A calm sea with a boat anchored near a small island.

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Check availability on Kota Kinabalu Cheap Hotels

Tonight
Aug 14 - Aug 15
Tomorrow
Aug 15 - Aug 16
This weekend
Aug 14 - Aug 16
Next weekend
Aug 21 - Aug 23

Our top choices for Kota Kinabalu cheap hotels

1. Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
Singapore
KIAN HEONG
₩79,592
₩104,224 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 4 - Sep 5
Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG

2. Hilton Kota Kinabalu

Hilton Kota Kinabalu
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
United Kingdom
Ines
₩122,442
₩135,706 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 5 - Sep 6
Hilton Kota Kinabalu

3. Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
Italy
Davide
₩138,744
₩153,313 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 12 - Sep 13
Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

4. Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
United Kingdom
Kingsley
₩131,624
₩145,630 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 8 - Sep 9
Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

5. Hotel Capital

Hotel Capital
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
United States
Sofía
₩37,537
₩47,763 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 12 - Sep 13
Hotel Capital

6. CJ Residence

CJ Residence
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
Australia
Scott
₩38,776
₩45,354 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 8 - Sep 9
CJ Residence

7. Pan Borneo Hotel Kota Kinabalu

Pan Borneo Hotel Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu
United Kingdom
Claire
₩46,921
₩54,144 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 6 - Sep 7
Pan Borneo Hotel Kota Kinabalu

8. AC Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group

AC Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
Canada
Zhen
₩40,058
₩46,739 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 1 - Sep 2
AC Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group

9. Hotel Eden54

Hotel Eden54
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
Australia
Anonymous traveler
₩36,362
₩42,933 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 27 - Aug 28
Hotel Eden54

10. Hotel Gaia 95

Hotel Gaia 95
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
Australia
Brittany
₩31,813
₩41,013 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 17 - Aug 18
Hotel Gaia 95
View all properties

Find out more about Kota Kinabalu

Discover cheap things to do in Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu, the vibrant capital of Sabah, offers a paradise of budget-friendly activities that will delight quality-seeking travelers. Begin your adventure at the stunning Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, where you can take a short, affordable boat ride to explore beautiful islands like Manukan and Sapi, perfect for snorkeling amidst vibrant coral reefs. For a taste of local culture, visit the bustling Pasar Besar Kota Kinabalu, where you can wander through stalls brimming with fresh produce and local handicrafts, and savor delicious street food without breaking the bank. A trek up to Signal Hill provides breathtaking views of the city and surrounding islands, and it’s free! Don’t miss the chance to explore the lush trails of the Kinabalu National Park, where you can enjoy both easy hikes and stunning flora and fauna at no cost. For accommodation, consider staying in the lively area of Gaya Street, where you’ll find a range of affordable hotels and boutique guesthouses. This area not only offers close nearby the bustling Sunday market but also creates an opportunity to experience the local community, with its friendly atmosphere and diverse dining options. With attentive service and comfortable lodging, Gaya Street is the perfect base for your Kota Kinabalu adventure.

Find the best cheap hotels in Kota Kinabalu

Travelers looking for affordable accommodations in Kota Kinabalu will find these top budget hotels to be excellent choices. Each offers essential amenities and great service without breaking the bank.Signel Hostel

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: Signel Hostel is a top-rated budget option in Kota Kinabalu, achieving an impressive review rating of 10.0. This hostel provides essential amenities such as free Wi-Fi, making it a great base for travelers looking to explore the city without overspending.
  • Other amenities: Additional features include shared refrigerator and kitchenette facilities, allowing guests to prepare their own meals. The hostel also offers terrace access for relaxation, along with nearby street parking for convenience, ensuring a comfortable and budget-friendly experience.
  • Neighborhood: Downtown Kota Kinabalu
  • Nearby attractions: Kota Kinabalu Central Market - 0.6 miles, Kota Kinabalu Esplanade - 0.66 miles, Kompleks Asia City - 0.51 miles

