Malaysia Budget Accommodation
Kota Kinabalu

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Now, I haven't exactly tried every guesthouse in KK, but I got a general impression of the room standard. We didn't sleep in rooms where we would go: "Uuuugh!" or something like that. The standard is pretty much basic, and you get what you pay for!

This applies for KK, and for other places we visited in Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur, Semporna etc.)

Most of the guesthouses in Kota Kinabalu (KK) are located around Jalan Gaya, and there are a few lodges near the waterfront. Don't expect rock-bottom prices. I noticed that the prices for accommodation on Borneo are in general higher than the accommodation on the Peninsula.

Borneo Global Backpackers Lodge

Malaysia Budget Accommodation - Our room at Borneo Global Backpackers

Internet: 30 minutes
- RM 1

We stayed at Global Backpackers on our first night in Kota Kinabalu!

Our double-room was large, clean and simple. What I missed though, was a window!

I personally think that nothing beats the nice sun ray from the morning sun. The shared bathrooms were clean as well, but once in a while there was a water pool in front of the toilets. All we could do was jump. Haha.

When it comes to service, the locals who worked there were helpful and friendly. They helped us out with directions to KK town (which we really needed).

On the map, it seemed like it was near the center of KK, but we were VERY wrong! I think it took us about 30-40 minutes to get to town (by foot!)

Another thing we missed was some company because there were almost no other travelers there!

But don't get me wrong, I don't want to give them a 100% bad review... I mean, the lodge itself was good!

Where: Lot 29, Karamunsing Godown, Jalan Karamunsing

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Summer Lodge

Malaysia Budget Accommodation - Our room at Summer Lodge

• Mixed dorm: RM 20 per person

• Double room: RM 55-75

• Family room (3/4 persons): RM 85-135

Summer Lodge is a popular option for backpackers, and I could clearly see why!

The atmosphere was very chill and relaxed; you can hang out in their lounge (by the reception) and play games with other travelers, read a book on their couch or just chat with others!

When we arrived here, we were so relieved. At last we were in the center of KK!

After staying at Borneo Global Backpackers, we praised this place! It felt good to be close to the harbor and the food stalls without walking for 40 minutes. When I'm hungry, I don't want to walk forever (felt like forever).

So, wondering how the room was?

Malaysia Budget Accommodation - The shared bathrooms at Summer Lodge

For RM 30 each, it was in fact alright.

The room was spacious, clean and with a window facing the KK center.

Since we were in the 4th floor, the view was excellent! And they've chased away the bed bugs. There were signs in the hallway, saying:

"This building has been treated for bed bugs."

Haha! That was a relief!

I can personally tell you that they have gotten rid of the bed bugs. No itching or signs of creeps the three nights we stayed there!

The shared bathrooms were OK (as in run down, but clean) and some of them come with hot water.

Another plus was the staff. The young Malays by the counter were very helpful and attentive, and gave us useful information about the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.

We wanted to visit Pulau Manukan, and they were like:

"No, no. You should visit Sapi because it's cleaner and there are fewer tourists!"

We followed their advice of course, and didn't regret it!

They'd be happy to help you out with trips to Mt. Kinabalu, the nearby villages and wildlife parks, diving, white water rafting and much more!

Where: Lot 120 & 122, Jalan Gaya

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Best-rated accommodation in Kota Kinabalu

Didn't find what you were looking for? Here are some other suggestions:

HotelEden 54: from RM 119 per night

Read reviews of HotelEden 54 at TripAdvisor

Hotel Sixty3: from RM 180 per night

Read reviews of Hotel Sixty3 at TripAdvisor

Hotel Lintas Plaza: from RM 98 per night

Read reviews of Hotel Linsa Plaza at TripAdvisor

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