Travel Budget for Kota Kinabalu Visit Kota Kinabalu on a Budget or Travel in Style

Kota Kinabalu, State of Sabah, Malaysia
Asia / Malaysia /
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Kota Kinabalu is a cultural destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.

How much does it cost to travel to Kota Kinabalu?

You should plan to spend around $67 (RM285) per day on your vacation in Kota Kinabalu. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $30 (RM125) on meals
  • $25 (RM106) on local transportation
  • $41 (RM173) on hotels

A one week trip to Kota Kinabalu for two people costs, on average, $944 (RM3,990). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $67
    RM285
  • One Week Per person
    $472
    RM1,995
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $944
    RM3,990
  • One Month Per person
    $2,022
    RM8,550
  • One Week For a couple
    $944
    RM3,990
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $1,888
    RM7,980
  • One Month For a couple
    $4,045
    RM17,100
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Kota Kinabalu cost?

A one week trip to Kota Kinabalu usually costs around $472 (RM1,995) for one person and $944 (RM3,990) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Kota Kinabalu on average costs around $944 (RM3,990) for one person and $1,888 (RM7,980) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Kota Kinabalu will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Kota Kinabalu on average costs around $2,022 (RM8,550) for one person and $4,045 (RM17,100) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Kota Kinabalu expensive to visit?

Kota Kinabalu is a small yet captivating destination that lures visitors with differing travel styles, spending levels, and budgetary preferences. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.

Although Kota Kinabalu can be quite pricey if you let it be, you can cut costs by looking for discounts and coupons.

On average, budget travelers spend $27 (RM116) per day, mid-range travelers spend $67 (RM285) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $158 (RM668) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Kota Kinabalu.

Within Asia, Kota Kinabalu is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Boracay or Pingyao.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Kota Kinabalu Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Kota Kinabalu?

The average Kota Kinabalu trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Kota Kinabalu travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Kota Kinabalu cost?

Kota Kinabalu on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$8
(RM36) 		$20
(RM87) 		$46
(RM195)
Local Transportation1 $10
(RM42) 		$25
(RM106) 		$64
(RM271)
Food2 $12
(RM52) 		$30
(RM125) 		$68
(RM288)
Entertainment1 $3
(RM12) 		$6
(RM27) 		$12
(RM51)
Alcohol2 $2-5
(RM7-20) 		$4-11
(RM15-45) 		$7-20
(RM29-86)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

Having realistic expectations for your travel expenses is important. While many assume they can visit Kota Kinabalu on a tight budget, the truth is that most people don't enjoy traveling that way. Think about what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer staying in resorts or hostels? Do you love exploring sights and attractions, or dining out? Your preferences will directly impact your budget and travel plans.

The Truth on Budget Travel

You may believe you're traveling on a budget, but unless you're ready to give up some conveniences, you'll likely spend much more than the $27 daily average that backpackers get away with.

Younger budget travelers often stick to this low budget by staying in dorms, eating inexpensive meals, taking public transportation, and focusing on free activities and sights.

Fortunately, there are plenty of hostels available in Kota Kinabalu, such as Faloe Hostel, Homy Seafront Hostel, and Lavender Lodge Kota Kinabalu. In these hostels, you can discover cheap dorm accommodations and a great social atmosphere, though amenities may be few.

Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?

If you're a couple or a family traveling for fun, you'll likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular restaurants, and visit the major museums and attractions which have entry fees. Many visitors to Kota Kinabalu are keen to visit the prominent attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Most activities cost money, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be closer to $67 per person, per day.

In Kota Kinabalu, you'll find a broad range of hotels and vacation rentals. If traveling with companions, you can share accommodations with a partner, friend, or your children, helping to cut costs. Families will want to look for hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly. Hotel Sixty3 is a fantastic option for families, and Grandis Hotels and Resorts is also a great pick. Explore more family and couple-oriented hotels in our hotel guide for Kota Kinabalu here.

Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?

If you're looking for an all encompassing trip with every amenity and a higher level of service, then prepare yourself for a price tag closer to $158 per day. To stay in a nicer hotel, eat at award winning restaurants, splurge on extravagant excursions, and take taxis or private drivers to get around the destination, you'll need to be prepared for a more "luxury" set of prices. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Guided Snorkeling Day Trip, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Kota Kinabalu

In Kota Kinabalu, hotel prices can swing drastically. Higher-end hotels offer more luxury, but come at a cost, especially in peak season when prices are higher. Off-season prices are more reasonable, averaging $31, but during peak season they jump to an average of $58. You can find budget options starting at $15 up to luxury rates at $140. Hostels are typically cheaper, especially dorms. Book early and avoid peak season to save money.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Kota Kinabalu for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $41 (RM173). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $20 (RM87) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $20
    RM87
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $41
    RM173

Hotels in Kota Kinabalu

Looking for a hotel in Kota Kinabalu? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Kota Kinabalu

