Kudat, Sabah Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics
How much can you earn on Airbnb in Kudat, Sabah? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (July 2025 – June 2026), the short answer is $7,953 per year — at a $137 nightly rate, 21.2% occupancy, and a $32 RevPAR that reflects a wider gap between nightly rates and realized revenue that rewards occupancy-focused strategies.
With just 22 active listings, Kudat is a micro-market where selective demand that rewards strong listing quality and pricing strategy. Supply grew 29.4% and nightly rates have risen, creating an environment where the most bookable listings stand to capture outsized share. Hosts who pair competitive pricing with strong guest experience are well-positioned to convert the growing traveler base into consistent bookings.
Regulation is low with minimal registration requirements, pointing to an operator-friendly environment. In a market this size, differentiated listings with strong reviews can capture outsized returns relative to the competition.
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What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in Kudat?
In Kudat, the headline Airbnb metrics are $7,953 in average annual revenue,21.2% occupancy, $137 ADR, and $32 in RevPAR, and guests book about 40 days in advance.
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Kudat?
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Kudat is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in Kudat is typically May, while October often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Kudat across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $2,859+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $1,133 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $451 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $212, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Kudat
What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Kudat?
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Kudat STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Augustsees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while October experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in Kudat:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 45%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 27% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 16%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 9% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Kudat
What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Kudat?
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Kudat involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Kudat typically peaks in June and dips lowest during January. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $317+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $206 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $93 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $80 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Kudat
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Kudat?
RevPAR in Kudat is currently $32. Because RevPAR combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, it is one of the cleanest ways to compare how efficiently listings turn demand into revenue across the market.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see $11 RevPAR.
- Typical properties (Median) generate $14 RevPAR.
- Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $44 RevPAR.
- Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $75 RevPAR.
Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Kudat
RevPAR Insights for Kudat
- The average RevPAR in Kudat is $32. This metric combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, making it one of the best single-number indicators of market efficiency.
- The gap between the top 10% ($75) and bottom 25% ($11) is $63, suggesting a relatively compressed market where operational differences yield moderate returns.
- RevPAR peaks in May and bottoms out in Oct, mirroring the broader seasonal demand pattern and suggesting opportunities for dynamic pricing.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Track your own RevPAR monthly against these Kudat benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $14, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
- Top-quartile listings achieve $44+ RevPAR through a combination of competitive pricing, strong reviews, and strategic amenities. Target this tier through incremental improvements.
- Use RevPAR rather than revenue alone when comparing properties of different sizes — it normalizes for available nights and gives a more accurate picture of performance.
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When Is the Peak Season for Airbnb in Kudat?
Kudat's peak Airbnb season falls in May, August, June, while the softest stretch is January, October, November. Overall, the market shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy, which should guide pricing, minimum stays, and cash-flow planning.
Peak Season (May, August, June)
- Revenue averages $1,355 per month
- Occupancy rates average 24.5%
- Daily rates average $149
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $959 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 21.5%
- Daily rates hold near $143
Low Season (January, October, November)
- Revenue drops to average $630 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 18.1%
- Daily rates adjust to average $134
Seasonality Insights for Kudat
- Airbnb seasonality in Kudat is pronounced. Revenue swings sharply between peak and low months, which means pricing strategy, minimum-stay settings, and cash reserves all need to account for extended slower periods.
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Kudat's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $1,629, occupancy reaching 29.8%, and ADRs peaking at $158.
- Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $498, occupancy could drop to 16.1%, and ADRs may adjust to $132.
- Lower occupancy paired with meaningful seasonality means hosts in Kudat need to maximize every peak-season booking and seriously consider whether off-season pricing adjustments or minimum-stay changes can capture incremental revenue.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability and consider tightening cancellation policies to reduce last-minute gaps.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, extended-stay discounts, and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers, budget-conscious guests, and travelers with flexible schedules.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that bridges peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers, local events, and business visitors. Slightly more flexible terms than peak season can help maintain occupancy without deep discounting.
- In a highly seasonal market like Kudat, building a cash reserve during the top months is essential for covering fixed costs during the slow period. Automated pricing tools can help capture demand shifts in real time.
Do You Need a License for Airbnb in Kudat?
Low regulation and minimal registration activity in Kudat, Sabah, Malaysia point to an operator-friendly environment. That said, even low-regulation markets may have tax collection requirements, safety standards, or HOA rules that affect short-term rental operations. Always verify the latest short-term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Kudat to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2026, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)
What Are the Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Kudat?
