Hostels in Sabah

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Sabah hostels
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312 Hostels in Sabah

Best Sabah hostels with breakfast

Among the 312 accommodations in Sabah, here are the 4 best hostels with breakfast

Bigfin Beach Resort - Sabah
9.0 262 reviews

Bigfin Beach Resort

hostel, Kota Belud
Bigfin Beach Resort is located in Kota Belud, just 64 kilometres from Kota Kinabalu and 69 kilometres from Kota Kinabalu International Airport. The resort enjoys a peaceful setting on the beachfront, offering a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The resort has received very good user ratings, with excellent scores for location and cleanliness.
The property features a range of amenities for guests to enjoy, including a restaurant serving delicious meals and a daily buffet breakfast. Guests can also take advantage of the private beach access, fitness centre, garden and terrace, as well as partake in activities such as scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking and hiking.
Akinabalu Youth Hostel - Sabah
8.8 23 reviews

Akinabalu Youth Hostel

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.
Faloe Hostel - Sabah
9.5 1678 reviews

Faloe Hostel

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.
Sepilok B&b - Sabah
8.4 1384 reviews

Sepilok B&b

hostel, Sepilok
Sepilok B&B is located in the Sepilok district, just 11 miles from Sandakan Airport and a short distance from the renowned Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. The establishment has received very good user ratings and excellent location ratings, with cleanliness also rated very good.
The guesthouse offers a garden setting and a shared lounge, creating a relaxing atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a sun terrace, free Wi-Fi, private parking, and some rooms have balconies with garden views. Amenities include a restaurant, packed lunches, table tennis, darts, car rental, and an airport shuttle service.

Top cities

Best Sabah hostels with a locker

Vibrant Hostel - Sabah
8.2 405 reviews

Vibrant Hostel

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.
Signel Hostel - Sabah
8.4 338 reviews

Signel Hostel

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.
The Bed Bukit Bintang - Sabah
9.0 6397 reviews

The Bed Bukit Bintang

hostel, Kuala Lumpur
The Bed Bukit Bintang is located in the bustling Bukit Bintang district, just a short walk from Starhill Gallery and within easy reach of KLCC Park and the Petronas Twin Towers. The hostel has received very good user ratings, with excellent scores for location and cleanliness.
This budget-friendly hostel offers a shared kitchen, air-conditioned rooms and a communal lounge. Guests can enjoy a range of facilities including a swimming pool, a spa and a restaurant, as well as parking and a concierge service.
Sovotel @ Napzone Kkia - Sabah
8.0 332 reviews

Sovotel @ Napzone Kkia

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.

Frequently asked questions about hostels in Sabah

  • What are the most affordable attractions for backpackers to visit in Sabah, Malaysia?

    For budget-conscious travellers, Sabah offers plenty. Exploring the beaches of Tanjung Aru, near Kota Kinabalu, is free. Hiking Mount Kinabalu's lower trails, while the summit requires a permit, offers stunning views without the high cost of the full climb. Visiting the local markets, like the Gaya Street Sunday Market in Kota Kinabalu, provides a vibrant cultural experience at no cost. Many of the smaller islands, accessible by local ferries, are also relatively inexpensive to explore.
  • What are the best hostels in Sabah?

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

  • What are some unmissable, lesser-known spots in Sabah, Malaysia?

    Beyond the usual tourist trail, consider exploring the Danum Valley Conservation Area, a rainforest teeming with biodiversity. The Kinabatangan River offers incredible wildlife spotting opportunities, particularly for orangutans, although a guided tour is recommended. For a quieter beach experience, head to the less-developed areas of the Kudat peninsula.
  • What are the best hostels with a pool in Sabah?

    Dimple -life - Hostel and Nuluhon Garden Retreat House are the best hostels with a pool in Sabah.

  • What fun and budget-friendly events or festivals are happening in Sabah, Malaysia?

    Sabah's annual Harvest Festival, celebrating the state's diverse cultures, is a vibrant and affordable event. The Pesta Kaamatan, a harvest festival celebrated primarily by the Kadazan-Dusun people, is another colourful celebration. Local community events often feature traditional dances and food, offering a glimpse into Sabah's rich culture at little to no cost.
  • What are the best hostels for families and kids in Sabah?

    The best hostels for families and kids in Sabah are Faloe Hostel, Akinabalu Youth Hostel and Jesselton Cabin - Hostel.

  • What are the best nightlife spots in Sabah, Malaysia?

    Kota Kinabalu offers a range of nightlife options. The bars and clubs along Gaya Street provide a lively atmosphere. For a more relaxed setting, numerous bars and pubs are scattered throughout the city, offering a variety of drinks and atmospheres. Many hotels also feature rooftop bars with city views.
  • What are the best pet friendly hostels in Sabah?

    The best pet friendly hostels in Sabah are Miniinn Guest House and Nuluhon Garden Retreat House.

