You might be eligible for a Genius discount at Island Backpackers. Sign in to check if a Genius discount is available for your selected dates.

Genius discounts at this property are subject to booking dates, stay dates, and other available deals.

About this property

Comfortable Accommodations: Island Backpackers in Semporna offers air-conditioned rooms with shared bathrooms. Each room includes a work desk, electric kettle, and tea and coffee maker. Essential Facilities: Guests enjoy free WiFi, a lounge, and a 24-hour front desk. Additional services include a paid shuttle, room service, and luggage storage. Convenient Location: Located 48 mi from Tawau Airport, the hostel is praised for its friendly staff and excellent service support. Breakfast is provided by the property.

Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 8.3 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

Property highlights

    • Top Location: Highly rated by recent guests (8.6)


Sign in, save money

Sign in to see if you can save 10% or more at this property.
Sign in, save money

Availability

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

Room Type
Number of guests
 
1 bunk bed
1 bunk bed
2 twin beds
1 king bed
1 queen bed
1 full bed
Something went wrong – please try again later.
Something went wrong – please try again later.
Something went wrong – please try again later.
Something went wrong – please try again later.
Something went wrong – please try again later.
Something went wrong – please try again later.

Guest reviews

Categories:

Staff
Facilities
Cleanliness
Comfort
Value for money
Location
Free Wifi

Select topics to read reviews:

Guests who stayed here loved

  • Zsuzsa
    Australia Australia
    Good location, flexible staff (booked in in person for a night in 5 days of time, but it was forgotten but when I rocked up they accommodated me with no problem), nice breakfast.
  • Emily
    United States United States
    Very clean. My room was quiet, just as advertised. Good AC. Semporna is a tough location overall but this was in an OK spot. Quick walk to waterfront.
  • Sumit
    India India
    The private room was clean and air-conditioned. Shared bathrooms were well-maintained, with hot showers and provided shampoo. Breakfast and unlimited drinking water were included, which was a nice touch. The location is excellent—just 250 meters...
  • Alice
    Taiwan Taiwan
    Walking distance to the jetty. Good price, good breakfast. Good public bathrooms. Desks and chairs in the public area.
  • Romana
    Sweden Sweden
    Had quiet nights and a good rest in the female dorm, beds are comfortable and have curtains, AC worked well, place very clean, complimentary water, coffee, tea and toast, local food for breakfast (get up early to not miss it). You can do your...
  • Yuet
    China China
    1. Manager very nice n helpful 2. Location near jetty 3. Free breakfast 4. Price good 5. Value very good 6. Not party hostel 👍 7. Free washing machine👍
  • Jan
    United States United States
    Hostel was busy and small,but even that They tried to make everybody comfortable
  • Saba
    United States United States
    I had a great stay at Island backpackers in a private room and extended a few times. Bed was comfortable, room was clean. Free breakfast of toast, spreads, boiled eggs & bananas was more than many hostels. The place is basic, but it does the job...
  • Katarina
    United States United States
    Pros -cold water cooler available all the time -air con in dorm rooms -helpful staff -fridge to store treats and area to cook -fast and reliable internet -plugs near beds -curtains for privacy on each bunk -free washing with drying rack...
  • Elena
    Philippines Philippines
    Location: accessible to anywhere, the jetty, bus station, the market. Staffs: are very nice. Facilities: it’s good for its price. I stayed in the dorm and the bed is old, but still comfortable. There’s a washing machine that’s free to use...

Area info

Amenities of Island Backpackers

Most popular amenities

  • Free Wifi
  • Airport shuttle
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Room service
  • Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms

Bathroom

  • Toilet
  • Shared bathroom
  • Hairdryer
  • Shower

Bedroom

  • Linens

Kitchen

  • Electric kettle

Living Area

  • Desk

Food & Drink

  • Tea/Coffee maker

Internet
Wifi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

Parking
No parking available.

Services

  • Shuttle service
    Additional charge
  • Shared lounge/TV area
  • Lockers
  • Baggage storage
  • Ironing service
  • Dry cleaning
    Additional charge
  • Airport shuttle
    Additional charge
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Room service

Safety & security

  • 24-hour security

General

  • Designated smoking area
  • Air conditioning
  • Ironing facilities
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Iron

Languages Spoken

  • English
  • Malay
  • Chinese

House rules

Island Backpackers takes special requests – add in the next step!
Check-in
From 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card at check-in.
You need to let the property know what time you'll be arriving in advance.
Check-out
From 6:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Cancellation/ prepayment
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Enter your stay dates and check the conditions of your selected option.
Refundable damage deposit
A damage deposit of MYR 50 is required on arrival. That's about $11. This will be collected as a cash payment. You should be reimbursed on check-out. Your deposit will be refunded in full, in cash, subject to an inspection of the property.
Children & Beds

Child policies

Children of all ages are welcome.

To see correct prices and occupancy info, add the number and ages of children in your group to your search.

Crib and extra bed policies

7+ years
Extra bed upon request
MYR 50 per person, per night

Prices for extra beds aren't included in the total price. They'll have to be paid for separately during your stay.

The number of extra beds allowed depends on the option you choose. Check your selected option for more info.

There are no cribs available at this property.

All extra beds are subject to availability.

No age restriction
There's no age requirement for check-in
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Payments by Booking.com
Booking.com takes your payment for this stay on behalf of the property, but make sure you have cash for any extras once you get there.

The fine print

Must-know information for guests at this property

From 1st January 2023, a tourist tax of RM 10 per room per night is applied to all foreign guests. This tax is not included in the room rate and must be paid upon check-in. Guests with a valid Malaysian Identity Card or valid permanent residents MY PR Card are exempted.

Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.

Please inform Island Backpackers of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.

In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19), additional safety and sanitation measures are in effect at this property.

A damage deposit of MYR 50 is required on arrival. This will be collected as a cash payment. You should be reimbursed on check-out. Your deposit will be refunded in full, in cash, subject to an inspection of the property.

FAQs about Island Backpackers