Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Sabah in Malaysia. Getting its name from the renowned and world-famous Mt. Kinabalu, the town is situated near said mountain. With its wonderful location and many things to do, it is a well-known travel destination for tourists, especially those who wish to travel around Sabah and Borneo. Mt. Kinabalu is not the sole tourist attraction near Kota Kinabalu. Located on the west of it is the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park. Not only that, but it is also one of the major industrial and commercial centers of East Malaysia. If you want to travel to this wonderful place but aren’t sure where to stay, take a look at this list of the best homestays in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 07, 2024.
1. Elegant suite with modern amenities (from USD 27)
Featuring a flat-screen TV, a kitchenette in some units, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi, the luxurious rentals at Homesuite Home at Aeropod SOVO give guests plenty of opportunities to feel at home. Convenient services like housekeeping, ironing, and express check-in and check-out will make your stay even better.
With an on-site wellness center, you can easily avail yourself of relaxation packages like couples massage and full body massage. The homestay also offers shared facilities like a garden, an indoor play area, and secured parking.
Homesuite' Home at Aeropod SOVO
Address: Jalan Sabah Rail Aeropod Sovo
1.7 km (1.1 mi) from Tanjung Aru Beach
2. Stunning sea-view home for families (from USD 182)
Reasonable pricing for spacious, well-equipped apartments with sea views.
Superb facilities including air conditioning, laundry machines, and a spacious living area.
Strategic location near a food court, mall, and city center, with fantastic sea views.
Convenient access to restaurants and a wet market within walking distance.
Waking up to the spectacular view of the ocean is not a rare occurrence in the homestays at Oceanus Pelagos. All the units here are built for comfort and features air conditioning, a fully functional kitchen, a flat-screen TV with streaming options, and a spotless bathroom. These spacious suites are best suited for families. Some other facilities to enjoy on the premises are the barbecue equipment, playground, and nightclub.
Attractions like KK Esplanade, Atkinson Clock Tower, and Gaya Street are nearby, in case you plan to explore.
Homesuite' Home at Oceanus Pelagos
Address: Oceanus Waterfront Mall
4.15 km (2.6 mi) from Tanjung Aru Beach
3. Comfortable room near the center of the city (from USD 23)
This is a family-run detached house. The hosts live on the second floor of the property and guests will be staying in the rooms on the ground floor. They are free to talk with the superb guests and are likely to receive helpful tips and guides regarding attractions and restaurants. Guests will be given one set of keys, one for the main entrance and another for the room. Breakfast is provided by the friendly hosts and the guests have complete access to two living rooms. Guests can also easily access the city, as it is only 10 minutes away and where they can eat sumptuous food or shop to their heart’s content.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
it has its own attached bathroom a comfortable bed and a quiet efficient air conditionerthe in room wifi is pretty great too thank you from the bottom of my heart kah lithe room is comfortable with an attached bathroomCleanliness:
her room & toilet is cleanrooms are clean and having a bathroom connected to itfurthermore the room was clean and comfortablefurthermore the room was clean and comfortablefurthermore the room was clean and comfortableHost:
nice & friendly host who is also a runnerlastly the host was very responsive and was always ready to offer help even after we check outi am very grateful for the hospitality of the bungalow hostshe is extremely kindkah li is a wonderful hostRead more reviewsLocation:
kah li helped us getting to the town and to the bus station very nicethe home is quite spacious and located within walking distance of the kk city mosqueit was a pleasure to stay at kah li's placespacious and very clean room in a quiet neighbourhood a short ride away from the city centrei had a wonderful time at kah li's place
Superhost
4. Home away from home (from USD 13)
This one-bedroom listing can house up to three individuals. The property lets guests be in control and, simply speaking, the owner lets guests take over the house and use it as they see fit, deciding whether to interact with the host or not. Guests are also welcome to use the kitchen, laundry area, and barbecue or go to the local supermarket to buy ingredients and cook their own dinner. The grocery store is just 10 minutes away from the property.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the room is nice and there was free water and coffee in the house* facilities like washing machine & dryer are availableCleanliness:
the place is very clean and cozythe room is clean with fluffy pillowsthe room was comfortable and cleanthe bedroom is quite spacious and it’s clean and tidy everything as displayed in the pictures* bathroom cleanliness could be better since my partner had to unclog it at some pointHost:
he is so welcoming and kindamazing host his offer of a free pick-up and drop off at the airport was such a big helpterry is really a fantastic host super friendly and always ready to helpterry was the best host we had during our 6 weeks journey through malaysiaterry is such a nice hostRead more reviewsLocation:
terry’s place is comfortable and decently close to the waterfrontwe just stayed at terry's place for one night on the way to kkit’s a great place to experience local sabah living stylei believe his place will be more comfortable in the futuregreat hospitality affordable price good location and many more
5. Cozy and traditional apartment (from USD 22)
With three bedrooms, this property can hold up to eight individuals. This homestay in Sabah’s Kota Kinabalu boasts a traditional design, but with a modern touch and a spacious living area. It is a corner unit located on the ground floor of the apartment. It is equipped with both air conditioning and heating, but Wi-Fi is not provided.
