Name: Borneo Sandakan Backpackers
Address: HS-05, Lot 55, 1st Floor, Sandakan, Sandakan, Sandakan, 90701, Malaysia
Rating: 10

Air conditioning

Smoke-free property

Ticket assistance

No elevators

Reception desk

General

Family room

Rooms

Luggage storage

Services and amenities

Breakfast

Common kitchen

Meals

Free Wi-Fi

Internet

Airport transportation

Transfer

English

Languages Spoken

Tour assistance

Tourist services

Parking

Family/Kid Friendly

Kids

Pets Not Allowed

Pets

Location

At the hostel

Sandakan Airport

Borneo Sandakan Backpackers

Sandakan

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! 

Great stay! 

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!

Pleasant, reliable, economical

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.

Immaculate and Friendly

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. 

Snadakan Backpackers

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. 

Loved it

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!

Best place and people

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

Borneo Sandakan Backpackers

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