Grapevine Garden, a budget-friendly guesthouse in Kota Kinabalu's business district, is situated approximately 8km from Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Kota Kinabalu Esplanade, offering convenient access to these landmarks and other attractions in Donggongon. This 21-room lodging features 18-square-metre rooms, each with a bathroom, air conditioning, and complimentary Wi-Fi; on-site parking is available (limited spaces).
8.5 1474 reviews
Kota Kinabalu
16/07 – 21/07
121 ﺩ.ﺇ/nighttotal: 605 ﺩ.ﺇ (5 )
Akinabalu Youth Hostel
1 4
hostel , Kota Kinabalu
Akinabalu Youth Hostel is conveniently located on Gaya Street in the heart of Kota Kinabalu, just a short walk from Atkinson Clock Tower and within a 10-minute walk of Handicraft Market and Suria Sabah shopping mall. The hostel has received very good ratings for cleanliness and overall experience, with an excellent location rating. The hostel offers a range of accommodation options, including private rooms and dormitories. Guests have access to a kitchen with a fridge and microwave, a fitness centre, and a restaurant, along with a 24-hour front desk, parking, and bike rentals.
8.6 1593 reviews
Kota Kinabalu
13/08 – 23/08
262 ﺩ.ﺇ/nighttotal: 2620 ﺩ.ﺇ (10 )
Lavender Lodge Kota Kinabalu
2 4
hostel , Kota Kinabalu
This smoke-free guesthouse is located in the city centre, within a 10-minute walk of Sedco Square, Kompleks Asia City, and Atkinson Clock Tower, making it a great base for exploring Kota Kinabalu. The guesthouse has received very good ratings for its location, cleanliness, and overall experience. The guesthouse features a single bedroom and offers a range of facilities, including a restaurant, room service, and a tennis court. Guests can also enjoy a coffee shop, a computer station, and tour/ticket assistance, as well as free Wi-Fi in public areas.
Kota Kinabalu
27/06 – 01/07
476 ﺩ.ﺇ/nighttotal: 1904 ﺩ.ﺇ (4 )
Sea House Hotel Sdn. Bhd.
2 4
hostel , Kota Kinabalu
Sea House Hotel Sdn. Bhd. is located in a district of Kota Kinabalu, offering convenient access to local amenities and attractions. This hostel provides complimentary Wi-Fi, air conditioning, on-site parking, a restaurant, and room service, with laundry service available in select rooms and enhanced bathroom amenities in some.
9.1 271 reviews
Kota Kinabalu
14/07 – 21/07
121 ﺩ.ﺇ/nighttotal: 847 ﺩ.ﺇ (7 )
Jiran Hostel
1 2
hostel , Kota Kinabalu
Jiran Hostel, located in Kota Kinabalu, offers the "Jiran Hostel" deal and provides complimentary Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and on-site parking, with a 24/7 reception for concierge and ticket booking services. This budget-friendly accommodation option is situated conveniently for exploring local attractions. Guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast, and select rooms feature in-room beverages and en-suite bathrooms with bathrobes, towels, and hairdryers, ensuring a comfortable stay at this non-smoking establishment.
7.9 342 reviews
Kota Kinabalu
01/07 – 30/07
120 ﺩ.ﺇ/nighttotal: 3480 ﺩ.ﺇ (29 )
Sovotel @ Napzone Kkia
1 1
hostel , Kota Kinabalu
Sovotel @ Napzone KKIA, a 2-star capsule hotel, is conveniently located near Kota Kinabalu International Airport, approximately 3.2km from the North Borneo Railway and 6.1km from the Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village. This budget-friendly lodging offers air-conditioned rooms, free WiFi, a shared lounge, 24-hour reception, and an on-site ATM, with a paid airport shuttle service available for guests.
8.4 1241 reviews
Kota Kinabalu
23/06 – 23/07
103 ﺩ.ﺇ/nighttotal: 3090 ﺩ.ﺇ (30 )
Toojou Kota Kinabalu
1 2
hostel , Kota Kinabalu
Toojou Kota Kinabalu is a short distance from the city centre, just 2.4 km from Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village and 5.1 km from North Borneo Railway. The hostel has received very good ratings for its location, cleanliness, and overall experience. The hostel offers a range of facilities for travellers, including a shared lounge and terrace, a restaurant and bar, free Wi-Fi, and a tour desk. Guests can also enjoy a pool table, a business centre, and vending machines, as well as opportunities for cycling in the surrounding area.
