Awards
2007
Top Rated Hostel – HostelWorld
2008
No. 1 Hostel in Singapore – HostelWorld
2012
Winner of Certificate of Excellence – Tripadvisor
2015
Winner of Certificate of Excellence – Tripadvisor
Travel Guide Books
“If it’s a genuine Singapore Experience you are looking for, you’ve come to the right place. This charming and traditional furnished hostel encased by a riot of some of the best local eateries in Joo Chiat and its reasonably near to East Coast Park as well. Friendly staff offer tours for guest. If you want to taste a slice of Singapore life, look no further.”
– Lonely Planet
“Not far from the city, this top-notch hostel occupies an old shophouse in the historic Katong district. Communal area is warm and welcoming, and its food tours of the area are recommended.”
– Lonely Planet’s Southeast Asia on a shoestring
“A joint venture by a Singaporean and a Dutch former backpacker based in a converted shophouse. The owners have used Asian-style furnishings. There’s a large lounge, kitchen area and breakfast is free. Free internet and lots of organised tours. Comes highly recommended.”
– Footprint Malaysia and Singapore
“Betel Box Hostel is in the Katong and Geylang Serai district near Paya Lebar. Facilities are clean with Internet access and lockers. It’s easy to find out about the Singapore Hostel and backpacker scene online”
– Fodor's Singapore
“One of the best backpackers hostel in this neck of the woods. Owned by seasoned backpackers who know what the budget traveller wants. Clean, air-conditioned dormitory-style rooms in a quaint shophouse setting with Asian furniture.”
– Insight City Guide Singapore
Media Publications
“Uniquely Singapore; Singapore has a lot more to offer than just the city centre and Katong has a cross-section of cultures, residents, shops and eateries.”
– Straits Times Newspaper, 28th March 2004
“Backpacker’s Hostel too has 5 & 6 star ratings”
– Singapore ZaoBao Newspaper, 13th Jan 2005
“Tourists are trooping down to the South East for a slice of authentic Singaporean life! They are living among the locals, wandering in the District and trying out our famous foods!”
– Contact, October 2005
Contact Magazine Article
"Budget Travel in Lion City: Best Backpacker Hostels"
– Hong Kong Economic Times Newspaper, 30th Nov 2005
“Budget Prices. Priceless Hospitality. The EAST is Great”
– Singapore Straits Times Newspaper, 2nd March 2006
Straits Times Newspaper Article
"Budget Travel in Singapore"
– Hong Kong Economic Times Newspaper, 3rd Nov 2008
"Singapore New Experience"
– Hong Kong Ming Pao, 10th Jan 2009
“Best Backpacker Hostels in Singapore”
– Travel CNN, 13th July 2011
“Top 20 Hostels in the world for food”
– Luxuo, 5th April 2013
Luxuo Article
Zaobao Comma, 21st May 2013
– Zaobao Comma
Zaobao Comma Article
Video Feature
“What a Wonderful Life: Backpacker's Diaries in Singapore.”
– Hong Kong Cable TV's Entertainment Channel, 17th May 2009
Youtube
Video Feature
Hotelz Tv
Youtube
Video Feature
On the Red Dot: Joo Chiat
Xinmsn Video
Video Feature
Staycation Singapore: Is there a Soul
– SG PLUS, Channel News Asia
Channel News Asia Video
Video Feature
Singapore Heartbeat: Betel Box
Youtube
Blog Feature
Travel Fish
Travel Fish Article
Blog Feature
Travel Fish
Pink Tangent Article