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93 Hostels in Kota Kinabalu
8.6 433 reviews
Kota Kinabalu
08/13 – 08/23
$24/nighttotal: $240 (10 )
Vibrant Hostel
1 4
hostel , Kota Kinabalu
Centrally located in Downtown Kota Kinabalu, Vibrant Hostel is a budget-friendly option for travelers seeking a convenient and comfortable stay. It is within walking distance of major attractions such as Imago Shopping Mall, Gleneagles Hospital, and Kota Kinabalu Esplanade, and has received excellent ratings for its location and user experience. The hostel offers shared bathrooms, a common area with a TV, free WiFi in public areas, a reception hall, and a smoke-free environment. It also provides amenities such as a kitchen with a fridge and microwave oven, air conditioning, room service, and parking.
8.5 777 reviews
Kota Kinabalu
06/20 – 06/27
$19/nighttotal: $133 (7 )
Grapevine Garden
1 2
hostel , Kota Kinabalu
Grapevine Garden, a one-star hostel in Kota Kinabalu's business district, offers convenient access to Queen Elizabeth Hospital (within a 10-minute drive), Kota Kinabalu Esplanade, and is relatively close to Sutera Harbour and Imago Shopping Mall. This budget-friendly lodging provides 190-square-foot rooms with one bathroom, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and on-site parking, plus daily housekeeping and irons/ironing boards available upon request.
8.7 215 reviews
Kota Kinabalu
07/14 – 07/21
$17/nighttotal: $119 (7 )
Signel Hostel
1 2
hostel , Kota Kinabalu
Signel Hostel is centrally located in the heart of Downtown Kota Kinabalu, within a 15-minute walk of Sedco Square and Suria Sabah Shopping Mall. It has excellent user, location, and cleanliness ratings. The hostel offers a mix of private and shared rooms, as well as a range of amenities including free WiFi, a refrigerator in a common area, and a TV in a common area. Guests can also enjoy a fitness center, parking, and a restaurant on-site. The hostel is a great choice for budget-conscious travelers who want to be close to the action in Kota Kinabalu.
8.6 1593 reviews
Kota Kinabalu
07/14 – 07/21
$24/nighttotal: $168 (7 )
Lavender Lodge Kota Kinabalu
1 2
hostel , Kota Kinabalu
This smoke-free guesthouse is located in the heart of Downtown Kota Kinabalu, just a short walk from attractions like Sedco Square and Atkinson Clock Tower. The property has received very good ratings for its location, cleanliness, and overall experience. The guesthouse offers a comfortable and convenient stay with a common area featuring a TV and free WiFi in public areas. Guests can enjoy a coffee shop/cafe on-site, along with tour/ticket assistance and multilingual staff.
8.1 14 reviews
Kota Kinabalu
07/05 – 07/25
$50/nighttotal: $1000 (20 )
Borneo Forest Hotel
1 3
hostel , Kota Kinabalu
The Borneo Forest Sdn Bhd hostel in Kota Kinabalu is a 12-minute walk from Filipino Market Sabah and 2.4 miles from Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village. This accommodation offers air-conditioned rooms with complimentary WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and an on-site tour desk, located 3.1 miles from Kota Kinabalu International Airport.
Kota Kinabalu
06/20 – 06/27
$40/nighttotal: $280 (7 )
Signel Poshtel, The Rare Gem Of North Borneo
1 2
hostel , Kota Kinabalu
The Signel Poshtel, The Rare Gem Of North Borneo, is a 2-star hotel located in Kota Kinabalu, just a short walk from the city center. This accommodation offers complimentary Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a concierge, laundry services, and a safe-deposit box, with rooms featuring a TV and slippers; a refundable cash damage deposit of MYR 200 is required upon arrival.
8.4 10 reviews
Kota Kinabalu
06/20 – 06/27
$27/nighttotal: $189 (7 )
5 Minutes Away Airport Lodge
1 2
hostel , Putatan
The 5 Minutes Away Airport Lodge, a guesthouse in Putatan, is conveniently located 1.2 miles from Kota Kinabalu International Airport and a short walk to the Petagas War Memorial, offering easy access to the Filipino Market Sabah and North Borneo Railway. This family-friendly accommodation provides air-conditioned rooms with complimentary Wi-Fi and on-site parking, managed by a private host to ensure a personal touch, and prohibits bachelor(ette) parties.
9.5 2229 reviews
Kota Kinabalu
06/20 – 06/27
$19/nighttotal: $133 (7 )
Faloe Hostel
1 2
hostel , Kota Kinabalu
Faloe Hostel is conveniently located in Kota Kinabalu, just a short distance from popular attractions like the Filipino Market Sabah and Oceanus Waterfront Mall, making it an ideal base for exploring the city. The hostel consistently receives excellent ratings for its location, cleanliness, and overall experience. The hostel offers a shared kitchen and lounge, creating a social atmosphere for travelers to connect. Amenities include air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, laundry service, business facilities, and a car rental service, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay.
