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Sensi Backpackers Hostel
6-Bed Dormitory -- Mixed, Sensi Backpackers Hostel in Kota Kinabalu
Interior view, Sensi Backpackers Hostel in Kota Kinabalu
Interior view, Sensi Backpackers Hostel in Kota Kinabalu
Bathroom, Sensi Backpackers Hostel in Kota Kinabalu
Bathroom, Sensi Backpackers Hostel in Kota Kinabalu
Entrance, Sensi Backpackers Hostel in Kota Kinabalu

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8.4

Excellent

100 reviews

100 reviews

See map
See map

9.4

Exceptional

Location rating score

Exceptional location - Inside city center
Popular neighborhood
Exceptional for walking
Walkable places
Gaya Street Sunday Market
100 m
Milimewa
110 m
Milimewa Superstore
130 m
Big Banyan Tree
140 m
Gaya Shop Lot
140 m
Popular landmarks
Signal Hill Observatory Platform
320 m
Night Market
670 m
Mamutik Island
980 m
Sabah State Museum
2.6 km
Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
8.0 km
Closest landmarks
Net Access
70 m
Teksi Car Park
150 m
Maybank
180 m
Consulate of Australia
190 m
Borneo Books II
200 m

Sensi Backpackers Hostel

Lot 103, Gaya Street, Central Business District, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, 88300 - 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 Central Business District, allowing you access and proximity to local attractions and sights. Don't leave before paying a visit to the famous Sapi Island. As an added bonus, restaurant is provided on-site to conveniently serve your needs.

Highlights

Located in heart of Kota Kinabalu

Front desk [24-hour]

Inside city center

100 meters to Gaya Street Sunday Market

Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!

Facilities

Car park

Shuttle service

Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!

Front desk [24-hour]

Check-in/out [express]

Luggage storage

Cash withdrawal

Room service [24-hour]

Your dates are popular among travelersPopular destination! Properties in Kota Kinabalu are being booked every minute!
Value for money8.6
Distance to city center2 km
Location rating9.4
Nearest airportKota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI)
Distance to airport7.3 km

Rooms available at Sensi Backpackers Hostel

Excellent
Room comfort & quality

8.5

1 Person in 8-Bed Dormitory - Mixed
...
  • Room size: 12 m²/129 ft²
  • City view
  • 1 bunk bed
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6-Bed Dormitory -- Mixed
...
  • Room size: 19 m²/205 ft²
  • City view
  • 1 bunk bed
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Female Dormitory - 4-Bed
...
  • Room size: 3 m²/32 ft²
  • Non-smoking
  • 4 bunk beds
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Bed in 4 Bed Female Dormitory Room
...
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    Bed in 4 Bed Female Dormitory Room
    ...
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      Room Assigned on Arrival
      ...
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        Bed in 4 Bed Female Dormitory Room
        ...
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          Bed in 4 Bed Female Dormitory Room
          ...
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            Bed in 4 Bed Female Dormitory Room
            ...
              Enter dates to see prices
              Bed in 4 Bed Female Dormitory Room
              ...
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                Frequently asked questions

                Does Sensi Backpackers Hostel offer laundry services?

                Yes! Sensi Backpackers Hostel offers laundry service at your disposal for whenever you need your favorite outfits clean and fresh all throughout your holiday. Please contact the property for more information.

                Are there ATM on-site at Sensi Backpackers Hostel?

                Yes! The benefits of staying at Sensi Backpackers Hostel include an on-site ATM, providing guest visitors with easy access point for cash withdrawal and remaining worry-free throughout your vacation.

                In which languages can Sensi Backpackers Hostel's staff members communicate?

                Sensi Backpackers Hostel can speak in 4 languages and supports well-known languages such as English and Mandarin Chinese for guest visitors going to this property. Please refer to the 'Amenities and facilities' section and in the 'Languages spoken' category to find out what different languages this property supports.

                What do past visitors love most about Sensi Backpackers Hostel?

                Verified guests that stayed at Sensi Backpackers Hostel have given this property a rating of 9.354 for its remarkable location as the primary highlight for their stay.

                What is the verified guest review consensus about Sensi Backpackers Hostel's food?

                100.0% of our past customer evaluations have given a positive review and comments about this property's food. You can look up on more detailed customer reviews, and comments for Sensi Backpackers Hostel down in the review.

                What is the average rating that past Business travelers' have given to Sensi Backpackers Hostel?

                Past business travelers that have stayed at this property have given Sensi Backpackers Hostel an average rating of 10.0. You can look up more detailed customer ratings and feedback by filtering for a specific type of verified travelers down in the review section.