With a compact short-term rental market, Kudat gives early-mover hosts an advantage in the right neighborhoods. The areas listed below are where guest demand and local attractions converge — a useful lens for investors evaluating whether to enter this market and where to position their listing.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Turtle Islands National Park | A breathtaking marine park known for its conservation of sea turtles and beautiful coral reefs. Ideal for nature lovers and tourists seeking snorkeling and diving experiences. | Turtle Conservation Center, Diving and snorkeling spots, Beautiful beaches, Rich marine biodiversity, Island-hopping tours |
| Kudat Beach | A stunning beach area known for its clear waters and relaxing atmosphere. Great for tourists looking for a tranquil getaway and beach activities. | Kudat Beach, Sea sports activities, Sunset views, Beachfront resorts, Local seafood restaurants |
| Borneo Divers | Renowned for its diving and snorkeling opportunities, this area attracts adventure seekers and marine life enthusiasts. Offers great accommodations and dive schools. | Diving courses, Underwater photography, Marine life sightings, Island excursions, Relaxed dive resorts |
| Sikuati | A quaint village that presents a taste of local culture and community. Perfect for travelers interested in the authentic Malaysian experience and eco-tourism. | Local village cultural tours, Agricultural experiences, Fishing tours, Homestays, Cultural workshops |
| Gombizau Honey Bee Farm | A unique attraction that allows tourists to experience honey production and the local way of life. A great educational visit for families and nature enthusiasts. | Honey tasting events, Farm tours, Beekeeping education, Local honey products, Scenic countryside views |
| Batu Satu Beach | An off-the-beaten-path beach known for its serenity and beautiful views. Attracts travelers seeking solitude and relaxation away from the crowd. | Quiet beach setting, Sunbathing and picnics, Beach BBQ spots, Nature walks, Scenic photography |
| Cinco Beach | A popular spot among locals and tourists for its picturesque landscape and vibrant atmosphere. Great for social gatherings and beach events. | Beach parties, Local food stalls, Water sports rental, Family-friendly activities, Night markets |
| Kudat Town | The main town in Kudat, offering a combination of local culture, food, and shopping. Ideal for travelers looking to explore local life and amenities. | Kudat Central Market, Local dining options, Cultural experiences, Shopping for souvenirs, Proximity to other attractions |
With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Kudat offers diversification within a single market. Investors can tailor their strategy — from high-turnover tourist zones to quieter residential areas that attract longer stays and remote workers.
What Types of Properties Are on Airbnb in Kudat?
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Kudat
- The Kudat Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 95.5% of the 22 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Kudat, House properties are the most common (100%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 100% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
Kudat Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Kudat
- The dominant room capacity in Kudat is 3 bedrooms listings, making up 50% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for families or small groups.
- Together, 3 bedrooms and 1 bedroom properties represent 68.2% of the active Airbnb listings in Kudat, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 63.6% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Kudat.
Kudat Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Kudat
- The most common guest capacity trend in Kudat vacation rentals is listings accommodating 8+ guests (54.5%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
- Properties designed for 8+ guests and 6 guests dominate the Kudat STR market, accounting for 68.1% of listings.
- 72.6% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Kudat.
- On average, properties in Kudat are equipped to host 6.2 guests.
How Do Listings in Kudat Compare on Quality?
Listing quality in Kudat can be approximated through presentation depth, bedroom count, and how often hosts disclose exact locations. These signals show how professionally the local supply base is merchandised.
Listing Quality Insights for Kudat
- At 21.3 photos per listing on average, Kudat hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
- 27.3% of listings show their exact location. Lower disclosure rates can increase booking hesitation — guests want to know exactly where they are staying.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Enable exact location if possible — it removes a common source of guest uncertainty and can improve your listing's position in map-based searches.
- Use these quality indicators as a self-audit checklist. Listings that exceed the Kudat averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.
What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Kudat?
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Kudat
- Essential amenities in Kudat that guests expect include: Air conditioning, Free parking on premises. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Kitchen, TV, Wifi are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
- Warning: Wifi is not universally provided but is considered essential globally. Ensure reliable Wifi is offered.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Kudat: Air conditioning, Free parking on premises.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Air conditioning, Free parking on premises.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Kitchen or TV to increase appeal.
- Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
- Regularly check competitor amenities in Kudat to stay competitive.
Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Kudat?
Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Kudat, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.
| Amenity | Prevalence | Revenue With | Revenue Without | Revenue Uplift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fire extinguisher | 68.2% | $10,295 | $2,935 | 250.8% |
First aid kit | 36.4% | $14,415 | $4,260 | 238.3% |
Long term stays allowed | 31.8% | $12,129 | $6,004 | 102.0% |
Microwave | 27.3% | $12,496 | $6,249 | 100.0% |
Shampoo | 63.6% | $9,674 | $4,941 | 95.8% |
Essentials | 59.1% | $9,848 | $5,216 | 88.8% |
Iron | 54.5% | $9,861 | $5,664 | 74.1% |
Hangers | 68.2% | $9,148 | $5,393 | 69.6% |
Hair dryer | 59.1% | $9,496 | $5,724 | 65.9% |
Washer | 54.5% | $9,676 | $5,885 | 64.4% |
Revenue Impact Insights for Kudat
- Fire extinguisher tops the revenue impact list with a 250.8% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $10,295 vs. $2,935 without it.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Focus your upgrade budget on amenities in the top half of this table. Below-median amenities may improve guest experience but contribute less to revenue growth.
- Highlight revenue-impacting amenities prominently in your listing title, photos, and description — guests can't value what they don't notice.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Kudat STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Kudat. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsKudat Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for Kudat
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Kudat consists of a mix of domestic (43%) and international guests, with top international origins including United Kingdom, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Malay.
- Domestic travelers account for 42.9% of guests.
- Key international markets include Malaysia (42.9%) and United Kingdom (19%).
- Top languages spoken are English (44.1%) followed by Malay (26.5%).
- A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Balance marketing efforts between domestic and international channels based on the guest mix.
- Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
- Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
- Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.
What Are Airbnb Guest Ratings in Kudat?
Listings in Kudat average 4.77 out of 5 overall, with about 19.8 reviews per active listing and 13.6% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.
Rating Breakdown by Category
Guest Rating Insights for Kudat
- An average rating of 4.77 places Kudat in solid territory. Most guests leave satisfied, though there is room for hosts to push toward the top tier.
- The strongest subcategory is Check-in (4.89), while Value (4.7) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
- 13.6% of listings carry the Guest Favorite badge, a strong trust signal that can meaningfully lift click-through and booking rates.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Focus improvement efforts on Value — even small gains in the weakest subcategory can lift overall ratings and search ranking.
- Encourage guests to leave reviews after checkout. Listings with more reviews rank higher in search results and convert browsers into bookers more effectively.
- With only 13.6% of listings earning Guest Favorite status, hosts who consistently exceed expectations have a clear competitive advantage.
Kudat Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Kudat
- The most common availability pattern in Kudat falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 86.4% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 95.5% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 31-90 days range is most frequent in Kudat (63.6%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 4.5% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
How Far in Advance Do Guests Book Airbnb in Kudat?
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Kudat
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Kudat is 40 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during May (average 58 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in January (average 22 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Fall (45 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (37 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (40 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Kudat.
- For May stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 58 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Fall season well in advance (at least 45 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Kudat averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Kudat?
Guests in Kudat stay about 2.2 nights on average, generating roughly 248 reservations and 11.3 bookings per listing in the latest AirROI dataset. The most common check-in time is 3:00 PM and check-out is 12:00 PM.
Monthly Length of Stay in Kudat
Check-in Time Distribution
Check-out Time Distribution
Stay Pattern Insights for Kudat
- Very short stays drive high turnover. Cleaning costs, consumable restocking, and check-in coordination become significant operational factors at this frequency.
- 11.3 bookings per listing is a manageable pace that balances revenue with operational overhead.
- Stay lengths peak in Nov (3.5 nights) and shorten in Jun (2.1 nights). Adjust minimum-night requirements seasonally to match.
Recommendations for Hosts
- With shorter average stays, focus on streamlining turnover. Self-check-in, reliable cleaning crews, and pre-staged amenities can reduce per-booking operational costs.
- Set your check-in time to match or beat the market standard of 3:00 PM. Offering early check-in flexibility can be a low-cost differentiator.
- Monitor length-of-stay seasonality to adjust minimum-night requirements — longer minimums during peak periods maximize revenue while shorter minimums fill gaps in shoulder seasons.
Kudat Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
21 listings
95.5% of total
3 Nights
1 listings
4.5% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Kudat is 1 Night, adopted by 95.5% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A strong majority (95.5%) of the Kudat Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 1 Night minimum stay, as 95.5% of Kudat hosts use this setting.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Kudat.
Kudat Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Flexible
9 listings
40.9% of total
Moderate
6 listings
27.3% of total
Firm
4 listings
18.2% of total
Strict
3 listings
13.6% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Kudat
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Kudat is Flexible, used by 40.9% of listings.
