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Compare 26 Hostels in Kota Kinabalu with updated reviews, rates, and availability.

Grapevine Garden

1.0 star property
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (14)
"garden of grapes, big and comfortable beds"
The price is AED 46
AED 58 total
includes taxes & fees
24 Dec - 25 Dec
Grapevine Garden

Sarang Hostel Kota Kinabalu

2.0 star property
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (3)
"Unique,very beautiful, clean and tidy....nice "
The price is AED 54
AED 67 total
includes taxes & fees
2 Jan - 3 January 2025
Sarang Hostel Kota Kinabalu

Escape Backpackers KK

2.0 star property
7.6 out of 10, Good, (7)
"It was kinda tough to figure out where the place was given the small sign and hardly noticeable numbers due to the color choice. But after going up about 4 flights of stairs, comes this cozy little spot in the heart of the city. Air conditioner works fine and the food offered was alright. Just don't forget to bring your own shampoo/soap and towel! "
Escape Backpackers KK

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

TOOJOU Kota Kinabalu - Hostel

2.0 star property
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (9)
"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...
The price is AED 114
AED 131 total
includes taxes & fees
2 Jan - 3 January 2025
TOOJOU Kota Kinabalu - Hostel

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

EB2 Hostel

2.0 star property
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (2)
"가격대에 비해 숙소가 깨끗하고 좋았어요"
EB2 Hostel

Signel Hostel

2.0 star property
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (20)
"Friendly staff and cozy comfy beds - would definitely stay again "
The price is AED 59
AED 72 total
includes taxes & fees
31 Dec - 1 January 2025
Signel Hostel

Jesselton Cabin - Hostel

2.0 star property
7.6 out of 10, Good, (57)
"good ,clean & Best 👍👍😍😍😍😍"
Jesselton Cabin - Hostel

Jiran Hostel

1.0 star property
Jiran Hostel

Capsule Inn

2.0 star property
Capsule Inn

Homy Seafront Hostel

2.0 star property
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (5)
"The location is very strategic. Walking distance to Filipino market, gaya street."
Homy Seafront Hostel

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

Vibrant Hostel

2.0 star property
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (15)
"Comfortable and in a convenient location. Nice vibe."
Vibrant Hostel

Get Inn Backpackers

2.0 star property
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (6)
"Excellent example"
Get Inn Backpackers

Cozy Hostel

2.0 star property
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (1)
Cozy Hostel

HOOD - Hostel

2.0 star property
8.0 out of 10, Very Good, (9)
"It's acceptable for its price point, with good airconditioning and (somewhat) clean toilets. Wifi is slightly weak. And the room door lock is too flimsy so security is definitely a concern"
HOOD - Hostel

Borneo Backpackers

2.0 star property
7.4 out of 10, Good, (12)
"I love it. This is a really nice backpackers’ hostel and very clean indeed. The price is also very affordable"
Borneo Backpackers

Mari Jari SpaStay - Hostel

2.0 star property
5.0 out of 10, (2)
"I booked a single room. What I got was a plastic massage table behind a curtain in a women's day spa! Bathroom had cockroaches (plural). Hair on toilet seat. Very hard to find: taxi driver tried two locations, finally phoned spa admin. I had been in touch with spa by text, and asked about room location and key, as flight was arriving late. They merely told me door lock code; didn't bother to correct my misapprehension that I would be getting a private room. I never heard more from them. ...
Mari Jari SpaStay - Hostel

Halo Hostel

2.0 star property
7.4 out of 10, Good, (10)
"Halo hostel is a good option for couples travelling. The rooms are small, but have storage space, individual bathrooms and are clean. The area is really good if you want convenience. Walkable to the downtown area and jetty. Breakfast is made to order eggs, toast, fruit and coffee. My only con is that it does get a bit loud at night from surrounding bars, so just bring ear plugs."
Halo Hostel
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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Other property types in Kota Kinabalu

Homesuite' Home at The Shore KK

3.5 star property
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (9)
"nice place"
The price is AED 300
AED 402 total
includes taxes & fees
3 Jan - 4 January 2025
Homesuite' Home at The Shore KK

Homesuite' Home at Sutera Avenue

3.5 star property
7.0 out of 10, Good, (6)
"I like the quality of the apartment Wifi was a bit weak"
The price is AED 274
AED 375 total
includes taxes & fees
3 Jan - 4 January 2025
Homesuite' Home at Sutera Avenue

Borneotel The Shore KK by CHG

3.0 star property
7.0 out of 10, Good, (7)
"Nice place to stay"
The price is AED 201
AED 226 total
includes taxes & fees
4 Jan - 5 January 2025
Borneotel The Shore KK by CHG
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.

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: Grapevine Garden - Property features include free WiFi. You’ll find bed sheets and free WiFi in all rooms. 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. TOOJOU Kota Kinabalu - Hostel - Guests can enjoy free WiFi, a restaurant, and a bar. Rooms come with towels, showers, and bed sheets. Escape Backpackers KK - Property features include free breakfast, free WiFi, and tour assistance. Rooms come with towels, showers, and hair dryers.
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 24 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, Signal Hill Observatory Platform, and Kota Kinabalu Wetlands Centre. Cultural attractions include Sabah State Museum and Mari Mari Cultural Village. Locals like to shop at Centre Point and Anjung Samudera.
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.