                What is the typical rating that verified Couples' have given to Sensi Backpackers Hostel?

                Past couple travelers that have stayed at this property have given Sensi Backpackers Hostel an average rating of 7.8. You can look up on more descriptive customer assessments, and remarks by filtering for a specific type of verified guest travelers down in the review section.

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

                Past families with young children that have stayed at this property have given Sensi Backpackers Hostel an average rating of 9.7. You can look up more complete customer testimonials and remarks by filtering for a specific type of verified travelers down in the review section.

                What restaurants are close by Sensi Backpackers Hostel?

                Sensi Backpackers Hostel’s local neighborhood is Central Business District which comprises of popular restaurants such as The Royal Coconut, Mad Ben Cafe, and Ming Ge Cafe.

                What famous shopping places are nearby Sensi Backpackers Hostel?

                Shopping options in Sensi Backpackers Hostel’s Central Business District neighborhood comprises of Imago Shopping Mall, Suria Sabah Shopping Mall, and Night Market.

                What time is check-in and check-out at Sensi Backpackers Hostel?

                Check-in is from 02:00 PM, and check-out is until 12:00 PM. You may ask for early check-in or late check-out during booking, subject to availability. Guest visitors checking in or out before or after the designated periods may be charged an additional fee.

                What is the closest airport to Sensi Backpackers Hostel?

                The nearest airport to Sensi Backpackers Hostel is Labuan Airport, 119.0 km away.

                Property ranking|Compared to 2,042 Kota Kinabalu properties
                See all rankings
                Room comfort score
                8.5/10
                Location score
                9.4/10
                Value for money score
                8.6/10
                Cleanliness score
                8.4/10
                Better than
                99
                %
                of Kota Kinabalu properties
                Better than
                95
                %
                of Kota Kinabalu properties
                Better than
                89
                %
                of Kota Kinabalu properties
                Better than
                87
                %
                of Kota Kinabalu properties
                Overall rating:

                8.4

                Excellent
                100 reviews
                Cleanliness
                8.4
                Facilities
                7.6
                Location
                9.4
                Read all reviews >
                More about Sensi Backpackers Hostel

                More about Sensi Backpackers Hostel

                Sensi Backpackers Hostel

                See the best of Kota Kinabalu with a stay at Sensi Backpackers Hostel, which puts you right in the city center amidst the many sights and landmarks. With its convenient location, you can easily access to the city's must-see destinations.
                Sensi Backpackers Hostel offers numerous on-site facilities to satisfy even the most discerning guest. Never be out of touch with your contacts, with free Wi-Fi offered throughout your stay. Taxi, car hire and shuttle services provided by the hostel make it easy to plan your day trips, sightseeing, and more around Kota Kinabalu. If you plan to arrive by car, you'll appreciate the hostel's available parking, right on-site.
                The hostel provides front desk services such as express check-in or check-out, luggage storage and safety deposit boxes for guests' convenience. If you need, the ticket service and tours can even help you book tickets and reservations at all the best shows and programs nearby. Staying for a long time, or just need clean clothes? At the hostel, your favorite travel outfits will be kept clean and available with laundry service provided on-site. For lazy days and nights, in-room conveniences like 24-hour room service let you make the most of your room.
                Smoking is limited to designated areas only, for the health and well-being of all guests and staff.
                Equipped with handy amenities, guestrooms at Sensi Backpackers Hostel guarantee a comfortable stay for all travelers. Some rooms are equipped with linen service and air conditioning for your convenience. Knowing that bathroom amenities play an important role in increasing guests' satisfaction, the hostel provides a hair dryer and towels in some select rooms.


                Dining and things to do

                Everyone loves a good cup of coffee! A coffee shop on-site means you can enjoy a cup of real, freshly brewed coffee every morning -- or anytime you feel like it. If you don't feel like going out to eat, you can always opt for the delicious dining options at the hostel. Regardless of any dietary restrictions you may have, you'll eat well at Sensi Backpackers Hostel which has a selection of halal options. Guests who prefer to make their own meals will love the in-house shared kitchen available here.
                Sensi Backpackers Hostel offers unique recreational opportunities for all guests. Have fun with your friends or family, or even meet new people at the shared lounge and TV area. Pick up something memorable for yourself or those waiting for you back at home, at the shops and souvenir shops.


