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Featured Hostels in Kota Kinabalu

Grapevine Garden
Exterior

Grapevine Garden

1.0 star property
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (14)
"garden of grapes, big and comfortable beds"
Grapevine Garden
Sarang Hostel Kota Kinabalu
Lobby sitting area

Sarang Hostel Kota Kinabalu

2.0 star property
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (3)
"Unique,very beautiful, clean and tidy....nice "
Sarang Hostel Kota Kinabalu
Escape Backpackers KK
Private kitchen

Escape Backpackers KK

2.0 star property
7.6 out of 10, Good, (7)
"It was kinda tough to figure out where the place was given the small sign and hardly noticeable numbers due to the color choice. But after going up about 4 flights of stairs, comes this cozy little spot in the heart of the city. Air conditioner works fine and the food offered was alright. Just don't forget to bring your own shampoo/soap and towel! "
Escape Backpackers KK
Step In Lodge - Hostel
Lobby

Step In Lodge - Hostel

2.0 star property
6.0 out of 10, (8)
"Beware Foreigners!! The staff here will try to ask you for extra fees and taxes that I had already paid in full with Expedia. I didn’t pay them and once they realized I wasn’t playing their game they left it alone. However I wouldn’t trust them. I showed them that I had paid in full with Expedia and they told me it wasn’t paid and I had to pay in cash. This is a scam. DONT RECOMMEND THIS PLACE. "
Step In Lodge - Hostel
TOOJOU Kota Kinabalu - Hostel
Café

TOOJOU Kota Kinabalu - Hostel

2.0 star property
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (9)
"Enjoyable stay and a great budget property choice. Staff were all helpful, Wi-Fi good, rooms, although snug, more than adequate for sleeping and showering. The one thing that let the property down was the lack of options at breakfast. Everyday a different breakfast meal was given but you had no idea what it would be and didn’t have another option to choose if it wasn’t to your liking. That said, the quality of the food was good. Would happily stay at the property again if looking for somewhere...
TOOJOU Kota Kinabalu - Hostel
X-Plorer Backpackers - Hostel
View from property

X-Plorer Backpackers - Hostel

2.0 star property
5.6 out of 10, (8)
"The lock on the 8-bedded doem room was damaged & it took 10 mins to ooen the door on 2 occassions. The technician or employee was away for 2 days. On the 3rd day the lock failed & lock had to be broken in after 3 different people tried for over 1 hour to ooen the door using the key."
X-Plorer Backpackers - Hostel
EB2 Hostel
Living area

EB2 Hostel

2.0 star property
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (2)
"가격대에 비해 숙소가 깨끗하고 좋았어요"
EB2 Hostel
Signel Hostel
Blackout curtains, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Signel Hostel

2.0 star property
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (20)
"Friendly staff and cozy comfy beds - would definitely stay again "
Signel Hostel
Jesselton Cabin - Hostel
Children’s area

Jesselton Cabin - Hostel

2.0 star property
7.6 out of 10, Good, (57)
"good ,clean & Best 👍👍😍😍😍😍"
Jesselton Cabin - Hostel
Jiran Hostel
Iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Jiran Hostel

1.0 star property
Jiran Hostel
Capsule Inn
Living area

Capsule Inn

2.0 star property
Capsule Inn
Homy Seafront Hostel
Interior

Homy Seafront Hostel

2.0 star property
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (5)
"The location is very strategic. Walking distance to Filipino market, gaya street."
Homy Seafront Hostel
Happy Garden Resort - Hostel
Exterior

Happy Garden Resort - Hostel

2.0 star property
8.0 out of 10, Very good, (6)
"Worth for the money and quite close to Kinabalu gate"
Happy Garden Resort - Hostel
Vibrant Hostel
Lockers

Vibrant Hostel

2.0 star property
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (15)
"Comfortable and in a convenient location. Nice vibe."
Vibrant Hostel
Get Inn Backpackers
Property grounds

Get Inn Backpackers

2.0 star property
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (6)
"Excellent example"
Get Inn Backpackers
Cozy Hostel
Interior

Cozy Hostel

2.0 star property
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (1)
Cozy Hostel
HOOD - Hostel
Terrace/patio

