Island Backpackers
Semporna
4.47931800,
118.61052100
,
2nd Floor, Wisma Sri Melanu Jalan Panggung Wayang Lama, 91308, Semporna, Malaysia
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Summary of reviewsIsland Backpackers, situated in the heart of Semporna, is highly regarded for its exceptional convenience and strategic location. Guests appreciate its proximity to key points such as the bus station, port, waterfront, jetties and dive shops, which enhances the overall experience. This central placement allows easy access to restaurants, supermarkets and other essential services, ideal for island hopping and diving activities. Although there are minor concerns about street cleanliness and morning noise, the ease of accessibility, nearby amenities and budget-friendliness make Island Backpackers a popular choice among travelers.
The breakfast offerings at Island Backpackers receive consistent praise for their variety and quality. Guests enjoy a range of simple yet sufficient options, including toast, eggs, coffee and occasional local dishes like curry puffs and noodles. The buffet style is generous, allowing visitors to eat to their fill and the availability of tea, coffee and water throughout the day is appreciated. Many find the breakfast better than average for a hostel, describing it as fulfilling and providing good value for money.
Cleanliness is a standout feature with the hostel frequently described as meticulously maintained. Both rooms and common areas are kept in excellent condition, thanks to the diligent efforts of the staff. Visitors commend the cleanliness of the bathrooms, bedrooms and shared facilities, although a few noted occasional wet floors and a lack of soap. The well-kept sheets and clean environment significantly contribute to the positive reviews.
The rooms at Island Backpackers are noted for being clean and comfortable. The majority of reviews emphasize the well-maintained state of the accommodations, which include both private rooms and dorms. While the beds receive mixed feedback—some praising their softness and privacy features like curtains and individual sockets, others citing occasional issues with thin mattresses and wobbly bunk beds—overall, the rooms are seen as basic but sufficient. Sound insulation could be improved, but the atmosphere remains peaceful and quiet.
The staff at Island Backpackers receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, consistently creating a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. Guests highlight the team, including the owner Mr. Zayn, for their kindness, enthusiasm and helpfulness. Whether booking excursions or offering local advice, the staff go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay, significantly enhancing the guest experience.
Wi-Fi at Island Backpackers is generally reliable and effective, described as fast and good in common areas, though some guests noted occasional connectivity issues in their rooms. However, the overall internet experience remains positive with good coverage in shared spaces.
In summary, Island Backpackers stands out for its strategic location, excellent breakfast, high standards of cleanliness and exceptional staff. Despite minor drawbacks with bed quality and occasional Wi-Fi issues, it remains a practical and comfortable choice for budget-conscious travelers.
The breakfast offerings at Island Backpackers receive consistent praise for their variety and quality. Guests enjoy a range of simple yet sufficient options, including toast, eggs, coffee and occasional local dishes like curry puffs and noodles. The buffet style is generous, allowing visitors to eat to their fill and the availability of tea, coffee and water throughout the day is appreciated. Many find the breakfast better than average for a hostel, describing it as fulfilling and providing good value for money.
Cleanliness is a standout feature with the hostel frequently described as meticulously maintained. Both rooms and common areas are kept in excellent condition, thanks to the diligent efforts of the staff. Visitors commend the cleanliness of the bathrooms, bedrooms and shared facilities, although a few noted occasional wet floors and a lack of soap. The well-kept sheets and clean environment significantly contribute to the positive reviews.
The rooms at Island Backpackers are noted for being clean and comfortable. The majority of reviews emphasize the well-maintained state of the accommodations, which include both private rooms and dorms. While the beds receive mixed feedback—some praising their softness and privacy features like curtains and individual sockets, others citing occasional issues with thin mattresses and wobbly bunk beds—overall, the rooms are seen as basic but sufficient. Sound insulation could be improved, but the atmosphere remains peaceful and quiet.
The staff at Island Backpackers receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, consistently creating a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. Guests highlight the team, including the owner Mr. Zayn, for their kindness, enthusiasm and helpfulness. Whether booking excursions or offering local advice, the staff go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay, significantly enhancing the guest experience.
Wi-Fi at Island Backpackers is generally reliable and effective, described as fast and good in common areas, though some guests noted occasional connectivity issues in their rooms. However, the overall internet experience remains positive with good coverage in shared spaces.
