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Island Backpackers
1 Person in 6-Bed Dormitory - Mixed, Island Backpackers  in Semporna
Lobby, Island Backpackers  in Semporna
Lobby, Island Backpackers  in Semporna
Bathroom, Island Backpackers  in Semporna
Bathroom, Island Backpackers  in Semporna
Entrance, Island Backpackers  in Semporna

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9.2

Exceptional

107 reviews

107 reviews

Housekeeping9
Breakfast3
See map
See map

9.2

Exceptional

Location rating score

Exceptional location - Inside city center
Excellent for walking
Parking
Available
Walkable places
G Mart
110 m
Masjid Pekan Semporna
120 m
Sabah
190 m
Giant
230 m
Century Departmental store
280 m
Popular landmarks
Muzium Tun Sakaran
860 m
Tun Sakaran Marine Park
22.9 km
Bohey Dulang Island
23.6 km
Mabul Island
26.1 km
Mataking Island
39.0 km
Closest landmarks
SOO Clinic
210 m
Watsons
310 m
Arthur's Bar
320 m
Guardian
360 m
Hospital Semporna
840 m

Island Backpackers

Jalan Pawagan Lama, Taman Bandar Semporna, Semporna, Malaysia, 91308 - See map

Get your trip off to a great start with a stay at this property, which offers free Wi-Fi in all rooms. Strategically situated in Taman Bandar Semporna, allowing you access and proximity to local attractions and sights. Don't leave before paying a visit to the famous Mabul Island. As an added bonus, restaurant is provided on-site to conveniently serve your needs.

Highlights

Hygiene Plus

Sparkling clean

Inside city center

Top Value

Front desk [24-hour]

This property has self-selected and self-certified the following hygiene measures.Learn more
Safety Features
Staff trained in safety protocol
See all amenities
Preventative Equipment
Hand sanitizer
Health and Medical
First aid kit
Facilities

Airport transfer

Car park

Shuttle service

Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!

Front desk [24-hour]

Luggage storage

Cash withdrawal

Contactless check-in/out

Your dates are popular among travelersUsers are booking a place in Semporna every 9 minutes on Agoda.com
Value for money9.7
Location rating9.2
Nearest airportSemporna Airport (SMM)
Distance to airport3.0 km

Rooms available at Island Backpackers

Twin Beds
...
  • Room size: 8 m²/86 ft²
  • No Windows view
  • 2 single beds
Enter dates to see prices
1 Person in 6-Bed Dormitory - Mixed
...
  • Room size: 17 m²/183 ft²
  • Non-smoking
  • 6 bunk beds
Enter dates to see prices
King Room with Shared Bathroom
...
  • Room size: 10 m²/108 ft²
  • Shower
  • 1 king bed
Enter dates to see prices
1 Person in 10-Bed Dormitory - Female Only
...
  • Room size: 22 m²/237 ft²
  • Shower
  • 5 bunk beds
Enter dates to see prices
Standard Double Room
...
  • Room size: 10 m²/108 ft²
  • Shower
  • 1 double bed
Enter dates to see prices
Queen Room
...
  • Room size: 10 m²/108 ft²
  • Shower
  • 1 queen bed
Enter dates to see prices
Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
...
  • Room size: 17 m²/183 ft²
  • Shower
  • 1 bunk bed
Enter dates to see prices
Bunk Bed in Female Dormitory Room
...
  • Room size: 22 m²/237 ft²
  • Shower
  • 1 bunk bed
Enter dates to see prices
Twin Room with Shared Bathroom ( No window )
...
  • Room size: 10 m²/108 ft²
  • Shower
  • 2 single beds
Enter dates to see prices

Frequently asked questions

Does Island Backpackers provide airport transfer?

Island Backpackers provides airport transfer service upon request with an additional fee of 25 MYR in local currency. To request, check the box on the booking form just before the payment page.

What are the property's policies for children's bedding at Island Backpackers ?

Island Backpackers's policy relating to children's bedding considers guests age 13 years and older as adults, and therefore must use an extra bed which will incur an additional charge. You can find additional information about specific child policy and age range for this property, by checking the "Property policies" section located in the property page for more details.

