Bunkies
Speak:
This
is my third time here but first guestbook entry. I had to this time. I
was impressed.
Many
of the other entries echos my sentiments and is oft repeated, so I shan't.
The nudge that prompted my entry was the constant 'evolvement' bit that
I read in the site's latest update. http://www.the-inncrowd.com. They're
not kidding and neither am I. I saw them grow with my very own eyes. Saw
them change for the better. Saw them evolve.
I
have heard many times of promises and things to come, but they barely
materalise. I came, I heard, I saw. I'm impressed. These people take their
fun very seriously and have managed to perfect the balance to keep the
karma of the hostel in check. Their level of commitment, mental, physical,
financial is impressive to say the least. It's not easy to run a setup
like this, I know, I've tried. Give this man a Tiger!
Matther
Davis
A Canadian in Sveeden!
Even
after having left the hostel sometime back. The thought of the funky pad
never fails to bring a smile to my face. The thirst for travel stems from
experiences like those gathered from this hostel. After having traveled
through South East Asia, it is only natural to harbor a sense of distrust
as it is almost a daily occurrence to face mercenaries of sorts, especially
for us Brits. Here at The Inncrowd, I felt at my most comfortable.
As we first stepped into the hostel after having made our was down from
up north, the sight of the establishment that greeted us was one of warmth
and cosy friendship. The posh décor and abundant facilities belies
the fun nature of the hostel. Hai, the owner and operator of the hostel,
and I fell into easy banter almost immediately. He’s a funny guy.
The fact that other that stepped in after us thought that we’d been
the longest of friends bears testaments to his easy going nature and demeanor.
When we, Abby, Claire, Steffy and I met up last, we were still waxing
lyrical over the very excellent end of our RTW trip at The Inncrowd. We
wondered if we would have view it any different had we not been there.
Much has been vaunted about this hostel by word of mouth, guidebooks,
forums, etc, but, nothing can top the experience of simply being there.
This many people cannot be far wrong.
Hai, for all your valuable time, effort and enthusiasm, we’d like
to thank you, you make a difference.
Cherie
Brunswick
Surrey, UK.
The
hospitality extended to us far exceeded our expectations, and we were
not even staying there. Hai's hilarious outings are second to none. We
were introduced to the countless delights of what Singapore had to offer.
The attention paid to my wife's dietary needs left me totally speechless.
That level of service was very impressive. More so since we are not the
backpacking type staying with him, we're old fogies with a young mind.
Even
though I have joined many conducted tours and comedy walks, Hai's side-splitting
commentary was a class act in itself. It's been quite a few months since.
What
prompted my entry into this guestbook was that since we came home from
our holiday, your hospitality has been the highlight that stood out. We
know hospitality. We own hotels. If you ever decide to come to our shores,
you would shake the industry well and good. You have got out vote and
we wish you all the best in your future and pray you succeed in all you
aim to achieve. God bless you Hai.
James
& Shelly Connor
Kensington - London
Tired,
dirty, and alone was my state as I arrived at "The InnCrowd". Everyone
(Hai, Ping, and a gang of fellow travelers) welcomed me with smiling faces,
a place to rest, and a home cooked meal.
For a week, I have called this hostel home and am sad to have to say good-bye.
As a solo traveler, I spend most of my time by myself but I have never
felt lonely inside these walls. Within this hostel haven are not just
bright cheerful colors, stylish decorations, and a place to sleep but
a caring family.
Hai
and Ping welcome each traveler into their home and their hearts. Hai will
delight you with loads of knowledge about the great tourist adventures
to be had in Singapore plus advice for the joys of your taste buds.
Ping
has a heart of gold, always willing to listen and show you pictures of
her cat. I know that I have been very lucky to live in this hostel for
soon they will be booked months in advice.
Shannon
Maloney
Solana Beach, CA
I
was on the thorn tree and other travel sites looking a place to stay in
Singapore. The Inncrowd came out more time than I really care to mention.
I had my doubts about making a reservation at the Inncrowd when all I
could find out about it was all good, NOTHING negative at all, it appeared
that it was THE HOSTEL that could do no wrong. When something appears
to be too good to be true it usually is. I have never been fortunate enough
to have been able to accept at face value.
I
stayed there for a couple of nights. My doubts were totally unfounded.
The hostel deserves all the accolades and compliments it can get and more.
Hai is a treasure trove of information and I am particularly impressed
with his candid views and cut-to-the-chase demeanor. Behind the couldn't
care less attitude lies a stickler for details.
I
never claim to be the easiest of 'bunkies', but he had me covered, full
time. Looking at the way he works should be an attraction in itself. The
Inncrowd has changes my initial perception of Singapore totally, so much
so that that it will feature itself again in my travel plans. Oh yes I
will be coming back.
Sinead
B
Borders are bothers
You
open the door and you feel it "I'M home" expecting your Mother
and father to run out in slow motion, lips pursed with readiness and open
arms to a maximum, instead you find an excellent subsitute -Hai and Ping-
the proud owners of the best hostel in our solar system.
you settle in here like an alkaseltser -hai and ping interact everyone
together. This really breaks the ice and makes your stay much more enjoyable
-
every evening there is something to do. hai and ping 1 or the other take
time to show you around particular areas of the city as well as educating
you on history current affairs etc of singapore.
it goes without saying that the hostel is 5 star to best describe the
facilities.
