The Hive Backpackers' Hostel

The Hive Backpackers' Hostel is a cool, affordable hostel in the center of Singapore city, located in Little India. The interiors are neat and eye-catching, done in cool citrus colors, and the hostel itself has been recently renovated, with glass doors and security locks. Since the prices are very cheap, lots of backpackers and small families prefer to stay here.

The Location

The hostel is situated a few hundred yards from Boon Keng MRT, away from the crowds that throng Little India for bargain shopping. There is no parking available. You need to cross the road to get taxis, as they don't stop on the side in which the hostel is located.

If you're new to Singapore, you must tell the taxi driver the exact address and the phone number of the hostel. Without talking to the hostel staff, no taxi driver will find this place -- because there is no proper landmark nearby. You can try telling the driver that it's located on the end of Syed Alwi Road (that is, junction of Syed Alwi Road and Serangoon Road), but it's always best to give the hostel number to the driver and let him talk in Malay and get it all clear!

Another good option to reach here is to take the MRT from Changi (or Outram Park MRT if you are arriving by train) and get down in Boon keng. It's a five-minute walk to the MRT, and a ten-minute walk to the Mustafa bus stop. Air-conditioned buses leave twice a day to Orchard Road and Singapore Zoo leave from the bus stop at Mustafa Mega Shopping mall.

Rooms and Bathrooms

The layout of the hostel is quite interesting. The hostel consists of two buildings separated by a road -- but the first floor is bridged. Dorm rooms are located mainly in the ground floors of the two buildings. Upper floor has the private rooms. Dorms are comfortable, spacious with high ceilings, and have good-sized bunk beds (that tend to creak if you move too much). In-room lockers are a good touch, and the mini-fridge inside the dorm is cool.

Bathrooms are clean, with supply of hot water you can use anytime. A unisex bathroom is located right next to the girls' dorm -- quite convenient. A hook to hand clothes and towels is missing, which is a big minus. A separate loo for women is also missing, which might be a problem for some.

Common Spaces

There is some initial confusion in finding the right entrance door, but once you do, you enter a spacious (by Singaporean standards!) lobby that also acts as the reception, luggage storing corner, internet center, and TV hall. The hostel has a policy of switching the air-conditioning off after 9 a.m. (till 7 p.m.) in the common areas, which can be horrible if you just checked in and wish to stay indoors for some time.

The atmosphere is quiet and not exactly social, but that's because everyone wants to go out sightseeing. It's generally a young crowd, though families with small children are also there. The kitchen serves free breakfast everyday -- bread, jam, and butter are placed on the table and guests have to help themselves. A toaster is available, as well as a plate of fresh apples. A coffeemaker and cornflakes save the day.

The reception staff are pretty friendly and give you good advice regarding tourist attractions and eateries. The hostel has no curfew, and we had no problems coming back at 4 a.m. after a night out. The exit and entry doors are card-locked, so you definitely need to have your access card while going out or coming in.They charge you to replace a lost card.

Summary

It's definitely a bargain staying at The Hive. The price for a dorm bed includes linens, simple breakfast, local phone, internet, luggage storage, and free usage of hostel library. It saved us quite an amount of money that we could spend on other stuff like shopping. If you are looking for a safe and budget place to stay for a few nights, The Hive is the place to be.

— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
October 2008