When was Island Backpackers built?

Island Backpackers was built in 2000.

What is the verified guest review consensus about Island Backpackers 's breakfast?

64.0% of our verified guest testimonials have given an optimistic review and comments about this property's breakfast. You can look up on more detailed customer reviews, and comments for Island Backpackers down in the review section.

What is the average rating that past Solo travelers' have given to Island Backpackers ?

Past solo travelers that have stayed at this property have given Island Backpackers an average rating of 9.0. You can look up more detailed customer reviews and feedback by filtering for a specific type of verified travelers down in the review section.

What is the typical rating that verified Families with young children have given to Island Backpackers ?

Past families with young children that have stayed at this property have given Island Backpackers an average rating of 8.8. You can look up more detailed customer testimonials and comments by filtering for a specific type of verified travelers down in the review section.

What do local travelers think about Island Backpackers ?

Verified local visitors that have stayed at this property have given Island Backpackers an average rating of 9.5. You can look up on more descriptive customer testimonials, and remarks for this property down in the review section.

What dining places are close by Island Backpackers ?

Island Backpackers’s neighborhood is Taman Bandar Semporna which consists of popular dining places such as Summer Breeze Cafe and Dragon Inn.

What time is check-in and check-out at Island Backpackers ?

Check-in is from 02:00 PM, and check-out is until 12:00 PM. You may inquire about early check-in or late check-out during booking, subject to availability. Guests checking in or out before or after the designated time frame may be charged an additional fee.

What people love about Island Backpackers

  • 10

    Exceptional
    Cleanliness

    "Informative, clean and value for money"

    zhan

    |

    April 10, 2023

  • 9.6

    Exceptional
    Staff 

    "The staff is super nice and helpful and the hostel is clean."

    Kerstin

    |

    March 6, 2023

  • 10

    Exceptional
    Staff 

    "Great hostel at an extremely convenient location with very sympathetic and helpful staff."

    Lindsey

    |

    May 28, 2023

Property ranking|Compared to 190 Semporna properties
See all rankings
Value for money score
9.7/10
Cleanliness score
9.5/10
Service score
9.6/10
Location score
9.2/10
Better than
98
%
of Semporna properties
Better than
96
%
of Semporna properties
Better than
95
%
of Semporna properties
Better than
94
%
of Semporna properties
Overall rating:

9.2

Exceptional
107 reviews
Cleanliness
9.4
Facilities
8.7
Location
9.2
Read all reviews >
More about Island Backpackers

More about Island Backpackers

Experience Convenience and Comfort at Island Backpackers in Semporna, Malaysia

Island Backpackers in Semporna, Malaysia offers a range of facilities to ensure a comfortable and convenient stay for its guests. The hotel features a coffee shop, restaurant, and halal restaurant, providing a variety of dining options. Guests can also take advantage of the laundry service, dry cleaning, and daily housekeeping. For those who want to explore the area, the hotel offers shuttle service, taxi service, and airport transfer. Island Backpackers also has a convenience store, designated smoking area, and car park. Guests can stay connected with free Wi-Fi in all rooms and public areas. The hotel's location is perfect for water sports enthusiasts as it offers fishing, diving, snorkeling, and other activities.

Discover the Natural Wonders of Semporna

Island Backpackers is surrounded by some of the most breathtaking natural wonders in Malaysia. Just a short boat ride away, guests can explore the stunning Sipadan National Park, renowned for its world-class diving sites and diverse marine life. Bohey Dulang Island is another must-visit destination, offering picturesque hiking trails and panoramic views of the surrounding islands. For those interested in learning more about the local culture and history, Pusat Pelancongan Lautan Semporna and Muzium Tun Sakaran are both located nearby. The Bukit Tengkorak Archaeological Heritage Site is also just a short drive away, where visitors can explore ancient burial sites and learn about the region's rich history. After a day of adventure, guests can unwind at Arthur's Bar or indulge in fresh seafood at Pearl City Restaurant and Fish Village Seafood Restaurant.

