Sandakan Backpackers Hostel
Lot 108, 1st Floor, Block Sh-11, Sandakan Harbour Square, Sandakan 90000 Malaysia
Lowest prices for your stay
US$15
Free cancellation until 06/04/23
US$13
Free cancellation until 07/04/23
US$15
US$12
Free cancellation until 07/04/23
TravelocityUS$15
Expedia.comUS$15
Vio.comUS$13
View all 13 deals
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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About
#10 of 40 Specialty lodging in Sandakan
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
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
Ocean View
Charming
Languages Spoken
English, Chinese, Malay
Location
78Somewhat walkable
Grade: 78 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
Reviews
Traveller rating
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For the past 8 month I have been backpacking all over Asia and this is definitely one the nicest and most welcoming places I have stayed! Super friendly staff do a great job taking care of the hostel, they can help you arrange or recommend the most convenient transportation and trips around Sandakan. You can clearly see they are passionate about what they are doing - they really make sure the guests are having a good time there. One of the coolest areas in the hostel is the rooftop terrace with hammocks and sea view – great for chilling and meeting new people. I would recommend this hostel to anyone. It really is a place I would return to!
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Date of stay: July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Sandakan B, Manager at Sandakan Backpackers Hostel
Responded 28 Oct 2017
Hi Marketa, thank you for your review. We have loved having you around too. Some of your painting around the hostel have been really cheerful and helpful. So if you come back to Sandakan, please do not go else where, come home. ;)
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Audrey and John are amazing people. Thanks to them this stay is perfect. I slept in a dorm for 4 nights and had only 2 nights someone else in the room. The staff provides you with excellent tips what to do if you have no plans and even the breakfast was pretty varied with peanutbutter, jam, bananas and 24/7 coffee and tea.your. And the rooftop is an extra bonus to chill and enjoy a drink. Highly recommended if you're staying in Sandakan!
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Date of stay: July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Sandakan B, Manager at Sandakan Backpackers Hostel
Responded 28 Oct 2017
Hello Jonas, thank you for your amazing review. It was great having you stayed with us too. You might not be around Asia for quite a bit, but please do know that you are always welcomed. ;)
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We really like our stay here and the staff is so informed and helpful. We stayed over the weekend so are you staying at a sea view room you might here load music. Being earplugs in case ;)) clean room.
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Date of stay: July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Sandakan B, Manager at Sandakan Backpackers Hostel
Responded 17 Jul 2017
Hello Nana, thank you for your review with such amazing score. We are happy to have you and Victor around too. Hope you enjoy the rest of your trip in Borneo. Travel safe. :)
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed here for two nights. Breakfast is standard (toast, marmalade, coffee/tea). The roof terrace was nothing special but nice to have a drink in the evening. Nice staff! If you want to have a cheap diner, go to Buhari, opposite the shopping mall. Good food, very cheap.
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Date of stay: July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Sandakan B, Manager at Sandakan Backpackers Hostel
Responded 17 Jul 2017
Hello, thank you for your review with such good score. Glad to know that you have enjoyed staying with us in overall. Some of the things that you have mentioned are good reminders for us. Thanks once again. Hopefully you get to stay with us again if you ever come back. ;) Travel safe.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed here with our 2 sons aged 11 and 13 and found the accommodation clean and very comfortable. John and Audrey and all the staff were incredibly friendly and couldn't have been more helpful. organising transport, keeping our bags - the place just has a great friendly atmosphere. Highly recommend this backpackers for everyone - not only backpackers!
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Date of stay: July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from sandakanbackpackersh, Manager at Sandakan Backpackers Hostel
Responded 12 Jul 2017
Hello Louise, Thank you for your review with such great score. We enjoyed having you and your family around too. Please come back some other time. ;) At the mean time, travel safe. Regards.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My wife and I stayed here for 5 days, we paid around £10 per day. The rooms are clean and tidy, the staff are very friendly, interested and engaging and the general atmosphere is very positive. Considering the wonderful things that can be done around Sandakan (Orangutan's, trekking, sunsets etc), we used this place as a base. Sandakan itself has very little to offer, so be wary of booking for too long if you hope to explore the town, it's very small and somewhat devoid of culture/interest. Wifi didn't work in our room whilst we were there, but did in the common room. There wasn't a large choice for breakfast, just toast and fruit. If you're looking to save some money on accommodation to spend on the attractions nearby, I recommend this place
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Date of stay: July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from sandakanbackpackersh, Manager at Sandakan Backpackers Hostel
Responded 12 Jul 2017
Hello Simon, Thank you for your review. We are glad that you have enjoyed staying with us in overall. We enjoyed having you around too. Once again, thanks. :)
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stayed 1 night just before heading into the jungle on a tour. Great little place right by the waterfront with places to eat all along it. We had a private room which had everything we needed. Shared showers and toilet were all very clean. We had a good sleep even with the proximity of the street outside. They also have a roof terrace to chill out! All the tour operators for stuff like Sepilok and Kinabatangen know the placce and will pick you up on the main road. Breakfast was simple but enough, with fruit, jam, bread etc They have cooking facilities if you wish to do your own stuff. They sell water, soft drinks and beer etc behind reception. For the price, absolutely the only place I would ever stay in Sandakan, many thanks!
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Date of stay: April 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from sandakanbackpackersh, Manager at Sandakan Backpackers Hostel
Responded 12 Jul 2017
Dear Chris, Thank you for your time and effort in writing us a review, in fact with an amazing score. We are glad that you have enjoyed staying with us. Your review is an encouragement to us. Thanks, once again. Regards.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My husband and I have stayed here for 3 nights and really enjoyed our stay. Staff are generally lovely people, they learn your name as soon as you arrive which gives a personal touch too. Mix of rooms, Dorms, doubles and family rooms. Sea view rooms have small cold shower and sink attached but no toilet. Lovely roof top terrace to relax and chill with hammocks and loungers. Perfect location. They say Saturday can be noisy with karaoke nights but we were not there on a Saturday night and found the hostile quiet. Simple fruit and toast breakfast included and coffee and tea 24 hours. Would definitely recommend it.
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Date of stay: June 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from sandakanbackpackersh, Manager at Sandakan Backpackers Hostel
Responded 17 Jun 2017
Hello, thank you for your review and amazing score. We are glad that you have enjoyed staying with us for the three nights. Your review is an encouragement to us. Once again, thank you. :)
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Spent over 100 nights in different hostels and never felt as home as I did at sandakan backpacker hostel!! The owner John and his employees are just to die for!! Don't hesitate!! Book it noooow!!! :))
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: May 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from sandakanbackpackersh, Manager at Sandakan Backpackers Hostel
Responded 25 May 2017
Dear Markus, thank you for your review and amazing score for us. Your feedback and reviews have been very encouraging to us. Come back some time, it is not that far. ;)
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
sea side, market, food, interesting places and most of all helpful and friendly locals. From land to sea there are a lot of things to do. Garbage is an eyesore but they trying solve the problem. Be part of turtle conservation.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: May 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from sandakanbackpackersh, Manager at Sandakan Backpackers Hostel
Responded 25 May 2017
Dear John, thank you for your review and good score! We appreciate your awareness on the environmental issues around the area. It was great to know that you have enjoyed your stay with us in overall. :)
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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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