HOOD - Hostel

2.0 star property
8.0 out of 10, Very good, (9)
"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"
HOOD - Hostel
Borneo Backpackers
Bar (on property)

Borneo Backpackers

2.0 star property
7.4 out of 10, Good, (12)
"I love it. This is a really nice backpackers’ hostel and very clean indeed. The price is also very affordable"
Borneo Backpackers
Mari Jari SpaStay - Hostel
View from property

Mari Jari SpaStay - Hostel

2.0 star property
5.0 out of 10, (2)
"I booked a single room. What I got was a plastic massage table behind a curtain in a women's day spa! Bathroom had cockroaches (plural). Hair on toilet seat. Very hard to find: taxi driver tried two locations, finally phoned spa admin. I had been in touch with spa by text, and asked about room location and key, as flight was arriving late. They merely told me door lock code; didn't bother to correct my misapprehension that I would be getting a private room. I never heard more from them. ...
Mari Jari SpaStay - Hostel
Halo Hostel
Living area

Halo Hostel

2.0 star property
7.4 out of 10, Good, (10)
"Halo hostel is a good option for couples travelling. The rooms are small, but have storage space, individual bathrooms and are clean. The area is really good if you want convenience. Walkable to the downtown area and jetty. Breakfast is made to order eggs, toast, fruit and coffee. My only con is that it does get a bit loud at night from surrounding bars, so just bring ear plugs."
Halo Hostel
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.
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Other property types in Kota Kinabalu

Homesuite' Home at The Shore KK
Individually decorated, individually furnished, desk, laptop workspace

Homesuite' Home at The Shore KK

3.5 star property
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (9)
"nice place"
Homesuite' Home at The Shore KK
Homesuite' Home at Sutera Avenue
Outdoor pool

Homesuite' Home at Sutera Avenue

3.5 star property
7.0 out of 10, Good, (6)
"I like the quality of the apartment Wifi was a bit weak"
Homesuite' Home at Sutera Avenue
Borneotel The Shore KK by CHG
Interior detail

Borneotel The Shore KK by CHG

3.0 star property
7.0 out of 10, Good, (7)
"Nice place to stay"
Borneotel The Shore KK by CHG
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.

Frequently asked questions

Should I stay in a hostel in Kota Kinabalu?
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: Grapevine Garden - Property features include free WiFi. You’ll find linens and free WiFi in all rooms. Sarang Hostel Kota Kinabalu - Located steps from Imago Shopping Mall. Property features include free WiFi and a lift. You’ll find towels, showers and hairdryers in all rooms. TOOJOU Kota Kinabalu - Hostel - Guests can enjoy free WiFi, a restaurant and a bar. Rooms come with towels, showers and linens. Escape Backpackers KK - Property features include free breakfast, free WiFi and tour/ticket assistance. Rooms come with towels, showers and hairdryers.
How many hostels will I find in Kota Kinabalu?
If you’re in the market for an affordable place to stay in Kota Kinabalu, one of Expedia’s 24 hostels might be a great option.
When is the best time of year to stay in a hostel 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 May and June, with an average temperature of 28°C, while the coldest months are February and January, with an average of 27°C. The rainiest months in Kota Kinabalu are January, November, December and October, with each month seeing an average of 251 mm of rainfall.
What is there to see and do in Kota Kinabalu?
In general, Kota Kinabalu is known for its boating opportunities, snorkelling and marina. Get out into nature with places such as Tanjung Aru Perdana Park, Signal Hill Observatory Platform and Kota Kinabalu Wetlands Centre. Cultural attractions include Sabah State Museum and Mari Mari Cultural Village. Locals like to shop at Centre Point and Anjung Samudera.
What's the best way to get to and around Kota Kinabalu while staying at a hostel?
Keep this information about transit options in and around Kota Kinabalu in your back pocket to make the most of your stay: You can search for flights to the closest airport, which is Kota Kinabalu (BKI-Kota Kinabalu Intl.), located 4 mi (6.5 km) away from the city centre. After you’ve arrived, you may want to use public transport to get around. Train stations including Tanjung Aru Station and Putatan Station make it easy to see more of the surrounding area.