The best way to run a hostel is the hai and ping way
thanks guys for making it 1 of the highlights of my worldtravels
Peter Dooley
Ireland
Unbelieveably,
today it is exactly 1 year since I first landed on The InnCrowd's doorstep!
After (accidentally, thanks to Hai) spending the better part of 8 months
here in Singapore I have seen The InnCrowd grow into the most lauded and
appreciated hostel in the world and it deserves nothing less.
This
place is so fantastic I have made it my full time home for the past 6mths!
Hai and Ping, thank-you soooo much for becoming my Singaporean family,
introducing me to so many aspects of Singapore culture I would never have
seen otherwise, and most of all for being there as my friends. I have
had one of the greatest years of my life, and you guys have had such a
huge part in that.
Congratulations
on everything you have achieved in your first year and 10 days, and good
luck for your new endeavour...Lots and lots of love always Chelle xoxoxoxoxoxox
Michelle
Kavanagh
Melbourne, Australia
This
would be the 13th month on the road for me. I started with the Original
InnCrowd as one of my first stops and passed through it again a year later.
This
I have to say, over and above being the best hostel in the region, you
have managed to progress to an even better one. But the part that stays
with us would be the tremendous effort put in by Ping and Hai and the
friendships that was made there.
The
InnCrowd ROCKS! But you already knew that.
Liam
(Wizard)
In Thailand with sand between my toes.
A
mildly confused man lands in Singapore with nothing but a confirmation
from Ping that a bed stands ready for him to crash into. The price was
low just as my expectations having in mind the numerous places I have
stayed at during my backpacking days. But, to my surprise everything was
superbly prearranged, very clean and all equipped with brand new furniture
from IKEA making you feel at home. To top it all of the hosts Hai and
Ping where simply adoring, helping us on every front with their wisdom
and concern.
PING: Thanks for everything You are simply the best; and thanks to you
I will have the strength to finish my degree next year.
HAI: It truly warmed an old chef’s heart when I saw you loading
up your plate for the second time with a huge portion of Pannbiff(!) and
lingon berry jam.
Michelle: What can you say? Thank you for your positive attitude and kindness.
I will miss you but I will meet you and Kim again sometime in the future!
Paul: I still don’t understand the connection between you and your
“Devils sauce” which you served laudable with a wonderful
400 gram steak – was it perhaps a father-son relationship.
Christmas the biter: Don’t let them take your balls!
The Inncrowd: Simply the best backpacker joint I have stayed at during
my ten years of traveling in Asia.
As a final point I just want to say to you all…RUDOLF and Winnie
the Poo tastes great!
I will stop by soon…
Björn with wife Maribel
Bjorn
Bay
Sweden
I'm
into my eighth month of travel in asia now. Been in more than 28 different
guest houses and hotels on this trip. I have to say, the Inncrowd ROCKS!
It's
a much needed breath of fresh air. I can attest to the fact that the owners,
Hai and Ping has exceeded all my expectations, and my expectations were
very high after reading the guestbook entries and comments from fellow
travellers.
Heading
down from Laos, I was heartily recommended this little hostel more than
five time over by travellers I met along the way down! And I thought it
was all hype! I'm surprised that they still have any steam left having
observered their very infectious enthusiasm. This can only stem from their
dedication to the well being of their 'bunkies'. I cannot help but gush
and sing their praises well enough.
Staying
with them has shed a new light on my views of travelling. This experience
has truly been a highlight of my life, let alone my travels. The Inncrowd
is all that it's made out to be, and more.
Nomad
UK
Just
wanted to thank you for a couple of really nice days at this wonderful
hostel - it almost felt like being home and left me with a feeling of
wanting to just hang around here rather than exploring Singapore, which
is quite rare for me, might I add.
Congratulations to the both of you for having the guts to make a dream
like this come true - I'm aware that it's hard work, but the result of
all your efforts is nothing but PERFECT!
Keep up the good work. I wish you all the best, and no doubt I'm coming
back here if I should ever get to Singapore again.
Karina (The Fruit-Eating Dane)
Denmark
i
have to agree with gavin. there's no lack of good company here and it's
an eye opener. even though i'll not be around to experience your new setup,
i feel your excitement. having been my fourth trip to singapore and stayed
at a couple of the other newish hostels, i still believe you guys are
top. : )
it's
was unanimously agreed by becky, matt, susan and the whole crazy bunch.
it's the people I tell you, and that is something no others can copy.
Dave
Hoffa
Malaysia at the mo.
Well,
ok... to start with! this is far most the best hostel/accomodation ive
ever stayed at! Your place feels like a second home, not just because
of the place, also because of YOU guys, THE infamous STAFF!!!!!!! You
made my triop to Singapore superbagus! I want to thankl you alot!!! And,
HAI, that fish you made the last night, i want the reciepe (how do you
spell that??), that was a nice piece of fish!!! Ohh yeah!
