The 10 best hostels in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia | Booking.com
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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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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, 356 reviews
Price from
US$18.92
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.

F
Francesca
From
Australia
The family rooms had pretty much their own level and own bathrooms. Despite the hostel having other rooms, they were all in other levels so it was quiet. We ended up staying again when we came back to KK at the end of our trip. It was too good! The location was very convenient being next to the shopping centre. Perfect for buying travelling essentials, eating or just strolling.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.6
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 451 reviews
Price from
US$24.42
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.

J
Jillian
From
Australia
The location, the staff, the view
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.0
Very good - What previous guests thought, 241 reviews
Price from
US$18.21
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...

A
Andrea
From
New Zealand
Central location, plenty of life
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.1
Very good - What previous guests thought, 134 reviews
Price from
US$22.03
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 8.8
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 63 reviews
Price from
US$27.43
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.

M
Minsu
From
Argentina
Everything was just perfect. Quite, peaceful bedroom with kindly staffs. Location was not that bad as I expected. Restaurants, small supermarkets and all places needed for the stay are located in the building.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.6
Good - What previous guests thought, 223 reviews
Price from
US$12.07
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.

M
Mariia
From
Finland
Homelike, owner is lovely and helped with everything, great staff.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.5
Good - What previous guests thought, 409 reviews
Price from
US$10.51
1 night, 2 adults

Oikos Poshtel

Kota Kinabalu

Located in Kota Kinabalu and with Filipino Market Sabah reachable within 1.6 km, Oikos Poshtel provides a tour desk, non-smoking rooms, a shared lounge, free WiFi and a restaurant.

A
Anonymous39
From
Brunei Darussalam
Very strategic location, the place is clean, all facilities are provided too. It's quiet too.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.4
Good - What previous guests thought, 149 reviews
Price from
US$30.74
1 night, 2 adults

H2 Segama Backpacker

Kota Kinabalu

H2 Segama Backpacker in Kota Kinabalu provides adults-only accommodation with a garden and a shared lounge.

S
Stefano
From
Italy
Nice place in a very good location, comfortable bed and very clean enviroment. Breakfast served every morning and water refill available h24. The manager is a very kind and lovely person always available to answer your questions. I highly recommend this place !
Scored out of 10, guest rating 6.9
Pleasant - What previous guests thought, 213 reviews
Price from
US$11.49
1 night, 2 adults

Warisan Homestay 18pax Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu

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...

A
Amir
From
Malaysia
A good place for solo travellers..
Scored out of 10, guest rating 6.3
Pleasant - What previous guests thought, 29 reviews
Price from
US$60.06
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 8.1
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 134 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in Kota Kinabalu

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.4
    Good - What previous guests thought, 149 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in Kota Kinabalu

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.0
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 241 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in Kota Kinabalu

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.8
    Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 98 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in Kota Kinabalu

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.5
    Good - What previous guests thought, 409 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in Kota Kinabalu

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.4
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 356 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in Kota Kinabalu

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.4
    Superb - What previous guests thought, 495 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in Kota Kinabalu

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.6
    Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 451 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in Kota Kinabalu

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 6.7
    Pleasant - What previous guests thought, 411 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in Kota Kinabalu

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
    Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,249 reviews

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

  • Capsule Inn

    Kota Kinabalu
    No credit card needed
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.6
    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.

  • 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.

  • Dazzle Home Aeropod

    Tanjong Aru
    No credit card needed
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.5
    Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 16 reviews

    Located within 5.6 km of Filipino Market Sabah and 400 metres of North Borneo Railway, Dazzle Home Aeropod provides rooms with air conditioning and a shared bathroom in Tanjong Aru.

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

  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 6.3
    Pleasant - What previous guests thought, 29 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$64.87 per night

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

  • Capsule Inn

    Kota Kinabalu
    Central location

    Situated within less than 1 km of Filipino Market Sabah and 3.1 km of Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village, Capsule Inn features rooms with air conditioning and a shared bathroom in Kota Kinabalu.

    From US$8.03 per night
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 6.7
    Pleasant - What previous guests thought, 411 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$11.80 per night
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.0
    Good - What previous guests thought, 58 reviews

    Situated within 9.3 km of International Technology & Commercial Centre Penampang - ITCC and 11 km of Likas City Mosque, Aeropod Hostel Economy Deluxe King Room offers rooms in Kota Kinabalu.

    From US$40.86 per night

FAQ about hostels in Kota Kinabalu

Hostels that guests love in Kota Kinabalu

See all
  • Avg. price/night: US$22.46
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.4
    Superb - What previous guests thought, 495 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$24.83
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.4
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 356 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$24.26
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
    Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,249 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$24.26
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
    Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,249 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