About

Sandakan Backpackers Hostel is close to restaurants and dining, great views (Sea View), and art and culture. You will love our place because of the views, the location, and the people. This place is good for couples, solo adventurers, business travelers, and families (with kids).

Being small, we thrive to provide you with the best budget and 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.

House Rules

Check In

6:00 - 23:00

Check Out

until

Age Restriction
Child Friendly
Credit Cards Not Accepted
Non Smoking
Taxes Not Included

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Facilities

Free Breakfast
Free City Maps
Free WiFi
Free Internet Access
Adaptors
Luggage Storage
Tours/Travel Desk
Housekeeping

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Reviews

6.0Good(392)

Value for Money
6.0
Security
6.6
Atmosphere
4.6
Cleanliness
5.1
Staff
7.7
Location
6.9
Facilities
5.1

Summary of traveller reviews

Sandakan Backpackers Hostel offers a great location, perfect for travellers heading to Sepilok or the Kinabatangan River. Guests often praise the friendly and helpful staff, and the rooftop terrace provides a nice space to relax. While some reviews mention dated facilities and cleanliness issues, particularly in bathrooms, the hostel is generally seen as a decent, budget-friendly option for short stays.

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Stayed in May 2026

5.7

Daisy

Female, 18-24, England

Didn’t feel particularly safe here as a solo female traveller, was the only one in the dorm for a few nights and just a weird hostel vibe. Wouldn’t particularly recommend Sandakan overall but if I were to I would say do a day trip from Sepilok!

Stayed in Apr 2026

6.6

Benjamin

Male, 31-40, Scotland

All a bit old fashioned and ramshackle. Some toilets not working. Staff were nice though.

Stayed in Mar 2026

3.4

Roger

Male, 25-30, England

Don’t recommend- some kind of biting bugs on beds, filthy kitchen, not a nice atmosphere

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