Top Kota Kinabalu Hotel Reviews

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

10/10 Excellent
"The hotel location is fantastic. We had a sea facing room and had a wonderful view of the ocean and mountains in the background, as well as fishing boats. The gym is also well equipped - multiple stationary bikes, treadmills, exercise machines. The only down side is that there is a strong odor of cigarettes in there all the time. May be due to bad air circulation in that room. There is also a nice outdoor pool. The breakfast buffet was very good, with lots of local and western choices. Hotel staff are wonderful, very helpful, polite and customer focused."
Merkna 2-night trip
Posted 2 weeks ago
Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu
Grandis Hotel

Grandis Hotel

10/10 Excellent
"Great hotel for the price. Clean and staff were very welcoming. Plus, a great area with shops and restaurants."
Christopher 5-night trip
Posted 3 weeks ago
Grandis Hotel
Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

8/10 Good
"Great location , rooms were spacious but very dated property needing updating . Carpets were stained . Buffet was very good with a good selection of local cuisine."
Kingsley 2-night trip
Posted 1 month ago
Hyatt Regency Kinabalu
The Magellan Sutera Resort

The Magellan Sutera Resort

10/10 Excellent
"Gym was in a separate building which was a little bit of a pain and yoga sessions were further still which wasn’t great"
Jyoti 3-night trip
Posted 2 months ago
The Magellan Sutera Resort
Nexus Resort & Spa Karambunai

Nexus Resort & Spa Karambunai

10/10 Excellent
"I would say this resort has plenty of activities and amenities which is very convenient. Peaceful resort with a beautiful beach right in front of me. I wish the food selection and taste could be improved."
Madihah 2-night trip
Posted 3 months ago
Nexus Resort & Spa Karambunai
The Palace Hotel Kota Kinabalu

The Palace Hotel Kota Kinabalu

10/10 Excellent
"Excellent services, Thank you"
Yasmin 1-night trip
Posted 5 months ago
The Palace Hotel Kota Kinabalu

Frequently asked questions

What is Kota Kinabalu like for travelers on a budget?
Kota Kinabalu has a variety of cheap accommodations and places to visit, making it a great vacation choice for budget-conscious travelers. You can find ways to save money while getting to know this destination, which is home to attractions like Centre Point, KK Plaza, and Kota Kinabalu Central Market.
What's the best budget-friendly accommodation in Kota Kinabalu?
Based on our traveler reviews, Signel Hostel is a top choice for a less expensive stay. Other good choices for your budget-friendly stay include Sarang Hostel Kota Kinabalu and TOOJOU Kota Kinabalu - Travel Meets Social.
How many low cost hotels will I be able to find in Kota Kinabalu?
Choose a hotel that suits your wallet among Expedia's 18 budget hotels in Kota Kinabalu.
When is the best time for a budget trip to Kota Kinabalu?
Weather will likely play an important role when you plan your trip to Kota Kinabalu, and keep in mind that cheaper options are usually available when the weather isn't as good. The hottest months are usually May and June with an average temp of 82°F, while the coldest months are February and January with an average of 80°F. The rainiest months in Kota Kinabalu are January, November, December, and October, with each month seeing an average of 10 inches of rainfall.
What is there to see and do in Kota Kinabalu?
Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors with its major shopping area and island views, and offers plenty to see and do without spending a fortune. You can budget for the local attractions that interest you most, and then make time for sights and activities that cost little or nothing at all. Check out the area's cultural spots like Sabah State Museum and Mari Mari Cultural Village, or hunt for bargains with some shopping at Centre Point.
How can I get to Kota Kinabalu and get around on a budget?
Scoping out the transportation options in Kota Kinabalu can help keep you on budget. The closest airport is 4 mi (6.5 km) away from the center in Kota Kinabalu Intl. Airport (BKI). To see more of the surrounding area, hop aboard a train at Tanjung Aru Station or Putatan Station. You can find out about your water travel options at the marina.

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