Borneo Accommodation

A spectacular eco-tourism paradise, Malaysian Borneo accommodation offers a treasure trove of budget-level hostels and hotels. Guest-houses and backpacker lodgings usually feature shared bathroom facilities, some shared kitchens, and a choice of single, double or family rooms. Dorms may be single- or mixed-sex, and facilities may or may not be air-conditioned. Budget hotels offer clean, comfy accommodation with some private baths, TV and internet availability.

Sabah’s capital of Kota Kinabalu has loads of hostel-type accommodation. Within its cheery red façade, popular Tune Hotels 1 offers cosy, air-conditioned rooms and a swimming pool. Slightly pricier, the pretty rustic Tempurung Seaside Lodge offers dorms or private rooms, alfresco café, free breakfast and internet access.

Kuching, Sarawak’s capital, is a pretty little river-side town full of beautifully restored Colonial buildings and 19th century Chinese shop-houses. Plentiful guesthouse and hostel accommodation is available throughout the city. Saramo Hostel rents comfortable budget rooms by the day or the month in the heart of Chinatown; while DePalma Waterfront features brightly coloured interiors, Wi-Fi access and 24-hour desk. Anjung Hostel is tucked down a quaint side street and has communal facilities, air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi.

Miri, on the northern coast of Sarawak, is a major eco-holiday destination close to several incredible national parks. Set in a lush jungle landscape, budget eco-resort Borneo Tropical Rainforest Resort offers rainforest trekking paths, authentic rattan and timbre décor, bar, pool and café. Tree Tops Lodge is a family-style guest house near the sea with pool, bike hire and free breakfast. Miri Trail and Dillenia are two other super-cheap backpacker resorts with clean, air-conditioned rooms and complimentary breakfast.