Travelling on a budget may just be the best idea you have ever had. It would mean that you will be able to experience and understand the local culture and immerse yourself in the everyday life of the locals in the city or town you are visiting.
By going on a staycation in a neighbouring city or town, you can also learn about the different lives the locals lead, their traditions, and their culture. By going on a budget, you can also extend your stay, see more sights and enjoy the tasty local street food.
Are there budget-friendly activities you can do in Kota Kinabalu?
There are many budget-friendly activities in Kota Kinabalu. Travellers can visit Tanjung Aru Beach to enjoy the local food stalls and watch the sunset or the Tanjung Aru Perdana Park for a lakeside jog, and a nightly musical fountain performance.
A visit to the Sabah State Museum would be an interesting experience as well. There are exhibits on topics such as archaeology and Islamic civilization. It would be a good chance for visitors to learn more about the local history. Visitors can also stop by the Handicraft Market, a Waterfront market specializing in seafood, street food stalls, jewelry, handicrafts, and clothing.
8 Best Budget-Friendly Staycations in Kota Kinabalu 2026
1. AJ Residence Kota Kinabalu City Centre
The AJ Residence is strategically located in the Kota Kinabalu City Centre and is just a 10-minute drive from the airport. Each room has all the necessities a traveller needs, such as a toothbrush, shampoo, shower gel, shower cap, vanity kit, comb, bath towels, face towels, and soap. Complimentary coffee, tea, and water are also provided. There is high-speed WiFi, free parking, free luggage storage, laundry, a seafood restaurant, a halal restaurant, and a cafe available as well.
Address: Asia City, 6, Ruang Singgah Mata 2, Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
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Google Reviews: Here
Website: https://www.facebook.com/acjresidence/
Refer Price at: shopee.com
Refer Price at: klook.com
2. Zara’s Boutique Hotel
Zara’s Boutique Hotel is the first Boutique Hotel in Malaysia that features femininity in hospitality. This unique boutique hotel is situated right opposite a 5-star golf resort. There are 10 International Cuisine Restaurants right next to the hotel. Guests can choose a room with either a sea or golf view. Prices start from RM153 and the room is fully furnished with a master queen sized bed for two persons. WiFi and all bathroom amenities are also included. There are also spa facilities, and a facial and reflexology centre within the vicinity of the hotel.
Address: Harbour City Jalan Pantai Baru, Jalan Sembulan, 88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Google Reviews: Here
Website: http://www.zarasboutiquehotel.com/
Refer Price at: shopee.com
Refer Price at: klook.com
3. K Hotel Kota Kinabalu
The K Hotel Kota Kinabalu has 41 comfortable yet affordable rooms, making it a popular accommodation of choice for locals and travellers alike. It is only a 10 minute drive from the airport and is strategically located at Plaza 333, a new and popular commercial area located alongside Donggongon bypass which offers a vast selection of eateries and restaurants. The facilities at the hotel include a 24-hour reception, free public parking, free WiFi, 24-hour security, laundry, and dry cleaning services.
Address: Lot 3, Block A, Lorong 333, Jalan Mat Salleh, 89500 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
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Google Reviews: Here
Website: http://www.khotel.my/
Refer Price at: shopee.com
Refer Price at: klook.com
4. Cititel Express Kota Kinabalu
The Cititel Express Kota Kinabalu is located in Kota Kinabalu City Centre and aims to provide guests with a simple and comfortable stay. The hotel houses 275 rooms, fully equipped with all basic amenities such as an air conditioner, free WiFi, an electronic safe, a hairdryer, an LCD TV, satellite channels, and a telephone. It is also within a walking distance of the commercial district, banks, government agencies, local eateries, bars, and various tourist attractions such as the Handicraft Market, The Waterfront, and also nearby shopping malls.
Address: No. 1, Jalan Singgah Mata, Asia City, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
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Google Reviews: Here
Website: https://cititelexpress-kk.com/
Refer Price at: shopee.com
Refer Price at: klook.com
5. Dreamtel Kota Kinabalu
The Dreamtel Kota Kinabalu is located in the heart of Kota Kinabalu, the main city of Sabah, a short 20-minute drive away from the Kota Kinabalu International Airport. Many local eateries sell delicious local delicacies just across the hotel. There are also a few popular local tourist attractions in the surrounding neighbourhood, such as the Padang Merdeka. The Dreamtel Cafe, is an all-day dining cafe that is located on the Ground Floor. It offers a wide selection of local and international cuisine. There is also a delicious high-tea buffet served during weekends.
Address: 5, Jalan Padang, Bandaran Berjaya, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
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Google Reviews: Here
Website: https://dreamtelgroup.com/the-dreamtel-family/dreamtel-kota-kinabalu-malaysia/
Refer Price at: shopee.com
Refer Price at: klook.com
6. OYO 1159 Hotel New Sabah
The OYO 1159 Hotel New Sabah is a budget hotel designed with bright colours to create a cheerful outlook. It is strategically located near many tourist attractions such as the Jesselton Point, Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, and the Atkinson Clock Tower. The hotel provides free WiFi, daily housekeeping, CCTV cameras for safety, a fire extinguisher, laundry service, and a 24/7 check-in. Payment by card is accepted here to enjoy hassle-free check-in and out processes. During their stay, hotel guests can dine at the famous Hung Xing Seafood, Bakso Jawa, and Garage Kafe.
Address: Segama Complex, 9, Jalan Pedas, Lot 3 & 4, Block A, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
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Google Reviews: Here
Website: https://www.oyorooms.com/my/59749/
Refer Price at: shopee.com
Refer Price at: klook.com
7. Hotel Eden54
The Hotel Eden54 aims to achieve travelling in style but without the expensive price tag. This hotel is designed based on a chic and minimalist concept with the most basic earth tones that are found in nature. The rooms are splashed with colours of red, green, and vibrant yellow hues and the hotel facilities include free wireless internet, a 24-hour front desk and concierge service, room service, a laundry service, common fridges in the hallway, and a kitchenette with kitchen appliances in the common area.
Address: 54, Jalan Gaya, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
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Google Reviews: Here
Website: https://www.eden54.com/
Refer Price at: shopee.com
Refer Price at: klook.com
8. OYO 1103 Borneo Inn
The OYO 1103 Borneo Inn is located on Lot 2B in Jalan Kepayan Kobusak in Taman Kendara, a short distance from the Kota Kinabalu International Airport. OYO rooms are always vibrant and cheerful and this inn’s cosy OYO rooms are coloured with red and purple hues. The rooms are equipped with a queen-sized bed, AC, TV, refrigerator, and free WiFi. Guests can dine at restaurants and eateries nearby such as Secret Garden BBQ Korean Restaurant, Borneo Wild Treasure Restaurant, King Hu Restaurant, and Restaurant Masakan Sedap. Grand Illusions, Cocoa Kingdom, Tanjung Aru Beach, Sabah State Museum, Sutera Harbour Golf, and the Country Club are some of the places to visit nearby.
Address: Lot 2B, Jalan Kepayan Kobusak, Lorong Taman Kendara, Kampung Kepayan, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
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Google Reviews: Here
Website: https://www.oyorooms.com/my/57796/
Refer Price at: shopee.com
Refer Price at: klook.com
Disclosure: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. The sequence of brands is in no particular order so if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us support@myweekendplan.com.my. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.
