Toojou Kota Kinabalu

it’s a pleasant 10-minute walk away from Waterfront, similar distance to Gaya Street. A good choice if you’d like some tranquility and want to afford a tad bit higher price. also met up with Jacques, a French lad who is passionate about scuba diving and marine life conservation. follow him on IG jack_cross_01 if you’d like to learn about the projects he is doing or even to get some ideas of what scuba diving has to offer :)

Toojou isn’t your average place to stay — it’s part boutique hotel, part creative hub, and part social hangout. From the moment you walk in, there’s a buzz: stylish interiors, friendly staff greeting you at the desk, and a lobby that feels more like a café-lounge than a check-in counter. It sets the tone for a stay that’s comfortable, modern, and full of character. The Stay Rooms are clean, cleverly designed, and surprisingly spacious given the boutique feel. Beds are comfortable, amenities are thoughtful, and the overall vibe is bright and uplifting. The rooftop café and common spaces make it easy to unwind or meet fellow travelers, while the co-working area is perfect if you need to get a little work done. Every corner feels intentional, blending design with practicality. Service & Atmosphere Service is outstanding — staff are genuinely warm, attentive, and always ready with local tips for food, sightseeing, or onward travel. The atmosphere is young and creative, with a mix of backpackers, digital nomads, and leisure travelers sharing the space. It manages to feel social without being noisy, striking a rare balance. Final Take Our stay at Toojou was simply splendid. From stylish design and thoughtful spaces to warm hospitality, it’s the kind of place that makes Kota Kinabalu feel instantly welcoming. Five stars for creating a stay that’s memorable, modern, and wonderfully unique.

As a first-time backpacker in Kota Kinabalu, Toojou felt like the perfect landing spot. Walking in, the place immediately had a creative, youthful vibe — colorful design, open spaces, and a social atmosphere that made it easy to feel at home right away. I stayed in the dorms, and they were some of the cleanest and most comfortable I’ve experienced in Southeast Asia. Beds had privacy curtains, personal outlets, and lockers for security. The bathrooms were spotless and well-maintained, which goes a long way after long travel days. The co-working floor and rooftop café gave me places to relax, work, or meet other travelers when I wasn’t out exploring the city. Staff were welcoming from the start, giving tips on what to see and do in KK. Fellow guests were a mix of backpackers, digital nomads, and weekend travelers, so it was easy to strike up conversations. The vibe is social without being a party hostel — a good balance if you want connection but also a good night’s rest. As a backpacker, Toojou was exactly what I hoped for — clean, social, and full of character. Five stars for being the perfect first stop in Kota Kinabalu, whether you’re here for a night or settling in for a longer stay.

Every time I come to Sabah, Toojou is always my place to stay. The rooms are modern, clean, and comfortable, and the price is really worth it. The staff are super friendly and helpful, which makes the stay even better. I do hope the management will maintain the common area on the ground floor, especially the pool table and other facilities, as it’s a great place to hang out. Overall, highly recommended!

Came here because i wanted to utilise the co working space! As expected, fast wifi, comfortable working place. The room is good, comfy bed, ensuite toilet/shower....matching my expectations for the price paid. Would definitely come back again.

Fantastic place to so stay! Visited with a world challenge group, students stayed in dorms and staff in rooms. The rooms were very welcomed, excellent air con, clean, well serviced. Definitely hotel standards! And don’t miss the coffee!! Some of the best I’ve ever had!

Nice to look outside the building, rooms are yuck yuck. Probably because of the old building. Wooden floors need to be maintained, the lobby has cats waste smell. Not pleasant at all.

I only stayed one night, and it was honestly one of the worst experiences I’ve ever had. The room was tiny and the bed was so small it felt like a child’s cot. The cleanliness of the floor was questionable at best. But the worst part? The pillow reeked of an unbearable, musty body odor. The bedsheets and blanket had suspicious yellow stains and visible dust — everything felt old, worn-out, and just plain unclean. There was no hot water for showering — just a single overhead rain shower that barely worked. The shower gel dispenser was completely empty, and they didn’t even bother to provide basic toiletries like a toothbrush or toothpaste. All of this for 300 MYR a night? Absolutely ridiculous. This place deserves zero stars. I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone, not even for a last-minute stay.