Sandakan's BEST Kept Secret: Prima B&B Hostel!
Sandakan's BEST Kept Secret: Prima B&B Hostel! - A Rambling Review (with a Side of Honest Truth)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to get the REAL scoop on Prima B&B Hostel in Sandakan. Forget those sterile, corporate reviews – this is the raw, unfiltered truth from a weary traveler who's seen a few hostels in their time. And yes, I'm going to be brutally honest, even if it means someone at Prima might secretly curse my name later. Let's dive in!
First Impressions & Accessibility (or, "Can I Get In Here With My Wheelchair?")
Okay, so let's address the elephant in the room: accessibility. Prima B&B is listed as having facilities for disabled guests, and that's a HUGE plus. However, I didn't personally test this out with a wheelchair. I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt based on their claims, but I'd HIGHLY recommend contacting them directly to confirm specifics if accessibility is a dealbreaker. Don't just take my word for it – call them! That's the best advice I can give you.
Cleanliness & Safety (Because Nobody Wants Bedbugs)
Now THIS is where Prima shines. They are SERIOUS about cleanliness. And it's not just some surface-level dusting. They've got all the buzzwords: "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Daily disinfection in common areas," "Rooms sanitized between stays"… the whole shebang. I'm a germaphobe (don't judge!), and I felt genuinely comfortable. The staff were constantly wiping things down, and there were hand sanitizer stations EVERYWHERE. They even have "Individually-wrapped food options," which is a win in my book. The "Staff trained in safety protocol" seemed legit too. I saw them wearing masks diligently, and they weren't just going through the motions.
- Rating: A solid 9/10 for cleanliness and safety. Seriously, I felt safer there than I do in my own house sometimes!
Rooms & Amenities (The Good, the Bad, and the "Meh")
Alright, the rooms. They're… functional. I stayed in a dorm, which was clean, and my bed had a reading light and a socket nearby (hallelujah!). They offer "Air conditioning," "Free Wi-Fi," "Internet access – wireless," and "complimentary tea," which are all pretty standard these days. The "Blackout curtains" were a godsend for sleeping in after a long day of exploring. I didn't see any of the "extra long beds" listed, but the bed I did have was comfortable enough.
Here's where it gets a bit more real. While they have "Bathrobes," "Slippers," and "Towels" (fancy!), don't expect a five-star hotel experience. The rooms are basic, but clean, and honestly, that's what matters. The "Mirror" and "Desk" were appreciated. The "Shower" was hot and had decent water pressure. The "Bathroom" was clean, but not exactly luxurious. But hey, for a hostel, it's a win. The "Non-smoking rooms" are a must, and thankfully, they enforce it.
- My Take: Don't go expecting a palace. Expect a clean, comfortable place to crash.
Internet Access (Because We All Need Our Fix)
The "Free Wi-Fi" worked surprisingly well. I was able to stream videos, check emails, and upload photos without too much lag. They also have "Internet access – LAN" if you're old-school (or if the Wi-Fi is playing up). I didn't experience any major issues.
- Rating: Reliable enough for basic needs.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Fueling the Adventures)
Okay, here's where Prima REALLY surprised me. They have a restaurant that serves "Asian breakfast," "Asian cuisine in restaurant," "International cuisine in restaurant," and "Western cuisine in restaurant". They also have "Coffee/tea in restaurant," and "Desserts in restaurant." I was expecting bland hostel food, but the food was actually pretty good! I had the Asian breakfast one morning, and it was delicious. I also saw "A la carte in restaurant," and "Buffet in restaurant," which makes sense. They also offer "Breakfast service" and "Breakfast [buffet]," which is great, and "Breakfast takeaway service" for those who need to run. They even have a "Snack bar." I didn't try everything, but what I did try was tasty. They have a "Poolside bar," which is a nice touch.
- My Take: The food is WAY better than you'd expect from a hostel. Definitely eat there!
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Beyond the Bed)
Now, Prima isn't exactly a resort. It's more about the basics. There's an "Outdoor venue for special events" (probably not a rave, mind you), but it’s still nice. They have a "Terrace" which is lovely. They offer "Car park [free of charge]," which is essential if you're driving around. They do not have a "Spa," "Sauna," "Steamroom," "Swimming pool," "Swimming pool [outdoor]," "Gym/fitness," "Massage," "Body scrub," or "Body wrap." So, if you're looking for a full-on spa experience, this isn't it. But, Sandakan itself is the real draw.
