Sandakan Backpackers Hostel

01/08/2026

Looking for us? Just find the big yellow Sandakan Backpackers Hostel sign! We can`t wait to welcome you. 🫣🤗

01/08/2026

06/07/2026

14/04/2026

📰 When Sandakan Meets Sandokan

When Joseph Tek first arrived in Sandakan in 1991, he thought it would just be another small coastal town. However, his experience turned out to be much more meaningful.

Instead of learning from books, he learned about Sandakan through daily life — from the people he met, the kopi shops he visited, the seafood he enjoyed and the long conversations in the evenings. Over time, Sandakan became more than just a workplace, but a place full of memories, stories and even personal milestones.

One interesting moment came when he noticed a seafood restaurant named “Sandokan”. Curious about the name, he spoke to the owner and realised that even the owner did not know the origin of the name. This led him to explain the story of Sandokan, a fictional pirate hero created by Emilio Salgari.

Sandokan is known as a symbol of adventure, often associated with the seas around Borneo, including areas connected to the Sulu Sea. What makes this more interesting is that the writer himself had never visited Borneo, yet he imagined these adventures based on maps, stories and historical accounts.

This connection becomes even more meaningful when we look at the history of Sandakan. The town was once an important trading port under the Sulu Sultanate, where goods such as birds’ nests, rattan and forest products were traded. Its location along important sea routes also meant that trade, travel and even piracy were part of its past.

In the late 1800s, Sandakan grew into a busy harbour with the arrival of European traders, and later became the capital of British North Borneo. It was once known as “Little Hong Kong” because of its active trade and vibrant community.

Over the years, Sandakan continued to develop through different phases, including the timber boom, before shifting towards plantations, conservation and tourism.

Today, Sandakan is known as a gateway to wildlife destinations such as Sepilok and the Kinabatangan River.

The story of Sandakan and Sandokan shows that while one is real and the other is fictional, both share the same elements of adventure, history and identity. It also highlights that Sandakan already has a strong story — it simply needs to be told and appreciated more.

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Adapted and summarised from an article by Joseph Tek

23/03/2026

2018: Couple checking in.
2026: Couple + 1 little traveller checking in. 👶✈️

Eight years ago, they stayed at our hostel as a travelling couple.

This week, they returned — with their 5-year-old little explorer.

Watching guests return after so many years is already special… but seeing their family grow makes it even more meaningful.

Welcome back! Your travel story continues here. 🌍🏡
Travel memories last longer than we think. ❤️

29/12/2025

Ending the year with a simple dinner together 🍽️
Nothing fancy, just a calm evening to slow down and appreciate the team after a long year.