Kota Kinabalu

As of May 2026, Kota Kinabalu, Tuaran, Kota Belud have 2,204 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 6% increase from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Kota Kinabalu generates MYR50K per year. High-performing properties earn MYR121K/year, while low-performing properties earn MYR16K/year. This wide disparity suggests that revenue potential is heavily skewed by specific unit positioning rather than general market averages, reflecting a fragmented landscape where top-tier assets capture significantly larger market shares.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Kota Kinabalu. Average annual revenue is MYR50K with 34% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to MYR121K/year. The notable gap between average and high-performing revenue indicates that while baseline profitability is modest, the market rewards assets that effectively tap into higher-demand segments or capture premium traveler segments.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Kota Kinabalu is 34%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of MYR341, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of MYR101 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Kota Kinabalu, with annual revenue of MYR94K. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the Kota Kinabalu market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Kota Kinabalu area. Kota Kinabalu: Lenient. No specific STR regulations or licensing requirements. Operates under general tourism accommodation guidelines with minimal oversight. Tuaran: Lenient. No formal STR framework. Falls under basic business registration if commercial. Virtually no enforcement. Kota Belud: Lenient. No STR-specific rules. Minimal tourism infrastructure means no active regulation or enforcement of short-term rentals. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Kota Kinabalu Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has grown 6% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 2%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The slight dip in revenue despite rising inventory suggests that the market is currently absorbing new listings without experiencing immediate, sharp valuation volatility.

Launch around September, 2-3 months before peak winter season (December peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 20% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (April-November) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Kota Kinabalu listings include: Tv (97%), Air Conditioning (97%), Kitchen (96%), Pool (83%), Elevator (70%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Washing Machine, Bbq, Internet, with Washing Machine properties earning approximately 35% more (MYR72K/year vs MYR53K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Kota Kinabalu over the last 12 months: May: MYR3K, June: MYR3K, July: MYR4K, August: MYR4K, September: MYR3K, October: MYR3K, November: MYR2K, December: MYR4K, January: MYR3K, February: MYR3K, March: MYR2K, April: MYR2K. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in Kota Kinabalu is MYR341, up 8% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average MYR235/night, 2-bedroom properties average MYR359/night, 3-bedroom properties average MYR481/night, 4+ bedroom properties average MYR762/night. Rates peak in December and are lowest in May.

Guests in Kota Kinabalu book an average of 20 days in advance, down 21% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 19 days, 2-bedroom: 20 days, 3-bedroom: 24 days, 4+ bedroom: 29 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Kota Kinabalu Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply grew 6%, revenue per listing decreased 2%, occupancy fell 11%, average nightly rates increased 8%, and lead time decreased 21%. These shifts suggest a tightening environment where shorter booking windows and lower occupancy are forcing hosts to lean on rate increases to sustain revenue.

In Kota Kinabalu, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Tuesday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Monday. Weekends show 32% higher occupancy than weekdays.