Viktor
SWEEEEEEDEN
This
has been positively the bestest hostel we've stayed at in my past year
of travelling! Shelle, Sandy and Hai, you guys make a great team, making
the whole bunch of us feel so welcome and warm. I have to say that the
information and advice you have provided was excellent.
We're
certain that this leg of our journey wouldn't have been so spactacular
without it. Hai, I envy you, you seem to love your job so much, makes
me think about getting a job back home in a hostel! I would highly recommend
this hostel,for a very different perspective of Singapore!
Martina
Davie
Back in th UK
Hey
guys
I've been here for a month and this has been a warm, comfy and cool home
for me =) The crew - you guys are great and loony :P craaaaazay!! Love
you guys for babysittin me lol =)
Ps: I'll be back soon and I recommend The Inn Crowd to anyone and everyone.
Chad
Burns
Nova Scotia, Canada
CONGRATULATIONS
on winning the Tourism Award!
Am sure most bunkies will agree that's it's not an unexpected reward for
all that you do to make Singapore (especially your own little part of
it) a total haven for travellers. You must feel extra proud as punch that
the "establishment' agrees, with what bunkies and you both have known
since Day One, that The Inn-Crowd is the BEST.
Therese
Japan usually but Thailand at present
The
Inncrowd? In my experience more like the Ultimate Crowd!
I
say this because I don't know of anywhere that is as well constructed
or managed. The friendly atmosphere welcomes you to new people from various
nationalities, and organised trips work to strengthen these bonds. With
the ability to turn an 'alright' trip in to a really good one.
Tthe
Inncrowd has been one of the highlights - if not the turning point, of
my trip so far. Thankyou Hai and Ping :-)
Steve
Smith
England
What
I want to say has already been eloquently stated many times over.
I
consider myself fortunate that I only manage to stay at The Inn Crowd
towards the very end of my 9 month's RTW adventure. Had it been one of
the firsts, I'm sure that subsequent hostels would have been major let
downs.
My
stay at The Inn Crowd has proven that for a fact. Amongst the 20 odd hostels
and hotels that I have stayed in, I'd have to say that this was the best
of the lot.
I'd
recommend Singapore simply for the experience of being part of "The
Inn Crowd".
Marie
Yearling
Home
Thank
you to everyone at The Inn Crowd Hostel for making my stay in Singapore
so fun, remarkable, and memorable. I came to Singapore alone and not knowing
anyone, I left three days later with a feeling that was leaving good friends
behind. I look forward to coming back someday, I will bring my pink dress
and oven mitts too..in case there is a surprise/mandatory cross dressing
beauty pageant party I have to attend. Thanks again!
Chris
Grady
Taiwan
Cheers
Hi and Ping for making me welcome in your establishment. Cheers Paul for
getting me pissed every night. Cheers Andrew for waking me up every day
and coming to the beauut pool along the road. Cheers all for helping me
realise my true destiny, to become a woman. Im sure youll all agree that
i make a good un. I hear that sex changes are cheap in Oz, so, with a
bit of luck, by Mardis Gras in Sydney Ill have my very own set-up. Tits
n all.
The Inn Crowd is the shizzle nizzle hub of Singapore. I wish you all the
very best for your future ventures, and may the shizzle be with you all
the way.
and just remember, "they're nae toys"
Mark
Yeadon
Forres
What
can we say?? after spending 2 weeks with your outstanding hospitality
we are extremely sorry to be leaving what we have come to know as 'home'!!
you guys are great! we hope you've enjoyed our company and entertained
you with our island abandonment and inflated faces (that would be Amy
then!!)
Andy & Christmas, Paul.B and Jacqui, Ping and Hai - the couples of
the Inn Crowd, you've really made us feel welcome and part of the 'family'!!
love from 'the gang'!!
Amy,
Lucie, Philippa
We're from England
Congratulations
Ping and Hai! You guys have certainly given us a really good reason to
want to visit Singapore again - and stay in the P.S. After experiencing
your generous hospitality first hand, I strongly recommend anyone considering
a stay at the InnCrowd to do so without hesitation. All the best, and
I hope to see you both soon - in the mean time, I'll spread the word.
Nikki
Mooki (Karlsen)
Norway/South Africa
I've
stayed here now for a week and its very hard to leave. The accomodation
here is the most comfortable I've seen so far, not to mention the services
aswell. Hai and Ping are the best host's possible and I recommend it to
anyone coming this way. Thanks a lot guy's,I hope to see you soon.
Mort
Macclesfield, UK We
must have been the most challenging guests since their opening, but Hai
and Ping handled every question with ease, and worked hard to find an
answer if one wasn't readily available. Friendly and hospitable, the newly-weds
kindly took us into their home. A+, no doubt about it.
Pace
New York
I
can't believe I had the good fortune to stumble onto this place. The Inncrowd
is the best travellers accomodation I have found anywhere in Asia. Hai
and Ping are fantastic - Thanks guys for going that extra mile each and
every time! Really sad to leave, But I'm sure I'll make my way back here
really soon.....Had a wonderful time in Singapore, due largely to the
place I stayed and the people I met there. Keep up the excellent work!
