Skip to main content

The best hostels in Kota Kinabalu

Some of the best backpacker spots in Kota Kinabalu

Filter by:


Review score

Superb: 9+ Very good: 8+ Good: 7+ Pleasant: 6+
Our top picks Lowest price first Star rating and price Top reviewed

See the latest prices and deals by choosing your dates.

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.

Lovely hostel, and the nicest staff you could ever hope for. Set a little way out of the main town area, but lots nearby and easy to walk or grab to other places. 100% recommend.

Show more Show less
9.2
Superb
290 reviews
Price from
US$10
per night

Guest rooms at the hostel are equipped with a seating area. Featuring a shared bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer, rooms at Warisan Homestay 18pax Kota Kinabalu also offer free WiFi. At the accommodation each room is fitted with bed linen and towels.

A good place for solo travellers..

Show more Show less
9
Superb
5 reviews
Price from
US$45
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

Show more Show less
8.9
Fabulous
1,025 reviews
Price from
US$11
per night

Located in Kota Kinabalu, less than 1 km from Filipino Market Sabah, H2 Worldpackers, The Social Hotel provides accommodation with a shared lounge, free private parking, a restaurant and a bar. The property is around 5.1 km from North Borneo Railway, 5.9 km from Likas City Mosque and 10 km from International Technology & Commercial Centre Penampang - ITCC. The property is non-smoking and is situated 2.4 km from Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village.

With a private bathroom equipped with a shower, rooms at the hostel also offer free WiFi, while selected rooms are equipped with a city view.

Very nice place and good location , staff are very friendly ,

Show more Show less
8.3
Very good
136 reviews
Price from
US$8
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.

First time in Capsule but only good experience. Center in city good coffee and breakfast and helpfull maid ! Thank you very much everything and see you next time!

Show more Show less
8.5
Very good
197 reviews
Price from
US$9
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 was fantastic! It felt like a home away from home. She looked after my during my stay here and helped me more than I could ask for. She cooked (a free!) breakfast every morning and would always check in on you to make sure you’re doing okay, along with telling you all about thing such as bus time tables, events happening close by and food recommendations. A great place, very homely, but made incredible by the owner. Thank you so much!

Show more Show less
8.2
Very good
302 reviews
Price from
US$8
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.

clean and comfortable. Nice services from the staffs.

Show more Show less
8.7
Fabulous
227 reviews
Price from
US$14
per night

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.

Clean and quite place. Also located across the mall . After a horrible stay at another hostel, i moved to vibrant hostel and stayed just for 1 night in a private room. The place was very quite at night and i had a good night sleep. Regret not booking my entire stay here.

Show more Show less
8.9
Fabulous
512 reviews
Price from
US$12
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.

Located right on Gaya street, you can take food from the night market and eat it very chill at the hostel. It has an awesome super comfy common area and their TV offers netflix. It is walking distance to a bus stop that takes you to Kinabalu park, also to the Jesselton port to go to the islands and to everywhere else in the center.

Show more Show less
8.3
Very good
187 reviews
Price from
US$13
per night

Set within 1.3 km of Filipino Market Sabah and 3.5 km of Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village, Jiran Hostel Kota Kinabalu offers rooms with air conditioning and a shared bathroom in Kota Kinabalu. Located around 6.2 km from North Borneo Railway, the hostel with free WiFi is also 11 km away from International Technology & Commercial Centre Penampang - ITCC. The property is non-smoking and is located 5.4 km from Likas City Mosque.

The loveliest 10-day stay, an exceptional experience and facility with a 5-minute walk to the mall, night market, and cafes... made a lot of friends from across the globe, including our lovely Miss Ann..

Show more Show less
8.4
Very good
9 reviews
Price from
US$14
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

Save money on hostels in Kota Kinabalu – budget options available!

  • Warisan Homestay 18pax Kota Kinabalu
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 5 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...

  • Faloe Hostel
    Budget options available
    9.2
    Scored 9.2
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 290 reviews

    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.

