The 4 Best Hostels in Kota Kinabalu
Formerly known as Jesselton, Kota Kinabalu is the capital of the Kota Kinabalu District. Without a doubt, KK (as it’s referred to both in Malaysia and internationally) is a major tourist destination thanks to its many beautiful sights, such as the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park to its west and Mount Kinabalu, which gave the city its name, to its east. It’s also a gateway for travelers looking to visit Sabah and Borneo.
There are many other tourist attractions in and around the city, including Kinabalu Park, about 90 kilometers away. Visiting this area is highly encouraged. To help you plan your future trip, here is a list of the 4 best hostels available.
1. Homy Seafront Hostel
- Price: Around 7 Euros a night.
- Location: .
- Does it have hostel vibe? It has a superb hostel-like vibe that many guests enjoy.
- Does it have good Wi-Fi connection? Yes, it has a free, high-speed connection.
- Is the breakfast included? Yes, breakfast is included for free.
With modern accommodations and comfortable amenities, we start our list with the Homy Seafront Hostel, located in the center and heart of Kota Kinabalu. Any guest spending the night will be welcomed by a friendly staff to rooms with comfortable beds that provide privacy and personal space, as well as areas to relax and connect with other travelers, such as the common area or the main dining area.
The property is strategically located close to major tourist attractions and entertainment venues, like the Imago Shopping Mall and the Sunday Gaya Street Market. It’s also perfect for those looking to experience the city’s nightlife to its fullest.
2. Faloe Hostel
- Price: Around 7 Euros a night (Private rooms can go for up to 30 Euros a night).
- Location: .
- Does it have hostel vibe? It has a superb hostel-like vibe that many guests enjoy.
- Does it have good Wi-Fi connection? Yes, it has a free, high-speed connection.
- Is the breakfast included? No, breakfast isn’t included for free.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first adventure, the Faloe Hostel warmly welcomes everyone. Having reinvented itself after the events that shook the world in 2020, the property offers comfortable dorms and private rooms with air conditioning and fast, free Wi-Fi.
You can relax in the hostel’s common area, connecting with others through available board games or the main TV. Alternatively, take a trip to one of the many nearby tourist attractions, such as the waterfront bars and bistros or the Signal Hill Observatory Tower, to name a few.
3. Vibrant Hostel
- Price: Around 9 Euros a night (Private rooms can go for up to 24 Euros a night).
- Location:
- Does it have hostel vibe? It has a good, hostel-like vibe.
- Does it have good Wi-Fi connection? Yes, it has a free, high-speed connection.
- Is the breakfast included? No, breakfast isn’t included for free.
Also located in the heart of Kota Kinabalu, the Vibrant Hostel is conveniently close to most of the city’s attractions like the Gaya Street Sunday Market, Oceanus Mall, and Jesselton Point. Whenever you’re not exploring the city, you can chill at the property with free, high-speed Wi-Fi available to guests in the game room or the common lounge.
With 5 floors, the hostel can easily accommodate up to 96 travelers, offering both dormitory rooms and private rooms. Each room comes with air conditioning, a personal locker, a reading lamp, and a universal socket, guaranteeing a good night’s sleep and a comfortable stay.
4. Toojou Kota Kinabalu
- Price: Around 12 Euros a night (Private rooms can go for up to 40 Euros a night).
- Location: .
- Does it have hostel vibe? It has a superb hostel-like vibe that many guests enjoy.
- Does it have good Wi-Fi connection? Yes, it has a free, high-speed connection.
- Is the breakfast included? No, breakfast isn’t included for free.
To finish our list, we have Toojou Kota Kinabalu, a hostel equipped with state-of-the-art amenities for a comfortable stay. The walls are decorated with artwork from renowned local artists as a tribute to Borneo’s culture. The hostel features comfy capsule-style beds and a co-working space where travelers can unwind by playing a game or two with other guests.
You can grab a bite at their fusion cafe or a mug of beer at the rooftop bar, while staying connected with the world thanks to their high-speed Wi-Fi. If you want to explore more of the city, you can easily book a day trip to nearby attractions through the hostel.