6. Two-story halal home (from USD 41)
Perfect for Muslim tourists and travelers, this Kota Kinabalu homestay is near the airport, state mosque, and other destinations. It has three bedrooms that can accommodate up to 10 people. Pork is completely prohibited in the house, as well as other non-Halal meat. Guests can access and utilize the kitchen, washing area, dining room, living room, and a garage that can hold up to two cars at a time.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
wifi connection is perfectwifi is superb fast with unifi and hypptvgood location clean easy access to anywhere friendly host big house fully ac hi speed wificheck in is hassle free and beds are comfortablethe house is very comfortable and pork-freeCleanliness:
clean n very tidythe house is clean and spaciousits very clean n great place for large no of guestclean comfort secure and nice place to staythe house is super clean would love to come backHost:
good host from the ownerjerry is a very nice hostthe host hospitality was greatgood hospitality with good hosthost is very friendlyRead more reviewsLocation:
location is very near to airport and attractionswhat a great place to stay near airportthis house is comfortable affordable while its location also near the airportnewly renovated home with good locationlocation is the greatest thing about this place
7. Friendly homestay near the city (from USD 40)
This property is only a minute away from Damai Plaza, the central business district of Kota Kinabalu. That being said, this homestay in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, is near multiple luxurious restaurants, as well as big and glamorous shopping districts. The host is kind enough to offer an airport pick-up for an extra charge. Tips and advice will also be provided along the way.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the house is nice and with 4 roomsCleanliness:
very clean and tidy placeclean n spacious place to staynice place to stay and the place is cleanthe place was spacious well equipped and cleanthe place was comfy and clean and we could not ask for a more local experienceHost:
kudos to the hostthank you so much for being a great hostthe host is very nice and friendlythe owner is friendly and local food he suggested was cheap and nicehost is friendly and help us on check in personallyRead more reviewsLocation:
good location walking distance to hangout locationwalking distance to damai shoplots which is also convenient for those who wish to eat outit’s a very good location of staying in this homestaya comfortable and well equipped house with an ideal location for eateries and shopslocation is nice and lots of shops just across the street
8. Peaceful environment for large groups
This is a duplex townhouse with three bedrooms, equipped with air conditioning. It can house up to eight individuals and is near the airport. It only takes around 15 minutes to get to the city center of Kota Kinabalu from this rental. The neighborhood is well kept by the management and is very peaceful and quiet. A public pool is available for guests to use as they desire. Most of all, the host gives guests their own space but welcomes questions and inquiries.
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
4.04 km (2.6 mi) from Tanjung Aru BeachAccommodates: 10
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
nice pool view from the balcony and covered car park for one vehiclenice location near to city centre and the house view facing swimming pool is super niceCleanliness:
the place is very clean and niceplace is very clean quiet and comfortablebeautiful house and cleansecurity ok very clean and convenient for big familythe house is quiet and cleanHost:
linda was a good hostlinda was helpful and fast responseshe is an amazing hostlinda was a very understanding and easygoing hostlinda the landlord is kind and easy to get on withRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is nearby to kk city centergood location nice house easy access in and outvery quiet location with security at main gates to the complexthe location is excellent it is close to so many landmarks in kota kinabaluvalue and hygiene is a perfect location for family trip in kota kinabalu
9. Work-friendly house near the airport
This is a two-bedroom listing that can accommodate up to four individuals. Perfect for business trips and work related travels, the property is only 10 minutes away from the airport. Although the owner lives in the property, she lives alone and visitors have their own personal bathroom, room, and even a guest-only living area. If you feel like socializing, you can interact with the host in the main living area. The house is fully equipped with a television, big sofas, a microwave, refrigerator, and a fast internet connection of up to 100 mbps.
