Alice Semporna Backpackers Hostel

The beds were very comfortable, and there’s a locker in the room. The hostel is right in central Semporna, close to the coast and diving centres, with a supermarket and some restaurants nearby. The shower was okay, and staff can provide a towel if you ask. The view is good too, and the staff are there if you need anything. A good hostel all around.

Semporna itself isn’t a beautiful destination, but ASB is a clean, secure refuge and a great base for scuba day trips to Sipadan, Mabul, and Mataking. Andy speaks fluent Malay, Chinese, and English, maybe more, and he and his wife Alice are great hosts. Andy also owns a local dive shop, so arranging day-trip dives and certifications is easy and fun. The place is very clean, organized, and friendly, with a nice kitchen and free wifi that could use a speed upgrade. It’s 50M from the bus and atm, with local restaurants and shops all around.

Mr . Andy is a Professional Dive Master who shares his years of Love for the sea, and he answers from his knowledge and experience. The staff are friendly and helpful, and the place is clean and well maintained. The prices are great bargains, so there’s no need to bargain. A great choice.

I ended up enjoying it so much I didn’t bother with Malbul and never wanted to leave. The staff, Lulu, Andy and Tiara, were super friendly. They cooked several delicious Malaysain currys for free to share, and there were always bananas, toast, and tasty local coffee. The kitchen was great, wifi flawless, bathrooms like new, and the beds were comfy and cleaned daily. You can choose good air con or a fan. They helped plan onward travel and even bought my bus ticket at the local price. Laundry was the cheapest around, 6 MYR for everything, done overnight. Town is a 5 minute walk, with cheap, good restaurants nearby.