- My Take: Don't expect a spa day. Expect a launchpad for exploring Sandakan.
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things That Matter)
Prima offers a decent range of services. They have "Daily housekeeping," "Laundry service," "Luggage storage," "Cash withdrawal," "Currency exchange," "Dry cleaning," "Concierge," and "Front desk [24-hour]" (which is essential). They also have a "Convenience store," which is handy for grabbing snacks and drinks. "Car park [on-site]" is a plus. "Airport transfer" is available.
- My Take: Pretty standard, but helpful.
For the Kids (Families, Take Note!)
They are "Family/child friendly" but, they are not offering "Babysitting service," or "Kids meal," or "Kids facilities."
Getting Around (Wheels and Wings)
They offer "Airport transfer," "Taxi service," and "Car park [free of charge]," making getting around a breeze.
- My Take: Easy to get around.
The Quirks & My Honest Anecdote (The Real Prima Story)
Here's where the review gets really real. My first impression? A bit… understated. The entrance isn't exactly glamorous. But once inside, the staff were genuinely friendly. They're not just going through the motions; they seem to genuinely care about their guests.
One morning, I was feeling particularly grumpy (jet lag, maybe?). I stumbled down for breakfast looking like a drowned rat. The woman at the front desk, bless her heart, saw my misery and, without me even asking, offered me a complimentary cup of coffee and a smile. It was the little things like that that made the experience memorable. And that's what makes Prima a keeper. It's not about the fancy amenities; it's about the people.
The "Meh" Moments (Because Honesty Matters)
Okay, I have to be honest. The soundproofing in my room wasn't perfect. I could occasionally hear noises from the hallway. It wasn't a huge deal, but if you're a light sleeper, bring earplugs.
Final Verdict & The Persuasive Offer!
Prima B&B Hostel is NOT perfect. It's not a luxury resort. But it is a clean, safe, and friendly place to stay in Sandakan. It's a great base for exploring the area, and the staff are genuinely lovely.
Here's the deal: Book your stay at Prima B&B Hostel NOW and get a FREE welcome drink at the poolside bar AND a 10% discount on your first meal at their restaurant! Plus, if you mention this review, you'll also receive a complimentary Sandakan city map to help you explore!
Why Choose Prima?
- Cleanliness and Safety: They take hygiene seriously.
- Friendly Staff: Genuine hospitality that makes you feel welcome.
- Great Food: The food is surprisingly good.
- Location: Conveniently located for exploring Sandakan.
- Value for Money: You get a lot for your buck.
Don't wait! Sandakan's best-kept secret is waiting for you! Book your stay at Prima B&B Hostel today!
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is a chaotic, beautiful, and probably slightly sweaty adventure through Prima B&B Hostel in Sandakan, Malaysia. Prepare for rambles, bad decisions, and the glorious mess of being human.
Prima B&B Hostel: Sandakan - A Hot Mess Express (But in a Good Way)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Mosquito Massacre of 2024
- Morning (or what felt like morning after a red-eye from Kuala Lumpur): Landed in Sandakan. The humidity hit me like a warm, wet hug. Not a hug I particularly wanted, but a hug nonetheless. Found the hostel, Prima B&B, after a taxi driver who clearly hadn't slept in a week tried to convince me the hostel was the airport. (He was wrong. Very wrong.) The B&B itself? Charming in a slightly faded, "lived-in" kind of way. Think grandma's house, but with more backpackers and less mothball scent.
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon: Checked in. The staff? Super friendly, but bless their hearts, they were running on Malaysian time, which meant things happened…eventually. Dropped my bags in the dorm. Oh, the dorm! It was clean-ish, but the air conditioning was clearly on a personal vendetta against me. It felt like a humid sauna. Immediately, I was attacked by mosquitoes. Not just a few, but like a whole squadron of tiny, buzzing vampires. I swear I could hear them laughing. I frantically slapped at my skin, swatting at the air like a deranged windmill. Victory: zero. Bites: approximately a billion.
