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Hostels in Kota Kinabalu

Escape Backpackers KK
Relax in a cozy space with a sofa, desk, and chandelier, perfect for unwinding.

Escape Backpackers KK

2.0 star property
7.6 out of 10, Good, (7)
"Je n'avais pas vu que le dortoir est sans fenêtre. Cela me gêne toujours lorsque cela arrive."
Escape Backpackers KK
Sarang Hostel Kota Kinabalu
Welcome to Sarang Hostel in Kota Kinabalu, where a warm atmosphere is set by pendant lights and lush greenery.

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
Grapevine Garden
Stroll through this serene garden, surrounded by lush plants in black containers, accessible via a winding pathway.

Grapevine Garden

2.0 star property
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (16)
"We stayed here for one night after arriving late into the airport. Getting our key was straightforward and the hotel worked well for us. "
Grapevine Garden
TOOJOU Kota Kinabalu - Hostel
Relax in a stylish space with a variety of seating options, a bar area, and a unique spiral slide.

TOOJOU Kota Kinabalu - Hostel

2.0 star property
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (12)
"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
Signel Hostel
Two twin beds are arranged in a symmetrical layout, each with a white mattress and pillows.

Signel Hostel

2.0 star property
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (20)
"Nice cozy beds, relaxed and friendly staff "
Signel Hostel
X-Plorer Backpackers - Hostel
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of a bustling street market, where food stalls and lively crowds come together under the stars.

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
Step In Lodge - Hostel
Enjoy the expansive balcony with a geometric railing, offering a view of the surrounding building.

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
Capsule Inn
Relax in this stylish living room with a plush sofa, glass dining table, and comfortable chairs.

Capsule Inn

2.0 star property
Capsule Inn
Jesselton Cabin - Hostel
Enjoy meals in this dining area with a long table and comfortable seating.

Jesselton Cabin - Hostel

2.0 star property
7.6 out of 10, Good, (57)
"good ,clean & Best 👍👍😍😍😍😍"
Jesselton Cabin - Hostel
Jiran Hostel Kota Kinabalu
Cozy dormitory-style room with bunk beds and a simple layout.

Jiran Hostel Kota Kinabalu

1.0 star property
Jiran Hostel Kota Kinabalu
Victoria Hotel & Hostel
Exterior

Victoria Hotel & Hostel

2.0 star property
6.8 out of 10, (48)
Victoria Hotel & Hostel
Homy Seafront Hostel
Enjoy a serene view of the water from the comfort of this room, featuring a cozy seating area with a chair and table.

Homy Seafront Hostel

2.0 star property
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (5)
"Bastante aceptable."
Homy Seafront Hostel
Vibrant Hostel
Cozy retreat with a single bed, neatly folded towels, and a hanger for your belongings.

Vibrant Hostel

2.0 star property
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (15)
"Comfortable and in a convenient location. Nice vibe."
Vibrant Hostel
Happy Garden Resort - Hostel
Guests can enjoy a barbecue in the covered outdoor area with a balcony above.

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
HOOD - Hostel
Enjoy the vibrant city view from this balcony with a potted plant and metal railing.

HOOD - Hostel

2.0 star property
8.0 out of 10, Very Good, (9)
HOOD - Hostel
Halo Hostel
Living area

Halo Hostel

2.0 star property
7.4 out of 10, Good, (10)
"A nice basic budget hostel. Friendly staff and owner. It has its own cafe at the ground floor and free breakfast with free tea and coffee all day."
Halo Hostel
Akinabalu Youth Hostel
Surrounded by lush greenery, this room offers a serene view of the surrounding landscape and a glimpse of the nearby road.

Akinabalu Youth Hostel

1.0 star property
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (25)
"Perfect location, helpful and kind staff, very friendly atmosphere. Great value of money. "
Akinabalu Youth Hostel
Borneo Backpackers
Bar (on property)

Borneo Backpackers

2.0 star property
7.4 out of 10, Good, (12)
Borneo Backpackers
Mountain resthouse
Front of property

Mountain resthouse

1.0 star property
Mountain resthouse
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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Top Kota Kinabalu Hotel Reviews

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

10/10 Excellent
"Spacious clean rooms. Friendly staff. Incredible food. Excellent location- walking distance to the food markets, Sunday markets, the ferry port and malls. Special mention again to all staff there- extremely friendly and helpful. We had a great stay, thank you!"
Sudeshna 4-night trip
Posted 19 hours ago
Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

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 more for fun things to do. 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 all of them have three main things in common, including low 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 best ratings: Sarang Hostel Kota Kinabalu - Located steps from Imago Shopping Mall. Property features include free WiFi and an elevator. You'll find towels, showers, and hair dryers in all rooms. Escape Backpackers KK - Property features include free breakfast, free WiFi, and tour assistance. You'll find towels, showers, and hair dryers in all rooms. TOOJOU Kota Kinabalu - Hostel - Guests can enjoy free WiFi, a restaurant, and a bar. Rooms come with towels, showers, and bed sheets. Signel Hostel - Property features include free WiFi, a TV in a common area, and multilingual staff. You'll find towels, showers, and TVs in all rooms. Grapevine Garden - Guests can enjoy free WiFi and free parking. You'll find towels, showers, and bed sheets in all rooms.
How many hostels can I expect to find in Kota Kinabalu?
If you're in the market for somewhere affordable to stay in Kota Kinabalu, one of Expedia's 17 hostels might be a great option for you.
When is the best time of year to stay in a hostel in Kota Kinabalu?
The weather is important when you want to venture out and explore, so here are some stats about the local climate: The hottest months are usually May and June with an average temp of 82°F, while the coldest months are February and January with an average of 80°F. The rainiest months in Kota Kinabalu are January, November, December, and October, with each month seeing an average of 10 inches of rainfall.
What is there to see and do in Kota Kinabalu?
In general, Kota Kinabalu is known for its boating opportunities, snorkeling, and marina. Get out into nature with places like Tanjung Aru Perdana Park, Kota Kinabalu Wetlands Centre, and Signal Hill Observatory Platform. Cultural attractions include Mari Mari Cultural Village and Sabah State Museum. Locals like to shop at Centre Point and KK Plaza.
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 Intl. Airport (BKI), located 4 mi (6.5 km) away from the city center. When you're out and about, you may want to make use of public transit. Train stations including Tanjung Aru Station and Putatan Station make it easy to see more of the surrounding area.