  • What’s the ideal length of stay to get a full experience of Sabah, Malaysia?

    A minimum of 10 days allows for a good overview of Sabah, balancing city exploration with nature experiences. Two weeks would be ideal to explore more of the diverse regions, including the islands and rainforest areas, at a more relaxed pace. Longer stays allow for deeper exploration of specific interests, like diving or trekking.
  • What are the best hostels with parking in Sabah?

    Faloe Hostel, Homy Seafront Hostel and Toojou Kota Kinabalu are the best hostels with parking in Sabah.

  • Does Sabah, Malaysia offer any iconic natural events?

    While not a regular, scheduled event, the annual turtle nesting season on various beaches in Sabah offers a truly unique natural spectacle. The best time to witness this is between March and October, depending on the specific beach.
  • Are there special cultural workshops or experiences to explore in Sabah, Malaysia?

    Yes, many villages offer cultural workshops. Learning traditional weaving techniques from the Kadazan-Dusun people or participating in a cooking class focusing on Sabah's unique cuisine are popular options. These are often organised through local tour operators or homestays.
  • How can you dive deeper into the culture and connect with locals in Sabah, Malaysia?

    Staying in homestays provides an immersive cultural experience. Participating in local festivals and events offers a chance to interact with locals. Taking a cooking class or learning some basic phrases in Bahasa Malaysia or other local languages can also help facilitate meaningful interactions.
  • Which restaurants and bars in Sabah, Malaysia offer the best local cuisine?

    Many restaurants in Kota Kinabalu and other towns serve delicious local dishes. Look for restaurants specialising in seafood, as Sabah is known for its fresh catches. Trying traditional dishes like Hinava (a raw fish salad) or Nasi Minyak (fragrant coconut rice) is a must. Local markets also offer the chance to sample a variety of local delicacies.
  • What unique packing tips should you keep in mind for Sabah, Malaysia?

    Pack lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for both warm and humid weather and occasional rain. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring. Insect repellent is a must, particularly when visiting rainforest areas. A raincoat or umbrella is also recommended, especially during the wet season. Don't forget sunscreen and a hat for protection from the sun.

Nearby regions

Best Sabah hostels with air conditioning

Signel Hostel - Sabah
9.0 858 reviews

Signel Hostel

hostel, Kota Kinabalu
Signel Hostel is conveniently located in Downtown Kota Kinabalu, just a short walk from Sedco Square, Suria Sabah Shopping Mall, and Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal. The hostel has received excellent ratings for its location, cleanliness, and overall experience.
Signel Hostel offers a range of shared facilities, including a kitchen with a fridge, a terrace, a restaurant, and a fitness centre. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and parking, as well as a smoke-free environment and express check-out.
Foresight Hostel - Sabah
8.8 85 reviews

Foresight Hostel

hostel, Tawau
Foresight Hotel is located in Tawau, a short distance from the city centre and 26 kilometres from Tawau Airport. The hotel has received very good ratings for its location, cleanliness, and overall experience.
The accommodation offers a range of comfortable rooms, each with its own private bathroom and modern amenities such as air conditioning, a desk, a flat-screen TV, and an electric kettle. Guests can enjoy city views from their balconies or relax on the patio.
Tanini Sepilok Formerly Known As Nature Lodge Sepilok - Sabah
8.5 826 reviews

Tanini Sepilok Formerly Known As Nature Lodge Sepilok

hostel, Sepilok
Nature Lodge Sepilok is situated just 16 kilometres from Sandakan Airport, making it a convenient base for exploring the nearby Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. The lodge has received very good ratings for cleanliness and overall experience, while its location has been praised as excellent.
The lodge offers comfortable rooms with air conditioning and some feature balconies. Guests can enjoy on-site dining with a restaurant serving local and international cuisine, relax in the garden, or make use of the free Wi-Fi to stay connected.
5 Minutes Away Airport Lodge - Sabah
8.7 12 reviews

5 Minutes Away Airport Lodge

hostel, Putatan
The 5 Minutes Away Airport Lodge in Putatan is conveniently located 1.9 kilometres from Kota Kinabalu International Airport and a 5-minute walk from the Petagas War Memorial.
This private host-managed accommodation offers complimentary WiFi, free private parking, and air conditioning, with a strict no-party policy to ensure a peaceful stay for travellers.

Best Sabah hostels with laundry available

Mercu Summer Suite Klcc @ Penguin Homes - Sabah
8.4 28850 reviews

Mercu Summer Suite Klcc @ Penguin Homes

hostel, Kuala Lumpur
Dolphin Platinum KLCC Kuala Lumpur is conveniently situated in the city centre, just a short walk from major attractions like Suria KLCC and the Petronas Twin Towers. This 5-star aparthotel has received very good user ratings for its location, cleanliness, and overall experience.
The self-catering apartments offer spacious living areas, ideal for families or groups. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including a rooftop pool, fitness centre, on-site restaurant and bar, and a tennis court.
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