Free cancellation options if plans change
Earn rewards on every night you stay
Save more with Member Prices
Check prices for these dates
Where to stay in Sabah?
Properties are selected based on real traveler reviews and popularity among guests who’ve booked a night in Sabah on Hotels.com. These Sabah Cheap Hotels consistently deliver on quality, location and traveler experience. Last updated on October 6, 2026.
Top Cheap Hotels in Kota Kinabalu
Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG
Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG4.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (240 reviews)
9.2/10
Wonderful
(240 reviews)
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (56 reviews)
9.6/10
Exceptional
(56 reviews)
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,000 reviews)
9.2/10
Wonderful
(1,000 reviews)
Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu
Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu4.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (80 reviews)
9.0/10
Wonderful
(80 reviews)
AC Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group
AC Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group3.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (97 reviews)
9.6/10
Exceptional
(97 reviews)
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (220 reviews)
9.2/10
Wonderful
(220 reviews)
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,002 reviews)
9.0/10
Wonderful
(1,002 reviews)
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (314 reviews)
8.4/10
Very good
(314 reviews)
7.6 out of 10, Good, (35 reviews)
7.6/10
Good
(35 reviews)
7.6 out of 10, Good, (740 reviews)
7.6/10
Good
(740 reviews)
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Kota Kinabalu City Centre
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Kota Kinabalu City Centre3.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
7.8 out of 10, Good, (380 reviews)
7.8/10
Good
(380 reviews)
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (25 reviews)
8.4/10
Very good
(25 reviews)
8.0 out of 10, Very good, (604 reviews)
8.0/10
Very good
(604 reviews)
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,005 reviews)
8.6/10
Excellent
(1,005 reviews)
7.2 out of 10, Good, (740 reviews)
7.2/10
Good
(740 reviews)
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (1,000 reviews)
8.4/10
Very good
(1,000 reviews)
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (3 reviews)
8.8/10
Excellent
(3 reviews)
7.8 out of 10, Good, (1,000 reviews)
7.8/10
Good
(1,000 reviews)
Palette Kota Kinabalu Near by Imago Shopping Mall Formerly Zara's Boutique Hotel
Palette Kota Kinabalu Near by Imago Shopping Mall Formerly Zara's Boutique Hotel3.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
7.0 out of 10, Good, (69 reviews)
7.0/10
Good
(69 reviews)
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (196 reviews)
8.8/10
Excellent
(196 reviews)
Top Cheap Hotels in Sandakan
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (48 reviews)
9.6/10
Exceptional
(48 reviews)
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (1 review)
10/10
Exceptional
(1 review)
Tanini Sepilok (Formerly Nature Lodge Sepilok)
Tanini Sepilok (Formerly Nature Lodge Sepilok)2.5 star property
Sandakan
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (82 reviews)
8.6/10
Excellent
(82 reviews)
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (387 reviews)
8.6/10
Excellent
(387 reviews)
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (101 reviews)
8.6/10
Excellent
(101 reviews)
7.6 out of 10, Good, (245 reviews)
7.6/10
Good
(245 reviews)
7.8 out of 10, Good, (169 reviews)
7.8/10
Good
(169 reviews)
7.2 out of 10, Good, (81 reviews)
7.2/10
Good
(81 reviews)
7.0 out of 10, Good, (23 reviews)
7.0/10
Good
(23 reviews)
7.2 out of 10, Good, (40 reviews)
7.2/10
Good
(40 reviews)
8.0 out of 10, Very good, (3 reviews)
8.0/10
Very good
(3 reviews)
7.8 out of 10, Good, (67 reviews)
7.8/10
Good
(67 reviews)
8.0 out of 10, Very good, (13 reviews)
8.0/10
Very good
(13 reviews)
Gloria Swiss Hotel & Apartment Sandakan
Gloria Swiss Hotel & Apartment Sandakan3.0 star property
Sandakan
7.8 out of 10, Good, (19 reviews)
7.8/10
Good
(19 reviews)
7.6 out of 10, Good, (7 reviews)
7.6/10
Good