8.0 485 reviews
Kota Kinabalu
20/06 – 27/06
78 ﺩ.ﺇ/nighttotal: 546 ﺩ.ﺇ (7 )
Borneo Gaya Lodge
1 2
hostel , Kota Kinabalu
Borneo Gaya Lodge, a budget-friendly guesthouse, is located in Kota Kinabalu, 10 minutes' walk from the Filipino Market Sabah and in close proximity to the KK Esplanade, Atkinson Clock Tower, and Signal Hill Observatory. This accommodation offers air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, free WiFi, and a shared lounge, with paid airport shuttle service available and a tourist tax exemption for Malaysian citizens and permanent residents.
8.6 433 reviews
Kota Kinabalu
16/07 – 21/07
139 ﺩ.ﺇ/nighttotal: 695 ﺩ.ﺇ (5 )
Vibrant Hostel
1 4
hostel , Kota Kinabalu
Vibrant Hostel is located in Kota Kinabalu, a short distance from the Filipino Market Sabah and within easy reach of the Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village. The hostel enjoys excellent user, location and cleanliness ratings, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious travellers. The accommodation offers a shared kitchen and lounge, perfect for socialising with other guests. Amenities include air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, shared bathrooms with hairdryers, and parking, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay.
8.8 149 reviews
Kota Kinabalu
15/09 – 19/09
98 ﺩ.ﺇ/nighttotal: 392 ﺩ.ﺇ (4 )
Concrete Jungle Cabin
1 2
hostel , Kota Kinabalu
Concrete Jungle Cabin is located in Kota Kinabalu, just a short distance from Signal Hill Observatory and within a 5-kilometre drive of major landmarks like the Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village and Likas City Mosque. This hostel offers a peaceful environment, despite its proximity to the city centre. The hostel has a shared kitchen and lounge, where guests can relax and socialise. Concrete Jungle Cabin also provides a halal breakfast every morning and organises tours for guests, allowing them to easily explore the diverse attractions of Kota Kinabalu and its surrounding areas.
Kota Kinabalu
15/09 – 19/09
159 ﺩ.ﺇ/nighttotal: 636 ﺩ.ﺇ (4 )
Homi Breeze 和逸微风
1 2
hostel , Kota Kinabalu
Homi Breeze 和逸微风, a 2-star hotel, offers budget-friendly accommodation in Kota Kinabalu, situated approximately 2 kilometres from the city centre. This guesthouse provides free Wi-Fi, on-site paid parking, a tour assistance desk, transfer services, and laundry facilities, along with an elevator for accessibility.
8.1 14 reviews
Kota Kinabalu
09/08 – 16/08
460 ﺩ.ﺇ/nighttotal: 3220 ﺩ.ﺇ (7 )
Borneo Forest Hotel
3 8
hostel , Kota Kinabalu
The Borneo Forest Sdn Bhd offer is a budget-friendly accommodation situated in Kota Kinabalu, a 12-minute walk from Filipino Market Sabah and 3.9 kilometres from the Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village. This hostel provides air-conditioned rooms with complimentary WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and a tour desk, with its location also offering convenient access to KK Esplanade, Atkinson Clock Tower, and Signal Hill Observatory, all within easy reach.
Best Kota Kinabalu hostels with breakfast
Among the 93 hostels in Kota Kinabalu, here are the 3 best hostels with breakfast
9.1 2172 reviews
Kota Kinabalu
27/12 – 31/12
111 ﺩ.ﺇ/nighttotal: 444 ﺩ.ﺇ (4 )
Homy Seafront Hostel
1 5
hostel , Kota Kinabalu
Homy Seafront Hostel is located in Kota Kinabalu, close to Signal Hill Observatory and Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village, offering easy access to the city's attractions. The hostel enjoys excellent ratings for its location, cleanliness and overall experience. The hostel features a shared kitchen and lounge, perfect for meeting fellow travellers. It also offers a range of amenities, including free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a bar, a fitness centre, room service, and parking.
8.5 16 reviews
Kota Kinabalu
04/08 – 07/08
154 ﺩ.ﺇ/nighttotal: 462 ﺩ.ﺇ (3 )
Akinabalu Youth Hostel
1 2
hostel , Kota Kinabalu
Akinabalu Youth Hostel is located in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, approximately 5 kilometres from Kota Kinabalu International Airport. This family-friendly guesthouse offers air-conditioned rooms, a shared kitchen and lounge, organised tours, and vegetarian and halal breakfast options, alongside a 24-hour front desk and paid airport shuttle service.
