Kota Kinabalu
Malaysia · Price calendar
Dorm beds in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia range from $7 to $26/night over the next 3 months. HostelHawk tracks 16 properties. Cheapest upcoming dates: Jul 4, Jul 5, Jul 6.
Tap a date to see hostels available that night.
+5%/−5% = price change over the last 7 days for that check-in date
Hostel prices in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
A typical dorm night in Kota Kinabalu runs about $7.
Across the upcoming months, July tends to be the cheapest month (from $7/night) and September the most expensive (from $7/night).
At $7/night and up, Kota Kinabalu is a mid-range hostel destination in Malaysia.
Other cities in Malaysia
Hostels we track in Kota Kinabalu
- Faloe Hostel 9.6 · 915 reviews
- Homy Seafront Hostel 9.5 · 857 reviews
- Lavender Lodge Kota Kinabalu 9.4 · 656 reviews
- Akinabalu Youth Hostel 8.7 · 514 reviews
- Borneo Gaya Lodge 0.0 · 184 reviews
- Jiran Hostel 8.8 · 172 reviews
- Signel Hostel 8.7 · 60 reviews
- Vibrant Hostel 7.0 · 60 reviews
- Toojou Kota Kinabalu 7.6 · 37 reviews
- H2 Backpackers Segama 6.4 · 19 reviews
- Signel Poshtel 9.7 · 18 reviews
- Mile 36 Lodge 6.6 · 6 reviews
Local knowledge for Kota Kinabalu
Where to stay
Budget hostels concentrate along and around Jalan Gaya and the blocks running toward the waterfront. That puts you within walking distance of Jesselton Point ferry terminal, the Central Market on Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, and the Filipino Market on Jalan Berjaya for cheap grilled seafood at night.
Getting around
- Ferry tickets to the Tunku Abdul Rahman islands are sold at a fixed government rate at Jesselton Point, so ignore any hostel or tour desk offering to book them for you at a markup.
- The Gaya Street Sunday Market runs roughly 6am to noon. Show up before 8am for the full spread of local produce, cooked food, and handicrafts before the heat sets in and stalls start packing up.
- Long-distance buses to Sandakan, Ranau, or Tenom leave from Inanam Bus Terminal, not from downtown. Take a local bus from Padang Merdeka or a Grab to avoid paying taxi rates to reach it.
When to go
Hostels are cheapest and easiest to book in November through January when northeast monsoon rains keep visitor numbers down. July and August fill up fast as dive and hiking season peaks, especially if you want a Kinabalu Park permit.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a hostel in Kota Kinabalu cost per night?
Dorm beds in Kota Kinabalu currently range from $7 to $26/night based on the next 3 months of availability.
When are the cheapest dates to book a hostel in Kota Kinabalu?
Based on current data, the cheapest upcoming dates for hostels in Kota Kinabalu are July 4, July 5, July 6.
How many hostels does HostelHawk track in Kota Kinabalu?
HostelHawk currently tracks 16 hostels in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.
What's the cheapest month to book a hostel in Kota Kinabalu?
Based on current availability, July has the lowest hostel prices in Kota Kinabalu, with dorm beds from $7/night.
Is Kota Kinabalu affordable compared to other hostel cities in Malaysia?
Kota Kinabalu is a mid-range hostel destination in Malaysia, with dorm prices starting from $7/night.
Where do backpackers stay in Kota Kinabalu?
Budget hostels concentrate along and around Jalan Gaya and the blocks running toward the waterfront. That puts you within walking distance of Jesselton Point ferry terminal, the Central Market on Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, and the Filipino Market on Jalan Berjaya for cheap grilled seafood at night.
What is the best time of year to visit Kota Kinabalu?
Hostels are cheapest and easiest to book in November through January when northeast monsoon rains keep visitor numbers down. July and August fill up fast as dive and hiking season peaks, especially if you want a Kinabalu Park permit.