(7 reviews)
Top Cheap Hotels in Semporna
6.8 out of 10, Good, (6 reviews)
6.8/10
Good
(6 reviews)
6.8 out of 10, Good, (32 reviews)
6.8/10
Good
(32 reviews)
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (47 reviews)
8.6/10
Excellent
(47 reviews)
6.6 out of 10, Good, (27 reviews)
6.6/10
Good
(27 reviews)
6.6 out of 10, Good, (4 reviews)
6.6/10
Good
(4 reviews)
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (7 reviews)
8.4/10
Very good
(7 reviews)
6.4 out of 10, Good, (7 reviews)
6.4/10
Good
(7 reviews)
6.8 out of 10, Good, (9 reviews)
6.8/10
Good
(9 reviews)
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (4 reviews)
8.6/10
Excellent
(4 reviews)
6.0 out of 10, Good, (1 review)
6.0/10
Good
(1 review)
5.4 out of 10, (12 reviews)
5.4/10
(12 reviews)
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (9 reviews)
9.4/10
Exceptional
(9 reviews)
Sipadan Inn Service Apartments Semporna
Sipadan Inn Service Apartments Semporna3.5 star property
Semporna
7.0 out of 10, Good, (4 reviews)
7.0/10
Good
(4 reviews)
Panglima Resort Bum Bum Island, Semporna
Panglima Resort Bum Bum Island, Semporna3.0 star property
Bum Bum Island
2.0 out of 10, (2 reviews)
2.0/10
(2 reviews)
Top Cheap Hotels in Gaya Island
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (520 reviews)
8.4/10
Very good
(520 reviews)
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (199 reviews)
8.6/10
Excellent
(199 reviews)
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (451 reviews)
8.8/10
Excellent
(451 reviews)
Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu
Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu5.0 star property
Tanjung Aru
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,000 reviews)
9.2/10
Wonderful
(1,000 reviews)
Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG
Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG4.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (240 reviews)
9.2/10
Wonderful
(240 reviews)
Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu
Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu4.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (80 reviews)
9.0/10
Wonderful
(80 reviews)
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,002 reviews)
9.0/10
Wonderful
(1,002 reviews)
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,000 reviews)
9.2/10
Wonderful
(1,000 reviews)
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (1,000 reviews)
8.4/10
Very good
(1,000 reviews)
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (56 reviews)
9.6/10
Exceptional
(56 reviews)
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,005 reviews)
8.6/10
Excellent
(1,005 reviews)
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (220 reviews)
9.2/10
Wonderful
(220 reviews)
7.6 out of 10, Good, (740 reviews)
7.6/10
Good
(740 reviews)
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,001 reviews)
9.2/10
Wonderful
(1,001 reviews)
7.2 out of 10, Good, (740 reviews)
7.2/10
Good
(740 reviews)
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (3 reviews)
8.8/10
Excellent
(3 reviews)
8.0 out of 10, Very good, (203 reviews)
8.0/10
Very good
(203 reviews)
Mercure Kota Kinabalu City Centre
Mercure Kota Kinabalu City Centre4.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
8.0 out of 10, Very good, (737 reviews)
8.0/10
Very good
(737 reviews)
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (1,000 reviews)
8.4/10
Very good
(1,000 reviews)
8.0 out of 10, Very good, (604 reviews)
8.0/10
Very good
(604 reviews)
Top cities in Sabah
Kota Kinabalu
The romantic city of Kota Kinabalu is full of attractions, such as Centre Point and KK Plaza, and is loved for its swimming and shopping.
Sandakan
Sandakan is known for its temples and offers a host of attractions, such as Sandakan Harbour Mall and Sandakan Rainforest Park.
Gaya Island
The romantic city of Gaya Island is perfect for visiting Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, and is loved for its beaches and spas.
Tuaran
Tuaran is known for its beaches and restaurants, and entices visitors with popular attractions including Shangri-la Rasa Ria Nature Reserve and Upside Down House.
Kota Kinabatangan
Kota Kinabatangan has lots of attractions such as Bukit Batangan and Bukit Belanda.
