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LOCATION
MalaysiaSabahSandakan DivisionSandakan
NUMBER OF ROOMS
10
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Frequently Asked Questions about Borneo Sandakan Backpackers
Which popular attractions are close to Borneo Sandakan Backpackers?
Nearby attractions include Agnes Newton Keith Home (0.6 km), The Parish of St Michael and All Angels (0.7 km), and Sandakan Heritage Trail (0.3 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Borneo Sandakan Backpackers?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and an on-site restaurant.
What food & drink options are available at Borneo Sandakan Backpackers?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast and an on-site restaurant during their stay.
Is parking available at Borneo Sandakan Backpackers?
Yes, paid public parking nearby is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Borneo Sandakan Backpackers?
Conveniently located restaurants include Balin Roof Garden Bar & Bistro, English Tea House & Restaurant, and Harbour Bistro Cafe.
Does Borneo Sandakan Backpackers have airport transportation?
Yes, Borneo Sandakan Backpackers offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Is Borneo Sandakan Backpackers located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.4 km away from the centre of Sandakan.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Borneo Sandakan Backpackers?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Malay.
Are there any historical sites close to Borneo Sandakan Backpackers?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Agnes Newton Keith Home (0.6 km).