Written by Nomadic Nina| Last update: Aug 29, 2024
Table of Content: The Perfect Guide to Hostels
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Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Sabah, a state located in East Malaysia. KK is known for its breathtaking sunsets, vibrant night markets, and stunning beaches. As a popular tourist destination, KK has a plethora of accommodation options, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. In this document, we will be focusing on the best hostels in Kota Kinabalu.
When it comes to budget-friendly accommodation, hostels are a great option for travelers. Not only are they affordable, but they also provide a unique experience for guests. Hostels are known for their communal atmosphere, allowing travelers to meet new people and make friends from all over the world.
If you're planning a trip to Kota Kinabalu and looking for the best hostels to stay at, we've got you covered. In this document, we will be highlighting some of the best hostels in Kota Kinabalu that offer great value for money and an unforgettable experience.
Short and crisp: The Best Hostels in Kota Kinabalu
Let's talk about hostel prices in Kota Kinabalu. This graph shows you typical, average prices for a bed in a dorm and for a private room. Simply mouse-over to see rates for each month.
Prices can vary a lot, especially on high-season, weekends, and special holidays such as New Years Eve.
Average Dorm Price per Month in Kota Kinabalu
Average Private Room Price per Month in Kota Kinabalu
Full List of best Hostels in Kota Kinabalu
1 Signel Hostel
#1 Top Rated Hostel in Kota Kinabalu! Rating: 8.6
Signel Hostel is conveniently situated in the city center, providing easy access to various attractions. Located just a 20-minute drive from Kota Kinabalu International Airport, it offers a convenient base for travelers. What sets Signel Hostel apart is its commitment to sustainability and adopting a Go Green approach, making it the first hostel in Kota Kinabalu to do so. As part of this initiative, every alternate Friday is designated as Go Green day, and complimentary fruits are given to guests, promoting healthy living.
Signel Hostel offers a humble yet comfortable accommodation experience with a choice of private rooms and dorm beds. Each bed is equipped with individual reading lights and curtains for added privacy. The rooms also feature air conditioning, ensuring a pleasant stay. Bathroom facilities are shared among guests.
For socializing and relaxation, guests can enjoy the cozy lounge area where they can watch TV, play board games, and even request Nintendo Wii games for entertainment. Female travelers have the option to choose the female-only dorm room for added comfort and security.
Stepping into Jiran Hostel is like entering the heart of a vibrant, global community. Centrally located, it's a stone's throw away from the bustling streets of Kota Kinabalu, yet it offers a tranquil oasis for backpackers in search of meaningful connections. The common areas are designed with the social traveler in mind, effortlessly fostering conversations between wanderers from all corners of the world.
The dormitory-style rooms at Jiran Hostel are both spacious and comfortable, ensuring a good night's sleep after a day of exploration. Each bunk is equipped with personal lockers, reading lights, and charging stations. Plus, the staff pays great attention to cleanliness, so you're guaranteed a neat and tidy space to retreat to.
What truly sets Jiran Hostel apart is the immersive experiences it offers. From traditional cooking classes to communal dinners, every event is aimed at deepening one's understanding of the local culture and fostering connections. Whether you're a solo traveler or with a group, Jiran Hostel makes sure your stay in Kota Kinabalu is filled with cherished memories and new friendships.
Faloe Hostel is a hostel located near Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, that offers comfortable mixed-gender and female-only dorms with air conditioning and private space for each bed, including lockers, cupboards, and power plugs.
The hostel provides free towels and drinking water, as well as amenities such as Netflix, shared PCs, and daily housekeeping. There is a dining area, TV lounge, and smoking area for guests to enjoy, as well as highly equipped bathroom facilities and laundry service.
Faloe Hostel is located near various attractions and markets, including the International Airport, Sunday Market, Jesselton Point, Signal Hill Observatory Tower, and local cafes and restaurants.
Prices start from $8.68 for a dorm and $26.72 for a private room.
Homy Seafront Hostel is a modern and contemporary hostel located in the center heart of Kota Kinabalu city. The hostel provides modern accommodation with comfortable amenities and a beautiful panoramic sea view.
It is near the Waterfront and is just a few minutes away from major tourist attractions and entertainment venues like Imago Shopping Mall, Jesselton Point, the gateway to Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park island, Philipino Night Market, and Sunday Gaya Street Market.
Homy Seafront Hostel offers a safe haven for female travelers with available mixed and girl dormitories. Each share dormitory-style room has air conditioning and fully equipped bathroom facilities. The hostel has lockers, a dining area, and a common area with TV for guests to enjoy. The hostel is just a 15-minute drive from the airport.
Prices start from $6.28 for a dorm and $24.58 for a private room.
Nestled in the heart of Kota Kinabalu, Signel Poshtel stands out as the ultimate backpacker haven. This exceptional hostel effortlessly blends modern comfort with a vibrant community spirit, catering to the wanderlust-driven souls seeking genuine connections and wallet-friendly accommodations.
Signel Poshtel takes pride in its thoughtfully designed spaces that exude warmth and tranquility. Immaculate dormitories and private rooms are equipped with cozy beds, ensuring a restful night's sleep after exciting days of exploration. The hostel's communal areas foster a lively atmosphere, encouraging fellow travelers to share stories, plan adventures, and forge friendships. With a dedicated team of passionate staff members, Signel Poshtel goes above and beyond to curate unique experiences. From organized group outings to cultural events, every moment becomes an opportunity to bond and make memories.
