Hostel in Kota Kinabalu cost $8 for a dorm. A private room in hostels in Kota Kinabalu cost $27. (based on Hostelz.com Price Comparison)
6 Best Hostels in Kota Kinabalu for Female Solo-Travelers
Written by Jasmine Phoenician| Last update: Aug 1, 2025
(First-Hand Travel Experience & Price Comparison)
Table of Content: The Perfect Guide to Hostels
Kota Kinabalu is where jungle meets sea and adventure is just around the corner. For women traveling solo, this Malaysian gem offers a blend of safe explorations, hearty street food, and incredible beach vibes. In this guide, we discuss the best hostels in Kota Kinabalu for female solo travelers, where you'll find friendly staff, convenient locations, and a unique opportunity to connect with nature—and fellow explorers. Whether you’re scaling Mount Kinabalu or unwinding by the shore, these hostels are your perfect base in Borneo!
What can you expect from these Hostels?
We carefully handpicked these hostels based on strict criteria to ensure a safe, comfortable, and welcoming stay for female travelers.
- Female-Only Dorms: Each hostel offers at least one dorm exclusively for female solo-travelers, ensuring privacy and a relaxed atmosphere.
- High Safety Standards: Safety is our priority. These hostels boast a safety score of 8 or higher, giving you peace of mind throughout your stay.
- Exceptional Cleanliness: A cleanliness score of 8 or above ensures these hostels meet high standards of hygiene and comfort.
- Outstanding Reviews: Only hostels with an overall rating of 8.5+ made the cut, guaranteeing excellent service,friendly staff, and great vibes.
- Female-Friendly Tag: These hostels are recognized for creating a welcoming environment for women traveling solo.
These hostels are perfect for making your trip memorable and stress-free.
Why Trust Our Picks?
At Hostelz, we prioritize your safety and comfort. These hostels are not just top-rated—they are verified through guest reviews and expert insights to ensure you have the best experience possible.
Clean, Fun, Safe: The Best Hostels in Kota Kinabalu for Female Solo Traveler
- Faloe Hostel - best for Party Hostel, Solo Traveller, Youth Hostel
- Homy Seafront Hostel - best for Youth Hostel
- Jiran Hostel - best for Youth Hostel
- Akinabalu Youth Hostel - best for Family-Friendly Hostel, Solo Traveller, Youth Hostel
For Female Solo-Travelers: The Full List of best Hostels in Kota Kinabalu
1 Faloe Hostel
- Dorm: from $9.06/night
- Private Room: from $30.18/night
- Based on our data, Faloe Hostel has the cheapest price on Hostelworld.
Close to Imago Shopping Mall, Faloe Hostel gives you convenient access to stores and local eateries. You can easily catch a Grab or taxi to the waterfront or markets for fresh produce.
Dorms have privacy curtains and secure lockers, and staff keep the entrance monitored. The lounge invites casual chats with other guests, and the small kitchen covers basic cooking needs.
Frequently named among the best hostels for female solo travelers in Kota Kinabalu, Faloe Hostel combines practicality with a welcoming vibe. It’s an easy choice if you want to be near everything.
See all Freebies and Hostel Events at Faloe Hostel
2 Homy Seafront Hostel
- Dorm: from $7.55/night
- Private Room: from $21.69/night
- Based on our data, Homy Seafront Hostel has the cheapest price on Hostelworld.
Sitting along the seafront, Homy Seafront Hostel offers sweeping ocean views. You’ll find a host of local food stalls nearby, plus easy transport to island-hopping tours.
Dorm spaces include secure storage under each bunk, and staff help with travel tips or day trip bookings. The shared lounge faces the water, making it a pleasant spot for sunrise or sunset chats.
Seen among the best hostels for female solo travelers in Kota Kinabalu, Homy Seafront Hostel pairs scenic relaxation with friendly security checks. It’s a memorable base for your coastal explorations.
See all Freebies and Hostel Events at Homy Seafront Hostel
3 Jiran Hostel
- Dorm: from $9.84/night
- Private Room: from $23.50/night
- Based on our data, Jiran Hostel has the cheapest price on Hostelworld.
Tucked in a quieter part of Kota Kinabalu, Jiran Hostel grants you quick access to local cafés and shops without heavy traffic. It’s easy to hop on a Grab for farther attractions.
Dorms feature personal lockers, and the front desk tracks who comes in. A shared kitchen and lounge make socializing effortless, or you can unwind in a reading corner if you prefer downtime.
Recognized among the best hostels for female solo travelers in Kota Kinabalu, Jiran Hostel blends a homey atmosphere with basic safety measures. Great for those who like a calm, social setting.
See all Freebies and Hostel Events at Jiran Hostel
4 Akinabalu Youth Hostel
- Dorm: from $8.03/night
- Private Room: from $23.29/night
- Based on our data, Akinabalu Youth Hostel has the cheapest price on Hostelworld.
Let us be your host for your trip in Borneo. Our team of friendly staff will be at your assistance whenever you require during your stay with us. Our rooms are spacious and clean with excellent amenities to ensure your stay is a pleasant one. Most importantly, the convenience that we can provide in accessibility to all parts of the city is second to none. Gaya Street, where we are located is the heart of the City, with a weekly bazaar held to keep all amused. We, at Akinablu Youth Hostel are looking forward to welcoming you and wish you a pleasant journey to the Isle of Borneo.
See all Freebies and Hostel Events at Akinabalu Youth Hostel
Map for 6 Best Hostels in Kota Kinabalu for Female Solo-Travelers
We've got your back when it comes to finding a great hostel location in Kota Kinabalu. We've gone ahead and mapped out all the hostels for you so you can get a good idea of where they're all at. This map will make your life so much easier!
Hostel Haven: Choose Your Character
| 🏆 Overall Best Hostel: | |
| 🤹 Solo-Traveler: | |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel with Kids: | |
| 🎉 Party Hostel: |
FAQ about Kota Kinabalu Hostels
We've collected the most common questions for hostels in Kota Kinabalu. The more you know, the better you can plan with confidence and ease, right?
How much are hostels in Kota Kinabalu?
How to find hostels in Kota Kinabalu?
Which hostels in Kota Kinabalu are good for families?
What are the coolest hostels in Kota Kinabalu for female solo travellers?
What is the best way to find cheap places to stay in Kota Kinabalu?
What are the best party hostels in Kota Kinabalu?
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So go ahead and start comparing prices and availability for all hostels in Kota Kinabalu with us!
Looking for hostels in a special neighborhood or near a popular landmark? Check out our special guides:
More Hostel Guides in Kota Kinabalu for Backpacking
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About the author: Jasmine Phoenician
I’m Jasmine, a solo traveler who’s spent years exploring the world on my own. I’m drawn to local food, everyday culture, and music scenes that tell you more about a place than any guidebook ever could.
Traveling solo has taught me how to read situations, trust my instincts, and handle the not-so-perfect moments on the road. I love it!
I write to share honest, practical experiences that help other travelers feel more confident, prepared, and safe wherever they go.
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