In summary, Island Backpackers stands out for its strategic location, excellent breakfast, high standards of cleanliness and exceptional staff. Despite minor drawbacks with bed quality and occasional Wi-Fi issues, it remains a practical and comfortable choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Cheap Hostel
This hostel provides budget-friendly accommodations for backpackers. It offers a social atmosphere and is located within walking distance of Semporna's attractions.
Guest Reviews
Located in the heart of Semporna, Island Backpackers stands out for its exceptionally convenient and strategic location. Guests consistently commend its proximity to essential points such as the bus station and the port, making it an ideal base for island hopping and diving activities. The hostel is just a short walk from the jetty, restaurants, supermarkets and various services, offering easy access to everything one might need during their stay.
This central placement ensures travelers can reach the waterfront, jetties and dive shops within minutes, enhancing their overall experience. While the immediate street may not be the most picturesque with some reports of rubbish and morning noise, the overall accessibility and nearby amenities compensate well for these minor drawbacks. Visitors find the location optimal for exploring Semporna and appreciate the hostel's affordability and cleanliness, making it a great choice for budget-conscious travelers.
The breakfast at Island Backpackers is frequently praised by guests for its variety, quality and inclusion in the stay. Visitors consistently mentioned enjoying a selection of simple but sufficient offerings, including toast, eggs and coffee with some mentioning additional items like boiled eggs, bananas and different breads. The breakfast also features a rotating selection of delicious local dishes, from curry puffs and noodles to sesame balls and pastries, which many guests found delightful.
The buffet style received positive comments for being generous and allowing guests to eat to their fill with some noting the availability of tea, coffee and water throughout the day. A few reviews highlighted the breakfast as better than average for a hostel, sometimes even described as fulfilling and varied. Guests particularly appreciated the inclusion of breakfast as it provides great value for money, making it suitable for solo travelers and those on a budget.
Overall, the breakfast at Island Backpackers stands out for its completeness and the effort put into offering a range of local flavors, contributing to the enjoyment of the overall stay.
Island Backpackers offers a clean and comfortable stay with several highlights appreciated by its guests. Many reviews praise the cleanliness of the rooms, emphasizing their well-maintained state. Most rooms, including private and dorm options, are equipped with good air conditioning, adding to the comfort. Beds receive mixed feedback; some are reported as very soft and comfortable with nice pillows and linens, while others are less favorable, citing issues like wobbly bunk beds. The overall accommodation is described as basic yet sufficient with features like plug points, curtains and clean towels and sheets. Sound insulation appears inadequate as guests note thin walls. Nevertheless, the atmosphere is peaceful and quiet, suitable for those seeking a restful stay rather than a party environment.
Island Backpackers offers a mixed experience when it comes to their beds, but there are many positives worth highlighting. Guests repeatedly mention the spacious, comfortable beds, noting that they come with convenient features such as their own socket, light and curtains for privacy. This added privacy is a common theme in the reviews, appreciated by travelers wanting a bit more seclusion in a dorm setting.
The comfort of the beds is frequently praised with many guests describing them as comfy, big enough and equipped with nice pillows and linens. The dorm rooms themselves are also described as being large, clean and well-equipped, contributing to an overall sense of comfort.
However, some guests have pointed out that the beds are somewhat worn out or old, although they often note that they are still comfortable despite their age. Issues with certain beds include thin mattresses that may not be ideal for side sleepers and bunk beds that wobble, affecting sleep quality. Despite these occasional drawbacks, the general consensus remains positive, emphasizing the comfort and thoughtfulness of the bed setup at Island Backpackers. Overall, the combination of cleanliness, roominess and comfortable sleeping arrangements make it a practical choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Island Backpackers receives high praise for its cleanliness, making it a standout choice for travelers who prioritize hygiene. Guests frequently describe the accommodations as clean, comfortable and simple, noting that both rooms and common areas are meticulously maintained. The staff's proficiency and diligence in cleaning are highly commended with several mentions of bathrooms being cleaned multiple times a day.
While most reviews highlight the hostel's exceptional standards, a few guests pointed out that the bathrooms were occasionally wet and lacked soap. Despite this, the majority of reviewers seem pleased with the overall cleanliness of the premises, from the air-conditioned bedrooms to the shared facilities.