Highly Recommended Hostel with Great Location and Friendly Staff

Island Backpackers in Semporna, Malaysia, has received numerous positive reviews from satisfied customers. Guests have praised the hostel for its great location, cleanliness, and friendly staff. The facilities and breakfast have also received high marks. Visitors have noted the comfortable beds with clean linen and excellent towels. The staff have been described as friendly and helpful, and guests appreciate their assistance in booking tours and airport transfers at a good rate. Despite being a backpacker's hostel, the atmosphere is described as nice and quiet, making it a great spot for those looking to do some diving. Overall, Island Backpackers comes highly recommended by those who have stayed there.

Island Backpackers: Highly Rated by Satisfied Customers

Island Backpackers in Semporna, Malaysia is a top-rated hostel that has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from its satisfied customers. With an overall rating of 9.3, guests have praised the hostel for its exceptional value, cleanliness, and staff performance. The hostel's location has also been highly rated, making it a great base for exploring the surrounding area. While the facilities have received a slightly lower rating of 8.7, guests have still found them to be more than adequate for their needs. Overall, Island Backpackers is a highly recommended hostel for travelers looking for a comfortable and affordable stay in Semporna.

Show less

Amenities and facilities

Excellent
Facilities

8.7

Most talked about facilities

Housekeeping

3 mentions

Breakfast

2 mentions

Internet

1 mention

Languages spoken
  • English
  • Chinese [Cantonese]
  • Chinese [Mandarin]
  • Malay
Internet access
  • Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!
  • Internet
  • Internet services
  • Wi-Fi in public areas
Things to do, ways to relax
  • Diving
  • Fishing
  • Snorkeling
Cleanliness and safety
  • Anti-viral cleaning products
  • Daily disinfection in all rooms
  • Daily disinfection in common areas
  • First aid kit
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Hot water linen and laundry washing
  • Physical distancing of at least 1 meter
  • Rooms sanitized between stays
  • Safe dining setup
  • Staff trained in safety protocol
  • Temperature check for guests and staff
Dining, drinking, and snacking
  • Coffee shop
  • Restaurant [halal]
  • Restaurants
  • Room service
Services and conveniences
  • Air conditioning in public area
  • Cash withdrawal
  • Contactless check-in/out
  • Convenience store
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Dry cleaning
  • Elevator
  • Ironing service
  • Laundry service
  • Lockers
  • Luggage storage
  • Shops
  • Smoke-free property
  • Smoking area
Access
  • Front desk [24-hour]
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Pets allowed
  • Security [24-hour]
Getting around
  • Airport transfer
  • Car park [on-site]
  • Shuttle service
  • Taxi service
Available in all rooms
  • Air conditioning
  • Complimentary tea
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit
  • Free bottled water
  • Free instant coffee
  • Hair dryer
  • Mirror
  • Wi-Fi [free]

Food and dining

Breakfast options
  • Asian

Location

Jalan Pawagan Lama, Taman Bandar Semporna, Semporna, Malaysia, 91308
Exceptional
Location

9.2

Airports
  • Semporna Airport (SMM)
    3.0 km
  • Tawau Airport (TWU)
    58.0 km
Hospital or clinic
  • SOO Clinic
    210 m
Convenience store
  • On-site
Cash withdrawal
  • ATM on-site

What's nearby

Popular landmarks
  • Masjid Pekan Semporna
    120 m
  • Sipadan National Park
    360 m
  • Pusat Pelancongan Lautan Semporna
    490 m
  • Muzium Tun Sakaran
    860 m
  • Tun Sakaran Marine Park
    22.9 km
  • Bohey Dulang Island
    23.6 km
  • Mabul Island
    26.1 km
  • Mataking Island
    39.0 km
  • Sipadan Island
    40.6 km
Nearby landmarks
  • G Mart
    110 m
  • Masjid Pekan Semporna
    120 m
  • Sabah
    190 m
  • SOO Clinic
    210 m
  • Giant
    230 m
  • Century Departmental store
    280 m
  • Watsons
    310 m
  • Arthur's Bar
    320 m
  • Sipadan National Park
    360 m
  • Guardian
    360 m
Distances shown are straight-line distances on the map. Actual travel distances may vary.

