2nd Floor, Wisma Sri Melanu Jalan Panggun Wayang Lama, 91308, Semporna, Malaysia
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“Also the staff were friendly and helpful”
“I stay here regularly, the location is great and everyone is super friendly”
“Nice breakfast”
“Breakfast ok with nuddles and local donuts, instant coffee and tea bags”
“The location and the price and the breakfast”
“Good location”
“It was really clean, comfortable, and everything felt just right for a reasonabl…”
“Nice Place to stay overnight before to get the boat to the Islands, clean and wi…”
“Had aircon in the room”
“The room was clean, spacious, and comfortable”
“The value for money is the one of the reasons for the rating, breakfast is wonde…”
Island Backpackers features air-conditioned rooms in Semporna. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, a shared lounge and free WiFi throughout the property. At the hostel, every room is fitted with a desk. All units include a shared bathroom, a hairdryer and bed linen. The nearest airport is Tawau Airport, 78 km from Island Backpackers.
Tristan
family_with_children
May 12, 2026
“So so place”
The location and the price and the breakfast
Eleanor
couple
April 4, 2026
“Very average stay. Okay for a cheap night.”
In center of town. Had aircon in the room.
Vix
family_with_children
February 23, 2026
In the town of Semporna, I truly felt at home. It had a magical charm — beautiful little streets, plenty of restaurants, and a harbor with an unforgettable atmosphere. All of this was perfectly complemented by the Island Backpackers accommodation. It was really clean, comfortable, and everything felt just right for a reasonable price. The only thing I’d point out were the slightly soft mattresses, but that really comes down to personal preference.
Marc
family_with_children
February 18, 2026
“Not bad”
Good location
Giada
family_with_children
February 8, 2026
Nice Place to stay overnight before to get the boat to the Islands, clean and with nice staff. Nice breakfast!
Raslina
solo_traveller
January 13, 2026
Fantastic experience to stay at island backpackers. The room was clean, spacious, and comfortable. Also the staff were friendly and helpful. I'm looking forward to staying here again😁
Wenjuan
solo_traveller
January 2, 2026
“a good choice for those solo trip, i went to there purely for diving and it is quite near the dock.”
Breakfast ok with nuddles and local donuts, instant coffee and tea bags.
Carmen
couple
December 2, 2025
“A great stopover spot!”
I stay here regularly, the location is great and everyone is super friendly!
Iza
extended_group
November 9, 2025
“Amazing”
Nice staff, food, clean, social
Bettina
couple
November 7, 2025
The breakfast ist nice. They also buy local food. It’s nice to try it, especially for a foreign person. They have a washing machine which you can use. We used it always after the diving. So no salty water. They also have a small kitchen which the people can use + A water refill station. The location is also really good. We would book it again.
Johanna
solo_traveller
October 13, 2025
The bed curtain only existed on one side and room had no lock so in theory anyone could walk in at any time. Made me feel a bit queer
Malou
family_with_children
September 15, 2025
Great location and the team is always there if you have questions
Caitlin
solo_traveller
August 31, 2025
“Clean and comfortable, basic hostel.”
Jeyn
solo_traveller
August 31, 2025
The rooms were clean and comfy Walking distance to an Orange (like 7-11), food vendors, bus to sandakan, and to the pier for dives They also organise cheap travel to the airport
Fakawi
family_with_children
August 28, 2025
Staffs were awesome
Sabaruddin
solo_traveller
August 27, 2025
“Cozy place. Perfect for solo travelers.”
Unlike any other hostels. Here, they provide basic things that we can have at home. You can do the laundry and cook by yourself. Their host also treat guest with comfort foods.
Louis
solo_traveller
August 27, 2025
Quiet hostel, good breakfast, coffee and tea
John
solo_traveller
August 26, 2025
“Great value for money”
The value for money is the one of the reasons for the rating, breakfast is wonderful too. It was a real help as you’ll be doing excursions most days so it helps with timings. Staff were really friendly & helpful too, had a great stay in a collective hostel.
Claire
solo_traveller
August 9, 2025
It is well located. Breakfast was good.
Hannah
couple
July 28, 2025
“It’s cheap right so you get what you pay for”
Location to the jetty is great, in the centre of town so can walk to restaurants etc. Breakfast is random but included
Laundry room
Use of cleaning chemicals that are effective against Coronavirus, Linens, towels and laundry washed in accordance with local authority guidelines, Guest accommodation is disinfected between stays
Breakfast options
Physical distancing in dining areas
Non-smoking rooms, Air conditioning, Designated smoking area, WiFi available in all areas
WiFi, Free WiFi, Internet services
Contactless check-in/check-out, Physical distancing rules followed
24-hour security
Staff follow all safety protocols as directed by local authorities, Hand sanitizer in guest accommodation and key areas, Process in place to check health of guests, First aid kit available
Luggage storage, Room service, 24-hour front desk, Airport shuttle, Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Shuttle service, Shuttle service (additional charge), Airport shuttle (additional charge), Lockers, Shared lounge/TV area
The double room provides air conditioning, a tea and coffee maker, as well as a shared bathroom featuring a shower and a hairdryer. The unit offers 1 bed.
The double room provides air conditioning, a tea and coffee maker, as well as a shared bathroom featuring a shower and a hairdryer. The unit offers 1 bed.
The double room provides air conditioning, a tea and coffee maker, as well as a shared bathroom featuring a shower and a hairdryer. The unit offers 1 bed.
The twin room provides air conditioning, a tea and coffee maker, as well as a shared bathroom featuring a shower and a hairdryer. The unit offers 2 beds.
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