Uncle Chang's Backpackers Lodge

Hit or miss accommodations and diving

Photo of Uncle Chang's Backpackers Lodge, Mabul Island. , Semporna And Sipadan Island

What we say: 3 stars

The old adage "you get what you pay for" certainly applies at Uncle Chang's. We stayed in the four-bed fan dorm and found it stuffy during the day and infested with bed bugs at night (check the mattress and the batik fabric on the walls). On the other hand, our dive buddy who stayed in a brand new wooden chalet overlooking the water had a wonderful experience. Diving prices are reasonable at 640 ringgit for a day at Sipadan or 260 ringgit for three dives around Mabul, but many divers (including us) were not impressed with the condition of the equipment or the professionalism of the dive masters. What we did like about Uncle Chang's is the huge dining hall and canteen that's always stocked with ice-cold beer. On weekends there's a bit of a party vibe with the staff doing double-duty as musical entertainment.

Contact details:

Mabul Island.  T: (089) 781 002 
Email them at: unclechang99@hotmail.com
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Last reviewed by:
Tanya Procyshyn is a Singapore-based freelance writer and photographer. With a passion for unusual destinations, she has camped alongside Komodo dragons and shook hands with soldiers in North Korea. She blogs at www.idreamofdurian.com.

What we were quoted

Type of room Low season High season Notes
Dorm Fan 70 Ringgit 70 Ringgit
Dorm air-con 90 Ringgit 90 Ringgit
Dbl air-con private b'room 100 Ringgit 100 Ringgit
Bungalow air-con private b'room 140 Ringgit 140 Ringgit

Added to Travelfish on: 8th February, 2013
Last visited or updated on: 9th February, 2013

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