    Amazing hostel, very social! Great facilities too

  • H2 Premium Backpackers
    Budget options available
    6.0
    Scored 6.0
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 1 review

    Situated within less than 1 km of Filipino Market Sabah and 2.8 km of Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village, H2 Premium Backpackers provides rooms with air conditioning and a shared bathroom in Kota...

  • Aeropod Hostel Economy Deluxe King Room
    6.0
    Scored 6.0
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 22 reviews

    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.

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

  • Homy Seafront Hostel
    8.9
    Scored 8.9
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 1,025 reviews

    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

  • Vibrant Hostel
    8.9
    Scored 8.9
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 512 reviews

    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

  • H2 Worldpackers , The Social Hotel
    8.3
    Scored 8.3
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 136 reviews

    Located in Kota Kinabalu, less than 1 km from Filipino Market Sabah, H2 Worldpackers, The Social Hotel provides accommodation with a shared lounge, free private parking, a restaurant and a bar.

    The property is in the middle of KK and very strategic place

  • Borneo Gaya Lodge
    8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 97 reviews

    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.

  • Oikos Poshtel
    7.6
    Scored 7.6
    Good
    Rated good
     · 174 reviews

    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

  • Nusantara Mattwaddien Hostel
    6.9
    Scored 6.9
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 336 reviews

    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

FAQ about hostels in Kota Kinabalu









Hostels that guests love in Kota Kinabalu

  • Avg. price/night: US$47.88
    8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 273 reviews
    Great location, clean, very fast communication, bathroom is on a balcony and it was really great experience. We enjoyed the stay there. Cheap and good. Can recommend it.
    Kristýna
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: US$46.76
    8.3
    Scored 8.3
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 144 reviews
    Met up with Joshua ...really a nice n helpful chap. Very friendly n committed to Margo guests. Rooms are very clean n new. Only alittle tied on space. Security to access rooms is well thought out n gd ...gives us a sense of safety esp for gals for a budget hotel....so thank you mgmt. Location is gd n near eateries n big shopping mall Imago ...walking distance. Will return again for sure ....thank you Joshua for making our stay extra special.... 🤗
    Jessie
    People with friends
  • Avg. price/night: US$20.15
    8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 97 reviews
    The place was in a great location, near night markets and lots of coffee shops and restaurants for during the day. The staff were really helpful, leaving keys in a safe box for us to check in in the early hours. The room was comfortable and had everything we needed - great value for money and would recommend a stay here in KK!
    Felicity
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: US$46.69
    9.5
    Scored 9.5
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 371 reviews
    Cheap and cheerful stay in the city. The room is very central, walking distance or short grab ride to the main malls and ferry port to get to the islands. Any issues we raised via whatsapp were resolved immediately. The owner is friendly via whatsapp and provided clear instructions for finding the place. There's a laundromat in the same block which is handy although there is no drying line in the room. Overall, I'd recommend if on a budget.
    Lorna
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: US$45.09
    8.8
    Scored 8.8
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 1,465 reviews
    Best hostel I've ever stayed in east Malaysia. Located at the heart of the KK town. Easy access to several tourist spots and local food spots. Stayed 3 quality nights at mixed bed dorm and it gives me sweet dream everyday.
    wayne weng
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: US$41.24
    8.3
    Scored 8.3
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,027 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: US$13.49
    8.3
    Scored 8.3
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 136 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
  • 8.9
    Scored 8.9
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 1,025 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
  • Avg. price/night: US$44.45
    8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 143 reviews
    Contactless check in. The cheapest room in town! Comfortable room with hot shower and wifi makes you feel lazy to go out 😂Efficient staff. Great location !ATM, supermarket, cafe and clinic are few steps away! I like the hostel environment with pleasant background music at the lobi..less scary when you came back late at night 🤣
    melissa
    Family with young children
  • 8.9
    Scored 8.9
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 1,025 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

Research, refine and make plans for your whole trip

gogless