The average hotel room price in Kota Kinabalu based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $31 in the low season and $58 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Kota Kinabalu include:

  • Grandis Hotels and Resorts starting at $50
  • Avangio Hotel Kota Kinabalu Managed by Accor starting at $44
  • Horizon Hotel Kota Kinabalu starting at $51
  • Pan Borneo Hotel Kota Kinabalu starting at $29
  • Hotel Sixty3 starting at $33
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Kota Kinabalu

Choosing to travel in the shoulder or low season and avoiding will help you save on lodging costs and escape the tourist rush.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Kota Kinabalu

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $25 (RM106) per person, per day, on local transportation in Kota Kinabalu. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Kota Kinabalu is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $25
    RM106

To get into KK, hop a flight into Kota Kinabalu International Airport, just four miles from the city center. Airlines serve all major cities within the country and international flights to and from China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Australia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, and Korea.

From the airport, you can take an airport bus into town, which leave at about every hour. Minibuses are another means to get to the center for a low-cost. While you may opt to take a taxi, but beware that fares may increase 50% between midnight and 6 a.m.

If you are arriving by bus, the North Bus Terminal is the only one current in use and it's located about 6 miles from the center. Again, fares may increase by as much as double if you take the bus at night.

To get to KK by sea, take the three-hour long ferry ride from Labuan daily at 8:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. and arrive at the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal.

You can also opt to take a comfortable, air-conditioned train ride on the Sabah State Railway, which stops in KK, Putatan, Kinarut, Kawang, Papar, Kimanis, Bongawan, Membakut, Beaufort, Saliwangan, Halogilat, Rayoh, Pangi and Tenom.

KK is walkable because it's so compact and you'll easily find everything you need on foot. However if you need a ride or are going a longer distance, Uber and Grab (Malaysia's version of Uber) are both available and may be more comfortable for foreigners.

Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:

  • Private Arrival Transfer : Kota Kinabalu International Airport for $30 details
  • Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI) Private Transfer to Kota Kinabalu for $13 details
  • Kota Kinab. Airport to Kota Kinabalu - Arrival Private Transfer for $23 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Kota Kinabalu
How much does it cost to go to Kota Kinabalu? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Kota Kinabalu
The price of renting a car in Kota Kinabalu will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Kota Kinabalu

Cuisine often serves as a primary motivation for travel, so make sure to indulge in the local dishes.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Kota Kinabalu can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Kota Kinabalu is $30 (RM125) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $30
    RM125

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Kota Kinabalu is around $30 (RM125) per person, with previous travelers spending from $12 to $68. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Kota Kinabalu are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $3 to $9
  • Lunch: $4 to $12
  • Dinner: $9 to $21
  • Coffee: $2
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $4

Because the population of KK is so diverse with Chinese, Filipinos, Indians, Indonesians, Kadazan-Dusun, and Brunei-Malays, among other ethnic groups, the food is likewise varied and you will have no problem satisfying your palate in this city.

You'll easily find a variety of great food and accommodations around historical Jalan Gaya, the main tourist area of KK. Along the seafront are the more expensive 4-5 star resorts, while cheaper accommodations remain around Jalan Gaya and Australia Place.

You can't leave KK without at least tasting some of the fresh seafood at KK's night market. A plethora of stalls are available along the waterfront for your very own food crawl, from grilled stingray to seafood claypots to deep fried fish. Local specialties include Kon Lau mee, which translates to dry sauce noodles, served with barbecued pork and mustard greens and Sang Nyuk Mian, which are pork noodles served in a clear broth.

Food courts are also available inside shopping malls, which are perfect if you're on a budget. On the third floor of the Suria Sabah Shopping mall is the Suria Food Court, where self-service is the norm.

Food & Dining Tips

Numerous hotels provide breakfast as part of your stay, although others may charge you extra for it. The price and quality can vary from hotel to hotel. Being informed ahead of time can assist you in determining if you need to budget extra funds. The hotel buffet might be worth your money, or perhaps a cheaper option at a nearby bakery or cafe would suffice.

Carry a reusable water bottle instead of buying drinks everywhere you go. It's good for the earth, too.

Be sure to check which meals are part of your tour before you go. You might be responsible for some of your own food costs, which could stretch your budget further.

If you want to experience the culture in Kota Kinabalu, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:

  • Kota Kinabalu Heritage City Tour with Lunch or Dinner for $68 details
  • Kota Kinabalu Sunset Cruise with Buffet Dinner for $187 details
  • Private Kota Kinabalu by Night with Dinner for $123 details

Recommended


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Kota Kinabalu

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Kota Kinabalu typically cost an average of $6.40 (RM27) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $6.40
    RM27

Within the city, only three historical buildings remain after the WWII bombings: the General Post Office, the Land and Survey Building, and the Atkinson Clock in the city center.

