6 hotels
Hostels and the Cheapest Beds in Kota Kinabalu
Hostels, capsule beds and the 1- and 2-star hotels we've checked. Most backpackers and Kinabalu climbers stay around Gaya Street and Australia Place, where the hostels, cafés and tour desks are; the airport-side entries are for a flight night only.
Generated from the same checked data as every hotel page. Last build 14 September 2026.

Image obtained from faloe-hostel.kotakinabalutophotels.com
| Hotel | Area | Stars | Airport | Pool | Booking | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goldenhill HotelNot the Golden Hill hotels elsewhere in Malaysia | Tanjung Aru | ★ | 9 min4.8 km | No | Ask us | |
| Borneo BackpackersAbove a heritage coffee shop in Australia Place | City centre | ★ | 17 min9 km | No | Ask us | |
| Tune Hotel 1Borneo | 1Borneo | ★★ | 25 min20 km | No | Ask us | |
| Eminent Hotel | Kepayan and Penampang | ★★ | 10 min5 km | No | Ask us | |
| TOOJOU Kota KinabaluCapsule hostel with private studio rooms | City centre | ★★ | 12 min | No | Ask us | |
| Hotel Deleeton | City centre | ★★ | 14 min8.2 km | No | Ask us |
Questions people ask
Where do backpackers stay in Kota Kinabalu?
Around Gaya Street and Australia Place in the old town. TOOJOU and Borneo Backpackers are the two most established; both are walkable to the Sunday market and the island ferry.
Where should I stay the night before climbing Mount Kinabalu?
Most people sleep in the city and leave at dawn for the two-hour drive to Kinabalu Park. Any Gaya Street hostel or hotel works; ask us to arrange the climb permit and transfer together with the bed.
Not sure which one?
Tell us your dates and what the trip is for and we'll suggest two or three that fit, then confirm the rate with the hotel. No booking fee.
Other ways to choose
- Luxury Hotels in Kota Kinabalu
- Budget Hotels in Kota Kinabalu
- Hotels Near Kota Kinabalu Airport
- Kota Kinabalu Hotels with a Pool
- Family-Friendly Hotels in Kota Kinabalu
- Kota Kinabalu City Centre Hotels
- Hotels Walkable to Jesselton Point for the Islands
- Hotels Near the Gaya Street Sunday Market
- Kota Kinabalu Hotels with an Airport Shuttle
- Island Resorts off Kota Kinabalu





