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

Kota Kinabalu Hotel Guide - Cheap Hotels in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

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Check availability on Kota Kinabalu Cheap Hotels

Tonight
3 Oct - 4 Oct
Tomorrow
4 Oct - 5 Oct
Next weekend
9 Oct - 11 Oct
In two weeks
16 Oct - 18 Oct

Our top choices for Kota Kinabalu cheap hotels

1. Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu

Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
Australia
Thomas
€68
includes taxes & fees
12 Oct - 13 Oct
Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu

2. Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
Japan
Genya
€59
includes taxes & fees
23 Oct - 24 Oct
Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG

3. Mercure Kota Kinabalu City Centre

Mercure Kota Kinabalu City Centre
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
United States
Xiaobo
€67
includes taxes & fees
30 Oct - 31 Oct
Mercure Kota Kinabalu City Centre

4. Grandis Hotel

Grandis Hotel
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
Canada
Monika
€121
includes taxes & fees
7 Oct - 8 Oct
Grandis Hotel

5. The LUMA Hotel - A Member of Design Hotels

The LUMA Hotel - A Member of Design Hotels
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
United States
Raul Miguel
€68
includes taxes & fees
11 Oct - 12 Oct
The LUMA Hotel - A Member of Design Hotels

6. The SIGAR Hotel at Sutera Bay

The SIGAR Hotel at Sutera Bay
Kota Kinabalu
United Kingdom
Kevin
€65
includes taxes & fees
2 Nov - 3 Nov
The SIGAR Hotel at Sutera Bay

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

AC Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
Canada
Zhen
€28
includes taxes & fees
2 Nov - 3 Nov
AC Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group

8. Howard Johnson by Wyndham Kota Kinabalu City Centre

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Kota Kinabalu City Centre
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
Taiwan
Joshua
€40
includes taxes & fees
6 Oct - 7 Oct
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Kota Kinabalu City Centre

9. The Jesselton Hotel

The Jesselton Hotel
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
Malaysia
Henn Kiew
€56
includes taxes & fees
12 Oct - 13 Oct
The Jesselton Hotel

10. Horizon Hotel

Horizon Hotel
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
United Kingdom
Michelle
€100
includes taxes & fees
1 Nov - 2 Nov
Horizon Hotel
View all properties

Find out more about Kota Kinabalu

Discover cheap things to do in Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysia, is a paradise for budget-conscious travellers seeking adventure without breaking the bank. Start your journey at Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, where you can hop on a short boat ride to beautiful islands like Manukan and Sapi. Snorkelling here is relatively inexpensive, and you can marvel at the vibrant marine life without needing to splurge. Don’t miss the bustling markets of Kota Kinabalu, particularly the Filipino Market, where you can sample delicious local street food, such as fresh seafood and traditional kuih, at prices that won't dent your wallet. For those who enjoy nature, a visit to the Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre offers free entry and a chance to spot stunning wildlife, including various bird species. The Sabah State Museum is another must-visit, with a small entry fee that grants you access to fascinating exhibits about the region’s rich culture and history. Consider staying in the lively Kampung Air area, where you’ll find affordable hotels and guesthouses. This central spot allows for easy exploration of the city on foot, giving you the opportunity to engage with locals and experience the vibrant atmosphere of Kota Kinabalu, all while enjoying the comfort and convenience expected by .

Find the best cheap hotels in Kota Kinabalu

For travellers seeking affordable accommodations in Kota Kinabalu, these five budget-friendly hotels offer great value without compromising comfort. Each hotel boasts essential amenities, ensuring a pleasant stay while keeping costs low.The Klagan Hotel

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: The Klagan Hotel is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travellers looking for comfort in the heart of Downtown Kota Kinabalu. With an excellent guest review rating of 8.4, it provides essential amenities such as free WiFi and toiletries, ensuring a straightforward stay. Guests can also enjoy free self-parking, making it convenient for those exploring the area by car.
  • Other amenities: In addition to budget-friendly amenities, The Klagan Hotel features daily housekeeping services to keep rooms tidy and welcoming. Guests can take in scenic views of the sea from certain rooms and enjoy a meal at the ocean-view restaurant. The hotel's nearby the boardwalk and various local attractions enhances the experience, providing easy access to the vibrant culture of Kota Kinabalu.
  • Neighborhood: Downtown Kota Kinabalu
  • Nearby attractions: Kota Kinabalu Central Market - 0.4 km, Centre Point - 0.6 km, Anjung Samudera - 0.6 km

Top Kota Kinabalu Hotel Reviews

Grandis Hotel

Grandis Hotel

10/10 Excellent
"Everything was just as we expected"
Monika 1-night trip
Posted 4 days ago
Grandis Hotel
Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

10/10 Excellent
"The pool area was lovely and the rooftop bar was fabulous. Friendly and helpful staff. Food by the pool was great."
Rebecca 6-night trip
Posted 1 month ago
Le Meridien Kota 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 4 months ago
The Magellan Sutera Resort
The Palace Hotel Kota Kinabalu

The Palace Hotel Kota Kinabalu

10/10 Excellent
"Excellent services, Thank you"
Yasmin 1-night trip
Posted 7 months ago
The Palace Hotel Kota Kinabalu

Frequently asked questions

What is Kota Kinabalu like for travellers on a budget?
Kota Kinabalu has cheap accommodation options and a variety of places to visit, making it a great choice for a budget-friendly getaway. You can find ways to save money while getting to know this destination, which is home to attractions such as Centre Point, KK Plaza and Kota Kinabalu Central Market.
What's the best budget-friendly accommodation in Kota Kinabalu?
Based on our traveller reviews, TOOJOU Kota Kinabalu - Travel Meets Social is a top choice for a less expensive stay. Other good options for your budget-friendly stay include Sarang Hostel Kota Kinabalu and Signel Hostel.
How many cheap hotels will I find in Kota Kinabalu?
Choose a hotel that suits your wallet from 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, but bear 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 temperature of 28°C, while the coldest months are February and January, with an average of 27°C. The rainiest months in Kota Kinabalu are January, November, December and October, with each month seeing an average of 251 mm 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 fill your itinerary with activities that are easy on the wallet. 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 is a smart way to keep your trip affordable. The nearest airport is Kota Kinabalu (BKI-Kota Kinabalu Intl.), situated 4 mi (6.5 km) away. To venture out into the surrounding area, hop aboard a train at Tanjung Aru Station or Putatan Station. You can learn about your options for water transport at the local marina.

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