Top landmarks in Sabah
Photo by Iqbal Selamat
Open Photo by Iqbal Selamat
Imago Shopping Mall
8.6/10 (662 reviews)
If you want to give your credit card some exercise, head out to Imago Shopping Mall in Downtown Kota Kinabalu. Why not take a stroll along the marina and watch the sunset while you're here? Splash some more cash at Centre Point, Kota Kinabalu Central Market, and KK Plaza.
Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
9.2/10 (91 reviews)
It's feeding time at the zoo! If you want to be reminded of some of the great animals our world is home to, you might want to pay a trip to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, located 0.8 mi (1.3 km) from central Sepilok. If you have fun at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, you'll love Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre, just a short walk away.
Gaya Street Sunday Market
8.2/10 (478 reviews)
If you like strolling among the stalls, you might want to head out to Gaya Street Sunday Market in Downtown Kota Kinabalu and take in the atmosphere. Why not take a stroll along the marina and watch the sunset while you're here? Splash some more cash at KK Plaza, Suria Sabah Shopping Mall, and Kota Kinabalu Central Market.
Check out the Sabah hotels guests love right now
Kokol Haven Resort
Kokol Haven ResortKota Kinabalu
10/10 Exceptional
Great views. If you don't have your own transportation, you're a bit isolated here. But that's part of the draw. It's about an hour's drive from the city, and it's generally quiet and has fantastic scenery. On weekends, it gets a little busy with day visitors who come for the sunset and enjoy a meal in the restaurant.
Great views. If you don't have your own transportation, you're a bit isolated here. But that's part of the draw. It's about an hour's drive from the city, and it's generally quiet and has fantastic scenery. On weekends, it gets a little busy with day visitors who come for the sunset and enjoy a meal in the restaurant.
Philip
The Gem Hotel Beaufort
The Gem Hotel BeaufortBeaufort
10/10 Exceptional
Was great!
Was great!
Stephen
HotSpot at City Centre by SSVC
HotSpot at City Centre by SSVCDowntown Kota Kinabalu
10/10 Exceptional
Great hotel.
Great hotel.
Zachary
Kokol Heights Villa
Kokol Heights VillaKota Kinabalu
8/10 Very good
Need to improve on the cleanliness of the kitchen. Inspect the kitchen utensils, the water filter is leaking, the dish soup is non-existent, the drying rack left in the kitchen cupboard to house insects, the living room sofa leather was teared apart.
The amenities advertised includes water bottles, but when asked for it from the staff on site, it’s not provided as complimentary. The bedroom door cannot be locked for some room, there’s stain on every bed and bedsheets.
Overall the 3 bedroom...
Need to improve on the cleanliness of the kitchen. Inspect the kitchen utensils, the water filter is leaking, the dish soup is non-existent, the drying rack left in the kitchen cupboard to house insects, the living room sofa leather was teared apart.
The amenities advertised includes water bottles, but when asked for it from the staff on site, it’s not provided as complimentary. The bedroom door cannot be locked for some room, there’s stain on every bed and bedsheets.
Overall the 3 bedroom...
Kathrina
Hotel Eden54
Hotel Eden54Downtown Kota Kinabalu
10/10 Exceptional
Stayed for 3 nights.
The room was clean and comfortable.
The staff was friendly and helpful.
Stayed for 3 nights.
The room was clean and comfortable.
The staff was friendly and helpful.
Sergey
Hotel DeLeeton
Hotel DeLeetonDowntown Kota Kinabalu
10/10 Exceptional
It was amazing stay. Really comfortable & hope once I come to KK afain I'll stay at DeLeeton again.
It was amazing stay. Really comfortable & hope once I come to KK afain I'll stay at DeLeeton again.
Afiqah
Kinabalu Poring Vacation Lodge - Hostel
Kinabalu Poring Vacation Lodge - HostelRanau
10/10 Exceptional
Hosts are very friendly and generous. Treated me as their own son.
Hosts are very friendly and generous. Treated me as their own son.