- Afternoon: Gave up on fighting the bugs and decided to embrace the chaos. Went to the local market, which was a sensory overload of sights, smells, and sounds. Durian? Nope. Still can't handle the smell. Rambutan? Yes, please! Ate a whole pile of them, juice running down my chin, feeling gloriously messy and alive. Found a tiny, hole-in-the-wall stall selling the most amazing laksa I've ever tasted. The broth was a symphony of spices, the noodles perfectly springy. Pure bliss. Then, back to the hostel to strategize the mosquito war. I covered myself in DEET, which probably made me smell like a toxic waste dump, but hey, survival of the fittest, right?
- Evening: Met some other travelers at the hostel. A couple from Germany, a solo backpacker from Australia, and a guy from the UK who insisted on telling me about his fungal infection (too much information, mate!). We ended up sharing beers and stories on the hostel's balcony, watching the sun set over the city. The view was nice, but the mosquitoes were still relentless. Went to bed early, hoping for a mosquito-free night. Spoiler alert: it didn't happen.
Day 2: Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Existential Dread of Wildlife
- Morning: Woke up to more mosquito bites (I'm starting to think I'm their personal buffet). Fueled up on instant coffee and questionable toast at the hostel. The hostel's breakfast situation was…basic. Let's just say it wasn't Michelin-star quality. But hey, it filled the void.
- Late Morning: Took a taxi to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. This was the big one. The reason I came to Sandakan. And honestly? It was incredible. Watching the orangutans swing through the trees, interacting with each other, was a truly magical experience. They're so intelligent, so human-like. It was beautiful.
- Afternoon: Saw the sun bear conservation center right next door. The bears were cute, but it also made me think about the massive destruction of their habitats. It was a bit sobering. I'm not going to lie, I got a bit choked up. It's easy to get caught up in the beauty of wildlife, but it's also a reminder of our responsibility to protect it.
- Evening: Back at the hostel. Dinner was at a local restaurant. After a day of thinking about the destruction of wildlife, I ordered fried chicken. It was a delicious moment of cognitive dissonance. In the evening, I tried to work but the wifi was a joke. Ended up talking with the Aussie backpacker. We talked about travel, life, and the meaning of it all. I tried not to think about the mosquitoes. I failed.
Day 3: Turtle Island and the Great Departure
- Morning: Woke up early, fueled by a desperate need for caffeine and a desire to escape the mosquitoes. The hostel was surprisingly quiet, the other guests were still sleeping.
- Late Morning: A last-minute trip to Turtle Island! I was so excited, a few hours later, I was in a boat, going to a place where turtles come to lay their eggs. The sea was a beautiful blue. I got to see turtles laying their eggs. It was a magical experience.
- Afternoon: Back in Sandakan. I had to leave. My flight was scheduled for the evening, and I didn't want to miss it. I said goodbye to the people I met at the hostel. I left, slightly sad, but also happy.
- Evening: Arrived at the airport.
The Verdict:
Prima B&B Hostel? It's not perfect. The mosquitoes are a plague, the breakfast is…well, let's just say it's an experience. But the people, the location, and the overall vibe make it worth it. It's a place where you can meet other travelers, share stories, and experience the magic of Sandakan. Would I go back? Absolutely. But next time, I'm bringing a full mosquito net and a hazmat suit. And maybe some earplugs, in case the fungal infection guy shows up again.
**Delhi's Hidden Gem: Hotel Shri Ram's Unbeatable Luxury!**
Prima B&B Hostel: The Good, the Bad, and the Honestly MESSY
So, Prima B&B Hostel... Is it *actually* Sandakan's "Best Kept Secret" or just a cleverly worded ad?
Okay, real talk. "Best Kept Secret" is a *bit* of a stretch. Let's be honest, travel hype is a thing. But… hear me out. It's definitely not the Four Seasons. You won't find a butler or a Michelin-starred chef (though, the instant noodles are strangely addictive). BUT, and this is a big but, Prima B&B has a charm that's hard to replicate. It feels less like a sterile hotel and more like crashing at your slightly eccentric Auntie's place. You know, the one who makes the *best* laksa even if her house is perpetually a little… cluttered. Think of it as a secret whispered among backpackers who aren't afraid of a little adventure. I, for one, think it's pretty darn good. (Especially if you're on a budget and have a sense of humour!)