Michelle
Australia
Many
people have already elequently described how wonderful both the standard
of accomodation is, and how amazingly gracious and informative the hosts
Ping & Hai have been. I can only reiterate this once more. This has
really felt like a little home away from home. The vibrant decor and wall
to wall smiles of all that stay here are infectious. Just by looking at
the pictures on the freinds section of the website will show you how much
people really enjoying staying here. Hai & Ping thank you for your
hospitality. Although this is just the begining, I belive you have set
the standard for all others to aspire to!
Antony
Price
Oxford, England
Ping
& Hai, congrats! You've managed to do what STB has failed to do -
extend the length of stay of visitors to SIN.
Though I don't know you or have not experienced the service, I feel a
connection to you guys cos you share my ideals (yes, there are many of
us!).
A message for those who have stayed at the Inn-Crowd, please let Singapore
Tourism Board know - and vote Ping & Hai as the best tourism host
..whatever Tourism awards they dish out should go to Ping/Hai/The Inn-Crowd
Yaz
SINGAPORE
The
INNCROWD is arguably the best hostel in the land. What land? THE land.
Hai and Ping connect you with any and all information that you need and
the sights, sounds and smells of Singapore will leave you reeling for
more. The INNCROWD is highly recommended, 10 stars, good job on a great
opening first few weeks, and hopefully I'll be back.
Sebastian
(USA) 27 October 2002
A
fantatsic end to 5 months travelling, we were terrified Singapore was
going to cost a fortune and having been robbed in Bali the pressure not
to spend was on. We ended our trip on a very high note with Hai showing
us the cheap places to eat and get around. a very sociable place and met
some very amusing people. You are highly recommended!
Lizzie
Hurst (Manchester, UK) 19 May 2003
The
InnCrowd is top shelf!! Hai and Ping are two of the most wonderful people
I've ever met. They've made it hard for me to go to another hostel without
making some kind of comparison, and the others never add up to much!!
Way to go you guys, The InnCrowd is an awesome place to stay! Hai and
Ping do everthing and more to make sure you have an excellent stay with
them, and to experience Singapore to the fullest.
I had a wonderful time!
Sheri
Cronk (Regina, SK, Canada) 4 March 2003
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OUR
IDEALS
We love the experience that travelling brings, meeting
people and learning about them and their experiences. We also
learnt that hostelling is one of the best ways to experience
this, meeting people of different nationalities and ages,
all bonded by common interest and who are always ready with
a story or two to swap.
Hostelling is well developed in many parts of the world,
but not in Singapore. Travellers complain about the the poor
conditions of the hostels (dirty, smelly, tiny rooms with
paper-thin walls, etc.) and the lack of backpackers' atmosphere.
We saw the existing 'hostels' as pretty much mercenary businesses.
It's sad, even shameful, for us to read about and to find
backpackers visiting Singapore having a rough time because
of the poor condition of the hostels here, and not be able
to experience the real joy of hostelling like we did when
we were backpacking. The lack of backpackers' atmosphere also
does not surprise us because many of the so-called "hostels"
and "homestays" are not set up purely for budget
travellers, but for anyone on a tight budget. These include
locals, foreign workers, foreign students, and the sick from
neighboring countries who have come to seek medical treatment.
Sure, you can find a cheap bunk in Singapore, but to us, there's
much more to hostelling than that.
To us, hostelling means staying in
value-for-money accommodation
where you can interact
and have fun with other travellers in a convivial atmosphere.
We
have made mistakes of checking into cheap hostel after checking
out their website, only to find the tiny room freezing, the
"heater" was a broken stove which leaked gas, the
sheets were dotted with insect droppings, and the place so
messy it was a fire hazard! We couldn't bring ourselves to
sleep there. The owner refused to give us a refund (we had
pre-paid for several nights' stay ) it was a whole lot of
money down the drain. Cheap doesn't always mean value-for-money.
Nevertheless,
it was the right decision for us to move on. There was no
point in ruining our vacation by staying in a place which
would only make us miserable. Imagine tossing and turning
all night, scratching bedbug bites and sweating from the heat
and humidity. It's also no fun sleeping in a "dorm"
which is actually several beds placed along a common corridor,
or in a dingy, shoe box-sized"room" with partitions
which fall short of the ceiling. |
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OUR
OWN GUIDELINES FOR OUR HOSTELS
Although
it would have been much easier and substantially cheaper to
have utilized or make do with premises meant for a hotel and
just squeeze a couple of bunk beds to cater to 'every' market
group, we didn't. We simply cannot imagine having local couples
scrumptiously sliding in and out for whatever, pardon the
pun, while bunkies are in the midst of having a game of balderdash
or just chillin. A proper backpackers' hostel and thinly disguised
transit hotels don't mix.
