Skift Take
The spectre of vanishing hostels in Singapore is a dreadful one. The city needs these establishments, which keep its accommodation landscape affordable and vibrant.
Hostel owners in Singapore say they are on the brink of collapse and that the whole sector could be virtually wiped out in months unless solutions are forthcoming.
If that happens, it would be sad in the long run. Singapore especially needs hostels as its expensive image is stickier than a chewing gum stain, while the tourism board prides itself for having diversified accommodation types to suit every budget.
Moreover, in a span of 10 years, the hostels scene in the country, as in many other destinations worldwide, has evolved to offer not just the humble bunk bed in dormitories but boutique hostels, poshtels and luxury hostels to cater to backpackers and low budget travelers.
It is, of course, not a good time to be a hostel today, when communal living and social interaction go directly against social distancing and isolation. Singapore in June imposed strict measures on hostels, such as requiring them to alternate bunk beds which in effect caps occupancy to 50 percent.
Mom-and-pop hostel owners have been hardest hit. Given high commercial rents, 50 percent maximum capacity and 60 percent less pricing, it is “impossible” for hostels to sustain the business, said Adler Poh, owner of Adler Hostel, in operation since 2012.
With no regional or international tourists — the main sources for hostels — these owners have fought tooth-and-nail with hotels to accommodate travelers who are stranded in Singapore when Covid-19 hit. Another source is returning Singapore residents and long-term passport holders, even though hostels aren't included in government-designated 14-day quarantine faci