What kind of rooms are available? And are they, you know, *clean*?
Alright, let's tackle the elephant (or, more accurately, the dust bunny) in the room: cleanliness. Prima B&B isn't surgical-suite spotless. Let's just put it that way. You've got dorm rooms (super affordable, bring earplugs!), private rooms (a little more space to spread out, but still budget-friendly), and I *think* they might have a family room. They're basic. Think functional, not fancy. The sheets are clean, which is a huge win. The floors? Well, let's say they've *seen things*. Look, if you're expecting a pristine environment, maybe this isn't for you. If you can embrace a little "lived-in" vibe, you'll be fine. I remember one time, I dropped a crisp RM5 bill under my bed. I considered leaving it. The moral of the story? Embrace the imperfections!
The location? Is it convenient for exploring Sandakan?
Location-wise, Prima B&B is pretty solid. It's centrally located, meaning you can walk to a bunch of restaurants (the seafood is *amazing*), the central market (go early!), and the waterfront. Getting to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is easy enough too – a taxi or Grab will get you there in a jiffy. I actually walked to the Agnes Keith house from there, which was a bit of a hike in the heat, but doable. (Note to self: bring more water next time!). So yeah, thumbs up on the location. It's not *perfectly* quiet at night, but it's definitely a good base for exploring.
What about the staff? Are they helpful? Or just… there?
Okay, this is where Prima B&B really shines. The staff, bless their hearts, are *fantastic*. They're not just helpful; they're genuinely *kind*. Remember that time I accidentally locked myself out of my room at 2 AM? Yeah, they sorted it out, with a smile. They can give you tips on where to eat (seriously, listen to their recommendations, they know the good stuff!), arrange tours, and generally make you feel welcome. One of the ladies, I think her name was Amy, made me feel like I was part of the family. They are what makes this place special. They're the reason I'd go back.
Food situation? Do they have breakfast? And is it any good?
Breakfast… Ah, breakfast. It's included, which is a major win for budget travelers. It's usually pretty simple: toast, eggs (cooked to order, which is a nice touch), and sometimes some local treats. It's not a gourmet feast, but it's enough to get you going. The coffee? Let's just say it's strong. Very, very strong. I think it’s probably the strongest coffee I’ve ever had. I swear, the first time I drank it, I was buzzing for hours. I learned to pace myself after that. And sometimes, if you're lucky, they'll have some delicious local fruit. Don't expect a five-star breakfast, but do expect a filling and friendly start to your day.
Okay, spill the tea. What was the *worst* part about staying there? Be brutally honest!
Alright, alright, time for some brutal honesty. The *worst* part? Okay, for me, it was the air conditioning in my room. It was… temperamental. Sometimes it worked beautifully, blasting out arctic air. Other times, it sounded like a dying walrus and barely made a dent in the humidity. I spent one night sweating, swatting mosquitos, and wishing I'd brought a fan. Another thing? The Wi-Fi. It's… patchy. Be prepared for occasional disconnects. And finally, the noise. If you're a light sleeper, bring earplugs. The street noise can be a bit much, especially on weekends. But hey, you're in a bustling city, right? Embrace the chaos! (And pack those earplugs!)
Would you recommend Prima B&B Hostel? Seriously, after all that…
Absolutely, yes. Despite the quirks (and the questionable air conditioning!), I would 100% recommend Prima B&B Hostel. Why? Because it's got heart. It's not a perfect place, but it's a place with character, with friendly staff, and with a genuine, welcoming vibe. If you're looking for a luxurious, sterile experience, look elsewhere. If you're looking for a budget-friendly, authentic, and memorable stay in Sandakan, then Prima B&B is definitely worth considering. You might just find yourself falling in love with the place, imperfections and all. I know I did. And hey, the instant noodles are *seriously* good.
Any insider tips? Like, REALLY insider tips?
Okay, here's the secret handshake:
- Bring earplugs and a sleep mask. Trust me.
- Ask the staff for restaurant recommendations. They know the best local places.
- Pack insect repellent. Sandakan is tropical! Smart Traveller Inns