Beyond its inviting ambiance, Signel Poshtel boasts a prime location, granting easy access to local attractions, bustling markets, and authentic eateries. Whether you're an introverted explorer or an extroverted social butterfly, this hostel seamlessly caters to your needs, ensuring your stay in Kota Kinabalu is nothing short of exceptional. Incorporating comfort, community, and cost-effectiveness, Signel Poshtel undoubtedly earns its reputation as one of Kota Kinabalu's best hostels, making it a must-book for savvy travelers seeking more than just a place to rest their heads.
Prices start from $11.83 for a dorm and $34.14 for a private room.
TOOJOU Kota Kinabalu is the latest and most happening destination in town, where travel seamlessly merges with social interactions. This cutting-edge establishment offers a wide array of modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for every guest.
Discover the ultimate relaxation in their cozy capsule beds, embark on exciting day trips to nearby attractions, satisfy your taste buds at their fusion café, engage in a friendly game or productive work session at the co-working space, and unwind with a refreshing drink at the rooftop bar, all conveniently located under one roof.
Stay connected throughout your visit with high-speed internet access, catering to all your online needs. For avid Instagram users, TOOJOU Kota Kinabalu has got you covered with numerous Instagrammable spots that will elevate your feed. Adorning the walls are captivating artworks by esteemed local artists, serving as a visual tribute to the diverse culture of Borneo.
Prices start from $15.96 for a dorm and $40.84 for a private room.
Vibrant Hostel is a budget-friendly accommodation situated in the heart of Kota Kinabalu, with various tourist attractions located within a few minutes' walk. Imago Shopping Mall and Riverson Kota Kinabalu are just a 5-minute walk from the hostel, and Gaya Street (Sunday Market), Filipino Market, Atkinson Clock Tower, Suria Sabah Shopping Mall, Oceanus Mall, Waterfront (Bar, Restaurant & Night Life), Jesselton Point, Signal Hill, and many other popular landmarks are in close proximity. Kota Kinabalu International Airport is approximately 8 km away.
Vibrant Hostel offers free wifi, continental breakfast, and all-day tea and coffee. The hostel has five floors, and there is an elevator that can accommodate up to 96 guests. The property features four 8-person mixed dormitory rooms, fourteen 4-person dormitory rooms, and four private rooms with a queen bed that can accommodate up to 2 guests. Free toiletries and shared bathroom facilities are available. All rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with a personal locker, reading lamp, and universal socket.
Prices start from $9.59 for a dorm and $24.19 for a private room.
Akinabalu Youth Hostel invites guests to enjoy a special rate on tour packages exclusively for in-house guests. The friendly team is always ready to assist visitors during their stay in Borneo. The spacious and clean rooms offer excellent amenities, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing stay.
The hostel's prime location in the heart of the city on Gaya Street provides unparalleled accessibility to all parts of the city, making it an ideal choice for visitors looking for convenience and vibrancy. The weekly bazaar held nearby adds a unique cultural experience for guests to enjoy.
Akinabalu Youth Hostel welcomes all travelers and wishes them a pleasant journey to the beautiful Isle of Borneo.
Prices start from $8.79 for a dorm and $21.71 for a private room.
Escape Backpackers KK is a welcoming hostel situated in Kota Kinabalu. It offers air-conditioned rooms and a shared lounge, providing a comfortable and social atmosphere for guests. The property enjoys a convenient location, with the Filipino Market Sabah just 400 meters away. It is also in proximity to various attractions, including the Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village, North Borneo Railway, and Likas City Mosque.
Guests can expect well-equipped rooms featuring amenities such as a coffee machine, ensuring a convenient and enjoyable stay. Bed linen is provided for all rooms. In the morning, guests can start their day with a choice of buffet, American, or Asian breakfast options available on-site.
The hostel's prime location offers easy access to popular points of interest like the KK Esplanade, Atkinson Clock Tower, and Signal Hill Observatory. For those arriving by air, Kota Kinabalu International Airport is the nearest airport, located just 4 km away from Escape Backpackers KK.
We've got your back when it comes to finding a great hostel location in Kota Kinabalu. We've gone ahead and mapped out all the hostels for you so you can get a good idea of where they're all at. This map will make your life so much easier!
What are the coolest hostels in Kota Kinabalu for female solo travellers?
TOOJOU Kota Kinabalu is the best rated hostel in Kota Kinabalu for female solo travellers.
What is the best way to find cheap places to stay in Kota Kinabalu?
Hostelz.com compares prices for 20 hostels in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. We list for you all cheap places to stay in Kota Kinabalu such as
9 hotels
1 guesthouse
Hostelz.com the best place to find cheap accommodation in Kota Kinabalu.
What are the best party hostels in Kota Kinabalu?
Faloe Hostel is the best hostel for partying in Kota Kinabalu.
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I'm Nomadic Nina, a curious and adventurous traveler who has spent most of my life exploring the world. From the deserts of Africa to the jungles of South America, I've traveled to dozens of countries on multiple continents, immersing myself in local cultures and learning about the world firsthand. Through my travels, I've gained a deep appreciation for the diversity and richness of the world's cultures, and I'm passionate about sharing my experiences with others through my travel blog.