Whenever I’m in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, there is only one place I stay at: Back Home Hostel, one of the most relaxing hostels I have ever encountered along my journeys.
Located near Chinatown among several other prominent hostels, Back Home stands alone in terms of comfort. The entire place truly has that “back home” feel combined with a fort-type vibe. The entire place is open are and features dual bridges on the second story which overlook to the common area below.
One of the first things you will notice as you approach the rooms is that the name of its occupants are written on the chalkboard-style door. Not only is it always nice to be greeting “home” but it also helps when you’ve had a few drinks and forgotten your roommates’ names 😉
Back Home Hostel
The Rooms…Utterly Amazing!
These photos do not do Back Home justice. The rooms are simply amazing! Not only are they huge but in keeping with the fort-like style of the hostel the beds are designed to have everything you need right at your fingertips. In addition to the obligatory reading lamp and electrical outlet each bed also features a small shelving system with sliding door. For anyone staying longer than a day or two this is a great way to get settled in and comfortable, with everything you need on a daily basis just an arm’s reach away.
Each room also features dual sinks, huge lockers, and more universal outlets than the guests could possibly need.
The dorms have both standard twin size beds and plush queen size beds as well — for an extra couple dollars a day. Trust me, it is worth it to upgrade! Although the queen beds are meant for traveling couples, they can also be rented by individuals who just want to roll around at night and really feel at home.
Behind Every Great Hostel Is A Great Common Area And Kitchen
Back Home has both an air conditioned and computer-plentiful common room next to the front lobby as well as a self-service kitchen and open-air dining area. The owner of Back Home also owns LOKL, the coffee shop next door, and as such both places share a common open-air chill area.
Of Course The Stay At Back Home Are Also Amazing
It’s not just me that loves Back Home — a few of our other travel bloggin’ buddies have also called it their home away from home. Talk about a seal of approval! Be sure to check it out for yourself the next time you are in Kuala Lumpur!
Throwback! That’s where I stayed too. Nice!
It’s an amazing place, isn’t it? Definitely one of my favorite hostels anywhere in the world and the only place I stay whenever I’m in KL. Several other bloggers also call it home whenever they are in town, such as Juno, who I finally had a chance to meet in real life while there.
You’ve got to try out the Island in Bali. That was my #1 hostel, then Olga’s in San Sebastian Spain. This would probably be third. Haha. But it also depends on the people in the hostel. Everyone kept to themselves when I was at Back Home but the place is rad regardless.
I had bad experiences in Bali but now that I am much better at speaking Bahasa Indonesia, I’m curious to give it a second try and see if the island can redeem itself. And I’ll be sure to keep The Island (the hostel) in mind 🙂 But you’re right, it’s not just about the hostel and the employees but also the guests. I spent a week at Back Home and met a lot of great people passing through there.
However when it comes to my top hostel of all time, you have to check out Perla del Pacifico in Puntarenas, Costa Rica. It’s a mansion turned two bedroom private hostel (private as in it’s no longer advertised on online booking sites, only by word of mouth, so you have to be “in the know” to stay there) that is owned by a German-French husband and wife who have traveled the world and chosen CR as their home. Not only is the place exquisitely decorated but the conversations my travelin’ buddy Jared and I had with the owners were priceless! I wrote about it and published an extensive photo gallery, if you are curious: https://test.theholidaze.com/central-america/costa-rica/perla-del-pacifico
I love the Island. I went for 5 days and stayed 3 months there. I was sort of like the manager on duty and met some of my best travel friends there. Loads of indie travelers who are just up for a good time and easy chill vibes. The owner Neil is super nice and staff is awesome. Bali has its highs and lows for sure. It’s all timing. I swear when I go back I won’t like it because it won’t be the same crew of people or things will be different. So maybe your experience will be better now that you’re no longer a bule :p
I’ll definitely check that place out. Dying to go to CR. Hopefully this year!