Property policies

Children and extra beds

Extra beds are dependent on the room you choose. Please check the individual room capacity for more details.

All children are welcome.

Infant 0-1 year(s)
Stay for free if using existing bedding.
Baby cot/crib available upon request
Children 2-12 year(s)
Stay for free if using existing bedding.
If you need an extra bed, it will incur an additional charge.
Guests 13 years and older are considered as adults
Must use an extra bed which will incur an additional charge.
Others
  • When booking more than 5 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

Some helpful facts

Check-in/Check-out
  • Check-in from14:00
  • Check-out until12:00
  • Reception open until23:00
Getting around
  • Airport transfer fee25 MYR
  • Travel time to airport (minutes)90
Extras
  • Breakfast charge (unless included in room price)0 MYR
The property
  • Non-smoking rooms/floorsNo
  • Number of rooms 3
  • Room voltage240
  • Year property opened2000
  • Most recent renovation2017

Reviews of Island Backpackers from real guests

Provided by verified guests of Agoda
9.2
Exceptional
Cleanliness9.4
Facilities8.7
Location9.2
Service9.6
Value for money9.7
High score for Semporna
Rating
9+ Exceptional (39)
8-9 Excellent (7)
7-8 Very Good (4)
6-7 Good (1)
<6 Below Expectation (0)
Time of the year
Mar - May (21)
Jun - Aug (11)
Sep - Nov (6)
Dec - Feb (13)

Show reviews that mention 

Showing 51 verified guest comments
123
10.0
Exceptional
Lucky from Indonesia
Solo traveler
Bunk Bed in Female Dormitory Room
Stayed 2 nights in November 2022

Nice hostel”

Great location, easy to buy everything you need, nice staff, clean bed, simple breakfast, value for money...

Reviewed November 04, 2022

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8.8
Excellent
Aldinnan from Malaysia
Solo traveler
Standard Double Room
Stayed 1 night in January 2022

Excellent”

Good environment inside, spacious common area. Location okay

Reviewed January 24, 2022

See room deals

9.2
Exceptional
Chuan from Malaysia
Solo traveler
Stayed 2 nights in December 2017

Exceptional”

I love to travel~ the most important thing for me is Cleanliness & Comfortable place to rest~ Well what I recommend is this ISLAND BACKPACKER. The cleanliness is TIP TOP, staffs are friendly, and the price is very cheap and reasonable. Island Backpackers are near with the food stall, bank and so convenient.

Reviewed December 11, 2017

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9.6
Exceptional
TEH from Malaysia
Couple
Stayed 1 night in May 2019

Sparkling clean”

Was supposed to stay at Lato-lato resort for 2 nights but had to change accommodation on the second day. Island backpackers were as amazing as everyone said in the review. Highly recommended. Also highly recommended is the Yit Foh Tenom coffee (2 in 1 and 3 in 1) and seafood. Place is near to post office, the jetty, mart and market.

Reviewed June 23, 2019

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9.2
Exceptional
JANET from Malaysia
Solo traveler
1 Person in 10-Bed Dormitory - Female Only
Stayed 1 night in December 2017

will come again!”

This place is so clean and comfortable. after a fantastic island hopping, this stay is surely worth every penny. and the staff is very accomodating too.

Reviewed December 04, 2017

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8.4
Excellent
casey from United States
Solo traveler
Twin Room with Shared Bathroom ( No window )
Stayed 1 night in May 2019

Nice backpacker spot”

Good backpacker spot for people doing some diving. About a 10 minute walk to the pier. They keep it very clean.

Reviewed June 01, 2019

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8.8
Excellent
JOHAN from Malaysia
Couple
Queen Room
Stayed 1 night in August 2018

Great Place to stay overall!”