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
4.91 km (3.1 mi) from Tanjung Aru BeachTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the room space is big which both of us stay comfortablyeven though it's a private room it feels like an entire place with lots of privacyCleanliness:
the place is very nice clean and so comfortablethe place is cleanit is comfortable and cleanexcellent extremely clean modern set upit is clean and with shampoo and body washHost:
corvina is a great hostcorvina is a great hosthost is friendly and caringthe owner is so kind and beautifulfriendly host with excellent local tipsRead more reviewsLocation:
close to many yummy eateriesthe location is great with a wide selection of different food options just a short walk awaycorvina's place has been exceptionally great i love the easy check in and the great location
10. Private, semi-detached house
This semi-detached, one-bedroom listing can accommodate up to two individuals. Guests are assured of a separate room and toilet. On the other hand, they have access to a large living room and dining table. The property is only five minutes away from Bataras Supermarket, where they can buy their necessities and other stuff. Domino’s pizza and 7/11 are also just a few blocks away.
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
5.87 km (3.7 mi) from Tanjung Aru Beach
11. Queen room inside a hospitable house
This listing is for one queen-size bedroom that can accommodate up to two individuals. It is a private room inside the house of a wonderful family with two pet cats. This listing comes with complimentary airport pickup by a multilingual driver that can speak Mandarin, Malay, and English. The owners are also hospitable and enjoy conversing with guests about possible tourist attractions, politics, or even general chit chat. Complimentary sausages, eggs, cereal, bread, tea, and coffee are also offered to guests. Guests are also welcome to cook in the kitchen and eat in the dining room.
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
7.94 km (5.0 mi) from Tanjung Aru BeachTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
having breakfast on the balcony was really romanticthe room has a relaxing ambience fuelled with air cond warm lighting and soft musicthe bed was comfortable and the air conditioning very welcomethe english breakfast is perfectwe loved the full english breakfast prepared by rene's motherCleanliness:
the room is very clean and cosythe house is very tidy spotless clean beautifully maintained and has a warm welcoming atmospherehouse was cozy and cleanclean house nice facilities and a very calm and relaxing environmentthe house is exactly like the pictures the rooms very comfortable and cleanHost:
wonderful hosts and elaborately decorated housei highly recommend this host to anyonerene and tessa were helpful to answer our questionsvery hospitable hosts would highly recommendvery nice accommodation and best hosts i can imagineRead more reviewsLocation:
we wish we had more time in kk & at your placerene helped us a lot in arranging transportation to another place before i went to kk-rene is super considerate he tune the radio to the chinese version of the jazz music stationfor whoever love a cosy life this is a can't-miss place to stayalthough i stayed for a night i felt enjoyable and relatable to stay at their place
12. Child-friendly home with a swimming pool
Perfect for families with little kids, this property can accommodate up to six people. Children are most certainly welcome here and the property has a swimming pool that the little ones are sure to love. As the young ones squabble in the pool, the adults can prepare their food in the kitchen. This rental is close to the Borneo Hypermall and only 20 minutes away from the city center.
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
16.78 km (10.5 mi) from Tanjung Aru BeachTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
will be much better to install aircond at living room and other 2 small roomapartment was very clean and complete with amenitiesHost:
nice host and good serviceattentive and helpful owner/ managementhost was nice and friendlyhost was friendly and kind personowner sister is friendly and she even waited for us at late nightRead more reviewsLocation:
good location if u planning to visit ranau and kundansangihsan's place is a good place to stay if you don't mind the travel to and from the citygreat clear and economical place to stay in kk
Enjoy the natural and modern lifestyle in Kota Kinabalu
Despite being very near Mount Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu is not a hermit city. It has kept up with the rise of civilization and offers a wide variety of entertainment and activities. Be it eating sumptuous dishes in luxurious and delectable restaurants, to seeing the world-renowned mountain, surely, there is something perfect for you to do in Kota Kinabalu.
Frequently asked questions about homestays in Kota Kinabalu
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