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Featured Hostels in Kota Kinabalu

Borneo Venture Hostel
Borneo Venture Hostel
2 out of 5
1-1-11, 1st floor, api api center, jalan center point, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Free cancellationReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM22 per night

Located in Downtown Kota Kinabalu, this hostel is steps away from Kompleks Asia City and Centre Point. Imago Shopping Mall and Anjung Samudera are also within ...…

Borneo Venture Hostel
TOOJOU Kota Kinabalu
TOOJOU Kota Kinabalu
2 out of 5
No 12, Jalan Masjid Lama, Bandaran Berjaya, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Free cancellationReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM153 per night

Located in Downtown Kota Kinabalu, this hostel is within a 10-minute walk of Atkinson Clock Tower and Gaya Street Sunday Market. Signal Hill Observatory Platform ...…

4.8/5Exceptional! (5 reviews)
Hotel stay which is value for money

"Pro : walking distance to Gaya Sunday street, at the last shop of the alley (quiet), boutique hotel design with built in Bluetooth speaker Con : can hear noise if ppl walk /chit chat at night"…"

Reviewed on 12 Sep 2019

TOOJOU Kota Kinabalu
Akinabalu Youth Hostel
Akinabalu Youth Hostel
1 out of 5
1st to 4th Floor, Lot 133 Jalan Gaya, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
The price is RM57 per night

Located in Downtown Kota Kinabalu, this hostel is steps away from Atkinson Clock Tower and Gaya Street Sunday Market. Suria Sabah Shopping Mall and Centre Point ...…

4.3/5Excellent! (25 reviews)
Nice, and Cheap place to stay

"Nice and clean place to stay. It is easy to find and locate at lots of eatery place."…"

Reviewed on 24 Jan 2020

Akinabalu Youth Hostel
Kinabalu Poring Vacation Lodge
Kinabalu Poring Vacation Lodge
2 out of 5
Kampung Poring, Ranau, Sabah
The price is RM118 per night

Situated in Ranau, this hostel is 11.4 mi (18.3 km) from Sungai Moroli Fish Spa and 21.5 mi (34.7 km) from Desa Cattle Dairy Farm.…

4.1/5Very Good! (22 reviews)

"This was a cool place to stay with fish ponds and animals all around. It was very close to the hot springs. The electricity went out on numerous occasions, to be expected, it did not dampen our stay here."…"

Reviewed on 18 Sep 2019

Kinabalu Poring Vacation Lodge
Vibrant Hostel
Vibrant Hostel
2 out of 5
Level 1 - 5, Unit 29, Building No E, KK Times Square, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Free cancellationReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM77 per night

Located in Downtown Kota Kinabalu, this hostel is within 1 mile (2 km) of Plaza Wawasan, Imago Shopping Mall and Anjung Samudera. Centre Point and Sutera Harbour ...…

4.9/5Exceptional! (15 reviews)

"Comfortable and in a convenient location. Nice vibe."…"

Reviewed on 18 Feb 2020

Vibrant Hostel
The Bunk - Hostel
The Bunk - Hostel
2 out of 5
113, Gaya Street, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Get Rates

Located in Downtown Kota Kinabalu, this hostel is within a 10-minute walk of Gaya Street Sunday Market and Suria Sabah Shopping Mall. Kota Kinabalu Central Market ...…

4/5Very Good! (4 reviews)
Barely Ok hostel, but in a very good location.

"I have stayed in many hostels around the world, so this hostel comes up as just ok. Nothing really impressive, nothing really horrible to complain about. However, i don't think it is suitable for someone without hostel experience to try it out for the 1st time."…"

Reviewed on 5 May 2018

The Bunk - Hostel
HOOD - Hostel
HOOD - Hostel
2 out of 5
50, Jalan Pantai, 1st Floor ( Back Entrance ), Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
The price is RM36 per night

Located in Downtown Kota Kinabalu, this hostel is within a 10-minute walk of Gaya Street Sunday Market, Suria Sabah Shopping Mall and Centre Point. Kota Kinabalu ...…

4/5Very Good! (8 reviews)

"It's acceptable for its price point, with good airconditioning and (somewhat) clean toilets. Wifi is slightly weak. And the room door lock is too flimsy so security is definitely a concern"…"

Reviewed on 15 Jun 2019

HOOD - Hostel
Dock In - Hostel
Dock In - Hostel
2 out of 5
House 35, Jalan Setesen Jalan Mat Salleh, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Free cancellationReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM95 per night