                Reasons to stay here

                Know you'll get excellent dining options here, where past guests have rated onsite or nearby dining above 99% of the city's accommodation.
                This accommodation is highly recommended for its location, scoring higher than 95% of other options in the city.
                It's hard to beat the room comfort here, which is rated higher than 98% of other accommodations in Kota Kinabalu.

                Show less

                Amenities and facilities

                Very good
                Facilities

                7.6

                Most talked about facilities

                Housekeeping

                13 mentions

                Breakfast

                7 mentions

                Languages spoken
                • English
                • Chinese [Mandarin]
                • Filipino
                • Malay
                Internet access
                • Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!
                • Internet
                • Wi-Fi in public areas
                Things to do, ways to relax
                • Ticket services
                • Tours
                Dining, drinking, and snacking
                • Coffee shop
                • Restaurant [halal]
                • Restaurants
                • Room service [24-hour]
                • Shared kitchen
                Services and conveniences
                • Cash withdrawal
                • Elevator
                • Gift/souvenir shop
                • Laundry service
                • Lockers
                • Luggage storage
                • Safety deposit boxes
                • Shops
                • Smoking area
                For the kids
                • Family room
                Access
                • Check-in/out [express]
                • Front desk [24-hour]
                • Pets allowed
                Getting around
                • Car park [charges apply]
                • Car park [nearby]
                • Rental car
                • Shuttle service
                • Taxi service
                Available in all rooms
                • Air conditioning
                • Free bottled water
                • Non-smoking
                • Shared bathroom

                Location

                Lot 103, Gaya Street, Central Business District, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, 88300
                Exceptional
                Location

                9.4

                Airports
                • Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI)
                  7.3 km
                • Labuan Airport (LBU)
                  119.5 km
                Public transportation
                • South Bus Terminal
                  1.6 km
                • Tanjung Aru Railway Station
                  4.6 km
                Hospital or clinic
                • Klinik Kesihatan Ibu dan Anak Pekan
                  430 m
                Shopping
                • Gaya Street Sunday Market
                  100 m
                Convenience store
                • 7 Eleven
                  140 m
                Cash withdrawal
                • ATM on-site

                What's nearby

                Popular landmarks
                • Gaya Street Sunday Market
                  100 m
                • Kota Kinabalu City Mosque
                  200 m
                • Signal Hill Observatory Platform
                  320 m
                • Night Market
                  670 m
                • Mamutik Island
                  980 m
                • Sabah State Museum
                  2.6 km
                • Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
                  8.0 km
                • Sapi Island
                  8.1 km
                • Manukan Island
                  8.5 km
                • Poring Hot Springs
                  14.1 km
                Nearby landmarks
                • Net Access
                  70 m
                • Gaya Street Sunday Market
                  100 m
                • Milimewa
                  110 m
                • Milimewa Superstore
                  130 m
                • Big Banyan Tree
                  140 m
                • Gaya Shop Lot
                  140 m
                • Never Close Super Mart
                  140 m
                • Teksi Car Park
                  150 m
                • Atkinson Clock Tower
                  160 m
                • Maybank
                  180 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 may be requested directly from the property.
                Children 2-11 year(s)
                Stay for free if using existing bedding.
                If you need an extra bed, it will incur an additional charge.
                Guests 12 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 until00:00
                Getting around
                • Distance from city center2 km
                • Travel time to airport (minutes)11
                The property
                • Number of rooms 5
                • Year property opened2009

                Reviews of Sensi Backpackers Hostel from real guests

                Provided by verified guests of Agoda
                8.4
                Cleanliness8.4
                Facilities7.6
                Location9.4
                Room comfort and quality8.5
                Service8.1
                Value for money8.6
                High score for Kota Kinabalu
                Rating
                9+ Exceptional (33)
                8-9 Excellent (12)
                7-8 Very Good (13)
                6-7 Good (8)
                <6 Below Expectation (5)
                Time of the year
                Mar - May (17)
                Jun - Aug (22)
                Sep - Nov (10)
                Dec - Feb (22)

                Show reviews that mention 

                Showing 71 verified guest comments
                1234
                9.2
                Exceptional
                Myles from United Kingdom
                Couple
                1 Person in 8-Bed Dormitory - Mixed
                Stayed 1 night in April 2018

                Best hostel in KK”

                We stayed in multiple hostels in KK and this is definitely the pick of the bunch when it comes to price and quality good location quiet enough to sleep aircon and fan in every room TWO pillows per bed! Luxury! A plug next to every bed hot powerful private showers can’t fault the place staff very nice and hard working there is nowhere else to stay than sensi

