Faloe Hostel, Kota Kinabalu, Borneo. A Review [UPDATED FOR 2024]

A place where you feel at home and like family 

Faloe hostel isn’t just a hostel, it is a small and homely converted space ran by a wonderful young couple. They literally make you feel like family when you stay here, welcoming you into the fold with a huge smile and a warm heart. You don’t feel like guests but like you are staying at home surrounded by amazing people, comfortable settings and a fun environment. Staying at Faloe Hostel was one of the highlights of Borneo and we extended our stay so many times I thought we might never leave.

A small hostel with a big heart where they though of everything

What we really loved about Faloe was how much thought they had put into this hostel, how they hadn’t skipped out to make things cheaper but instead gone the extra mile to make their guests feel at home and have your every need covered. As an example you have access to a washing machine and dryer for FREE, new towels in a basket near reception anytime you want, again for free!

Huge lockers in the room so you could even keep your big bag in here, which they allowed us to do when we went off up the mountain for 2 days. They have breakfast ready in the morning which they prepare the night before so whatever time you are up there is something ready and leave bread available all day if you have a lay in (much needed after the mountain!!). They even have a tv and sofa area with access to Netflix and other online tv and movie providers, again free of charge, so you can have a chilled out day in the hostel and catch up on your favourite shows. The communal eating area and kitchen also make it so easy to meet new people and also save money on food!

A great place to base yourself for the amazing adventures in Kota Kinabalu 

Faloe hostel might not be right in the centre of the city, but install Grab or Uber and you can be right in the hustle and bustle in 5 minutes for less than £1! However out here you are in a great location to enjoy some peace and quiet, avoiding the noisy bars that plague the city centre hostels and worst still the party hostels themselves.

Preparing to take on the challenging two day hike of Mt Kinabalu or spending several exhausting days under water doing a PADI course as we did requires you to be well rested and fresh. Faloe hostel is a peaceful place from which to do that!

Not only that but Sarah and Ryan who own this small hostel are really great. Being a small place they really take the time to get to know you and also help you out planning and organising all your adventures and activities with their amazing local knowledge.

A relaxing and social space to meet like minded people

Often people are worried about hostels being full of drunken backpackers. But picking the right one is key. At Faloe Hostel we met some amazing people who we have since kept in contact with. Being a family Hostel with culture in mind means that generally speaking those who stay here are those more interested in sharing stories of off the beaten track expedition rather than nights out. We had some really wonderful conversation and had a really fun and interesting time with both the staff members and fellow guests.

Check them out here:

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