Travelling on a budget to Kota Kinabalu is easy thanks to the abundance of affordable halal food and sightseeing spots. Accommodations? There are also plenty of affordable hotels in Kota Kinabalu that'll cater to your travel needs and budget. If you're planning a trip to the capital city of Sabah, scroll down our list for awesome budget hotels in Kota Kinabalu you can stay in!
Disclaimer: All nightly rates are based on a search in July 2020 (for 2 adults) for booking periods between September and October 2020. Prices are subject to changes especially during peak travel periods and over weekends. We recommend that you do a search before booking.
1. Cititel Express Kota Kinabalu
Starting off our list is Cititel Express Kota Kinabalu that is well-priced for budget travellers. A charming hotel that prides themselves for being refreshingly simple and comfortable, you'll definitely sense it the moment you step into your room. There are five types of rooms available, ranging from the Standard Room that's perfect for two to the Superior Quad that's ideal for a family of four.
Rate: Starts at RM103 per night on Agoda
Address: No. 1, Jalan Singgah Mata, Asia City, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Contact: +6088 521 188
2. The Atelier
The Atelier is a budget hotel in Kota Kinabalu that focuses on the guest's experience. While keeping the room rates low to cater to all types of travellers, The Atelier is sprawled with various themed rooms with amazing decors to match. You can wake up to a wall of leafy plants at The Botanist room, sipping a cup of hot coffee at The Cafe room or capture snapshots of your surroundings at The Photographer room.
Rate: Starts at RM104 per night on Agoda
Address: C-6-8, Aeropod Commercial Square, Jalan Aeropod, off Jalan Kepayan, 88200 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Contact: +6012 974 3303
3. Oikos Poshtel
Another budget hotel in Kota Kinabalu that strikes a balance between Instagram-worthy appeal and affordability is Oikos Poshtel. Just a short drive from Kota Kinabalu International Airport (perfect for layover passengers), this hotel is named after the Greek word for family and home. Depending on the size of your travel group, there are seven types of rooms to choose from. Couples can stay in the Deluxe King Room and small families can rest comfortably in the Family Room that comes with a view of the golf course or bustling street.
Rate: Starts at RM113 per night on Agoda
Address: Lot 72, Block L, 2nd Floor, KK Time Square, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Contact: +6016 881 2251
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4. Robusta Suites by mushROOM
Waking up at Robusta Suites is a pretty good experience too. A charming budget hotel in Kota Kinabalu, this boutique hotel is inspired by Tenom Coffee, a popular speciality coffee in Sabah. There are five types of rooms available and interestingly comes with an indoor wooden swing to bring out your fun side. Besides its convenient location (just a 10-minute drive from Tanjung Aru beach), this boutique hotel is also known for providing coffee foot scrub experience.
Rate: Starts at RM126 per night on Agoda
Address: Jalan Kepayan 2 K-1-3, Ground Floor, Block K, Aeropod Commercial Square, 88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Contact: +6014 620 8838
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5. Toojou
If you fancy staying in an Instagram-worthy budget hotel in Kota Kinabalu, Toojou might be the one for you. Named after tuju, the Malay word for 'destination', the hotel's bright colours and quirky design exudes fun, and that's exactly what you'll get. Guests can choose to stay at the Capsule Beds that are perfect for group travellers or the Studio Room that's ideal for added privacy. Once you're settled, make your way to their co-working space that is sprawled with bean bags and even a slide! The best part is, guests can access the co-working space for free.
Rate: Starts at RM151 per night on Agoda
Address: No. 12, Jalan Masjid Lama, Bandaran Berjaya, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Contact: +6088 534 888
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6. Mercure Kota Kinabalu City Centre
Even if you travel on a budget in Kota Kinabalu, you can stay in a place as stunning as Mercure Kota Kinabalu. Within walking distance from the historical Jesselton Point Waterfront, you can spot this affordable hotel in Gaya Street, Kota Kinabalu! Comprising four types of Superior Room that faces the courtyard or city, each room has a comfortable bed, working desk, and ensuite bathroom with rain shower. If you're planning to splurge on your next visit to Kota Kinabalu, Mercure also has a suite and apartment that are absolutely lavish.
Rate: Starts at RM150 per night on Agoda
Address: No 41, Jalan Gaya, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Contact: +6015 4876 1881
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7. ibis Styles Kota Kinabalu
Wrapping up our list of budget hotels in Kota Kinabalu is ibis Styles Kota Kinabalu! Situated in the commercial township of Inanam, this is the perfect place to rest after exploring the sights and sounds of the city. While there are three types of Superior Room to choose from, each room can fit up to three people, which is great if you're travelling with a group of friends or a child in tow.
Rate: Starts at RM155 per night on Agoda
Address: No 1, Jalan Taipan 28, Inanam, 88450 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Contact: +6088 285 888
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Travelling on a budget is possible in Kota Kinabalu, and we hope you've found the perfect budget hotel in Kota Kinabalu to spend the night. To make the most of your trip, check out our recommended reads below for more hidden gems, floating villas, and scenic accommodations in Sabah!