Kota Kinabalu
08/13 – 08/23
$139/nighttotal: $1390 (10 )
Homesuite Hotel
2 4
hostel , Kota Kinabalu
The Homesuite Hotel in Kota Kinabalu offers easy access to urban conveniences, located just minutes from the city center. This 2-star hotel provides air conditioning, an on-site restaurant, a fitness center, room service, and complimentary Wi-Fi, with rooms featuring a shower and TV.
8.4 1225 reviews
Kota Kinabalu
08/13 – 08/23
$63/nighttotal: $630 (10 )
Toojou Kota Kinabalu
1 4
hostel , Kota Kinabalu
Toojou Kota Kinabalu is conveniently located near the Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village and the North Borneo Railway, offering easy access to these attractions. The hostel has received excellent ratings for cleanliness and a very good rating for both location and user experience. The hostel features a shared lounge and terrace, perfect for socializing with fellow travelers. Guests can enjoy a restaurant and bar, a tour desk, luggage storage, a business center, and a fitness center, along with free Wi-Fi and parking.
8.8 149 reviews
Kota Kinabalu
07/19 – 07/24
$133/nighttotal: $665 (5 )
Concrete Jungle Cabin
1 12
hostel , Kota Kinabalu
The Concrete Jungle Cabin hostel in Kota Kinabalu is located near the Signal Hill Observatory, offering stunning views of the city and harbor, and is within walking distance of the Filipino Market Sabah, KK Esplanade, and Atkinson Clock Tower. This hostel is a convenient base for exploring the city's downtown area and nearby attractions like the Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village. The hostel features a shared kitchen and lounge, perfect for connecting with fellow travelers, and offers tour services to help guests discover the surrounding area. It also includes a shared bathroom with a bidet, free WiFi, and a halal breakfast, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay.
9.1 271 reviews
Kota Kinabalu
07/14 – 07/21
$33/nighttotal: $231 (7 )
Jiran Hostel
1 2
hostel , Kota Kinabalu
Jiran Hostel in Kota Kinabalu offers a convenient location with excellent access to local attractions and amenities. This lodging provides complimentary Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a garden, parking, and complimentary breakfast, with concierge and ticketing services available.
Best Kota Kinabalu hostels with air conditioning
Kota Kinabalu
06/27 – 07/01
$129/nighttotal: $516 (4 )
Sea House Hotel Sdn. Bhd.
2 4
hostel , Kota Kinabalu
Sea House Hotel Sdn. Bhd. is a guesthouse located in a convenient area of Kota Kinabalu, providing easy access to local amenities and attractions. This guesthouse offers complimentary Wi-Fi, air conditioning, on-site parking, and an on-site restaurant, with laundry service and enhanced bathroom amenities available in select rooms.
8.0 447 reviews
Kota Kinabalu
06/27 – 07/01
$28/nighttotal: $112 (4 )
Space Cap Hotel
2 4
hostel , Kota Kinabalu
Space Capsule Hotel is a 2.5-star hotel with very good user ratings, located in the heart of Downtown Kota Kinabalu, a stone's throw away from Anjung Samudera, Centre Point, Gaya Street Sunday Market, and Imago Shopping Mall. It is a great choice for budget-conscious travelers who seek a comfortable and convenient stay in the city center. The hotel offers a range of amenities, including free continental breakfast, free WiFi, laundry facilities, tour/ticket assistance, and a smoke-free environment. The shared bathrooms foster interactions among guests, creating a communal experience.
Traveler-Approved Hostels with Breakfast Included in Kota Kinabalu
No need to hunt for a cafe in the morning, as breakfast is included with these hostels in Kota Kinabalu.
8.5 1474 reviews
Kota Kinabalu
07/05 – 07/25
$24/nighttotal: $480 (20 )
Akinabalu Youth Hostel
1 3
hostel , Kota Kinabalu
Akinabalu Youth Hostel sits on Gaya Street, a lively hub with traditional coffee shops and Chinese restaurants, just minutes from the Atkinson Clock Tower and within a 10-minute walk of the Handicraft Market and Suria Sabah shopping mall. It consistently receives very good user ratings for cleanliness and an excellent location rating. The hostel offers both private and shared rooms. Guests enjoy a simple breakfast, free WiFi in common areas, a 24-hour front desk, a pantry with a refrigerator and microwave, bike rentals, and parking.
