Kota Kinabalu
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Overview
Annual Rev
RM58.2k
12 mo avg
↓18%
from prior 12 mo
Occupancy rate
40%
12 mo avg
↓11%
from prior 12 mo
Avg daily rate
RM312
12 mo avg
↑3%
from prior 12 mo
Lead time
20 days
12 mo avg
↓5 days
from prior 12 mo
Revpar
RM116
12 mo avg
↓23%
from prior 12 mo
Methodology note: Figures reflect Kota Kinabalu market data as of September 2026. Data covers Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com listings. Values are seasonally influenced; rounding applied for readability.
Revenue per listing by bedroom
Bedroom count:
0
1
2
3
4+
Short-term rental supply growth
Performance metrics by bedroom
Bedrooms
Annual Rev
Supply
Revenue boost by amenity
| Amenity | Listings With | Revenue Boost | Revenue With | Revenue Without |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hot Tub | — | +RM 31,209 | — | — |
| Barbecue | 🔒 1•• (•%) | 🔒 +RM 1•••• (+••%) | 🔒 RM 7•••• | 🔒 RM 6•••• |
| Parking | 🔒 1••• (••%) | 🔒 +RM 1•••• (+••%) | 🔒 RM 6•••• | 🔒 RM 5•••• |
| TV | 🔒 1••• (••%) | 🔒 +RM 1•••• (+••%) | 🔒 RM 6•••• | 🔒 RM 5•••• |
| Heating | 🔒 2•• (••%) | 🔒 +RM 9••• (+••%) | 🔒 RM 7•••• | 🔒 RM 6•••• |
| Pool | 🔒 1••• (••%) | 🔒 +RM 9••• (+••%) | 🔒 RM 6•••• | 🔒 RM 5•••• |
| Pets Allowed | 🔒 1•• (•%) | 🔒 +RM 8••• (+••%) | 🔒 RM 7•••• | 🔒 RM 6•••• |
| Gym | 🔒 8•• (••%) | 🔒 +RM 2••• (+•%) | 🔒 RM 6•••• | 🔒 RM 6•••• |
| Internet | 🔒 8•• (••%) | 🔒 +RM 3•• (+•%) | 🔒 RM 6•••• | 🔒 RM 6•••• |
Nightly rate by day of week
Occupancy rate by day of week
Listings by channel
Listings by rental type
Listings by amenities
Listings by size
4+ bedrooms (0%)
Listings by availability
Length of stay by bedroom
3 bedrooms (3.6 nights)
1 bedroom (3.2 nights)
4+ bedrooms (3.1 nights)
2 bedrooms (3.1 nights)
Cleaning fee by bedroom
4+ bedrooms (MYR 21)
3 bedrooms (MYR 15)
2 bedrooms (MYR 13)
1 bedroom (MYR 11)
Professional host share
Professionally managed (87%)
Independent hosts (13%)
Over the 12 months ending August 2026, the Kota Kinabalu market averaged 2,356 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, up 15% from a year earlier and up 161% over two years.
An average Kota Kinabalu listing earns MYR48K/year. High-performing listings earn MYR115K, while low-performing listings earn MYR17K.
Average occupancy in Kota Kinabalu is 32%, producing RevPAR of MYR100 per available night.
4+ bedroom listings generate the highest average annual revenue in Kota Kinabalu, at MYR100K.
Rules vary across Kota Kinabalu. Kota Kinabalu: Lenient. No specific STR regulations, general business license recommended. Minimal enforcement, many operate informally. Tuaran: Lenient. No formal STR framework, tourism accommodation falls under general licensing. Very light oversight. Kota Belud: Lenient. No dedicated STR rules, basic business registration suggested. Virtually no enforcement, informal operations common. Verify requirements for the property's jurisdiction.
The Kota Kinabalu Airbnb and VRBO market is becoming more competitive. Supply has grown 15% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 6%, suggesting supply is outpacing demand.
RevPAR is highest in December and August; it is lowest in November and March.
The most common amenities are Air Conditioning (95%), Kitchen (95%), TV (95%). The strongest positive revenue associations are Washing Machine (+36%), Bbq (+29%), TV (+26%).
Average daily rate in Kota Kinabalu is MYR352, up 9% year-over-year. Rates peak in December and are lowest in November.
Guests in Kota Kinabalu book an average of 19 days in advance, down 16% from last year. Booking windows range from 18 days for 1-bedroom listings to 30 days for 4+ bedroom listings.
Booking demand is highest on Saturday and lowest on Tuesday. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Thursday. Weekend occupancy is 32% higher than weekday occupancy.