With
safety and comfort as our priorities, we decided to start
from scratch, designed and purpose build an environment conducive
for backpackers, in an area of our choosing. With proper dining,
communal and lounging area, like how a backpacker's hostel
should be, with more than 50% of the total floor area being
dedicated to communal areas. This would be factoring in all
that is necessary, and more, to make our pad the definitive
travel hub to the rest of South East Asia.
We
started with a solid micropiled concrete structure with reinforced
concrete flooring, outfitted it with a state of the art electronic
fire zoning system directly linked with the Central Fire &
Police Station. Our precautionary measures far exceeds the
already stringent criteria set by the authorities. Of course,
we had one of the best in business do our interior space planning,
me.
We
could have cut corners and dreamt of excuses to justify any
shortcuts, but we won't. It's not necessary. By virtue of
the simple fact that we own our buildings, it doesn't pain
us too much to 'invest' in quality stuff, and I like my toys.
We also know for a fact that backpackers are the more discerning
(politically correct term for fussy) travellers, we've seen
enough. We know, we have, and we're just as fussy as the best
of them.
What
The InnCrowd Hostel Singapore seeks to achieve is a hub where
all with a passion for travelling can come together to share
their experiences in an affordable, cosy and friendly environment.
The creation of The InnCrowd Hostel Singapore was based on
the simple premise that it had to be a place where we would
want to stay at and not leave if we were travelling ourselves.
We could wax lyrical no
end, it is our hostel afterall. Proof is in the pudding. |
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WHAT
PEOPLE SAY
"Funky,
convivial, stylish, spotless, modern, comfy, cosy"
LONELY
PLANET
Singapore 2003
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"Singapore's
best guesthouse, thanks to scrupulous cleanliness,
peerless facilities and the warm welcome from it's
owners."
ROUGH
GUIDES
Singapore, Mark Lewis.
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"If
only all hostels were as welcoming as this brightly
painted and well-equipped one."
LONELY
PLANET
Malaysia,
Singapore & Brunei.
Author's Choice, Simon
Richmond.
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"Exceptional effort, outstanding contribution. You
have demonstrated a level of dedication and commitment
that is truly commendable."
STB Singapore |
"This has less to do with overweening pride than
with the desire to accelerate the development of the
backpacking industry. Afterall, this is the man who
put Singapore on the backpackers map"
Today |
"The Most Promising Tourism Star award for pioneering
efforts in building up a vibrant hostel scene in Singapore,
serving the needs of backpackers."
Tourism Award Winner |
Hostelz.com's
Review Of The New InnCrowd Hostel Singapore.
A
real little gem, a totally funky hostel! Following
on from the success of The Inncrowd Ver 1.0 (just
round the corner), this version (2.0) opened in early
2004 and is a fantastic little place to stay. A small
hostel run by the owner and a couple of devoted employees,
it is a really friendly place, where the mutual respect
between the staff and guests has built a great atmosphere.
It
is immaculate throughout and furnished to extremely
high standards. There is one large dorm upstairs,
and a much smaller one on the middle floor so most
people will sleep in the same room. However it is
cleverly designed with partition-walls everywhere
so it feels more private. To eliminate clutter, there
is a separate side-room for storing bags with its
own light to avoid waking everyone up when hunting
for that elusive toothbrush etc. Ah-ha, no more plastic
bags rustling in the night! Decent bedding is provided
and they are very strict in not letting you use your
sleeping bag or sleep-sheet (stops the spread of bed-bugs).
To
keep the hostel spik-and-span, everyone is expected
to take their shoes off indoors! But it really is
worth the effort to stay in such a fantastic place.
The kitchen facilities are amazing - the stainless
steel cooker and fridge are top-of-the-range and there
are two large pine tables for dining on (used by the
staff too!), a great opportunity to get to know the
other guests. Breakfast is provided (two eggs, toast,
and tea or coffee, cook it yourself). And there is
free internet access (15 minutes per day of your stay)
with super-fast connection and flat-screen monitors.
Several times a week they coordinate excursions to
local attractions so you don't have to go alone and
can share taxi costs etc. Examples include the Swissotel
(best place for views of the city at night), Raffles
(famous home to the Singapore Sling) and Night Safari.
Other nights there are movie evenings in the hostel
(funky DVD player!).
The
location is super-dooper too. Situated in the heart
of 'Little India', it's just a few minutes' walk from
a popular shopping area (Sim Lim Square, the best
place for cheap electrical goods-ask the hostel staff
for more info). The local markets and restaurants
are great and there is a really unique atmosphere
out on the streets. As for security, it feels really
safe around here and to make sure, the hostel has
an entry-code system in use 24 hours a day. The nearest
MRT station, Bugis, is under 10-minutes walk away
and is on the same line as the airport for hassle-free,
cheap (less than $2) transfers. Check out their website
for step-by-step directions and printable maps.
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OUR
LOCATION
One
BRAND SPANKING NEW and another NEWLY RENOVATED InnCrowd
Backpackers Hostel Singapore! Both locations are located
in The
Historic Little India Conservation District within
1 mins walk for each other. Bunkies have access to both.