Located in Tanjung Aru, this hostel is 0.5 mi (0.7 km) from Tanjung Aru Perdana Park and within 3 miles (5 km) of Imago Shopping Mall and Sutera Harbour. Centre ...…

4.4/5Excellent! (15 reviews)

"Very good hostel with excellent and thoughtful amenities."…"

Reviewed on 30 Oct 2018

Dock In - Hostel
Signel Hostel
Signel Hostel
2 out of 5
No. 20-1, Lot 1, 1st Floor, Block G, Jalan Sinsuran 3, Sinsuran Complex, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Free cancellationReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM58 per night

Located in Downtown Kota Kinabalu, this hostel is within a 5-minute walk of Local Fruits Market and Centre Point. Kota Kinabalu Central Market and Anjung Samudera ...…

4.9/5Exceptional! (17 reviews)

"Just perfect....my best hostel ever!! Clean and cozy, friendly staff also"…"

Reviewed on 3 Feb 2020

Signel Hostel
B&B21 - Hostel
B&B21 - Hostel
2 out of 5
Lot 21, Lorong Dewan, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
The price is RM93 per night

Located in Downtown Kota Kinabalu, this hostel is steps away from Atkinson Clock Tower and Gaya Street Sunday Market. Suria Sabah Shopping Mall and Jesselton ...…

4.6/5Exceptional! (17 reviews)

"Great location, gaya street just across the road and Sinsuran Market aka Philipin Market around 10mins walk. within half an hour you can walk all around kota kinabalu ! The place, the receptionist, the environment everything is great ! facilities and amenities are in good condition. 100% recommended ..."…"

Reviewed on 16 Sep 2019

B&B21 - Hostel
Borneo Backpackers
Borneo Backpackers
2 out of 5
No. 24 Lorong Dewan, Pusat Bandar, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Free cancellationReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM56 per night

Located in Downtown Kota Kinabalu, this hostel is within a 10-minute walk of Gaya Street Sunday Market, Suria Sabah Shopping Mall and Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal. ...…

3.8/5Good! (11 reviews)

"I love it. This is a really nice backpackers’ hostel and very clean indeed. The price is also very affordable"…"

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2019

Borneo Backpackers
Masada Bed & Breakfast - Hostel
Masada Bed & Breakfast - Hostel
2 out of 5
9 Jalan Masjid Lama, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Free cancellationReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM104 per night

Located in Downtown Kota Kinabalu, this hostel is within a 10-minute walk of Atkinson Clock Tower, Centre Point and Gaya Street Sunday Market. Anjung Samudera ...…

4/5Very Good! (1 review)
Masada is good for friends or groups

"It was a nice stay because it was close to most night markets. A very affordable place to stay with friendly staff and FREE breakfast, amazing!"…"

Reviewed on 14 Nov 2019

Masada Bed & Breakfast - Hostel
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Other property types in Kota Kinabalu

Promenade Service Apartments
Promenade Service Apartments
2 out of 5
3-G-17, Lorong Api-Api 2, Api-Api Centre, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
The price is RM90 per night
3.1/5 (417 reviews)

"Nice room, so clean, they provide all needed facilities for me. Sortly, i'm satisfied with their service..."…"

Reviewed on 8 Jan 2020

Promenade Service Apartments
CJ Residence
CJ Residence
2.5 out of 5
#4, 2nd Floor, Block J, Sinsuran Shopping Complex, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
The price is RM68 per night
5/5Exceptional! (2 reviews)

"Soooo comfortable , the host are very friendly ! ❤️ Highly recommend , the location issss perfect 👌🏻💯"…"

Reviewed on 20 May 2020

CJ Residence
Hyatt Regency Kinabalu
Hyatt Regency Kinabalu
5 out of 5
Jalan Datuk Salleh Sulong, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
The price is RM350 per night
4.1/5Very Good! (1,264 reviews)

"This hotel have beautiful ocean view,is close to shopping center and eateries...Staff are friendly and helpful..."…"

Reviewed on 13 Feb 2020

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

What Is a Hostel?