We've got the Queen Room here. Arrived early evening. Entrance at 2nd floor. A no shoes/sandals area once you get through the entrance. Greeted by friendly staffs who are friendly and helpful. The place looks chic and very clean (perhaps it's still new)... for a backpacker's place, it is nice and quiet place (especially even with Chinese Nationals around). Pantry provides plates, bowls and mugs and Coffee & Tea with Sugar. Bread, peanut butter are available all day long. Water dispenser for cold and hot water. Instant noodles available for sale too! So basically you will not go hungry at any given time! Great Bed with clean linen and excellent towels! Common areas provided for mingling or just quiet reading. I'g give it 8/10! Very happy overall!

Reviewed August 26, 2018

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9.2
Exceptional
Thomas from Sweden
Solo traveler
Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
Stayed 2 nights in September 2018

Good place”

Stable wifi, lockers in the rooms, clean, standard toast breakfast. Only downside the place is the beds that are wobbly. If you move in the bunkbed it shakes the entire thing. So risk of waking the other person up if moving in them.

Reviewed September 06, 2018

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10.0
Exceptional
Joe from Australia
Solo traveler
Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
Stayed 2 nights in November 2018

Clean, great location and chilled out hostel”

Great location, very clean, very friendly staff and great hostel overall. Highly recommended and can book bus transfer to airport, tours, etc with them for very good rate.

Reviewed November 21, 2018

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8.4
Excellent
Christopher from Maldives
Solo traveler
Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
Stayed 1 night in June 2019

Great hostel”

Really enjoyed my stay here, great facilities and breakfast. Located in a pretty stinky road, but apart from that no complaints!

Reviewed July 11, 2019

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8.4
Excellent
Siti from Malaysia
Solo traveler
Bunk Bed in Female Dormitory Room
Stayed 4 nights in July 2018

Good”

Good hostel, friendly staff.

Reviewed July 30, 2018

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10.0
Exceptional
azry from Malaysia
Solo traveler
Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
Stayed 1 night in May 2023

Practical n location”

Clean. Food, breakfast is wonderful.

Reviewed September 03, 2023

See room deals

10.0
Exceptional
mohd from Malaysia
Solo traveler
Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
Stayed 1 night in November 2022

perfect”

good choice

Reviewed June 04, 2023

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10.0
Exceptional
Lindsey from Canada
Family with young children
Twin Room with Shared Bathroom ( No window )
Stayed 1 night in May 2023

Home-y Hostel”

Great hostel at an extremely convenient location with very sympathetic and helpful staff. Did the snorkeling tour B through them and loved it.

Reviewed May 29, 2023

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10.0
Exceptional
Sophia from Malaysia
Solo traveler
Bunk Bed in Female Dormitory Room
Stayed 1 night in December 2022

Exceptional”

Good

Reviewed May 08, 2023

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10.0
Exceptional
zhan from Malaysia
Solo traveler
Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
Stayed 2 nights in April 2023

Helpful staff”

Informative, clean and value for money

Reviewed April 11, 2023

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10.0
Exceptional
Matthew from United Kingdom
Solo traveler
Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
Stayed 3 nights in March 2023

Ideal ”

You definitely get value for money staying at island backpackers. Staff are friendly and welcoming. Tours are well priced. Curtains on beds for privacy and breakfast available in the morning. Good place to base yourself for a few nights whilst you explore the beautiful islands

Reviewed April 10, 2023

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10.0
Exceptional
Chan from China
Solo traveler
Bunk Bed in Female Dormitory Room
Stayed 1 night in April 2023

cozy and comfortable ”

It's very close to the dock, about 5 minutes' walk. It's also quiet around at night. The staff is very friendly. You can book airport pick-up and drop-off and island hopping in here.

Reviewed April 03, 2023

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9.6
Exceptional
Thomas from Germany
Solo traveler
Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
Stayed 1 night in April 2023

Breakfast ”

Because I stayed

Reviewed April 02, 2023

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9.6
Exceptional
Kerstin from Albania
Solo traveler
Bunk Bed in Female Dormitory Room
Stayed 1 night in March 2023

Perfect backpacker place in Semporna”

Island Backpackers is a perfect base to discover the islands around Semporna. The staff is super nice and helpful and the hostel is clean. Even the breakfast is included! Highly recommendable :)

Reviewed March 07, 2023

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123
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