With cozy, friendly, intimate and fun in mind, we gutted
a 2.5 storey and another 3 storey turn of the century conservation
shophouse, re-built, space planned and out-fitted the interior
to be THE ULTIMATE BACKPACKERS' HOSTEL in sunny Singapore
while retaining all the Glorious Architectural influence
of old, albeit with a twist!
BOTH
our hostels are located at the start of bustling Historic
Little India Conservation District, the only genuine
ethnic quarter.
Have a peek at ,Little
India's Web site.
Straddling the shopping and party belt of Orchard
Road, Suntec City, boat Quay and the Civic District, it's
the perfect location to explore Singapore from. *
*
Grab the free "Official
Map Of Singapore" from the Airport or Tourist Information.
It should give you a good idea of where's central as the
map focuses on the City Centre and it's fringe. This would
be the ideal locality as it's easily accessible to and from
everywhere. The last thing you'd want is having to wander
a distance through seedy areas after an evening's outing.
Through experience, time has a strange habit of stretching
exponentially when you're lugging around a backpack or when
you're shattered. On the Map, Bugis MRT Station is located
on grid 4G, and The InnCrowd ver 1.1 on Campbell is on grid
7E and The InnCrowd ver 2.0 on Dunlop is on grid 6E.
TAXIS
- If you splurge on cabbies into town, well, how much can
it possibly cost? You ARE in town, anyhoo, you'd probably
be just walking.
Most
of the amenities and attractions in Singapore we have listed
on our website are within sight from the road we're on.
Should you decide to hit the beaches on the East Coast Parkway,
there are free shuttle buses even! Anyhoo, I'd have very
much like to impressively list the 20,000 buses that ply
the roads adjacent to us that heads downtown, but there's
a slight problem, we ARE downtown. **
**
Being foreign to a country, it's best to VERIFY the location
of your accommodations. You can check with streetdirectory.com.
In dependant maps may intentionally make long distances
appear much shorter. We've seen a few with a coupla roads
missing. : )
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OUR
SURROUNDING & AMMENITIES
Amenities
|
Descriptions
|
To
STROLL
|
Sheng
Siong Hypermart |
Possibly
the cheapest places for groceries in the whole of Singapore. |
1
min |
Foodmore
Food Court |
Air-conditioned
food court which serves a variety of cheap and good regional
cuisine. |
1
min |
Abdul
Gafoor Mosque |
Possibly
the most beautiful mosque in Singapore |
1.5
mins |
ATM
/ Post Box / 7 Eleven |
24-hr
convenience store. |
1.5
mins |
Little
India Arcade |
Authentic
Indian wares, hennas, food court, etc. |
1.5
mins |
Bus
Stops |
Any
of the 6 bus-stops servicing more than 70+
bus routes plying all over the island. |
3
mins |
Little
India MRT Station |
Direct
to Orchard Road, Chinatown or Sentosa. |
5
mins |
Sim
Lim Towers |
For
Cheap Electronics & Audio. |
5
mins |
Sim
Lim Square |
THE
Cheap Electronics/Gadget Mecca |
5
mins |
The
Thieves Market |
The
Original 2nd hand Bazaar. |
6
mins |
Rochor
Centre |
Singapore
Post Office and Sundries |
6
mins |
Swimming
Pool |
A
new 50-metre Olympic standard outdoor pool with facilities. |
8
mins |
Bugis
MRT Station |
Direct
to Airport, Orchard Road, Civic & Business District
and practically all satellite towns. |
8
mins |
Bugis
Village |
Night
market/bazaar, shopping/pedestrian mall, food street,
temples. |
8
mins |
Bugis
Junction |
Huge
shopping mall and cinemas. |
10
mins |
Mustapha's |
Huge
24-hr departmental store with cheap goods. |
13
mins |
Orchard
Road |
The
shopping belt. |
15
mins |
Raffles
Hotel |
Home
of the $19 Singapore Sling. |
15
mins |
Swissotel |
Spectacular
360 degree view of Singapore from the 71st and 72nd
floors. |
16 mins |
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FACILITIES
IN THE INNCROWD HOSTEL SINGAPORE
Toilets
& Showers |
Spend
a personal moment in our country club styled toilets
& showers or take a respite from our tropical weather
with our open air roof top showers. |
Sundecks |
Catch
up on your tan or worship the Sun from our roof top
sundecks |
Pool
& Games |
Shoot
out on our competition standard pool table or kick up
a storm with foosball. Not so much into putting physical
effort? No worries, Janga, Risks, Pictionery, Twisters
and many board and card games abound! |
Internet |
Burn
or edit your trip pics to send home or free up your
digital camera's memory or keep in touch with family
or chums using cutting edge PCs that makes a techie
weep, . Broadband digital imaging ready internet access
stations with 512mb ram, USB 2.0, firewire
ports. We also have open wired and wireless lan for
Laptop users. Currently the fastest pcs around with
LCD flat panel displays. Top specs satisfies the pc
junkies, namely, me. It's
all here, and they're fast. |
Travel
Library |
Snuggle
up with a leaf from our collection of best sellers or
plan using our MEGA COLLECTION of UP-TO-DATE
travel guides. With a full 50% or 172 sqm of communal
area. You get more than elbow room here. |
Pub
& Cheap Beer. |
Frequent
gripe was for Beer. Not with the availability but the
cost. So we set out to rectify that. With average prices
hovering from abt $5'ish, we've pegged ours to start
from about half that. No nonsense discounts. Just nett
prices.
