The Hostelz.com Review
Borneo Backpackers is unexceptional as a hostel but draws many guests, particularly from other hostels, for its cleanliness.
The Location
The hostel is located in downtown Kota Kinabalu, about ten minutes' walk from the ferry terminal (where the ferry from Labuan docks, for those journeying east from Brunei or Sarawak). It is also close to several 7-11 stores, a local market, and a department store with a large supermarket in the basement. There is a taxi rank at a hotel a few blocks away, or the hostel staff will call a taxi for you within reception hours.
Rooms and Bathrooms
Dorm rooms have bunk beds with clean linen for each new guest. The rooms are cleaned daily. The showers are in a separate block, with one for each floor. The blocks are comprised of two showers and two separate toilets plus a row of sinks. They are also cleaned daily. Shower rooms have all the necessary amenities, such as a shelf for clothes and tray for shower gel or shampoo to sit.
Common Spaces
The hostel has two common spaces. One is a comfortable lounge area with chairs, a small book collection, and two very old computers connected to the (painfully slow) internet for guest use. The hostel also offers free (again, painfully slow) Wi-Fi. The other common area has a television and some cushions on the floor. The staff permanently monopolise this, though, with guests mainly making use of the lounge area. There is also a very clean kitchenette equipped with a kettle. A free, light breakfast comprising strictly of two slices of toast with butter and jam plus a cup of tea or coffee is provided here in the morning.
Summary
Borneo Backpackers is in a convenient location, particularly for those arriving or departing by ferry, and is a safe bet for clean accommodation in Kota Kinabalu.
The Location
The hostel is located in downtown Kota Kinabalu, about ten minutes' walk from the ferry terminal (where the ferry from Labuan docks, for those journeying east from Brunei or Sarawak). It is also close to several 7-11 stores, a local market, and a department store with a large supermarket in the basement. There is a taxi rank at a hotel a few blocks away, or the hostel staff will call a taxi for you within reception hours.
Rooms and Bathrooms
Dorm rooms have bunk beds with clean linen for each new guest. The rooms are cleaned daily. The showers are in a separate block, with one for each floor. The blocks are comprised of two showers and two separate toilets plus a row of sinks. They are also cleaned daily. Shower rooms have all the necessary amenities, such as a shelf for clothes and tray for shower gel or shampoo to sit.
Common Spaces
The hostel has two common spaces. One is a comfortable lounge area with chairs, a small book collection, and two very old computers connected to the (painfully slow) internet for guest use. The hostel also offers free (again, painfully slow) Wi-Fi. The other common area has a television and some cushions on the floor. The staff permanently monopolise this, though, with guests mainly making use of the lounge area. There is also a very clean kitchenette equipped with a kettle. A free, light breakfast comprising strictly of two slices of toast with butter and jam plus a cup of tea or coffee is provided here in the morning.
Summary
Borneo Backpackers is in a convenient location, particularly for those arriving or departing by ferry, and is a safe bet for clean accommodation in Kota Kinabalu.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
March 2011
Their Description
Borneo Backpackers Details
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Borneo Backpackers Reviews on Other WebsitesHostelz.com Guest Reviews
Perfectly adequate This hostel ticks all the standard boxes. It only has two real drawbacks -- its location and the enthusiasm of the staff. Situated on a roundabout on the main street through town, it surprisingly isn't noisy, but crossing the road is a definite challenge. With an all-female staff the pace has the feel of a YWCA, not helped by the proliferation of notices, lists of rules and instructions to guests. Unfortunately what seems to be lacking is a service charter for the staff to refer to, including a statement that customers should come before the latest soap opera installment. — JohnH , Australia (2010-06-22)