                Reviewed April 14, 2018

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                8.8
                Excellent
                RONNIE from United States
                Solo traveler
                1 Person in 8-Bed Dormitory - Mixed
                Stayed 10 nights in July 2017

                Central, no curfew, international, clean, AC”

                CONS: no outside drying -caused moisture buildup inside windowless men toilet, no toilet seats in 2 sitting toilet bowls -caused me to step on the bowl posed accident risk, travellers round the world come here with different jetlag time and management should put kitchen/TV curfew on noisy gathering after 11 pm (Malaysia time) -caused me a sleepless night, needs more tourism brochures, the stairway isn't lit posed accident risk - light should be turned ON at all times, top step of the stair not flushing with the floor posed accident risk - to put yellow florescent paint andwarning on uneven step, no free breakfast at least hot coffee even though there are plenty of great variety of Chinese, Malays, India, western style Pizza Hut KFC etc PROS: Clean generally, TV good Astro channels, good Gaya Street view, great location - not too near bars with loud music, great friendly staff- but putting more smiling faces would cheer the world, laundry coin shop across hiway Kudos Sensi Hostel

                Reviewed July 21, 2017

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                10.0
                Exceptional
                Milan from Hungary
                Couple
                Stayed 4 nights in August 2014

                Nice backpackers place with great location”

                Staff, atmosphere, location

                We had a good time in Sensi Backpackers Hostel, it is a basic accommodation with good location and nice staff.

                Reviewed October 28, 2014

                See room deals

                8.8
                Excellent
                Margaret from Malaysia
                Solo traveler
                1 Person in 8-Bed Dormitory - Mixed
                Stayed 2 nights in November 2017

                A great place to orientate yourself. ”

                Sensi is a small hostel with a little kitchen and very clean facilities. It is a small hostel with a kitchen and very good wifi. They don't have keys to the room or lockers.

                Reviewed November 16, 2017

                See room deals

                7.6
                Very good
                AWANG from Malaysia
                Group
                Stayed 1 night in February 2016

                Things to be improved”

                I feel ok but one thing that disturb me is that the mattress is not really hygienic. I had been bitten bed bugs and i can't sleep well. So please Sensi make sure everything is hygiene because we are expecting the high quality of service eventhough it is only a hostel for backpackers. The others are fine. Tq.

                Reviewed February 09, 2016

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                10.0
                Exceptional
                soo from Malaysia
                Solo traveler
                1 Person in 8-Bed Dormitory - Mixed
                Stayed 1 night in April 2018

                Simple yet comfortable ”

                A simple and small backpacker hostel..but its very comfortable and clean! Would definitely come back

                Reviewed April 26, 2018

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                9.6
                Exceptional
                CHIACHI from Taiwan
                Solo traveler
                1 Person in 8-Bed Dormitory - Mixed
                Stayed 1 night in December 2017

                Homey Stay ”

                I only stayed here for one night at mixed dorm. The bed was very clean and comfy. The shared bathroom and toilet was always very clean and yes! hot water. The place to hang your washed clothes is available. And, there is a common area which I really enjoy stayed. It's exactly like home. Besides, even it's not really a big hostel, but you can feel the effort the owner puts in, including the interior design, and the lighting inside the house. oh, and although it's located at Gaya St, there is not much noise at night. I will go back there if I visit KK next time. :)

                Reviewed December 24, 2017

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                9.2
                Exceptional
                Daniel from United States
                Solo traveler
                Stayed 1 night in February 2016

                Stay here when coming to KK”

                Everything was great from the staff to the location to the chill atmosphere. It might be one of the easiest hostels to meet fellow travelers which is one of main reasons I stay in hostels in the first place so this was a huge plus!

                Reviewed February 10, 2016

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                9.2
                Exceptional
                Daniel from United States
                Solo traveler
                Stayed 1 night in February 2016

                Amazing staff, great location and a laid back atmosphere.”

                Best hostel in KK. Location is perfect, close to all the good food on Gaya street (Yee Fung Laksa is a must try). Good atmosphere to meet fellow travelers. Extremely nice and helpful staff. I ended up staying for 2 weeks due to my departing flight changes and I couldn't have asked for a better place to crash!

                Reviewed February 10, 2016

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                9.7
                Exceptional
                zarina from United States
                Solo traveler
                Stayed 1 night in August 2015

                Great family hostel ”

                Staff, cleanliness,

                The staff treats you like you are family and takes care of you . The hostel is very well kept and constantly cleaned. One of the best hostels I been too.