Why
stop at just stocking beer in our 'mini 'minimart'?
We went the whole hog with a 'pub', installed a state
of the art sound system fit for a dance club and DTS
audio for our mega projection and LCD TVs.
Alfresco
or air conditioned cosy comfort, the choice is yours.
The choice of beer? Anything that takes your fancy as
long as it's Singapore's
Award Winning Tiger Beer, either in an ice cold
bottle or fresh from the tap, again, the choice is yours.
The tribe has spoken. |
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KITCHEN
& PROPER BREAKFAST
Wake
up and be greeted by our FULLY equipped stainless steel and
maple kitchen. The only bit manual about our maple wood and
stainless steel kitchen is having to cook yourself and washing
up after you're done
Breakfast
is provided, and we don't just mean two slithers of fruit,
we could have, but nah, too easy. Although we may have food
centres all around us, your tummy may not be sufficiently
adventurous to foray into more exotic cuisine in the mornings.
We cannot deny that a myriad of cheap food abounds to tantalize
your taste buds as authentic wet markets and street stalls
are just 2 mins walk from our door step.
But
we do come across those that have been on the road for months
and crave a little piece of home. For this, we provide comfort
food. Ok, so there's spreads, fruit jams, stuff and of course,
MARMITE. : ) Yes, I crave that too! But try getting poached,
scrambled or fried eggs, anyway you like it, well, as long
as you know how to cook it. Hah! Not so easy, we know, but
it's infinitely more satisfying, without a doubt. A HEARTY
breakfast!
The
last I checked, most coffee shops serve eggs anyway you like
it as long as it's half boiled. Imagine your senses being
assaulted by food you're unaccustomed to after a hard night
out. Like our take on the kitchen, providing breakfast may
not be totally necessary, but it's nice to know you have the
option. Ask a girl what she does with a diamond, it can't
do peanuts, but it's nice to have.
How
can we possibly call our pad a home away from home if we can't
provide that little bit you're missing? I may not be into
white or black pudding, but you're most welcome to help yourself.
Yes, there's the kitchen that has to be cleared after, no
matter, but only because that's what we would want ourselves.
Like a Ferrari, a kitchen may not be totally necessary to
some, but to us, it's just nice to have. |
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SECURITY
& FIRE SAFETY
Our
buildings are permanently locked, armed and monitored. Entry
into our premises is only through access codes. Unlike most
others, we strictly do not accept local check-ins. Why locals
should even leave the airport for the 1-2 hours while on transit
is beyond us.
We
have also implemented an electronic fire zone monitoring system.
Fire extinguishers? It's a laugh! We're covered by CO2, Halon
and Foam! A sprinkling of sprinklers, a smattering of risers,
you name it, I've got it covered, yes, that includes concrete
floor and walls. Paranoid? You betcha. I
don't like fires.
On
top of having a constantly manned/wo-manned reception, we
have other security measures as well, but it would defeat
the purpose if we made it known, be rest assured it's state-of-the-art
and linked to the Police and Fire Stations, I like my gadgets,
I'm a gadget freak remember? |
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PRIVACY,
PEACE & CLEANLINESS
Unheard
of in a dormitory? Not anymore. You'd have to see it
to know. It's a stroke of genius - so says those who have
bunked here.
We
do not believe in the row upon rows, back to back bunk bed
arrangements. Skylights and full height windows allows natural
light to permeate the dorms. Whether you walk or crawl, we
guarantee you a WIDE and CLEAR path to your bed.
Dedicated
space and rooms for securing your backpacks in the dorms.
You won't trip, stumble and fall or be bugged by the rustle
of plastic bags or the un-zipping of bags when you're crashing,
or if you're the one packing for that matter.
Speaking
of crashing, you catch your zzz's in style and fully climate
controlled air-conditioned comfort. You get proper fitted
cotton bedding, regularly sanitized orthopedic pocketed
spring mattresses (meeting BCA's
Standards), fluffy support pillows, authentic woven indian
blankets and most importantly, peace and quiet.
Cleanliness
is next to Godliness. The peeps who run this pad stays here.
The owner stays here. The people who cleans and keeps this
pad in order stays here. This is their home. Go figure. |
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FREE
TOURS & ACTIVITIES
There's
never a dull moment at The InnCrowd Hostel Singapore. Whenever
there's a festival, you can be sure that you'll be immersed
in it. With 4 major racial groups and a myriad of religious
groups in Singapore, you'll be surprised at the sheer number
of colourful festivals which take place year round.
Whenever
there's a happenin' event, you can be sure that we'll be in
the thick of it. At every opportunity to celebrate, we throw
the most wicked party in town! And when there's absolutely
nothing to do, we'll come up with something, be it an outing
to off-the-beaten-track places, food trips, cookouts or a
visit to a pub for cheap pints.