If you're searching for an affordable place to stay in Kota Kinabalu, one of its 34 hostels could be a great option. These dorm-style accommodation options come in lots of shapes and sizes, but they all have a few qualities in common:

  • Low prices
  • A social environment
  • Shared rooms (though many hostels offer private room options too)

By going with a hostel in Kota Kinabalu, you can spend less on accommodation and save more of your budget for sightseeing during your holiday. We've heard good things about the marina and other attractions in this destination, as well as activities like boating.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Kota Kinabalu?

The weather can be important when you want to venture out and explore, so here's a little information that might be helpful:

  • The hottest months are typically April and May, while June and January are the coldest months
  • January-March: Daytime temperatures average 31° C and night-time temperatures average 24° C
  • April-June: 32° C is the daytime average and 24° C is the night-time average
  • July-September: Daytime averages are around 31° C and night-time averages are around 24° C
  • October-December: The average temperatures are 31° C during the day and 24° C at night
  • Average rainfall is 93 inches in a year

What Can I Do in Kota Kinabalu?

Depending on your interests, you might like these places to visit:

Top Sights
  • Sabah State Mosque
  • Likas Stadium
  • 1 Borneo Hypermall
Natural Features
  • KK Esplanade
  • Signal Hill Observatory Platform
  • Kota Kinabalu Wetlands Centre
Cultural Attractions
  • Museum of Islamic Civilisation
  • Sabah State Museum
  • Monsopiad Cultural Village

Overall, Kota Kinabalu is known for its:

  • Boating
  • Diving
  • Snorkelling
  • Marina
  • Parks
  • Shopping

How to Get to Kota Kinabalu and Around the Area

You can find the closest airport in Kota Kinabalu (BKI-Kota Kinabalu Intl.), 4.1 mi (6.6 km) from the city centre. Once you've arrived, you might want to use public transport to get around. If you're hoping to check out more of the area, make your way to Tanjung Aru Station to take a train.

Frequently asked questions

Should I stay in a hostel in Kota Kinabalu?
If you’re hoping to find an affordable place to stay in Kota Kinabalu, one of the 36 hostels here might be a great option for you. Hostels are a great way to stay for a lower cost, so you can save your money for sightseeing. We’ve heard good things about this destination’s natural setting, including its island views and natural parks.
What is a hostel?
These dorm-style accommodations come in quite a few forms, but they all have three main things in common, including budget-friendly prices, a social setting and shared rooms (though many have private options too).
What are the best hostels in Kota Kinabalu?
Based on our customers’ reviews, these Kota Kinabalu hostels have the highest ratings: SPOT ON 90078 NAVITA LODGE - You can take advantage of free WiFi and free parking, as well as air conditioning. You’ll find towels, showers and desks in all rooms. HOOD - Hostel - Located steps from Gaya Street Sunday Market. Guests can enjoy free WiFi, a shared/communal kitchen and tour/ticket assistance. Rooms come with showers, free toiletries and lockers. Get Inn Backpackers - Located within a 10-minute walk of Anjung Samudera and Centre Point. You can take advantage of free breakfast and free WiFi, as well as a restaurant. Rooms come with showers and free toiletries. Dock In - Hostel - Guests can enjoy free WiFi, free parking and a shared/communal kitchen. Rooms come with towels and showers. Signel Hostel - Located within a 5-minute walk of Centre Point. You can take advantage of free breakfast and free WiFi, as well as a 24-hour front desk. You’ll find towels, showers and free toiletries in all rooms.
What's the seasonal weather in Kota Kinabalu?
Good weather’s always better when you’re discovering new places, so here’s a little information that may be helpful: The hottest months are usually April and May, with an average temperature of 28°C, while the coldest months are January and February, with an average of 27°C. Average annual rainfall for Kota Kinabalu is 2688 mm.
What is there to see and do in Kota Kinabalu?
Generally, Kota Kinabalu is known for its boating opportunities, snorkelling and marina. Major attractions include Imago Shopping Mall, 1Borneo Hypermall and Centre Point. Get out into nature with places such as Mount Kinabalu National Park, Kota Kinabalu Wetlands Centre and Sapi Island. Cultural attractions include Sabah State Museum, Mari Mari Cultural Village and Museum of Islamic Civilisation.
What's the best way to get around Kota Kinabalu?
You can fly into the nearest airport in Kota Kinabalu (BKI-Kota Kinabalu Intl.), 4.1 mi (6.6 km) from the city centre. After you’ve arrived, you may want to use public transport to get around. If you’re looking to check out more of the area, make your way to Tanjung Aru Station to take a train.

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