8.5 16 reviews
Kota Kinabalu
06/27 – 07/01
$51/nighttotal: $204 (4 )
Akinabalu Youth Hostel
1 4
hostel , Kota Kinabalu
Akinabalu Youth Hostel is located in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, approximately 5 kilometers from Kota Kinabalu International Airport. This family-friendly lodging offers air-conditioned rooms, a shared kitchen and lounge, vegetarian and halal breakfast options, and multilingual staff, along with airport shuttle service (for a fee).
Frequently Asked Questions about hostels in Kota Kinabalu
What budget-friendly events or festivals are taking place in and around Kota Kinabalu?
The annual Harvest Festival, which takes place in May, is a great way to experience local culture, with traditional dances and music. You can also check out the local markets, like the Filipino Market, for cheap and delicious street food. There are often free cultural events and performances held at the Sabah Cultural Centre.
What are the top social spots in Kota Kinabalu for hostel guests to meet other travelers?
The area around Gaya Street is a great place to meet other travelers. Many hostels organize social events and pub crawls, and you can find other backpackers hanging out at bars and restaurants like The Red Box, The Loft, and The Red Lion.
What are the best hostels with a pool in Kota Kinabalu?
What’s the best budget-friendly way to reach Kota Kinabalu?
The most budget-friendly way to get to Kota Kinabalu is to fly into Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI). You can often find great deals on flights from major cities in Southeast Asia. Once you arrive, you can take a bus or taxi to your hostel in the city center.
What are the best hostels for families and kids in Kota Kinabalu?
What should you know before renting a hostel in Kota Kinabalu?
When choosing a hostel, consider its location. Hostels in the city center are more convenient for exploring the city and nightlife. It's also a good idea to check the hostel's reviews online to get an idea of what other travelers have experienced.
What are the best pet friendly hostels in Kota Kinabalu?
What's the best time of the year to visit Kota Kinabalu?
The best time to visit Kota Kinabalu is during the dry season, from March to October. The weather is hot and sunny, perfect for exploring the city and enjoying the beaches. However, you can still find good weather during the shoulder months, from November to February.
What are the best hostels with parking in Kota Kinabalu?
Where in Kota Kinabalu can you find the best areas to stay in a hostel?
Most hostels are located in the city center, close to Gaya Street and the waterfront. This area is convenient for exploring the city, dining, and experiencing the nightlife.
Destinations nearby
Best Kota Kinabalu hostels with a locker
Kota Kinabalu
06/27 – 07/02
$51/nighttotal: $255 (5 )
Mari Mari Dive & Lodge, Sepanggar Island
1 5
hostel , Kota Kinabalu
The Mari Mari Sepanggar Lodge, an exclusive island retreat, offers a unique stay on Sepanggar Island directly across from Kota Kinabalu, providing sea and mountain views and convenient access to Likas City Mosque, 5.1 miles away, and Gaya Street, 5.5 miles away. This lodge features air-conditioned rooms with balconies and private bathrooms, a restaurant, garden, and parking, with on-site activities like hiking, scuba diving, and snorkeling available, all accessible via a 10-15 minute speedboat ride from Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal for a $50 surcharge.
7.9 342 reviews
Kota Kinabalu
07/01 – 07/30
$33/nighttotal: $957 (29 )
Sovotel @ Napzone Kkia
1 1
hostel , Kota Kinabalu
Sovotel @ Napzone KKIA, a budget-friendly 2-star capsule hotel in Kota Kinabalu, offers convenient proximity to Kota Kinabalu International Airport, located about 2 miles from the North Borneo Railway and 3.8 miles from the Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village. This Kota Kinabalu lodging boasts air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, a shared lounge, 24-hour front desk, on-site ATM, and offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Best Kota Kinabalu hostels with laundry available
9.5 2229 reviews
Kota Kinabalu
06/20 – 06/27
$19/nighttotal: $133 (7 )
Faloe Hostel
1 2
hostel , Kota Kinabalu
Faloe Hostel is conveniently located in Kota Kinabalu, just a short distance from popular attractions like the Filipino Market Sabah and Oceanus Waterfront Mall, making it an ideal base for exploring the city. The hostel consistently receives excellent ratings for its location, cleanliness, and overall experience. The hostel offers a shared kitchen and lounge, creating a social atmosphere for travelers to connect. Amenities include air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, laundry service, business facilities, and a car rental service, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay.
Top-Rated Oceanfront Hostels in Kota Kinabalu
Experience relaxing beach-town vibes at seaside hostels in Kota Kinabalu, situated short distances from local waterfront highlights.
9.2 392 reviews
Kota Kinabalu
06/20 – 06/27
$19/nighttotal: $133 (7 )
Sarang Hostel At City Centre
1 2
hostel , Kota Kinabalu
Top-Rated Hostels with Parking in Kota Kinabalu
Park up and enjoy the local coast; these Kota Kinabalu hostels come with a free on-site parking spot.