9.5 2228 reviews
Kota Kinabalu
20/06 – 27/06
71 ﺩ.ﺇ/nighttotal: 497 ﺩ.ﺇ (7 )
Faloe Hostel
1 2
hostel , Kota Kinabalu
Faloe Hostel is located in Kota Kinabalu, just a short distance from the Filipino Market Sabah and Oceanus Waterfront Mall, making it a convenient base for exploring the city. The hostel has received excellent ratings for its location, cleanliness, and overall user experience. Faloe Hostel offers a variety of shared facilities, including a kitchen and lounge areas, perfect for socialising with fellow travellers. Guests can enjoy amenities such as air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, laundry service, and a fitness centre, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
Best Kota Kinabalu hostels with a locker
8.4 341 reviews
Kota Kinabalu
15/09 – 19/09
77 ﺩ.ﺇ/nighttotal: 308 ﺩ.ﺇ (4 )
Signel Hostel
1 2
hostel , Kota Kinabalu
Signel Hostel is situated in Kota Kinabalu, a short walk from the Filipino Market Sabah and just 5 kilometres from Kota Kinabalu International Airport. It has consistently received very good ratings for cleanliness and user experience, as well as an excellent location rating. The hostel offers a shared lounge and terrace, perfect for relaxing or meeting fellow travellers. There are also shared bathroom facilities with a bidet and hairdryer, and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
9.2 392 reviews
Kota Kinabalu
04/08 – 07/08
96 ﺩ.ﺇ/nighttotal: 288 ﺩ.ﺇ (3 )
Sarang Hostel At City Centre
1 2
hostel , Kota Kinabalu
Sarang Hostel At City Centre is located in Kota Kinabalu, within easy reach of the Filipino Market Sabah, Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village, and the North Borneo Railway. The hostel is highly rated, with excellent scores for location, cleanliness, and user satisfaction. The hostel offers a range of accommodation options, from private rooms to shared dormitories. Guests have access to a communal kitchen, a restaurant, a bar, and parking facilities.
8.0 447 reviews
Kota Kinabalu
01/07 – 30/07
34 ﺩ.ﺇ/nighttotal: 986 ﺩ.ﺇ (29 )
Space Cap Hotel
1 1
hostel , Kota Kinabalu
Space Cap Hotel is located in Kota Kinabalu, a short walk from the Filipino Market Sabah and within 2.2 miles of the Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village. The hostel has received very good user ratings, with excellent location and cleanliness ratings. Space Cap Hotel offers a shared lounge, perfect for meeting fellow travellers. The hostel provides air conditioning, a desk, a hairdryer in each room, a shared kitchen, luggage storage, free Wi-Fi, and parking.
9.3 124 reviews
Kota Kinabalu
15/09 – 19/09
84 ﺩ.ﺇ/nighttotal: 336 ﺩ.ﺇ (4 )
Jiran Hostel Kota Kinabalu
1 2
hostel , Kota Kinabalu
Jiran Hostel Kota Kinabalu is conveniently located in downtown Kota Kinabalu, less than 1 kilometre from Suria Sabah Shopping Mall and Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal. This excellent-rated hostel offers air-conditioned rooms, shared bathrooms with hair dryers, free Wi-Fi, and shared kitchen facilities including a microwave and refrigerator, all within walking distance of various shopping malls and the gateway to island-hopping tours.
Frequently Asked Questions about hostels in Kota Kinabalu
What affordable attractions should backpackers visit in Kota Kinabalu?
For budget-conscious travelers, Kota Kinabalu offers plenty of free or low-cost attractions. You can explore the vibrant Filipino Market, wander through the Atkinson Clock Tower, or enjoy the scenic views from Signal Hill. For a unique experience, visit the Sabah State Museum, which showcases the rich history and culture of Sabah.
What nightlife options are popular among hostel guests in Kota Kinabalu?
The lively area around Gaya Street is a popular spot for backpackers to enjoy the nightlife. You'll find plenty of bars and pubs like The Red Box and The Loft, offering live music, drinks, and a social atmosphere. For a more relaxed vibe, head to the waterfront bars along Jesselton Point, where you can enjoy the sea breeze and watch the sunset.
What are the best hostels with a pool in Kota Kinabalu?
What budget-friendly events or festivals are taking place in and around Kota Kinabalu?
Kota Kinabalu hosts several festivals throughout the year, offering a glimpse into the local culture. The annual Harvest Festival in May celebrates the abundance of the land, with traditional dances, music, and food stalls. The Sabah International Folklore Festival in August showcases diverse cultural performances from around the world. These events are usually free or have a small entrance fee.
What are the best hostels for families and kids in Kota Kinabalu?
What are the top social spots in Kota Kinabalu for hostel guests to meet other travelers?
The backpacker-friendly atmosphere of the hostels in Kota Kinabalu makes it easy to meet other travelers. The common areas of hostels like The Backpackers Kota Kinabalu and The Hive 5.0 are often buzzing with activity. Many hostels also organize social events like pub crawls and group dinners, providing opportunities to connect with fellow travelers.
What are the best pet friendly hostels in Kota Kinabalu?
