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Hostels in Kota Kinabalu

Find the hostels that appeal to you the most

The best hostels in Kota Kinabalu

Some of the best backpacker spots in Kota Kinabalu

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Homy Seafront Hostel

Kota Kinabalu

Homy Seafront Hostel is situated in Kota Kinabalu, within 3.6 km of Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village and 5.4 km of North Borneo Railway.

M
Michal
From
Poland
Highly recommended! Everything is great here. Comfortable beds, whole place is very clean and most important - people who works here are amazing - nice and very helpful. Comfy common area where you easily can meet new people. And they have truly amazing view to the harbour. Terima kasih!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,252 reviews
Price from
US$19.87
1 night, 2 adults

Faloe Hostel

Kota Kinabalu

Faloe Hostel is set in Kota Kinabalu, within 1.8 km of Filipino Market Sabah and 4.1 km of Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village.

S
Sarah
From
Canada
Super friendly and helpful staff, comfortable room and nice common areas - a great home base to explore the area!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.4
Superb - What previous guests thought, 491 reviews
Price from
US$20.85
1 night, 2 adults

Concrete Jungle Cabin

Kota Kinabalu

Concrete Jungle Cabin is set in Kota Kinabalu, within 4.1 km of Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village and 5.2 km of Likas City Mosque.

B
Basil
From
Australia
Really cool vibe. Met some awesome people here from other western countries and played many games of pool. The staff are awesome too, the owner stopped by for a bit and bought beers for us to enjoy.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.8
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 105 reviews
Price from
US$22.08
1 night, 2 adults

Signel Hostel

Kota Kinabalu

Set in Kota Kinabalu and with Filipino Market Sabah reachable within 500 metres, Signel Hostel offers a shared lounge, non-smoking rooms, free WiFi throughout the property and a terrace.

S
Sofiane
From
France
thanks very much for this nice stay ! the decoration and the confort of the room are excellente, I really like the concept of the hotel with a mix option for a luxurious hostel or more high standing room ! we really appreciate our stay and want to thank Perez and Gii, the staff was really helpful and nice to us.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.4
Very good - What previous guests thought, 360 reviews
Price from
US$19.62
1 night, 2 adults

Vibrant Hostel

Kota Kinabalu

Located in Kota Kinabalu, 1.7 km from Filipino Market Sabah, Vibrant Hostel provides air-conditioned rooms and a shared lounge.

T
Thomas
From
Germany
The hostel has a nice interior design. The whole setup is well thought throu. There is a Beach Club 10min away by foot where you can see sunset in a park and, I think, can use their pool.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.6
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 426 reviews
Price from
US$25.33
1 night, 2 adults

Space Cap Hotel

Kota Kinabalu

Situated in Kota Kinabalu and within 400 metres of Filipino Market Sabah, Space Cap Hotel has a shared lounge, non-smoking rooms, and free WiFi.

K
Kogulan
From
Malaysia
Basically, I've booked my stay here for only one night and I had to extended my stay for another 4 more days for several reasons. 1. Value for money – This place is heaven for backpackers since you've a roof to sleep, a rich breakfast for backpackers, hot shower and comfortable neighbourhood areas. 2. Location – It's located at warisan square which just 2 mins walking to city centre shopping mall, located right in front the clubbing area, 4 mins walking distance to the daily morning market, kraftangan shopping spot and also the the seafood heaven (Todak Waterfront). Mostly, importantly there's several options for you, downstairs to the hotel building - Starbucks, 7E, MCD, Orange, massage, cafes, mamak restaurants and etc.... (happening area in KK town) 3. Staffs – They were really very welcoming and helpful in very situations. In total managed to meet 3 to 4 of their staffs and the interesting part was they're so polite and friendly to support your needs and make you comfort with the stay. I appreciate the entire team. Kudos! 4. Capsul – On my first day I stayed in deluxe capsul which is more than enough for a person. Rest of my days I stayed at single capsul. The capsul is spaciously bigger with 3 types of lights (reading, bed, and space light), charging facilities (USB port and charger slot), safety access card for in and out, fire extinguisher, comfort bedcover, clean bed sheet and not to forgot the room of aircond service for 24/7. Additionally, locker is provided for storage. My 40kg backpack can fit inside and also there was more space to load my things – saying the locker is sufficient enough with it's space. 5. Others – (A) Cooking facilities& equpiments are provided if you're keen to cook (refrigerator included) - can cook if you're not lazy one like me. () Daily house keeping on time throughout the entire property. Rating 10/10. (capsul cleaning can be requested too).
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.1
Very good - What previous guests thought, 219 reviews
Price from
US$18.89
1 night, 2 adults

Borneo Gaya Lodge

Kota Kinabalu

Situated within less than 1 km of Filipino Market Sabah and 3.1 km of Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village, Borneo Gaya Lodge features rooms with air conditioning and a private bathroom in Kota...

S
Suhartini Haron
From
Singapore
Everything is clean and perfect for solo traveller like me.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.2
Very good - What previous guests thought, 140 reviews
Price from
US$22.85
1 night, 2 adults

Jiran Hostel Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu

Set in Kota Kinabalu and within 1.3 km of Filipino Market Sabah, Jiran Hostel Kota Kinabalu has a shared lounge, non-smoking rooms, and free WiFi.

