Where to stay in Kota Kinabalu City

Last updated on September 9, 2022

Woke up in a dark room with ear plugs on and with eye mask turned head band. Grabbed my towel and tiptoed to the shower room. In just a few minutes, I was dancing in the tune of Frank Sinatra’s fly me to the moon. Half an hour later, I was sitting in an orange chair, sipping my warm tea, and happily listening to a friendly lady helping out a new guest how to make waffles.

I was not in a posh hotel. In fact, that morning I had a choice to cook egg, toast bread, and make waffles or just have coffee. I was in a hostel but I felt like I was at home.

SKYPOD Hostel

Jalan Ikan Juara 1, 38, Lorong Karamunsing A, Sadong Jaya, 88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
☎ +60 18-667 8055

Amenities

1. Free brewed coffee all day
2. Clean shower room with cold and hot water (music in the background was a plus)
3. Clean bed sheets and towel (not always true in other hostel)
4. Clean toilet
5. Common area (for movie marathon, music playing, and making friends)

Price

I booked the hostel through Agoda and I managed to get a discounted rate.

© lyalberto07 | Dining area | Skypod Hostel

Direction

Option 1: Take Airport Shuttle → Centre Point Mall (first stop) → Walk south to SKYPOD Hostel (30 min)
Fare: RM 5 = PHP 70

Option 2: Take a Grab car from airport to SKYPOD Hostel
Fare: RM 10-12 = PHP 140-168

Click here for direction

Location

Skypod Hostel is not at the center of the city. But we had options to book Grab or do a lot of walking. We chose the latter and we brought home so much memory.

I remember Gandalf’s letter to Frodo in Lord of the Rings. He said, “All that is gold does not glitter.” SKYPOD was more than I expected it to be.

All that is gold does not glitter.

Personal Note

1. Hostel means living with strangers. Living with backpackers.
2. Bring earplugs and be patient.
3. The receptionists were really kind. Eric helped me out to get my bag back from Kota Kinabalu to Manila. What an experience!