What’s the best budget-friendly way to reach Kota Kinabalu?
The most affordable way to reach Kota Kinabalu is by flying into Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI). Budget airlines like AirAsia and Malindo Air offer competitive fares, especially if you book in advance. You can also consider taking a bus from nearby cities like Sandakan or Tawau, but this option takes longer and might not be as convenient.
What are the best hostels with parking in Kota Kinabalu?
What should you know before renting a hostel in Kota Kinabalu?
When choosing a hostel in Kota Kinabalu, consider the location and amenities. Hostels near the city center offer easy access to attractions, while those closer to the waterfront provide a more relaxed atmosphere. Check the hostel's reviews and ensure it offers basic amenities like Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and a communal kitchen.
What's the best time of the year to visit Kota Kinabalu?
Kota Kinabalu enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from March to October, when the weather is sunny and dry. However, if you're looking for lower prices and fewer crowds, you can visit during the shoulder seasons, from February to March or November to December.
Where in Kota Kinabalu can you find the best areas to stay in a hostel?
The most popular areas for hostels in Kota Kinabalu are around Gaya Street and Jesselton Point. These areas offer a vibrant atmosphere, easy access to restaurants, shops, and attractions, and are within walking distance of the waterfront.
Destinations nearby
Best Kota Kinabalu hostels with air conditioning
8.9 781 reviews
Kota Kinabalu
01/07 – 30/07
160 ﺩ.ﺇ/nighttotal: 4640 ﺩ.ﺇ (29 )
Signel Poshtel, The Rare Gem Of North Borneo
1 1
hostel , Kota Kinabalu
Signel Poshtel, The Rare Gem Of North Borneo, is conveniently located in Kota Kinabalu, an 8-minute walk (approximately 0.6km) from the Filipino Market Sabah and close to the Atkinson Clock Tower, KK Esplanade, and Signal Hill Observatory, offering easy access to major attractions. This family-friendly guesthouse features rooms with one bedroom and one bathroom, a shared kitchen and lounge, free Wi-Fi, and some rooms include kitchenettes with a fridge, microwave, and stovetop; family rooms are also available.
Kota Kinabalu
20/06 – 27/06
452 ﺩ.ﺇ/nighttotal: 3164 ﺩ.ﺇ (7 )
Century Hotel Kota Kinabalu
1 2
hostel , Kota Kinabalu
The Century Hotel Kota Kinabalu, part of the "Century Hotel Kota Kinabalu" offer, is situated in the city centre, providing convenient access to urban attractions and city views from its rooms. This hotel offers complimentary Wi-Fi, on-site dining at its restaurant and cafe, a fitness centre, and room service, with parking available and elevator access for guest convenience.
10 1 review
Kota Kinabalu
24/06 – 22/07
149 ﺩ.ﺇ/nighttotal: 4172 ﺩ.ﺇ (28 )
Concrete Jungle Cabin
1 4
hostel , Kota Kinabalu
Concrete Jungle Cabin, a well-located backpackers' hostel in Kota Kinabalu, offers a central base on Jalan Gaya, placing guests within easy reach of the city's markets and street food. This accommodation provides essential amenities including internet, air conditioning, and a communal kitchen, serving as a social hub for travellers planning excursions to Borneo's natural attractions.
8.3 71 reviews
Kota Kinabalu
19/07 – 24/07
742 ﺩ.ﺇ/nighttotal: 3710 ﺩ.ﺇ (5 )
Jiran Hostel Kota Kinabalu
1 12
hostel , Kota Kinabalu
Jiran Hostel is situated in Kota Kinabalu, a short walk from the Filipino Market Sabah and within 3.1 kilometres of Kota Kinabalu International Airport. The hostel enjoys a very good rating for cleanliness, location and overall user experience. The accommodation offers a shared lounge where guests can socialise and connect with fellow travellers. It also provides modern amenities like comfortable beds, clean bathrooms, a shared kitchen and free WiFi.
Best Kota Kinabalu hostels with laundry available
9.5 2228 reviews
Kota Kinabalu
20/06 – 27/06
71 ﺩ.ﺇ/nighttotal: 497 ﺩ.ﺇ (7 )
Faloe Hostel
1 2
hostel , Kota Kinabalu
Faloe Hostel is located in Kota Kinabalu, just a short distance from the Filipino Market Sabah and Oceanus Waterfront Mall, making it a convenient base for exploring the city. The hostel has received excellent ratings for its location, cleanliness, and overall user experience. Faloe Hostel offers a variety of shared facilities, including a kitchen and lounge areas, perfect for socialising with fellow travellers. Guests can enjoy amenities such as air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, laundry service, and a fitness centre, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay.