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The 10 Best Hostels in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Some of the best backpacker spots in Kota Kinabalu

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Superb: 9+ Very good: 8+ Good: 7+ Pleasant: 6+
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Located in Kota Kinabalu, 1.7 km from Filipino Market Sabah, Vibrant Hostel provides air-conditioned rooms and a shared lounge. The property is around 4.1 km from Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village, 5.6 km from North Borneo Railway and 8.2 km from Likas City Mosque. The accommodation features a shared kitchen, and luggage storage for guests.

The staffs are very nice, kind, and helpful. We extended our stay so we stayed for 7nights and We have no complaints at all. They clean the facilities everyday so all the common areas are always clean. Affordable price, nice location very close to the Imago shopping mall.

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9
Superb
491 reviews
Price from
£9
per night

Set within 2.9 km of Filipino Market Sabah and 2.3 km of Oceanus Waterfront Mall, Faloe Hostel offers rooms with air conditioning and a shared bathroom in Kota Kinabalu. Among the facilities at this property are a shared kitchen and a shared lounge, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The accommodation provides a shuttle service, while a car rental service is also available.

The girl receptionist is so beautiful and very nice.

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9.2
Superb
270 reviews
Price from
£9
per night

Capsule Inn is located in Kota Kinabalu, 4.7 km from North Borneo Railway and 6.4 km from Likas City Mosque. Among the facilities at this property are a shared kitchen and a shared lounge, along with free WiFi throughout the property. International Technology & Commercial Centre Penampang - ITCC is 11 km from the hostel and Atkinson Clock Tower is 1.3 km away.

Outstanding hosts, lots of positive energy. Capsules offer privacy. I am 1m 92cm and just fit into one. USB charging ports, plug charging as well. Mirror, internal lighting within pod. Great showers and toilets, wash room facilities. You have access to free water, hot and cold for drinks. You are able to cook your own food. Beautifully furnished communal area. Amazing value for money. ***** 5 star rating

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8.5
Very good
185 reviews
Price from
£7
per night

Located in Kota Kinabalu, 400 metres from Filipino Market Sabah, Escape Backpackers KK provides air-conditioned rooms and a shared lounge. The property is around 3.1 km from Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village, 5 km from North Borneo Railway and 5.9 km from Likas City Mosque. International Technology & Commercial Centre Penampang - ITCC is 11 km away and Sabah State Mosque is 2.9 km from the hostel.

The owner and manager was incredibly helpful, kind and friendly. She went all the way to make me feel welcomed. Delicious breakfast and clean facilities. They really care about you and are very nice. One of the best experiences I have had.

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8.1
Very good
266 reviews
Price from
£6
per night

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. The property is around 3.5 km from Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village, 5.8 km from North Borneo Railway and 6.3 km from Likas City Mosque. International Technology & Commercial Centre Penampang - ITCC is 11 km from the hostel and Sabah State Mosque is 3.7 km away.

Super friendly staff. Arrived early and they let me store my bag. They also let me keep my bag there after checking out. The front desk also answered my questions about the city. The bed was comfortable and everything was clean. Great location.

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8.7
Fabulous
203 reviews
Price from
£11
per night

Situated within 11 km of International Technology & Commercial Centre Penampang - ITCC and 1.7 km of Signal Hill Observatory, Homy Seafront Hostel offers rooms in Kota Kinabalu. The property is around 3.6 km from Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village, 5.4 km from North Borneo Railway and 6.3 km from Likas City Mosque. The accommodation features a shared kitchen and a shared lounge for guests.

Nice hostel. Good location , All staff Team are very nice

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8.9
Fabulous
951 reviews
Price from
£9
per night

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. The property is set 3.6 km from Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village, 5.4 km from North Borneo Railway and 6.3 km from Likas City Mosque. The accommodation features a shared kitchen and luggage storage space for guests.

The shared bathroom is fitted with a bidet, a hairdryer and slippers. The rooms at the hostel have air conditioning and a desk.

The location, the staff, the view

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8.2
Very good
342 reviews
Price from
£11
per night

Conveniently situated on Gaya Street, Akinabalu Youth Hostel provides basic accommodation in Kota Kinabalu. Free WiFi is available in the common areas and there is a 24-hour front desk on-site.

Akinabalu Youth Hostel is 130 metres from Atkinson Clock Tower and 800 metres to Handicraft Market as well as Suria Sabah shopping mall. Kota Kinabalu International Airport is 10 km from the hostel.

Everything was perfect !! The girls in the reception are awesome!!!

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8.3
Very good
174 reviews
Price from
£9
per night

Situated in Kota Kinabalu, less than 1 km from Filipino Market Sabah, Borneo Gaya Lodge features air-conditioned accommodation and a shared lounge. The property is around 3.1 km from Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village, 5.1 km from Likas City Mosque and 5.8 km from North Borneo Railway. The hostel also offers free WiFi as well as a paid airport shuttle service.

Friendly & helpful staff.

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8.1
Very good
90 reviews
Price from
£17
per night

All units at the hostel are equipped with a seating area. Each room is fitted with a private bathroom equipped with a shower and a hairdryer, while selected rooms are equipped with a kitchenette fitted with a fridge. Guest rooms at Oikos Poshtel include air conditioning and a desk.

Very strategic location, the place is clean, all facilities are provided too. It's quiet too.

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7.5
Good
175 reviews
Price from
£28
per night

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.
Search hostels in Kota Kinabalu

Most booked hostels in Kota Kinabalu this month

Great access to the city centre! Check these hostels in Kota Kinabalu

  • Warisan Homestay 18pax Kota Kinabalu
    Central location

    Located in Kota Kinabalu, 400 metres from Filipino Market Sabah, Warisan Homestay 18pax Kota Kinabalu provides air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and express check-in and check-out.

    9.3
    Scored 9.3
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 3 reviews
  • Vibrant Hostel
    Central location

    Located in Kota Kinabalu, 1.7 km from Filipino Market Sabah, Vibrant Hostel provides air-conditioned rooms and a shared lounge.

    very good, room very clean and staff very friendly

    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 490 reviews
  • Homy Seafront Hostel
    Central location

    Situated within 11 km of International Technology & Commercial Centre Penampang - ITCC and 1.7 km of Signal Hill Observatory, Homy Seafront Hostel offers rooms in Kota Kinabalu.

    Super frinedly staff, quiet, clean, magnificent view

    8.9
    Scored 8.9
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 951 reviews
  • Signel Hostel
    Central location

    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.

    Clean. Felt like home eventho its a public resident.

    8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 203 reviews
  • Akinabalu Youth Hostel
    Central location

    Conveniently situated on Gaya Street, Akinabalu Youth Hostel provides basic accommodation in Kota Kinabalu. Free WiFi is available in the common areas and there is a 24-hour front desk on-site.

    nice welcoming helpful staff, beautiful living space

    8.3
    Scored 8.3
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 174 reviews
  • Space Cap Hotel
    Central location

    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.

    Nancy was very helpful and the location was perfect

    8.3
    Scored 8.3
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 342 reviews
  • Borneo Gaya Lodge
    Central location

    Situated in Kota Kinabalu, less than 1 km from Filipino Market Sabah, Borneo Gaya Lodge features air-conditioned accommodation and a shared lounge.

    De gastvrijheid en behulpzaamheid van de gastheer.

    8.1
    Scored 8.1
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 90 reviews
  • Xplorer Backpacker
    Central location

    Set in Kota Kinabalu, 800 metres from Filipino Market Sabah, Xplorer Backpacker offers air-conditioned accommodation and a shared lounge.

    7.8
    Scored 7.8
    Good
    Rated good
     · 12 reviews
  • Oikos Poshtel
    Central location

    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.

    The place less than 5mins walk away from Imago mall

    7.5
    Scored 7.5
    Good
    Rated good
     · 175 reviews
  • H2 Segama Backpacker
    Central location

    Featuring free WiFi and air-conditioning, H2 Segama Backpacker offers accommodation in Kota Kinabalu.

    friendly staff, good location and good value for money

    7.3
    Scored 7.3
    Good
    Rated good
     · 173 reviews
  • Nusantara Mattwaddien Hostel
    Central location

    Nusantara Mattwaddien Hostel is set in Kota Kinabalu, 3.8 km from Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village and 5.3 km from North Borneo Railway.

    staf friendly, easy access with restaurant, laundry and others

    6.8
    Scored 6.8
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 320 reviews
  • H2 Premium Backpackers
    Central location

    Less than 1 km from Filipino Market Sabah, H2 Premium Backpackers is situated in Kota Kinabalu and provides air-conditioned rooms.

    6.0
    Scored 6.0
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 1 review
  • Aeropod Hostel Economy Deluxe King Room
    Central location

    Set within 5.4 km of Filipino Market Sabah and 700 metres of North Borneo Railway, Aeropod Hostel Economy Deluxe King Room offers rooms with air conditioning and a private bathroom in Kota Kinabalu.

    5.2
    Scored 5.2
    Average
    Rated passable
     · 17 reviews

FAQ about hostels in Kota Kinabalu









Hostels that guests love in Kota Kinabalu

  • Avg. price/night: £16.73
    8.3
    Scored 8.3
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 174 reviews
    Comfortable room, cheap price, and clean area. Near to Gaya Street, eateries, malls, and Jetty.
    MOHD NAZARUDIN
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £32.51
    8.3
    Scored 8.3
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 971 reviews
    great location right in the heart of town. rooms were clean and comfortable. they provided coffee and tea for a budget hotel which is unexpected. having a water cooler at the lobby was a nice touch as it was very hot during our stay. So to have ice cold water to cool you down was a plus.
    Bob
    Group
  • Avg. price/night: £16.26
    8.9
    Scored 8.9
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 951 reviews
    Great location, close to night market, KK sentral station and jetty terminal. Very friendly staff, great views from the hostel. Simple and tasty breakfast.
    Nicol
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £10.04
    8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 104 reviews
    This place has such an amazing vibe..amazing staff, bar downstairs, chill out rooms on every floor. One of the only places I've stayed in kk that feels like a real backpackers hostel. Great location for markets and waterfront. Good dorm size, comfy beds, basic facilities sure but absolutely amazing for the price. Highly recommended :))
    Abigail
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £64.85
    8.3
    Scored 8.3
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,330 reviews
    Great location, the highlight was the breakfast Buffett with its variety and quality. Great staff and amnesties( gym and the pool)
    chandika
    Family with young children
  • Avg. price/night: £32.51
    8.3
    Scored 8.3
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 971 reviews
    This place is suitable for those who want to be in the city, travelling without own car, and be within walking distance to most of KK city's attractions. The size of the room is adequate for short stays. But if you have lots of luggage, get a larger room. The staff are wonderfully helpful and friendly. And this place feels safe for a solo traveller. And it has an elevator, which is a big plus for a small budget hotel.
    R
    Rini Suryati
    Group
  • Avg. price/night: £35.55
    8.8
    Scored 8.8
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 1,422 reviews
    My go to hostel whenever am in Kota Kinabalu. Slightly pricey for the price of the hostel around, but soo WORTH it! I feel safe and comfort. The lounge above the restaurant is awesome. Only for the guest
    AM CRUZ
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £16.26
    8.9
    Scored 8.9
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 951 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!
    Delphine
    Solo traveller
  • 9.2
    Scored 9.2
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 270 reviews
    This is my first time staying in a hostel. Of course, it exceeded my expectations. The rooms were clean and Ivy (we have the same name 🙈) was amazing. If you are someone who likes to meet new people, chit-chat, and don't mind sharing the bathroom etc, then this is the perfect place for you! Found new friends here. Oh, they also have Netflix. I spent my two nights watching 6 episodes of All of Us Dead 🤣 I will stay here again for my next trip to KK.
    Delsie Ivy
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £16.26
    8.9
    Scored 8.9
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 951 reviews
    It is a just small hostel with a reasonable price and good service for backpackers or someone who travels on budget. The staffs are very friendly. Room is small and simple, but very clean. They also have a small cozy common area where you can watch Netflix for free at night or enjoy a beautiful sea view through a big window in early morning.
    Andieln
    Solo traveller

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