Faloe Hostel — Hotel in Borneo

The Faloe Hostel has won several awards for being the best hostel in Malaysia, and for good reason - it is among my favourite hostels I've been to anywhere in the world. The hostel is in a perfect location, within walking distance to all of the major attractions along the KK waterfront as well many shopping options within KK Times Square. It is also relatively close to the airport - at the time of writing, a taxi ride with Grab costs around 6-8 RM. The hostel is pretty easy to find, especially with their step-by-step instructions with pictures that they sent upon booking my stay.

As for the hostel itself, it is super cozy and comfortable, featuring a small lounge area equipped with a couch and TV, a couple computers guests can use, a small kitchen area, one shower (with hot water, should you wish), one bathroom, a couple laundry machines that guests can use, and a couple dormitory rooms. The beds are very comfortable and feature one British-style power outlet each so you can charge your devices as you sleep. Each guest also gets their own locker. There is also reliable and strong Wi-Fi. Best of all, the hostel attracts an awesome crowd of travelers and thus makes an excellent choice for solo travelers looking to make some new friends!

Service is fantastic - Ivy is a fantastic host, very kind, welcoming, and friendly.

My only small thing to note is that sound travels very well in the hostel, and if there are people talking into the night, it can be audible through the walls of the dormitory, but this can be easily fixed by just letting them know to quiet down. Otherwise, I have absolutely nothing to nitpick. This is a truly elite hostel, and if I find myself in KK again I will surely be...

I stayed at Faloe for eight consecutive nights while exploring Kota Kinabalu and doing day trips to the many activities in the region. Of the 12 hostels I stayed at during my 80 days in east and west Malaysia, I think this was my favourite because I found it peaceful, quiet, clean, comfortable, cosy, the staff kind and understanding, the amenities well chosen and maintained, its location in an upmarket area very clean and safe, and the kitchenette (right next to the reception desk) convenient to cook small meals in the microwave and on an induction stove. The bunk bed mattress and pillow was super comfy. Linen topnotch. The enclosed balcony was perfect to air dry small clothing items I handwashed. The shower/toilet combo was one of several outside the various rooms. Never a need to wait. Always clean. A washer and drier is available for just MR6 each per load. Although directly below the incoming flight path for KK International Airport, the building is well sound insulated, and the aircraft flying less than 100m above never disturbed my sleep. Staff Lia and Sya were amazing. Super friendly, great sense of humour, always smiling. I will definitely stay at Faloe again when I...

The staff were superb. Sya the receptionist in particular is very hospitable and helpful: no task or question will make her flinch or nervous. She is incredibly helpful and a net positive to the hostel with her work attitude. The housekeeping cleaners are very diligent with their work and never slacked off. Smoking corner has good ventilation and there is plenty of seating and power outlets. Also a tv with cable and spare computer, card games and board games. Laundry is affordable at 12 MYR for dry and wash and the staff will help you with it. There are ample toilets and shower and the place is very clean. Lots of hooks to hang your clothes. You can leave your bags and relax in the common area after checking out. The private room was extremely comfortable and spacious and the AC was strong. Tours are on offer and you pay in cash. Staff know exactly what they are doing and they are honest - I forgot to take out my money from my shorts pocket and the staff returned it to me promptly when doing my laundry. Very easy to make new friends here and it is a social place. I had the best sleep in a whole week here: the private room nailed it with everything and the 6 pillows...