February 2012

PACKED WITH IDEAS

Backpacking has come a long way since the first hippies braided their hair and stuffed their rucksacks with tie-dye clothes. Now the cool way to travel on a budget is — flashpacking

PACKED WITH IDEAS

WORDS ELAINE EE

Over the decades, backpacking has become a massive industry, with travel agents, accommodation, shops, bars and cafés catering specially to this huge section of the travel market. In some destinations, entire streets are taken over by backpackers.

A new breed has emerged recently: the 'flashpacker'.

This is the backpacker grown sophisticated. They like their hip brands and are totally wired. But they're still free spirits. And they're still on a budget.

New flashpacker hostels offer the best of both worlds. No grubby sheets here — instead, there's well designed accommodation that still stays true to the backpacker spirit.

"Today's backpackers expect a lot more for cheap accommodation," says Sarra Anderson, of Urban Central hostel in Melbourne. "They want a central location, good customer service, and a place that is clean and modern. They also want somewhere friendly and an environment to meet others. And, of course, as much value as they can get for their dollar."

Ashley Lim, one of the founders of the new Fives Stones hostel in Singapore, adds: "I think budget travellers want to stay in a place where they can immerse themselves in the local culture."

This is a selection of some of the coolest on our route map.

BANGKOK

HQ HOSTEL
Founded by: Four like-minded 30-something travellers: Pop, a hospitality brand and marketing executive; Lek, a former boutique manager; Pook, a former property developer; and Knot, an architect and designer.

Reason for being: "Building on our own travel experiences, we created our own desired hostel in Bangkok. HQ is a venture that fits both our passion and business senses," says Pop.

Right smack in: Silom, near Sala Daeng Station.

Look and feel: Designed by Knot, it's modern and inspirational, set up to evoke an emotional response in guests.

The community: People who like being in a creative atmosphere and with similar people.

Beds from: THB380 (S$15.50) a night for a bunk bed. www.hqhostel.com

HANOI

BACKPACKERS HOSTEL MA MAY
Founded by: Aussies, Mick and Maximillion, who have run restaurants and hostels around the world. Living in Hanoi, they converted a former diplomat's house into Vietnam's first international-style hostel. Backpackers Hostel Ma May followed in 2010, with a third hostel in Hue.

Reason for being: "The idea was simple," explains general manager Mark Joyce. "We made a place where we'd want to stay."

Right smack in: The Old Quarter.

The space: A chill-out lounge has Internet, pool table, foosball, bean-bag cinema, juice bar and outdoor terrace.

The community: Mostly 20- to 30-something Westerners.

Pulse point: Nightly activities like bar games, pub quizzes and BBQs. Ma May stafflead free walking tours around the Old Quarter. Beds from: US$6 a night for a dormitory bed. www.vietnambackpackershostels.com

SINGAPORE

WINK
Founded by: Heng Chong Boon, a private investor, and Cheryl Ou, entrepreneur and manager of Wink.

Reason for being: Heng saw a gap in the market and introduced himself to Cheryl, who was operating Habitat, a small flashpacker hostel in Singapore. They saw the need for an establishment that emphasises privacy without losing the backpackers' ethos.

Right smack in: Chinatown.

Design and technology: Clean and uncluttered, with Internet connection, keycard activated doors plus a café, TV lounge, kitchenette and laundry room. Guests sleep in pods — high-tech bunks with soundproof walls.

The community: "Backpackers to families and singles."

Beds from: From S$50 a night for a single pod. www.winkhostel.com

SINGAPORE

MATCHBOX
Founded by: Magdalene Wan, 27, a former sports coach, who manages Matchbox full time.

Reason for being: "Magdalene is an avid backpacker-turned-flashpacker," says Cassandra Kong of Matchbox. "From her own travels, she put together a wish list of ideas she liked at hostels. When the opportunity arose to open Matchbox, she brought those ideas to fruition."

Right smack in: Club Street, a pocket of hip and trendy bars and restaurants in the city.

Look and feel: Cheerful communal areas and relaxing rooms. Guests get free Wifi, breakfast, laundry and personal lockers.

The community: Working professionals between 20 and 35.

Beds from: S$45 a night for a dormitory bed. www.matchbox.sg

SINGAPORE

FIVE STONES
Founded by: Three friends from National University of Singapore Business School, Isabel Kuo, Ashley Lim and Jessica Loo, all 28.

Reason for being: The three founders are avid travellers. "Even when we are not travelling, we can still be surrounded by travellers."

Right smack in: Boat Quay and Clarke Quay riverside nightspots.

Look and feel: Modern, clean and comfortable, with a distinctly Singaporean touch.

The community: Young travellers alone or in small groups, about 40 per cent of them Asian.

Je ne sais quoi: "It's named after a traditional childhood game," explains Lim. "It reflects our desire to showcase our cultural heritage. Our rooms have local themes, and we tell our guests the stories behind the themes."

Beds from: S$30 for a dormitory bed. www.fivestoneshostel.com

MELBOURNE

URBAN CENTRAL
Founded by: Hotelier and traveller Jason Whiting

Reason for being: Marketing manager Sarra Anderson says: "After staying at less-than-clean backpackers' hostels, Jason believed that a backpacker venue with hotel services would be attractive."

Right smack in: Melbourne's South Bank.

Look and feel: Modern, clean and friendly, with a range of bedrooms and freebies like breakfast, a weekly meal and entertainment.

The community: Mostly Europeans, increasingly more Asians, plus Australians travelling interstate.

Je ne sais quoi: Staffwith a mission is to help guests enjoy Melbourne to the max.

Beds from: AU$33 ($44) a night for a dormitory bed. www.urbancentral.com.au






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