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Kota Kinabalu hostels
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93 Hostels in Kota Kinabalu

Best Kota Kinabalu hostels with air conditioning

Sea House Hotel Sdn. Bhd. - Kota Kinabalu
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.
Space Cap Hotel - Kota Kinabalu
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.

Akinabalu Youth Hostel - 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.
Akinabalu Youth Hostel - Kota Kinabalu
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 best hostels in Kota Kinabalu?

    Among the hostels in Kota Kinabalu, Faloe Hostel, Homy Seafront Hostel and Toojou Kota Kinabalu are the most popular ones.

  • 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?

    Dimple -life - Hostel and Nuluhon Garden Retreat House 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?

    The best hostels for families and kids in Kota Kinabalu are Faloe Hostel, Akinabalu Youth Hostel and Space Cap Hotel.

  • 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?

    The best pet friendly hostel in Kota Kinabalu is Nuluhon Garden Retreat House.

  • 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?

    Faloe Hostel, Homy Seafront Hostel and Toojou Kota Kinabalu 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

Mari Mari Dive & Lodge, Sepanggar Island - Kota Kinabalu
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.
Sovotel @ Napzone Kkia - Kota Kinabalu
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

Faloe Hostel - Kota Kinabalu
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.

Sarang Hostel At City Centre - Kota Kinabalu
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.

Homesuite Hotel - Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu
08/13 – 08/23
$139/nighttotal: $1390 (10 )

Homesuite Hotel

2 4
hostel , Kota Kinabalu
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