                Reviewed August 16, 2015

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                10.0
                Exceptional
                David from France
                Solo traveler
                1 Person in 8-Bed Dormitory - Mixed
                Stayed 7 nights in September 2017

                Exceptional”

                Fantastic stay, my review is a little bit late but I still remember this great place and for this price it's more then wath you pay for.

                Reviewed April 05, 2018

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                6.7
                Good
                TAN from Malaysia
                Group
                Stayed 1 night in February 2014

                A nice place for short stay but beware of bed bugs”

                Friendly staff, strategic location, and easy access to local food

                The hostel is well-located next to the Sunday Market (Gaya Street) and many restaurants are found within walking distance whereby you can easy access to local food. The hostel was well-equipped with refrigerator, fan, desk, tv, hair dryer, water heater, lockers and air conditioning. The bathrooms and toilets are separated into male and female, with place for us to hang and dry our clothes. Overall, the hostel cleanliness is very satisfying. Me and my friends was staying in a 6 bed dormitory room for 1 night. It was a short stay for us to catch our flight in the next morning. There are few sockets in our room which convenience for us to charge our electronics device. the breakfast is ok for me as The only big problem I got is with the bed bugs, caused me to lost my sleep for whole night. I was later found out during a talk with a traveler from Korea whereby the same problem happened on him in the other room.

                Reviewed February 24, 2014

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                9.2
                Exceptional
                Bala from Australia
                Solo traveler
                Stayed 3 nights in June 2016

                Good Location, Clean, Helpful staff, No Breakfast”

                central location, walking distance to transport, ferry, bus terminal, airport bus. clean fecilities, good bed. Main negative is No Breakfast. They stopped it. Real inconvenience for guests. many eating places nearby.

                Reviewed June 17, 2016

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                8.4
                Excellent
                Darren from Malaysia
                Group
                1 Person in 8-Bed Dormitory - Mixed
                Stayed 1 night in July 2017

                Great place”

                Toilet is a bit old and need some repair, however for the price i got RM22 per bed and on special request for my friends and me (5 of us) to get the 8 bed room all for ourselves if possible is a bonus. Charger plug works fine. Bring your own toiletries as they do not provide. Good location, just walk go down to Gaya Street. Would suggest the pantry to be a smoke free area so that other users can use it too instead of having someone smoking inside.

                Reviewed July 13, 2017

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                9.6
                Exceptional
                Bella from Philippines
                Group
                6-Bed Dormitory -- Mixed
                Stayed 3 nights in July 2016

                Location, cleanliness and staff hospitality”

                the staff (Marina, Tita and Jessica) were all friendly and helpful. the place are walking distance to KK tourist spot. although it is an old building the shower and toilet room, hall and kitchen were always clean. with drinking water refill we only booked for 3 nights but we extended our stay for 2 more nights con: no installed power/electrical outlet and light to every bed i would definitely recommend the place. salamat!

                Reviewed July 18, 2016

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                7.6
                Very good
                Ning from Malaysia
                Group
                Female Dormitory - 4-Bed
                Stayed 2 nights in January 2018

                Value for money”

                Clean and great location. However, the only main complaint was that the other guests were smoking in the common area, and we could smell it in our room! Please make the hostel smoke free!

                Reviewed January 22, 2018

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                9.2
                Exceptional
                soo from Malaysia
                Solo traveler
                1 Person in 8-Bed Dormitory - Mixed
                Stayed 1 night in June 2018

                value for money”

                One of the cheapest and most comfortable hostel in kk area

                Reviewed June 25, 2018

                See room deals

                7.7
                Very good
                Trang from Vietnam
                Solo traveler
                Stayed 2 nights in January 2016

                Very nice hostel”

                Location, staff, good price

                I do like this hostel. Good location for you to travel everywhere: pier, bus stop (to go to airport), night market, shopping mall... The staff is very friendly and helpful

                Reviewed February 02, 2016

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                8.0
                Excellent
                Debby from China
                Solo traveler
                Female Dormitory - 4-Bed
                Stayed 2 nights in May 2016

                It's just ok”

                The location was nice cause it's on Gaya Street.The whole hostel was a little old and small.Bathroom and toilet were good.

                Reviewed June 01, 2016

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                7.0
                Very good
                Anja from Germany
                Solo traveler
                Stayed 1 night in August 2015

                In the center of KK”

                Clean - friendly staff - close to shopping malls

                The women who run the hostel are friendly and helpful. The bathroom/kitchen/common room was clean. The dorm was small but the beds were spaceous. One step from the entry is a big shopping mall with cinemas if you like these kind of things...

                Reviewed September 22, 2015

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