We stayed there for three nights and paid 70RM. Our room had 5beds but was only for us (a couple), with shared bathroom.
Bed Bugs: We woke up first morning and thought that these were mosquito bites, as we left our window open. As it got worse during the next days and the bites were really itchy, we consulted a doctor. He said that these were bites by bed bugs.
staff: was partly very unfriendly, we recognized that the situation changed, after the owner returned.
summarized: don´t go there!

My partner and I reserved a room at the Step In Lodge based on a guide book recommendation. When booking, we specifically asked if there were bed bugs which they assured us there were not. Having arrived after a long day, we checked into our room and guess what, one quick look at the mattress, confirmed bed bugs. They were very apologetic and refunded our money. On a side note, the room cost 90 RM with air con and shared bathroom. After leaving, we happened upon Lai Lai which is a 2 star hotel and only 98 RM a night for a queen, air con and private bathroom.

Ok, so this was the first stop on my tour of Borneo and imagine my surprise when I woke up in the morning covered in bed bug bites. When I told the front desk staff, they were totally uninterested and didn't even offer send my clothes and sleeping sheet out to be washed (which is pretty much a standard practice in my experience when you are in a room infested and to try to prevent the spread of these bugs).

The room was 90 RM a night, which is a total rip off. You can stay at a budget hotel for way cheaper than that, with attached bathroom etc. and not just in a bunk bed full of bedbugs.

The older man working at the front counter was rude and unfriendly. I also noticed several of the younger guests who had stayed for several nights at step in were covered in these bites, and he started scowling at me as I told them that those bites were in fact bed bugs.

This is a major problem in Borneo - and most of the proprietors don't seem to really care or do anything about it to prevent them from spreading. Inspect rooms carefully when you arrive, and look at the mattress. I'd say for Borneo it might be worth it spending a bit more for a budget hotel - a lot of times you can get those for 60-90 a night, and try to avoid backpacker places if you don't want to have to wash ALL of your clothes and buy a bottle of raid everytime you end up somewhere that is infested. All of a sudden your 90 RM room + 50 RM to wash all of your clothes = 140 RM, way more than a hotel.

Without going into war and peace, there is only one thing to sum up Step-in Lodge - faultless.

The reception and common area are awesome, inviting, welcoming and friendly with the staff there (Karen and her crew) treating you like you're one of their own.

They make a point of remembering your name and helping you out with anything you need and giving you good, sound, quality advice.

I had an awesome week there and everyone in my dorm was top noch and we spent time hanging out each day or evening and all became friends. There was much consideration between the travellers in my dorm which was really great.

I got to know Karen and her crew and actually spent the day helping her with a Rotary Club medical outreach mission for the local villages. I got some of the other travellers to come and help too and it was an amazing experience. These villages only get to see a doctor/dentist once a year and all thru the Rotary Club charity. I will never forget this.

The only slight mission with the hostel is getting up the stairs from street level with your luggage but my kind taxi driver gave me a hand! Hostel is within walking distance to everything you need and the night market rocks.

All in all - I would go back here in a heartbeat and hope to see Karen and team again some day soon.

Peace out!