Sandakan Backpackers Hostel
Lot 108, 1st Floor, Block Sh-11, Sandakan Harbour Square, Sandakan 90000 Malaysia
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US$16
Free cancellation until 10/02/23
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About
#10 of 40 Specialty lodging in Sandakan
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New management of Sandakan Backpackers started to operate on June 2016 with the sea view on the new roof top surrounding. Come and share your adventure and travelling experience with us! Unique Borneo atmosphere and centrally located in the heart of Sandakan town, right at the WATERFRONT at Harbour Square complimented with trendy bars and bistro nearby. You will be strategically and conveniently located in close proximity to the best amenities and services the city can offer. Being small, we thrive to provide you with the best budget, clean accommodation option within the city so that you will be comfortably taken care of at Sandakan Backpackers Hostel, which doubles up as your launch pad to the treasures and beauty of Sabah, Borneo.
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Property amenities
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Free breakfast
Bicycle rental
Darts
Taxi service
Rooftop terrace
24-hour security
Laundry service
Wifi
Vending machine
Board games / puzzles
BBQ facilities
Baggage storage
Non-smoking hotel
Shared bathroom
Shared kitchen
Shared lounge / TV area
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Room features
Air conditioning
Kitchenette
Room types
Ocean view
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Budget
Charming
Languages Spoken
English, Chinese, Malay
Location
80Somewhat walkable
Grade: 80 out of 100
24Restaurantswithin 1 km
7Attractionswithin 1 km
Contact
Lot 108, 1st Floor, Block Sh-11, Sandakan Harbour Square, Sandakan 90000 Malaysia
Getting there
Car HireSee all Sandakan car hire
169Reviews2Q+A9Room tips
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The hostel is basic and there's no two ways about it. Yes it's cheap, so cheap that my friends and I got a private room each. But I feel that the hostel could charge more and then update the decor and facilities and also offer more of a substantial and welcoming breakfast than just a pot of jam and a loaf of bread. However, the staff were extremely friendly and helpful. Nothing was too much trouble for them. The location is also great. In central Sandakan and it felt very secure. The hostel does what it needs to do if you need a cheap place to stay.
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Date of stay: January 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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The staff there is very friendly and warmly welcomed me. The host gave me really helpful tips for my onward trip. The rooms are clean. There is a kitchen and a refrigerator. Also there is a fitness room, very nice. A beautiful designed hostel with nice people working there.
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Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Travelled solo
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+1
Basic accommodation with small rooms (some with private showers, but no private toilets). Some common areas and also a roof top terrace with sitting area and hammocks. Hot water and AC available. The staff is very friendly and helpful, luggage can be stored, but the storage room is not locked. The colourful drawings from guests give it a nice touch. Common kitchen with fridge and cooking area. but at least the fridge would need better cleaning.
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Date of stay: June 2022
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We stayed in a private room with shared bathroom, our room was quite big. However the bathrooms were very dirty and the showers didn't work. Breakfast was included, however it was very limited, just toast and fruit. Many places to eat around the hostel and a big shopping centre. Walking distance to the bus stop and easy bus timetable.
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Date of stay: February 2020
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A fantastic hostel with super friendly and helpful staff. Decent breakfast available. Good wifi. The room was ok in size. Korean style bathroom where the water just goes on the floor. The view of the sea was nice. There's a few restaurants along the water front below the hotel which are quite good. Look for the one with the barrels as seats. A nice roof terrace on top too.
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Date of stay: March 2020
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Friendly hosts, ample breakfast, comfy and clean rooms. Location is perfect for Sandakan, right on the harbour side. Have bag storage facilities, which was helpful. Rooftop terrace is nice for relaxing in the evening. Very good value for money and would definitely return.
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Date of stay: March 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.
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I stayed in the room with a seaview, loved it!! Just to have a window again and with this amazing view. It could get a bit noisy out on the street at night but until 11 or 12. I did a trip in between and so the first time I was in room 4, walls are full of messages from other travelers. So is all of the hostel, everyone is free to leave a message! Great backpackers vibe! Comfy bed, nice breakfast, friendly staff, good rooftop lounge. It's also a 'green' hostel. I enjoyed both of my stays there. The second visit was in room 8, nothing was written on the wall (yet), but again great room with private shower. Only the powerplug here was a bit far from the bed. This was not the case in room 4. Great wifi throughout the hostel, book exchange, good location. Good place to relax :)!
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Stayed for a night and it ticks all of the boxes. The place is clean and relaxed and had everything that we needed. The rooftop area was a nice space to just chill in the afternoon or relax in the evening and has a nice view of the sea. All of the staff were super friendly, helpful and made us feel very welcome. They arranged for us to go on the firefly evening tour very last minute, We changed our plans and left a day early in a bit of a hurry and forgot our key deposit. They team were so great, they emailed to let us know and then went to the bank to pay the deposit into the bank of our next accommodation which they deducted from our bill. Honestly and helpfulness that is hard to find these days so thank you guys.
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Date of stay: December 2019
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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With sea views, this backpackers is a handy little stop off before embarking on the Kinabatangan River adventure. What struck us most is that the owner and staff really understand what backpacking is about. There's a friendly, communal atmosphere and they'll even let you leave your artistic stamp on the walls. You can book your river adventure from the front desk easily enough (we turned up, booked it, and left the next morning). They'll help you sort it and you can be picked up outside. It's about 3-4 hours from Sandakan by bus to the river. They'll store your bags if you want to leave them and return to Sandakan afterwards. Our private double had air-conditioning and shared use of the bathroom. The one downside (which they're ready to admit) is poor WiFi. However, their partner hostel is just a couple of minutes away and you're welcome to use their superior WiFi for booking further accommodation etc. There's a lovely roof terrace where you can enjoy views of the sea with a reasonably priced Tiger beer.…
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Date of stay: July 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.
Helpful
Excellent central location , and friendly staff who will order you a grab taxi to get to seplilock animal parks and anywhere else , try sim sim the nearby fishing village for seafood , ask for a drop off at 88 restaurant and go at sunset its lovely. the wifi was poor in the private rooms and could only be used in the common areas. the breakfast was either pancakes or eggybread with fresh fruit and coffee , i liked the place and stayed 3 nights.
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Date of stay: July 2019Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: no wfi in private room extension
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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PRICE RANGE
US$13 - US$18 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
MalaysiaSabahSandakan DivisionSandakan
NUMBER OF ROOMS
11
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Frequently Asked Questions about Sandakan Backpackers Hostel
Which popular attractions are close to Sandakan Backpackers Hostel?
Nearby attractions include Agnes Newton Keith Home (0.6 km), The Parish of St Michael and All Angels (0.6 km), and Sandakan Heritage Trail (0.3 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Sandakan Backpackers Hostel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and laundry service.
What food & drink options are available at Sandakan Backpackers Hostel?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast and barbeque facilities during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Sandakan Backpackers Hostel?
Conveniently located restaurants include Balin Roof Garden Bar & Bistro, English Tea House & Restaurant, and Harbour Bistro Cafe.
Is Sandakan Backpackers Hostel located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.3 km away from the centre of Sandakan.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Sandakan Backpackers Hostel?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, Chinese, and Malay.
Are there any historical sites close to Sandakan Backpackers Hostel?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Agnes Newton Keith Home (0.6 km).
Does Sandakan Backpackers Hostel have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the harbour view available here.