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

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Check availability on Kota Kinabalu Cheap Hotels

Tonight
21 Aug - 22 Aug
Tomorrow
22 Aug - 23 Aug
This weekend
21 Aug - 23 Aug
Next weekend
28 Aug - 30 Aug

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
Rp984.567
Rp1.291.946 total
includes taxes & fees
18 Sept - 19 Sept
Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG

2. Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
Italy
Davide
Rp1.626.293
Rp1.800.350 total
includes taxes & fees
18 Sept - 19 Sept
Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

3. Hilton Kota Kinabalu

Hilton Kota Kinabalu
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
United Kingdom
Ines
Rp1.551.572
Rp1.719.652 total
includes taxes & fees
11 Sept - 12 Sept
Hilton Kota Kinabalu

4. CJ Residence

CJ Residence
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
Australia
Scott
Rp489.543
Rp572.585 total
includes taxes & fees
8 Sept - 9 Sept
CJ Residence

5. Qlio Hotel

Qlio Hotel
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
Malaysia
Myona
Rp494.233
Rp577.651 total
includes taxes & fees
22 Aug - 23 Aug
Qlio Hotel

6. Mandarin Hotel

Mandarin Hotel
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
Canada
Tamara
Rp734.746
Rp837.422 total
includes taxes & fees
5 Sept - 6 Sept
Mandarin Hotel

7. Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
United Kingdom
Kingsley
Rp1.661.697
Rp1.838.512 total
includes taxes & fees
20 Sept - 21 Sept
Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

8. Pan Borneo Hotel Kota Kinabalu

Pan Borneo Hotel Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu
United States
Joo Ling
Rp583.713
Rp674.364 total
includes taxes & fees
14 Sept - 15 Sept
Pan Borneo Hotel Kota Kinabalu

9. Hotel Gaia 95

Hotel Gaia 95
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
Australia
Brittany
Rp401.620
Rp517.791 total
includes taxes & fees
27 Aug - 28 Aug
Hotel Gaia 95

10. Promenade Service Apartments

Promenade Service Apartments
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
United Kingdom
Janet
Rp367.390
Rp396.974 total
includes taxes & fees
20 Sept - 21 Sept
Promenade Service Apartments
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 .

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 3 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 1 month 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 4 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 6 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, Signel Hostel is a top choice for a less expensive stay. Other good options for your budget-friendly stay include Sarang Hostel Kota Kinabalu and TOOJOU Kota Kinabalu - Travel Meets Social.
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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