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Kota Kinabalu hostels
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93 Hostels in Kota Kinabalu

Best Kota Kinabalu hostels with air conditioning

Sarang Hostel At City Centre - Kota Kinabalu
9.2 392 reviews
Kota Kinabalu
09/15 – 09/19
$19/nighttotal: $76 (4 )

Sarang Hostel At City Centre

1 2
hostel , Kota Kinabalu
Sarang Hostel Kota Kinabalu is conveniently situated in the heart of Downtown Kota Kinabalu, steps away from the city's main attractions and amenities. With excellent user, location, and cleanliness ratings, this hostel offers a comfortable and stylish stay for travelers. The modern interior and friendly staff create a welcoming atmosphere, while the amenities such as a restaurant, bar, and self-parking make it an ideal choice for both business and leisure travelers.
The hostel features a central location within walking distance of Imago Shopping Mall, Gleneagles Hospital, and Kota Kinabalu Esplanade. Guests can enjoy free WiFi in public areas and take advantage of the express check-in and check-out services. The hostel also offers a kitchen with a fridge and microwave oven, air conditioning, and a restaurant and bar on-site.
Concrete Jungle Cabin - Kota Kinabalu
8.8 149 reviews
Kota Kinabalu
06/24 – 07/22
$21/nighttotal: $588 (28 )

Concrete Jungle Cabin

1 2
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.
Mari Mari Dive & Lodge, Sepanggar Island - Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu
08/20 – 08/24
$185/nighttotal: $740 (4 )

Mari Mari Dive & Lodge, Sepanggar Island

4 7
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.
Homesuite Hotel - Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu
09/15 – 09/19
$59/nighttotal: $236 (4 )

Homesuite Hotel

1 2
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.

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.

Capsule Inn - Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu
08/05 – 08/07
$9/nighttotal: $18 (2 )

Capsule Inn

1 1
hostel , Kota Kinabalu
Capsule Inn is located in the heart of Kota Kinabalu, just a short walk from Kompleks Asia City, Imago Shopping Mall, and Suria Sabah Shopping Mall, making it easy to explore the city's main attractions. The surrounding area is bustling with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
The hostel offers a range of amenities, including free breakfast and WiFi, as well as shared bathrooms with towel changes and a refrigerator in the common area. The multilingual staff is available to assist with tour bookings and provide local tips.
Sea House Hotel Sdn. Bhd. - Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu
08/20 – 08/24
$359/nighttotal: $1436 (4 )

Sea House Hotel Sdn. Bhd.

3 7
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.
Akinabalu Youth Hostel - Kota Kinabalu
8.5 16 reviews
Kota Kinabalu
09/01 – 09/30
$42/nighttotal: $1218 (29 )

Akinabalu Youth Hostel

1 1
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

Jiran Hostel Kota Kinabalu - Kota Kinabalu
9.3 124 reviews
Kota Kinabalu
07/14 – 07/21
$23/nighttotal: $161 (7 )

Jiran Hostel Kota Kinabalu

1 2
hostel , Kota Kinabalu
Jiran Hostel Kota Kinabalu offers a convenient downtown Kota Kinabalu location, less than a 10-minute walk from Suria Sabah Shopping Mall and Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal, and about 0.6 miles from Wisma Merdeka Shopping Center.
This hostel provides air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, shared bathrooms with hair dryers, and shared amenities including luggage storage, a microwave, and a refrigerator.
Grapevine Garden - Kota Kinabalu
8.5 777 reviews
Kota Kinabalu
06/24 – 07/22
$19/nighttotal: $532 (28 )

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.
Lavender Lodge Kota Kinabalu - Kota Kinabalu
8.6 1593 reviews
Kota Kinabalu
06/24 – 07/22
$27/nighttotal: $756 (28 )

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.
Space Cap Hotel - Kota Kinabalu
8.0 447 reviews
Kota Kinabalu
09/01 – 09/30
$9/nighttotal: $261 (29 )

Space Cap Hotel

1 1
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.

Best Kota Kinabalu hostels with laundry available

Signel Poshtel, The Rare Gem Of North Borneo - Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu
08/13 – 08/25
$80/nighttotal: $960 (12 )

Signel Poshtel, The Rare Gem Of North Borneo

2 4
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.

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.

Borneo Gaya Lodge - Kota Kinabalu
8.0 485 reviews
Kota Kinabalu
10/15 – 11/15
$19/nighttotal: $589 (31 )

Borneo Gaya Lodge

1 1
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.

Toojou Kota Kinabalu - Kota Kinabalu
8.4 1225 reviews
Kota Kinabalu
07/20 – 08/20
$65/nighttotal: $2015 (31 )

Toojou Kota Kinabalu

1 4
hostel , Kota Kinabalu
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