Hirano
Walk In Hotel
Walk In HotelDowntown Kota Kinabalu
10/10 Exceptional
Happy I stayed here.
Stayed here last year, too and liked the clean room, clean and comfortable bed, nice warm showers.
3 bottles of water everyday.
Can make tea or coffee in room with electric kettle.
Great on the budget.
Don’t expect amenities.
Lots of places to eat walking distance and Gaya street is few blocks away.
Happy I stayed here.
Stayed here last year, too and liked the clean room, clean and comfortable bed, nice warm showers.
3 bottles of water everyday.
Can make tea or coffee in room with electric kettle.
Great on the budget.
Don’t expect amenities.
Lots of places to eat walking distance and Gaya street is few blocks away.
TEK FOH
A Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group
A Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay GroupDowntown Kota Kinabalu
10/10 Exceptional
These guys know what they're doing.
Absolutely amazing communication immediately after booking. They send you all the details. And tell you to update them when you're on your way. So if you're lost they will help you find the way.
The interior design, the lighting, the quality and finishing, the marble used. You would think you are at a 5 star hotel. But the prices are waaaaay more attainble and what you're pay for. You are getting a bargain.
Just the quality of toilet paper they're using...
These guys know what they're doing.
Absolutely amazing communication immediately after booking. They send you all the details. And tell you to update them when you're on your way. So if you're lost they will help you find the way.
The interior design, the lighting, the quality and finishing, the marble used. You would think you are at a 5 star hotel. But the prices are waaaaay more attainble and what you're pay for. You are getting a bargain.
Just the quality of toilet paper they're using...
Rabih
Sky Hotel Kota Kinabalu
Sky Hotel Kota KinabaluDowntown Kota Kinabalu
10/10 Exceptional
The room is nice and clean . Breakfast is vegetarian food and it's delicious . The hotel staffs are so so nice and friendly and very helpful ...The hotel is very closed to the international Airport ..
The room is nice and clean . Breakfast is vegetarian food and it's delicious . The hotel staffs are so so nice and friendly and very helpful ...The hotel is very closed to the international Airport ..
Thein
Hotel Meliden
Hotel MelidenSandakan
10/10 Exceptional
Staff excellent. Many restaurants all around the restaurant. This is one of the finest food sanctuaries in town.
Staff excellent. Many restaurants all around the restaurant. This is one of the finest food sanctuaries in town.
Tony K
Seaview Capsule Hotel
Seaview Capsule HotelDowntown Kota Kinabalu
10/10 Exceptional
It was a good stay in Seaview Capsule with the magnificent sea view and the super friendly staffs. The cleaniness was excellent.! Definitely will come back again.!
It was a good stay in Seaview Capsule with the magnificent sea view and the super friendly staffs. The cleaniness was excellent.! Definitely will come back again.!
SusanLullaby
Ideal Holiday Apartment Marina Court
Ideal Holiday Apartment Marina CourtDowntown Kota Kinabalu
8/10 Very good
It was a condo in a good location. East access to restaurants and shopping malls.
It was a condo in a good location. East access to restaurants and shopping malls.
