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Hostels in Kota Kinabalu

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Travel insights for hostels in Kota Kinabalu

Use these up-to-date, data-driven insights about booking a hostel in Kota Kinabalu including ideal times to book, pricing trends, and more.

What is the cheapest month to book a hostel in Kota Kinabalu?

The cheapest month to book a hostel in Kota Kinabalu is June ($13). Conversely, the most expensive month to stay in Kota Kinabalu is September ($42).

What is the cheapest day to stay in a hostel in Kota Kinabalu?

The cheapest day to stay in Kota Kinabalu is Saturday ($16). On the other hand, travelers can expect to pay the most on Thursday, when the average nightly price is $47.

How far ahead should you book a hostel in Kota Kinabalu?

Save money by booking a hostel at least 3 days before your trip to Kota Kinabalu. The lowest price found when booking 3 days ahead was $15 per night.
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Cheapest hostels in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Discover affordable stays in Kota Kinabalu that provide a quality experience without breaking the bank. Hotels in Kota Kinabalu can be found for as low as $9 per night. There is currently one property in Kota Kinabalu that can be booked for this price. Escape Backpackers Kk is one of the hotels that can be booked for the lowest price in Kota Kinabalu. Price data was last updated on 18 September 2025
At the moment, these hostels offer the lowest nightly rate out of those we've come across in Kota Kinabalu. If you have the flexibility, change the dates selected to compare prices.
Escape Backpackers Kk
Escape Backpackers Kk

Escape Backpackers Kk

Unit Lot 8 Block J, 3rd Floor, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
0.5 km from city centre
Free Wi-Fi
Air conditioning
$9
Avg. per night
View Deal
Step-In Lodge
Step-In Lodge

Step-In Lodge

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
0.7 km from city centre
Air conditioning
$30
Avg. per night
View Deal

Other accommodations in Kota Kinabalu

Find the perfect theme hotel or holiday rental for your stay in Kota Kinabalu.
Mercure Kota Kinabalu City Centre
Mercure Kota Kinabalu City Centre

Mercure Kota Kinabalu City Centre

41, Jalan Gaya, Pusat Bandar, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
1.7 km from city centre
Pool
Free Wi-Fi
$78
Avg. per night
View Deal
Raia Hotel Kota Kinabalu
Raia Hotel Kota Kinabalu

Raia Hotel Kota Kinabalu

Jalan Sembulan, P O Box No 12908, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
1.2 km from city centre
Free Wi-Fi
Parking
$52
Avg. per night
View Deal
Asiana Hotel
Asiana Hotel

Asiana Hotel

Lot 1,8,910,11, Grace Square Shophouse, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
2.0 km from city centre
Free Wi-Fi
$33
Avg. per night
View Deal
Lavender Lodge
Lavender Lodge

Lavender Lodge

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
0.4 km from city centre
Air conditioning
Airport shuttle
Free Wi-Fi
$30
Avg. per night
View Deal
Lts Homestay At Sutera Avenue
Lts Homestay At Sutera Avenue

Lts Homestay At Sutera Avenue

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
1.1 km from city centre
Free Wi-Fi
$117
Avg. per night
View Deal
Promenade Service Apartment
Promenade Service Apartment

Promenade Service Apartment

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
0.3 km from city centre
Air conditioning
Airport shuttle
$22
Avg. per night
View Deal
Nexus Resort & Spa Karambunai
Nexus Resort & Spa Karambunai

Nexus Resort & Spa Karambunai

Off Jalan Sepangar Bay, Locked Bag 100, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
16.0 km from city centre
$94
Avg. per night
View Deal

Where to stay in Kota Kinabalu

Explore different neighbourhoods and areas within Kota Kinabalu to find the perfect location for your stay. Map data was last updated on 18 September 2025.
Whether you're visiting Kota Kinabalu for leisure or business, utilize the map to find hostels close to your ideal location. You can find more information on a particular hostel within the map by clicking on its name.

Facts about staying in Kota Kinabalu

Find useful tips and insights about staying in Kota Kinabalu to help you make the most of your experience. FAQs were last updated on 18 September 2025.

  • What is the cost of a hostel in Kota Kinabalu?

    On average, it’s $18/night for a hostel in Kota Kinabalu, though $16/night or less would be considered a good deal. The least expensive hostel our users have found recently was for $6/night in Kota Kinabalu. Try to avoid booking your hostel in July (the most expensive month). Booking in July (the cheapest month) could save you money.

  • What area of Kota Kinabalu is most popular to stay in?

    Downtown is the most popular area of Kota Kinabalu to stay in. In the past year, 1% of HotelsCombined users looking for Kota Kinabalu hostels searched within Downtown. Nusantara Mattwaddien Hostel is a popular hostel in Downtown if you choose to stay in the area.

  • Should I stay in a Kota Kinabalu hostel?

    Hostels in Kota Kinabalu tend to have a more active social scene than hotels, so they’re perfect for outgoing travellers looking to meet other people. Kota Kinabalu hostels are, on average, cheaper than other stays in the city due to their dorm-style sleeping quarters. However, this means you can spend your money elsewhere such as on local tours and events.

Find better results for your stay in Kota Kinabalu

Search cheap hotels with HotelsCombined. Use the hotel finder to search for the cheapest hotel deal for all major destinations around the world. HotelsCombined searches hundreds of hotel booking sites to help you find hotels and book the ones that suit you best. Since HotelsCombined searches many hotel sites at once, you can find discounted hotels quickly, including Hotels Under $75 and Hotels Under $150. Discover hotel discounts now and make your hotel reservation today.