Sandakan Backpackers Hostel

Staff friendly, hostel not really that clean and beds not comfy at all...mine creaked every time I moved but there were no bed bugs which is a plus! No individual lights or a shelf in the bunks are the socket is quite far away from the bed so not great if you don't have a long cable or want to read your book in the evening. Shared spaces are nice, the hot water ran out one morning when I wanted a coffee and was told that was it they couldn't refill it. Better hostels around for the same price

Avoid. Bed bugs!!! Both myself and my boyfriend were bitten and have had to wash all of our clothes again. Not worth it!

The hostel overall was fine, not spotless clean but not dirty. The location is good and staff are helpful. However, I’ve given it a 1 as both myself and my boyfriend were bitten by bed bugs. I can see that someone else in a past review reported the same. Based on this, I wouldn’t recommend the hostel. Hotels in the area are cheap enough to stay elsewhere.

I had a wonderful stay at the hostel. Everyone is super friendly, you get a small breakfast, free coffee/tea/water all day. The rooftop is amazing and everything is really what a backpacker's heart desires. I don't understand the bad reviews! I didn't have any bed bugs, the bathrooms were fine, the shower pressure is a bit low, but then again you pay so little and get so much for it! Also, the bus to Sepilok leaves right outside the door. I‘d come back!

Warning! Bedbugs in the female dorm. The lady in the reception was kinda and give us privet room after I saw bedbugs on the wall next to my bed in the middle of the night! They were kind enough to let me stay in the privet for 2 nights instead and not paying extra.

Was there 1 night. Believe in my double room there were bed bugs, though they provided change of sheets and was fine thereafter (mattress looked clean enough underneath). Customer service was v good in all fairness, facilities otherwise all good & generally a good spot. I was probably one of the few to have had the experience - couldn’t give anymore than 3 stars based on that however. Want to thank them for everything however and wish them all the best for the future!

+ Location, vibe, staff - Bedbugs in room no 1, check your beds