You can see the ornate golden dome of the Sabah State Mosque from many parts of the city, but you'll undoubtedly want to visit this one up close, as it's one of the country's largest mosques. Non-Muslims are welcome to visit, but be sure to dress appropriately, take off your shoes, and avoid visiting on Fridays.

Check out the Filipino Market, named because it's predominantly run by Filipino immigrants. It's open everyday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and sells handicrafts, like baskets, bags,and souvenirs, as well as traditional medicines and cultured pearls (but beware of fake pearls!).

If you're hungry, head over to the Central Market, located just further north for grilled chicken and murtabak, a spicy, stuffed pancake.



KK has plenty of natural scenery and activities for adventurers, including trekking, island-hopping, and water sports.

Just two miles west of KK is Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, established in 1974 to protect the coral reefs of its five islands. Take a boat to island-hop among Pulau Gaya, Pulau Sapi, Pulau Manukan, Pulau Mamutik, and Pulau Sulug. Here, you can kayak, parasail, snorkel, and explore the waters for lionfish, batfish, and clownfish. Camping is allowed on all islands except Pulau Manukan and Pulau Sulug.

If you're seeking an adrenaline rush, head over to the Coral Flyer, the world's longest zipline which connects Pulau Sapi to Pulau Gaya. Caution: this zipline isn't for the faint-hearted, as you may reach speeds of 37 mph.

Divers may want to visit Pulau Sipadan, one of the top 10 diving spots in the world. KK is about 173 miles away, so you can take a 8-10 hour bus ride or an hour-long flight to reach Tawau before heading to the port town of Semporna (about 1.5 hours away), and then taking a boat (50-60 minutes) to the island.

Meanwhile Trekkers can begin their ascent to the summit of Mt. Kinabalu, which clocks in at 13,435 feet. Not a trekker? For a less-strenuous experience, explore the lowland forests, meadows, and botanical gardens at the base of the mountain in Kinabalu Park. Afterward, head over the Poring Hot Springs to rejuvenate in your own or shared mud bath.

About 37 miles east of KK is the Tambunan Rafflesia Forest Reserve, in the Crocker Mountain Range. This reserve was set up specifically to protect the Rafflesia, the largest flower in the world. Rafflesias are especially interesting because of the putrid scent of rotting flesh they release in order to lure in carrion flies, which pollinate them. These flowers only bloom once in nine months and even then, for only a few days before wilting, so call the information center in advance to find out blooming schedules.

A nice way to explore destinations in Kota Kinabalu is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Sunset E-Foil Experience in Tanjung Aru Beach for $61 details
  • Mari Mari Cultural Village Tour from Kota Kinabalu for $136 details
  • Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies for $49 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Kota Kinabalu

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $7.15 (RM30) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Kota Kinabalu per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $7.15
    RM30
Nightlife Tips

Nights out are a travel highlight, but reducing your drink tab is a smart way to stretch your budget further.



Travel cost data last updated: Apr 25, 2025

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Kota Kinabalu

  • During , the destination experiences higher prices and larger crowds. To keep your expenses down and enjoy a calmer visit, consider traveling during the shoulder or low seasons instead.
  • Slowing down while you travel can lead to significant savings, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of your surroundings. If you overload your itinerary with activities, you'll likely spend a lot more. However, embracing a slower pace can help you enjoy your trip and cut costs.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Public transportation is quite scarce in Kota Kinabalu. It may be beneficial to arrange a form of transport in advance, like a private car or tour. Keep in mind that this could impact your budget in other ways.
  • Kota Kinabalu doesn't offer many hostel choices, so if you planned to stay in a budget dorm, it's time to rethink your options. Instead, look for a low-cost hotel or an apartment rental.
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Traveling in Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu, originally Jesselton, is the capital of Sabah, which is on the northern part of the island of Borneo. Kota Kinabalu is located just between the western side of the island and Tambunan Rafflesia Forest Reserve. Most of Kota Kinabalu's historic buildings were destroyed by bombing during World War II, so the city had to be rebuilt. KK, as it's commonly called, is a compact, but booming town today, with its new shopping centers, seaside condominiums, and bustling marketplaces.

While KK isn't a destination on many travelers' lists, it's an excellent takeoff point to go onward to other adventures, like climbing Mount Kinabalu, or to collect yourself after such treks. Many who have visited KK know the locals to be extremely friendly and helpful.

While climate is generally steady throughout the year with temperatures hovering between the lows of mid 70s to highs in the low 90s, rainfall varies. The driest time of the year is from January to March. While the rest of Sabah gets more rain between October and November, KK gets drier, making for another good time to visit, especially if you want to avoid the heat and humidity of the summer months.

However, if you don't mind the heat, you may want to schedule your travels to KK during May, when Sabah Fest takes place. This is the biggest cultural celebration of the year, during which you'll experience spectacular productions of music, dance, theater, and other art.

Those seeking retail therapy (even on a budget), may find visiting between June and September especially beneficial. During this time, the annual Malaysia Mega Sales Carnival offers the biggest shopping discounts of the year.



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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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