Skip to main content

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

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
Kzey
From
Philippines
Free breakfast, comfortable soft bed, cute interio design of the property, helpful and friendly staff, one girl even booked grab for me and carried my bag, nice ocean view, fast internet, cheap price, great location
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,245 reviews
Price from
US$19.58
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.

K
Kyrczová
From
Switzerland
The place was amazing, clean and well organised, I felt welcomed with friendly staff and Jeff is very kind and helpful. I Deffinitely recommend to stay there :)
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.4
Very good - What previous guests thought, 361 reviews
Price from
US$14.51
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.

P
Patrice
From
Canada
Great hostel, good location, awesome staff, really clean. Highly recommended
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.6
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 438 reviews
Price from
US$24.97
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.

K
Kogulan
From
Malaysia
Basically, I've booked my stay here for only one night and I had to extended my stay for another 4 more days for several reasons. 1. Value for money – This place is heaven for backpackers since you've a roof to sleep, a rich breakfast for backpackers, hot shower and comfortable neighbourhood areas. 2. Location – It's located at warisan square which just 2 mins walking to city centre shopping mall, located right in front the clubbing area, 4 mins walking distance to the daily morning market, kraftangan shopping spot and also the the seafood heaven (Todak Waterfront). Mostly, importantly there's several options for you, downstairs to the hotel building - Starbucks, 7E, MCD, Orange, massage, cafes, mamak restaurants and etc.... (happening area in KK town) 3. Staffs – They were really very welcoming and helpful in very situations. In total managed to meet 3 to 4 of their staffs and the interesting part was they're so polite and friendly to support your needs and make you comfort with the stay. I appreciate the entire team. Kudos! 4. Capsul – On my first day I stayed in deluxe capsul which is more than enough for a person. Rest of my days I stayed at single capsul. The capsul is spaciously bigger with 3 types of lights (reading, bed, and space light), charging facilities (USB port and charger slot), safety access card for in and out, fire extinguisher, comfort bedcover, clean bed sheet and not to forgot the room of aircond service for 24/7. Additionally, locker is provided for storage. My 40kg backpack can fit inside and also there was more space to load my things – saying the locker is sufficient enough with it's space. 5. Others – (A) Cooking facilities& equpiments are provided if you're keen to cook (refrigerator included) - can cook if you're not lazy one like me. () Daily house keeping on time throughout the entire property. Rating 10/10. (capsul cleaning can be requested too).
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.0
Very good - What previous guests thought, 233 reviews
Price from
US$18.61
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...

R
Ricard Cristia
From
Spain
Great communication with the host! I made a mistake while booking the room, but he was really flexible and made my stay comfortable and made me feel welcome. Everything was spotless and had a pleasant smell. No noise outside.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.2
Very good - What previous guests thought, 140 reviews
Price from
US$22.52
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.

E
Edmund
From
United Kingdom
Jiran was great - comfortable bed, quiet room. Privacy curtains on each bunk which I always appreciate.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.6
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 65 reviews
Price from
US$28.04
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.

Y
YU
From
Japan
Rooms are very comfortable. You can sleep quietly at night. Breakfast is great with bread, jam, coffee, etc.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.6
Good - What previous guests thought, 223 reviews
Price from
US$12.34
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.

V
Van Engelen
From
Belgium
The lady was verry friendly and helpfull and she gives you much information You feel welcom and at home here The breakfast was verry good, and everry day different You can't be better of for this prise. I could use the washing machine for Free
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.5
Good - What previous guests thought, 403 reviews
Price from
US$10.75
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 7.3
Good - What previous guests thought, 148 reviews
Price from
US$31.43
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, 204 reviews
Price from
US$11.75
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 8.2
Very good - What previous guests thought, 140 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Kota Kinabalu

Scored out of 10, guest rating 6.9
Pleasant - What previous guests thought, 204 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Kota Kinabalu

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.0
Very good - What previous guests thought, 233 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Kota Kinabalu

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.8
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 99 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Kota Kinabalu

Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.4
Superb - What previous guests thought, 492 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Kota Kinabalu

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.4
Very good - What previous guests thought, 361 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Kota Kinabalu

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.6
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 438 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Kota Kinabalu

Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.5
Good - What previous guests thought, 403 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Kota Kinabalu

Scored out of 10, guest rating 6.8
Pleasant - What previous guests thought, 410 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Kota Kinabalu

Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,245 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.

Scored out of 10, guest rating 6.2
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$66.32 per night
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.

Dazzle Home Aeropod

Tanjong Aru
No credit card needed
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.4
Superb - What previous guests thought, 19 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$9.66 per night
Scored out of 10, guest rating 6.8
Pleasant - What previous guests thought, 410 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$12.06 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$41.77 per night

FAQ about hostels in Kota Kinabalu

Hostels that guests love in Kota Kinabalu

See all
Avg. price/night: US$22.97
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.4
Superb - What previous guests thought, 492 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$25.38
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.4
Very good - What previous guests thought, 361 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$23.50
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,245 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$23.50
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,245 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