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.

K
Kundou/James
From
United Kingdom
Perfect. My stay at the hostel was absolutely brilliant. The vibe was well lush, and the staff were friendly especially Jeff. Really making you feel right at home. The rooms were tidy, and it had this proper chilled atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a long day. I was made to feel like part of the fam, and the common room was always full of good banter. Not to mention, the location was spot-on, right in the heart of everything, so getting around was a doddle. Just the streets is full with cars everywhere so be careful crossing the road. Honestly, I had a cracking time.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.4
Very good - What previous guests thought, 355 reviews
Price from
US$18.98
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.

E
Ennawawi
From
Brunei Darussalam
All is decent. Excellent value for money
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.7
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 452 reviews
Price from
US$24.50
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...

D
Derek
From
Ireland
Walter is brilliant. Very nice guy and always quick with helpful answers and info.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.1
Very good - What previous guests thought, 132 reviews
Price from
US$22.09
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.

W
Whey
From
Singapore
Service is so good! 100/10 will come back again
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.8
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 61 reviews
Price from
US$27.51
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
Mohammad Haikal
From
Singapore
Place felt home-ly. Very nice people. Would come again soon. InshaAllah..
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.4
Good - What previous guests thought, 407 reviews
Price from
US$10.55
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.

M
M Redzuan
From
Malaysia
Room especially the bed are great and super comfy. Walking distance to Imago. There's also washer and dryer in the unit.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.4
Good - What previous guests thought, 152 reviews
Price from
US$30.83
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.

H
Ho
From
Malaysia
Value for money and the staff is so friendly, good to stay here and near to town too
Scored out of 10, guest rating 6.9
Pleasant - What previous guests thought, 215 reviews
Price from
US$11.53
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, 27 reviews
Price from
US$60.25
1 night, 2 adults

Dazzle Home Aeropod

Tanjong Aru (Near Kota Kinabalu)

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.

H
Hem Raj
From
Malaysia
Easy to access, Nearby airport within 7min, Fast reply from the property management, Value for money.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.5
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 16 reviews
Price from
US$19.21
1 night, 2 adults

Aeropod Hostel Economy Twin Room

Kapayan (Near Kota Kinabalu)

Located within 5.4 km of Filipino Market Sabah and 700 metres of North Borneo Railway, Aeropod Hostel Economy Twin Room provides rooms with air conditioning and a shared bathroom in Kapayan.

R
Richard James
From
Malaysia
I liked that the location itself is not far from kk airport. The linens and the bed was considerably clean. Air conditioner was functioning. Thank God.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 6.2
Pleasant - What previous guests thought, 19 reviews
Price from
US$38.43
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 6.9
    Pleasant - What previous guests thought, 215 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in Kota Kinabalu

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.4
    Good - What previous guests thought, 152 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in Kota Kinabalu

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.1
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 132 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in Kota Kinabalu

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.8
    Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 97 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in Kota Kinabalu

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.4
    Good - What previous guests thought, 407 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in Kota Kinabalu

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.4
    Superb - What previous guests thought, 496 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in Kota Kinabalu

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.7
    Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 452 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in Kota Kinabalu

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.4
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 355 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in Kota Kinabalu

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
    Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,247 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in Kota Kinabalu

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 6.7
    Pleasant - What previous guests thought, 411 reviews

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

  • 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.

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$8.06 per night
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 6.3
    Pleasant - What previous guests thought, 27 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$81.97 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$40.99 per night

FAQ about hostels in Kota Kinabalu

Hostels that guests love in Kota Kinabalu

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  • Avg. price/night: US$22.53
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.4
    Superb - What previous guests thought, 496 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$24.91
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.4
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 355 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$23.06
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
    Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,247 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$23.06
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
    Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,247 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