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Hostels in Kota Kinabalu

Find the hostels that appeal to you the most

Top picks for Kota Kinabalu hotels

Explore our most popular hotels 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.

K
K
From
South Korea
All facilities were quite nice, clean, cozy and even quiet. Especially all staff was tremendously friendly. Even they are well-armed with attractive smiles. ^^ I still remember one of male staffs, Ebin(?)'s kindness. Thank to him, I learned about Malaysian culture as well. If someone has a plan to travel East Malaysia, I strongly recommend this great hostel.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,263 reviews
Price from
US$19.89
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.

B
Beck
From
Australia
Facilities and cleanliness were amazing. Loved the Queen size bed in the dorks, so comfortable. The staff (Sarah & Lia) were incredible and so helpful with planning my journey in Borneo. Check out KStudio gym nearby, they do 3 x classes for 75 MYR and were very welcoming.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.4
Superb - What previous guests thought, 497 reviews
Price from
US$20.87
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.

E
Emma Charlotte
From
United Kingdom
Very clean, spacious dorm room, & perfect location. Basic breakfast included too
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.8
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 110 reviews
Price from
US$22.10
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.

I
Ian
From
United States
Super friendly staff. Arrived early and they let me store my bag. They also let me keep my bag there after checking out. The front desk also answered my questions about the city. The bed was comfortable and everything was clean. Great location.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.4
Very good - What previous guests thought, 364 reviews
Price from
US$19.64
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.

A
Alice
From
Malaysia
My favourite place to stay in kk!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.6
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 421 reviews
Price from
US$25.36
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.

P
Portia
From
Philippines
Keep up the good work amazing staff
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.1
Very good - What previous guests thought, 213 reviews
Price from
US$18.91
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...

M
M
From
Poland
Nice and helpful host. Small room with private bathroom, for one person ok. Clean. Very good location. Night market at the gate. Restaurants and shops. Close to the ATM (banks). Close to the Rabbit scooter rental if you want go to the tip of Borneo. Comfortable bed. Shampoo and toilet paper, towel included in the price. I recommend.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.2
Very good - What previous guests thought, 144 reviews
Price from
US$22.87
1 night, 2 adults

Akinabalu Youth Hostel

Kota Kinabalu

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

A
Adam
From
Czech Republic
Very clean, friendly staff, cozy common room, good location
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.7
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 14 reviews
Price from
US$12.28
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.

A
Anna
From
Australia
Jiran hostel was wonderful. The ladies running it are so friendly and kind. They helped me book my onward travel to kinabatangan river and even shared some local fruits and dishes with me. The hostel itself is perfectly located near the jetty and gaya street in town. The hostel is clean and secure. They provide a light breakfast and drinking water. I would love to stay here again
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.6
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 65 reviews
Price from
US$28.48
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.

I
ISTVÁN
From
Hungary
First time in Capsule but only good experience. Center in city good coffee and breakfast and helpfull maid ! Thank you very much everything and see you next time!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.5
Good - What previous guests thought, 223 reviews
Price from
US$12.53
1 night, 2 adults
All hostels in Kota Kinabalu

The best hostels in Kota Kinabalu

Some of the best backpacker spots in Kota Kinabalu

Filter by:

Review score

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.

K
K
From
South Korea
All facilities were quite nice, clean, cozy and even quiet. Especially all staff was tremendously friendly. Even they are well-armed with attractive smiles. ^^ I still remember one of male staffs, Ebin(?)'s kindness. Thank to him, I learned about Malaysian culture as well. If someone has a plan to travel East Malaysia, I strongly recommend this great hostel.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,263 reviews
Price from
US$19.89
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.

B
Beck
From
Australia
Facilities and cleanliness were amazing. Loved the Queen size bed in the dorks, so comfortable. The staff (Sarah & Lia) were incredible and so helpful with planning my journey in Borneo. Check out KStudio gym nearby, they do 3 x classes for 75 MYR and were very welcoming.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.4
Superb - What previous guests thought, 497 reviews
Price from
US$20.87
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.

E
Emma Charlotte
From
United Kingdom
Very clean, spacious dorm room, & perfect location. Basic breakfast included too
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.8
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 110 reviews
Price from
US$22.10
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.

I
Ian
From
United States
Super friendly staff. Arrived early and they let me store my bag. They also let me keep my bag there after checking out. The front desk also answered my questions about the city. The bed was comfortable and everything was clean. Great location.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.4
Very good - What previous guests thought, 364 reviews
Price from
US$19.64
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.

A
Alice
From
Malaysia
My favourite place to stay in kk!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.6
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 421 reviews
Price from
US$25.36
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.

P
Portia
From
Philippines
Keep up the good work amazing staff
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.1
Very good - What previous guests thought, 213 reviews
Price from
US$18.91
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...

M
M
From
Poland
Nice and helpful host. Small room with private bathroom, for one person ok. Clean. Very good location. Night market at the gate. Restaurants and shops. Close to the ATM (banks). Close to the Rabbit scooter rental if you want go to the tip of Borneo. Comfortable bed. Shampoo and toilet paper, towel included in the price. I recommend.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.2
Very good - What previous guests thought, 144 reviews
Price from
US$22.87
1 night, 2 adults

Akinabalu Youth Hostel

Kota Kinabalu

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

A
Adam
From
Czech Republic
Very clean, friendly staff, cozy common room, good location
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.7
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 14 reviews
Price from
US$12.28
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.

A
Anna
From
Australia
Jiran hostel was wonderful. The ladies running it are so friendly and kind. They helped me book my onward travel to kinabatangan river and even shared some local fruits and dishes with me. The hostel itself is perfectly located near the jetty and gaya street in town. The hostel is clean and secure. They provide a light breakfast and drinking water. I would love to stay here again
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.6
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 65 reviews
Price from
US$28.48
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.

I
ISTVÁN
From
Hungary
First time in Capsule but only good experience. Center in city good coffee and breakfast and helpfull maid ! Thank you very much everything and see you next time!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.5
Good - What previous guests thought, 223 reviews
Price from
US$12.53
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

See all

Popular with guests booking hostels in Kota Kinabalu

Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.5
Good - What previous guests thought, 149 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Kota Kinabalu

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.2
Very good - What previous guests thought, 144 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Kota Kinabalu

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.8
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 110 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Kota Kinabalu

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.1
Very good - What previous guests thought, 213 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Kota Kinabalu

Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.6
Good - What previous guests thought, 401 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Kota Kinabalu

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.6
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 421 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Kota Kinabalu

Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.4
Superb - What previous guests thought, 497 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Kota Kinabalu

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.4
Very good - What previous guests thought, 364 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Kota Kinabalu

Scored out of 10, guest rating 6.8
Pleasant - What previous guests thought, 413 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Kota Kinabalu

Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,263 reviews

No credit card needed to book these hostels in Kota Kinabalu and nearby

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.

Great access to the city centre. Check these hostels in Kota Kinabalu and nearby

Scored out of 10, guest rating 5.6
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$110.32 per night
Scored out of 10, guest rating 6.8
Pleasant - What previous guests thought, 413 reviews

Nusantara Mattwaddien Hostel is situated in Kota Kinabalu, within 11 km of International Technology & Commercial Centre Penampang - ITCC and 2.9 km of Signal Hill Observatory.

From US$12.25 per night

FAQ about hostels in Kota Kinabalu

Hostels that guests love in Kota Kinabalu

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Avg. price/night: US$20.87
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.4
Superb - What previous guests thought, 497 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$24.55
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.4
Very good - What previous guests thought, 364 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$22.54
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,263 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$22.54
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,263 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