Visitors also appreciate the tidy and well-kept sheets, as well as the friendly and helpful staff who contribute significantly to the clean environment. Breakfast quality and Wi-Fi are additional positive aspects tied to the hostel's cleanliness, satisfying many guests' expectations.
In summary, Island Backpackers stands out for its cleanliness, which is consistently underscored as a primary reason for choosing the hostel, despite minor criticisms.
At Island Backpackers, the staff have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from guests. They consistently create a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. The team, including the owner and reception staff, is noted for their kindness, enthusiasm and eagerness to assist with any needs or issues, significantly enhancing the guest experience.
Guests found the staff to be extremely helpful with everything from booking excursions to offering advice on local activities. Phrases like friendly, helpful, accommodating, attentive and kind repeatedly surface in reviews. The owner, Mr. Zayn, in particular, is highlighted as a major asset to the hostel, always ready to assist and solve issues, ensuring a pleasant stay for everyone.
Overall, the staff at Island Backpackers are praised for going above and beyond to make guests feel comfortable and supported throughout their stay, contributing significantly to the hostel's inviting and positive atmosphere.
Island Backpackers offers generally reliable and effective Wi-Fi, described as fast and good by many guests. The internet connection is strong enough to easily upload travel moments. However, some visitors noted that Wi-Fi did not reach their rooms, leading to occasional connectivity issues. Despite this, the overall experience with the internet was positive with good coverage in common areas.
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Location
This central placement ensures travelers can reach the waterfront, jetties and dive shops within minutes, enhancing their overall experience. While the immediate street may not be the most picturesque with some reports of rubbish and morning noise, the overall accessibility and nearby amenities compensate well for these minor drawbacks. Visitors find the location optimal for exploring Semporna and appreciate the hostel's affordability and cleanliness, making it a great choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Breakfast
The buffet style received positive comments for being generous and allowing guests to eat to their fill with some noting the availability of tea, coffee and water throughout the day. A few reviews highlighted the breakfast as better than average for a hostel, sometimes even described as fulfilling and varied. Guests particularly appreciated the inclusion of breakfast as it provides great value for money, making it suitable for solo travelers and those on a budget.
Overall, the breakfast at Island Backpackers stands out for its completeness and the effort put into offering a range of local flavors, contributing to the enjoyment of the overall stay.
Rooms
Beds
The comfort of the beds is frequently praised with many guests describing them as comfy, big enough and equipped with nice pillows and linens. The dorm rooms themselves are also described as being large, clean and well-equipped, contributing to an overall sense of comfort.
However, some guests have pointed out that the beds are somewhat worn out or old, although they often note that they are still comfortable despite their age. Issues with certain beds include thin mattresses that may not be ideal for side sleepers and bunk beds that wobble, affecting sleep quality. Despite these occasional drawbacks, the general consensus remains positive, emphasizing the comfort and thoughtfulness of the bed setup at Island Backpackers. Overall, the combination of cleanliness, roominess and comfortable sleeping arrangements make it a practical choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Cleanliness
While most reviews highlight the hostel's exceptional standards, a few guests pointed out that the bathrooms were occasionally wet and lacked soap. Despite this, the majority of reviewers seem pleased with the overall cleanliness of the premises, from the air-conditioned bedrooms to the shared facilities.
Visitors also appreciate the tidy and well-kept sheets, as well as the friendly and helpful staff who contribute significantly to the clean environment. Breakfast quality and Wi-Fi are additional positive aspects tied to the hostel's cleanliness, satisfying many guests' expectations.
In summary, Island Backpackers stands out for its cleanliness, which is consistently underscored as a primary reason for choosing the hostel, despite minor criticisms.
Staff
Guests found the staff to be extremely helpful with everything from booking excursions to offering advice on local activities. Phrases like friendly, helpful, accommodating, attentive and kind repeatedly surface in reviews. The owner, Mr. Zayn, in particular, is highlighted as a major asset to the hostel, always ready to assist and solve issues, ensuring a pleasant stay for everyone.
Overall, the staff at Island Backpackers are praised for going above and beyond to make guests feel comfortable and supported throughout their stay, contributing significantly to the hostel's inviting and positive atmosphere.
Wi-Fi
No, Island Backpackers doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Island Backpackers.
No, Island Backpackers doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Island Backpackers.
No, Island Backpackers doesn't have a gym.
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