Where to Stay in Kota Kinabalu: Dock In Hostel near KK Airport

When arriving in Kota Kinabalu on a red-eye fight from Seoul, the last thing I wanted to do was take an eternity finding my bearings.  At 2 AM I got a GrabCar from the Kota Kinabalu Airport to Dock In Hostel in under 10 minutes and for only 8 Malaysian Ringgit.  Deal # 1, down!

Dock In Hostel Kota Kinabalu – First Impressions

After booking my flight through Jeju Air, I linked up with the Sabah Tourism Board for their top picks.  My first 2 nights they recommended the Dock In Hostel as Kota Kinabalu was a-buzz with tourists from China and Korea in advance of the Chinese and Lunar New Years.  I knew Dock In Hostel would be clean and upscale.  When I arrived, I saw it was both and had sophisticated and comfortable modern decor.  I loved the lighting displays and the comfy couches.  The long tables in the bar area encouraged communal dining and making new friends.  Above all, I noticed everything was immaculately tidy, thank goodness!

My Experience at Dock In Hostel

Shoes are not allowed upstairs, so I popped my sneaks into my shoe locker and wore my assigned slippers upstairs.  At reception you’re given a key-card for your room and 2 physical keys: one for you shoe locker and one for your luggage locker.  I was staying alone in a 4 Bed Room so I didn’t use the locker, but it looked pretty big!  I was glad I didn’t have to bring my own lock, too.

Female Only 4 Bed Room at Dock In Hostel

“Dock In provides a safe haven for your downtime, so we also totally get that you need some luxuries of home when in a new town.  Our minimalist-chic rooms are fitted with cushy beds and fresh sheets with your personal space in mind, while shared spaces at the lobby are packed with all the good stuff to fulfill your travel needs.”

Prices vary by room type and start at:

• MIXED BED 8: From RM 58.00 per bed
• MIXED BED 4 or 6 (Female Only Available): From RM 68.00 per bed
• En-suite Bathroom MIXED BED 4 (Female Only Available): From RM 72.00 per bed
• Large bed MIXED BED 6 : From RM 78.00 per bed (2 people max)
• Queen bed MIXED BED 6: From RM 78.00 per bed
• PRIVATE BUNK (2 Beds): From RM 90.00 per room
• PRIVATE QUEEN (BATHROOM): From RM 100.00 per room

My room was exactly as described!  I needed the key-card to supply power to the room.  The air conditioner is pre-set so all you have to do is flick a switch to turn it on.  My bunk was pretty roomy, the mattress was cushy and plush, and the sheets were fresh – just as described.  Even my pillow offered great neck support.  I don’t think I’ve ever had such a comfortable bed at a hostel!  This room would be perfect for 4 gals who know one-another already.  While the bunks are pretty large, the room itself is pretty small.  The 8 bed mixed dorm looks like it has a lot more floor space.

En-Suite Bathroom at Dock In Hostel

There’s a pretty big bathroom for the dorms, but my room at Dock In Hostel had an en-suite bathroom.  The en-suite bathroom has a lovely rainfall showerhead and, as far as a bathroom designed for a smaller room goes, it was pretty big!  For 4 girls getting ready for a night on the town I might suggest adding another mirror to the room as the one in the bathroom just won’t be enough.  There was also no electrical plug in the bathroom, so if you want to use a mirror while doing your hair, you’ll need a hand-held.  Considering the humidity in Malaysia, I opted to let loose and frizz out rather than fumble with my hair straightener and no mirror.

Free Breakfast at Dock In Hostel

My idiot ex used to book hotels solely based on the reviews of the breakfast buffet included.  Were he to book at the Dock In Hostel I think he might be a little disappointed, however for me it was enough to get up and go.  Coffee, Tea, and Water were offered along with a Malaysian dish (there were noodles the first morning), cereal, and bread with butter and jam.  My coffee was so fresh and piping hot I couldn’t finish it before heading out to my first activity of the day!

Facilities

 Free

Dock In Hostel – Last Looks

The Dock In Hostel is what I would definitely consider a luxury hostel.  I would always prefer to book a hostel like this as it’s a great way to meet people.  My first two days in Kota Kinabalu were full of meetings and events.  I was so happy to have a clean, comfortable, and stylish place to rest my head.  If you’re a light sleeper, bring along some ear plugs.  It’s an airport hostel and you can hear flights taking off and landing throughout the night.  My only other noise gripe is that the hallways tend to be quite noisy and the cleaners begin their work before 7 AM.  My head hit the pillow very hard both nights, but I did notice!  Dock In is a convenient location for the airport, the waterfront, and access to resorts.  I felt very safe and comfortable throughout my stay!

Contact Dock In Hostel in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

• Address: House 35, Jalan Setesen, Jalan Mat Salleh, Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu
• Phone Number: +088 278 801
• E-mail: [email protected]
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/DockInHostel.kk/about/

Thanks to the team at Dock in Hostel in Kota Kinabalu for their hospitality.  While this article has been written in partnership, all reviews are honest and opinions are my own.  

The post Staying in Sabah – Deal: Dock In Hostel Kota Kinabalu appeared first on The Toronto Seoulcialite.