Anonymous traveler
Wah May Hotel
Wah May HotelDowntown Kota Kinabalu
10/10 Exceptional
A RECOMMENDED HOTEL THAT THAT IS VERY WELL MAINTAINED, CLEAN AND OFFERS VERY GOOD ACCOMMODATION IN ONE OF THE TOP LOCATIONS IN KOTA KINABALU...THE STAFF AND THE MANAGEMENT IS GENUINELY FRIENDLY AND HELPFUL...THE HOTEL IS LOCATED NEXT TO SEVERAL OLDER MALLS (WISMA MERDEKA AND THE KK MALL) AND THE NEW SARIAH SABAH MALL...THE FARMERS MARKET AND GAYA STREET ARE JUST A COUPLE OF HUNDRED METERS AWAY...LOTS OF GREAT RESTAURANT CHOICES NEARBY...HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
A RECOMMENDED HOTEL THAT THAT IS VERY WELL MAINTAINED, CLEAN AND OFFERS VERY GOOD ACCOMMODATION IN ONE OF THE TOP LOCATIONS IN KOTA KINABALU...THE STAFF AND THE MANAGEMENT IS GENUINELY FRIENDLY AND HELPFUL...THE HOTEL IS LOCATED NEXT TO SEVERAL OLDER MALLS (WISMA MERDEKA AND THE KK MALL) AND THE NEW SARIAH SABAH MALL...THE FARMERS MARKET AND GAYA STREET ARE JUST A COUPLE OF HUNDRED METERS AWAY...LOTS OF GREAT RESTAURANT CHOICES NEARBY...HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
JIM
Dreamtel Kota Kinabalu
Dreamtel Kota KinabaluDowntown Kota Kinabalu
10/10 Exceptional
Very good location. Close enough to walk around town yet far enough to be away from the karaoke noise. Airport bus is only RM5 as compared to RM 30 for a taxi. And the stop is right outside the hotel.
The hotel only have one brochure for daily tour. The tour company is good but the hotel does not have a concierge to help answer any question.
Breakfast is not bad either.
Very good location. Close enough to walk around town yet far enough to be away from the karaoke noise. Airport bus is only RM5 as compared to RM 30 for a taxi. And the stop is right outside the hotel.
The hotel only have one brochure for daily tour. The tour company is good but the hotel does not have a concierge to help answer any question.
Breakfast is not bad either.
Anonymous traveler
Heritage Hotel
Heritage HotelTawau
10/10 Exceptional
Centrally located. Easy to walk to restaurants.
Centrally located. Easy to walk to restaurants.
Diane
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best cheap hotels in Sabah?
For a cheap hotel in Sabah with glowing reviews, consider TOOJOU Kota Kinabalu - Travel Meets Social, which features free WiFi, air conditioning and laundry facilities. You can also look at Cube Bed Station - Hostel or Sarang Hostel Kota Kinabalu.
Are there any cheap motels in Sabah?
If you're eager to find a budget-friendly place to stay in Sabah, consider booking a motel. Take a look at Chan Living where you'll find free WiFi and free parking.
Can I stay in a hostel in Sabah?
Hostels can be a cheaper alternative to Sabah hotels, as you can stay in a shared dormitory. There are 25 hostels in Sabah. Cube Bed Station - Hostel offers free in-room WiFi and a 24-hour front desk. Signel Hostel has free in-room WiFi and a TV in a common area. Sarang Hostel Kota Kinabalu is another low-cost option.
What are the best cheap things to do in Sabah?
Sightseeing doesn't have to break the bank. For some things to do in Sabah, try a visit to attractions like Tip of Borneo and Tawau State Library during your trip. Be certain a visit to Tamparuli Suspension Bridge is in your plans.
About the destination
What's Sabah like?
There's a lot visitors like about Sabah, especially its beaches and seafood. You can easily spend a relaxing day visiting Tanjung Aru Perdana Park and Tunku Abdul Rahman Park. Check out other sights like Centre Point and Kompleks Asia City.
What is there to see around Sabah?
- Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal (0.9 mi/1.5 km from the city center)
- Jesselton Quay (1.1 mi/1.8 km from the city center)
- Sutera Harbour (1.3 mi/2.1 km from the city center)
- Sabah State Mosque (1.3 mi/2.1 km from the city center)
- Likas Stadium (1.5 mi/2.4 km from the city center)
What is there to do around Sabah?
- Centre Point (0.1 mi/0.1 km from the city center)
- Kompleks Asia City (0.2 mi/0.3 km from the city center)
- Anjung Samudera (0.2 mi/0.3 km from the city center)
- KK Plaza (0.3 mi/0.5 km from the city center)
- Kota Kinabalu Central Market (0.4 mi/0.6 km from the city center)
Other Popular Sabah Attractions
- Gaya Street Sunday Market
- Kompleks Karamunsing
- Imago Shopping Mall
- Suria Sabah Shopping Mall
- Sabah State Museum