If
you're up to exploring by your lonesome or twosome, there's
always The InnCrowd's Self
Guided Walking Tours. All of which was painstakingly planned,
researched and constantly updated by us. A really excellent
to pass a coupla days.
AND
IT'S ALL FREE! We don't charge. You pay for what you order
or do. Depending on where the mood takes us, we have loads
of spots up our sleeve. We can make promises, but talk is
cheap, a
picture speaks a thousand words, and we've got galleries.
Nuff' said. |
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WE
MUST BE GETTING IT RIGHT!
A
foregone conclusion, IMHO, judging by the proliferations and
how others are trying, right down to the color scheme of our
pad, the layout and content of our website. On a brighter
note, we see imitation being the sincerest form of flattery.
It's a good thing as we're not just to building up our hostel,
but the backpacking culture in Singapore.
So,
is this all for real? I built this website, I'm into digital
photography, photo editing and the likes. There's nothing
to stop me from window dressing our website to show a glossy
brochure of our hostel. I believe the correct term for it
is 'marketing'. But no. All pictures in our event galleries
are dated. It's not just for impressing the bejesus of peeps,
it's just to keep it real.
After
our experiences gained from backpacking, we'd hate for you,
or us for that matter, to be disappointed if it doesn't live
up to expectations. To this end, we still believe that you
should only pay after having taken a look at your accommodations.
At
the end of the day, isn't it nice and comforting to know we've
got you covered?
Again,
with Ver 2.0, we have distanced ourselves from our closest
competitor, The InnCrowd Ver1.0 @ Campbell. : )
It's
simple, like our Original pad, THIS
has got to be a place we want to stay in and not leave if
we were travelling ourselves. So, when
we are not travelling, this, is also our home. |
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PIX
OF OUR HOSTELS & SURROUNDING IN SINGAPORE
|
We gutted a turn of the century 3 storey conservation
shophouse, re-built the interior to be THE ULTIMATE
BACKPACKERS' HOSTEL |
Central
location, right smack in the middle of everything. Steps
to public transport, stores and places of interest. |
Open
areas and spaciousness through. Our roof garden, open
air showers, lounge and mini theatre are not shown,
for a reason. |
The
InnCrowd Hostel's Backpackers Pub
ALFRESCO - FRONT
* Not Clickable as
yet.
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The
InnCrowd Hostel's Backpackers Pub
ALFRESCO - FRONT
* Not Clickable as
yet.
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The
InnCrowd Hostel's Backpackers Pub
INDOOR - BAR
* Not Clickable as
yet.
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The
InnCrowd Hostel's Backpackers Pub
INDOOR - BAR
* Not Clickable as yet. |
The
InnCrowd Hostel's Backpackers Pub
INDOOR - BAR
* Not Clickable as yet. |
The
InnCrowd Hostel's Backpackers Pub
TIGER BEER!
* Not Clickable as yet. |
The
InnCrowd Hostel's Backpackers Pub
ALLEYWAY BBQ - BACK
* Not Clickable as yet. |
The
InnCrowd Hostel's Backpackers Pub
ALLEYWAY BBQ - BACK
* Not Clickable as yet. |
The
InnCrowd Hostel's Backpackers Pub
ALLEYWAY BBQ - BACK
* Not Clickable as yet. |
The
more important bits, spectacularly clean, proper toilets
with hot & cold showers. Ask, any females especially,
they'll tell you. |
A
comprehensively stocked library of best sellers and
guidebook from Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, Frommers,
Let's go... you get the idea. |
A
fully equipped communal kitchen that would make any
professional chef proud. I cook too! |
State-of-the-art broadband internet access stations
with Usb & Firewire. Caters to the gadget freaks,
digital photogs, and ipod fans. Oh yes, wireless as
well. |
Air
conditioned, spacious and PRIVATE dorm beds. The best
bits are hidden. : ) We've got to keep a few secrets
too! |
Full
Maple and Stainless Steel Kitchen
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Our
Entrancing Entrance. |
Breakfast
Corner. |
A
typical 2.5 storey restored conservation shophouse in
Historic Little India |
Our
night light nook. |
Laundry
facilities. Wash and dry within minutes! |
Broadband
internet access to check your e-mail and surf the web.
Currently the fastest pcs around with LCD flat panel
displays! |
Relax
in our sitting lounge and curl up with a good book or
magazine from our comprehensive collection or chat with
other travellers. |
Cosy
Dining Area. |
Utilize
our kitchen facilities and share a meal with other bunkies. |
Our fascination for nice light fixtures. |
Eat-off-the-floor
spotless. |
Hot
and cold showers. |
Closer
look at our wash area. |
Lockers,
breakfast and linen are provided FREE to our
bunkies. |
We're
fully air-conditioned and are using fully pocketed
spring mattresses and... fluffy pillows! |
Our
Double Room (also known as the "Presidential Suite"). |
The
P.S. has its very own sofa, and reading lights. We'll
have you know it's not the P.S. for nothing. |
PIX
OF OUR SURROUNDING >>
Click here for more pix! |
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