D
Daniela
From
Malaysia
Overall it was a fantastic experience! The hostel is well-maintained, clean, and has a welcoming atmosphere. The bathroom was impressively clean, which is always a big plus for me. The hostel provides essential amenities like 2in1 shampoo with body wash, and even towels, so you don't have to worry about bringing your own. Another great feature is the simple breakfast provided by the hostel, along with unlimited water and coffee, such a nice touch for the guests. It's clear that the staff has thought of almost everything to make guests feel at home.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.6
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 65 reviews
Price from
US$28.45
1 night, 2 adults

Capsule Inn

Kota Kinabalu

Capsule Inn is located in Kota Kinabalu, 3.6 km from Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village and 4.7 km from North Borneo Railway.

B
Bram
From
Netherlands
The location is smack in the middle of KK, walking distance from pretty much anywhere you could conceivably want to go. Capsules are nice, standard-issue but well maintained and as such serve their purpose. While capsule hostels usually don't really lend themselves to a sociable athmosphere, the included breakfast, large communal space and endlessly helpful staff created ample opportunity for socialising. Seriously, especially the owner will go through insane lengths to make sure you're having a great stay.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.5
Good - What previous guests thought, 223 reviews
Price from
US$12.52
1 night, 2 adults

Escape Backpackers KK

Kota Kinabalu

Located in Kota Kinabalu, 400 metres from Filipino Market Sabah, Escape Backpackers KK provides air-conditioned rooms and a shared lounge.

A
Ahmet Baha
From
Turkey
I like workers.. So friendly… Breakfast so good… Location is nice. WIFI is okey.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.6
Good - What previous guests thought, 403 reviews
Price from
US$13
1 night, 2 adults
All hostels in Kota Kinabalu

Looking for a hostel?

Budget travellers know that there is no better way to make the most of their trip than by staying at a hostel: save money for exploring during the day, and swap stories with fellow backpackers in the shared kitchen or bar in the evening. Dorm-style bedrooms with shared bathrooms are standard hostel fare, but private rooms are also available for those willing to pay a bit more.

Most booked hostels in Kota Kinabalu and surroundings in the past month

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Popular with guests booking hostels in Kota Kinabalu

Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.4
Good - What previous guests thought, 150 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Kota Kinabalu

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.2
Very good - What previous guests thought, 140 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Kota Kinabalu

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.8
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 105 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Kota Kinabalu

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.1
Very good - What previous guests thought, 219 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Kota Kinabalu

Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.6
Good - What previous guests thought, 403 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Kota Kinabalu

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.6
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 426 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Kota Kinabalu

Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.4
Superb - What previous guests thought, 491 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Kota Kinabalu

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.4
Very good - What previous guests thought, 360 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Kota Kinabalu

Scored out of 10, guest rating 6.7
Pleasant - What previous guests thought, 405 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Kota Kinabalu

Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,252 reviews

Save money on hostels in Kota Kinabalu and nearby – budget options available

Scored out of 10, guest rating 5.7
Passable - What previous guests thought, 32 reviews

Located within 400 metres of Filipino Market Sabah and 3.7 km of Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village, Warisan Homestay 18pax Kota Kinabalu provides rooms with air conditioning and a shared bathroom...

From US$110.20 per night

Capsule Inn

Kota Kinabalu
Budget options available
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.5
Good - What previous guests thought, 223 reviews

Capsule Inn is located in Kota Kinabalu, 3.6 km from Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village and 4.7 km from North Borneo Railway.

Akinabalu Youth Hostel

Kota Kinabalu
Budget options available
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.9
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 13 reviews

Akinabalu Youth Hostel provides air-conditioned accommodation in Kota Kinabalu. The accommodation features a shared kitchen, a shared lounge and organising tours for guests.

Scored out of 10, guest rating 1.0
Bad - What previous guests thought, 1 review

Situated within 3.4 km of Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village and 5 km of Likas City Mosque, Capsule inn CI enterprise offers rooms in Kota Kinabalu.

FAQ about hostels in Kota Kinabalu

Hostels that guests love in Kota Kinabalu

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Avg. price/night: US$20.85
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.4
Superb - What previous guests thought, 491 reviews
The full team is wonderful and they help you with everything they can. The hostel is pretty, clean and very well organized. The common areas are very cozy. This has been for me the best hostel in all Malaysia 🙂🙃🙂
Guest review by
Sonne_HD
Solo traveller
Avg. price/night: US$24.53
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.4
Very good - What previous guests thought, 360 reviews
Modern furnishing and each pod feels very private which is nice. The area immediately outside the hostel doesn’t feel like the most inviting but is perfectly safe, and probably quite insightful. Very central (although not sure that really makes a difference- not huge amounts to do in the city)
Guest review by
Christopher
Solo traveller
Avg. price/night: US$23.79
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,252 reviews
Amazing culture, stunning sunsets from the hostel panorama window and very clean! Definitely one of the very best hostels I’ve been in so far. Special thanks to Jenny of the hostel staff for integrating new people into the amazing social culture!
Guest review by
Ralf Johannes
Solo traveller
Avg. price/night: US$23.79
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,252 reviews
This was without a doubt the best hostel I ever stayed in so far. It’s clean, safe, good facilities, nice rooms, nice kitchen and living room, super friendly people who work there,… I definitely go back!
Guest review by
Delphine
Solo traveller