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Check prices for these dates

Next weekend
11 Apr - 13 Apr
In two weeks
18 Apr - 20 Apr
In one month
2 May - 4 May
In two months
30 May - 1 Jun

Compare 19 Hostels in Kota Kinabalu with updated reviews, rates, and availability.

Escape Backpackers KK
Private kitchen

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
Grapevine Garden
Exterior

Grapevine Garden

2.0 star property
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (16)
"garden of grapes, big and comfortable beds"
Grapevine Garden
Sarang Hostel Kota Kinabalu
Lobby sitting area

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 55
AED 68 total
includes taxes & fees
13 Apr - 14 Apr
Sarang Hostel Kota Kinabalu
Step In Lodge - Hostel
Lobby

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. "
The price is AED 56
AED 75 total
includes taxes & fees
17 Apr - 18 Apr
Step In Lodge - Hostel
Capsule Inn
Living area

Capsule Inn

2.0 star property
Capsule Inn
X-Plorer Backpackers - Hostel
View from property

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
TOOJOU Kota Kinabalu - Hostel
Cafe

TOOJOU Kota Kinabalu - Hostel

2.0 star property
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (10)
"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 147
AED 167 total
includes taxes & fees
6 Apr - 7 Apr
TOOJOU Kota Kinabalu - Hostel
Signel Hostel
Blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

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 60
AED 73 total
includes taxes & fees
12 Apr - 13 Apr
Signel Hostel
Jiran Hostel
Basic Shared Dormitory, Women only (8 bunk beds) | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Jiran Hostel

1.0 star property
The price is AED 42
AED 100 total
includes taxes & fees
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Jiran Hostel
Jesselton Cabin - Hostel
Children's area

Jesselton Cabin - Hostel

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

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
Borneo Backpackers
Bar (on property)

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
Happy Garden Resort - Hostel
Exterior

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
Victoria Hotel & Hostel
Exterior

Victoria Hotel & Hostel

2.0 star property
6.8 out of 10, (48)
"Bad but the boss friendly"
Victoria Hotel & Hostel
Vibrant Hostel
Lockers

Vibrant Hostel

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

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
HOOD - Hostel
Terrace/patio

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
Akinabalu Youth Hostel
Dining

Akinabalu Youth Hostel

1.0 star property
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (25)
"Nice and clean place to stay. It is easy to find and locate at lots of eatery place."
Akinabalu Youth Hostel
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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Other property types in Kota Kinabalu

Borneotel The Shore KK by CHG
Interior detail

Borneotel The Shore KK by CHG

3.0 star property
7.0 out of 10, Good, (10)
"Clean and centrally located Borneotel offers easy access to shopping and dining. Situated opposite the Filipino Handicraft market, it boasts efficient and friendly staff."
The price is AED 169
AED 191 total
includes taxes & fees
6 Apr - 7 Apr
Borneotel The Shore KK by CHG
Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu
Outdoor pool

Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu

4.0 star property
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (34)
"A very nice stay. Would come back again for sure."
The price is AED 282
AED 314 total
includes taxes & fees
13 Apr - 14 Apr
Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu
Sunset Seaview Vacation Condos City Centre @ IMAGO Shopping Mall
2 outdoor pools

Sunset Seaview Vacation Condos City Centre @ IMAGO Shopping Mall

3.0 star property
7.2 out of 10, Good, (115)
"Location was perfect for our stay. Information sent was perfect about obtaining the key and check in. Bathroom was smelly and toilet was leaking. Needed more bowls in the kitchen as well as a tea towel for wiping up. "
The price is AED 94
AED 121 total
includes taxes & fees
4 May - 5 May
Sunset Seaview Vacation Condos City Centre @ IMAGO Shopping Mall
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: Escape Backpackers KK - Located within a 20-minute walk of Suria Sabah Shopping Mall. You can take advantage of free breakfast and free WiFi, as well as tour assistance. Rooms come with towels, showers, and hair dryers. Grapevine Garden - Guests can enjoy free WiFi and free parking. You’ll find towels, showers, and bed sheets in all rooms. Sarang Hostel Kota Kinabalu - Located steps from Imago Shopping Mall. Property features include free WiFi and an elevator. Rooms come with towels, showers, and hair dryers. TOOJOU Kota Kinabalu - Hostel - Located within a 20-minute walk of Suria Sabah Shopping Mall. Property features include free WiFi, a restaurant, and a bar. Rooms come with towels, showers, and bed sheets. Signel Hostel - Located within a 20-minute walk of Suria Sabah Shopping Mall. You can take advantage of free WiFi and a TV in a common area, as well as multilingual staff. You’ll find towels, showers, and TVs 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, 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.