- There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (68.2%) and stricter (31.8%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Flexible policy to align with the 40.9% market standard in Kudat.
- Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 13.6% of listings use it. Evaluate if potential revenue protection outweighs possible lower booking rates.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Kudat.
How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Kudat?
Cleaning fees in Kudat are meaningful operating levers, not just pass-through charges. What matters most is how often hosts charge them, how high they run relative to market norms, and how large a share of gross revenue they consume.
Cleaning Fee Insights for Kudat
- Only 36.4% of listings charge a cleaning fee, suggesting that most hosts in Kudat bundle cleaning costs into the nightly rate.
- The average cleaning fee of $9 is close to the median ($9), suggesting a relatively consistent fee structure across the market.
- Cleaning fees represent 2.8% of gross revenue on average — a modest component of the overall booking price.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Price your cleaning fee competitively against the Kudat median of $9. Fees significantly above market norms can deter bookings, especially for shorter stays.
- Monitor competitor cleaning fees regularly. Airbnb's search algorithm factors in total price, so a well-calibrated cleaning fee can improve your listing's ranking.
What Do the Top Airbnb Listings in Kudat Look Like?
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Kudatbased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Luxurious and private holiday villa
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Frangipani Villa-The Family Suite @ Kudat Riviera
Entire Place • 1 bedroom
Detached house, big homestay in Kudat, Sabah
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Eagle Bay Retreat Grand Villa / 6 Rooms / 12 Guest
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms
Loft Villa / 4 Rooms / 8 Guests
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Casuarina Palms Luxury Villa @ Kudat Riviera
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Who Are the Top Airbnb Hosts in Kudat?
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Kudat based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| James | 1 | $43,377 | 75 | 4.88/5.0 |
| Kudat Riviera | 2 | $33,103 | 38 | 4.47/5.0 |
| Ralf Duering | 2 | $28,563 | 9 | 4.80/5.0 |
| Loi | 1 | $16,059 | 77 | 4.96/5.0 |
| Debby Andy | 2 | $13,764 | 2 | Not Rated |
| Bryan | 3 | $7,041 | 17 | 4.54/5.0 |
| Donna | 1 | $4,977 | 31 | 4.71/5.0 |
| Low | 1 | $4,823 | 48 | 4.85/5.0 |
| Connie Kong | 1 | $3,995 | 4 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Jacky | 1 | $3,986 | 8 | 5.00/5.0 |
Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Kudat.
Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Kudat?
Kudat has a relatively balanced host base.
Host Profile Insights for Kudat
- A 31.8% Superhost share is healthy — enough experienced operators to anchor quality without making the market impenetrable for newcomers.
- 22.7% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
- 72.7% of listings use Airbnb's simplified pricing (host-only fee), where the host pays the entire platform service fee and the guest sees one all-in price with no separate Airbnb service charge. High adoption signals a professional, PMS-connected host base — Airbnb mandates simplified pricing for software-connected listings.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Earning Superhost status can significantly improve search ranking and guest trust. Focus on maintaining high response rates, low cancellations, and strong reviews.
- Consider enabling Instant Book — it reduces booking friction and Airbnb's algorithm tends to favor Instant Book listings in search results.
- With 18.2% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
- Benchmark your host metrics against these Kudat averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.
How Does Kudat's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?
How does the Kudat Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.
Compared with Kundasang, Kudat has 10 percentage points lower occupancy and about $5 higher ADR. That helps frame whether this market is winning more on demand, pricing, or both.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranau | 19 | $1,656 | $238.97 | 26% |
| Kampung Mesilau | 36 | $1,435 | $144.28 | 30% |
| Kundasang | 54 | $956 | $131.57 | 31% |
| CINTA MATA | 13 | $823 | $144.78 | 22% |
| Tanjung Aru | 177 | $544 | $66.04 | 30% |
| Kota Kinabalu | 1,935 | $498 | $81.13 | 29% |
| Api-Api Center | 39 | $496 | $77.12 | 28% |
| Kampung Sembulan Lama | 139 | $397 | $101.95 | 24% |
| Putatan | 21 | $365 | $91.29 | 18% |
| Kudat Division | 18 | $315 | $109.43 | 14% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Kudat
These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Kudat.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Kudat?
Kudat hosts earn about $7,953 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $137 and RevPAR of $32. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Kudat, Sabah, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Kudat market, July 2025 to June 2026.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Kudat?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Kudat is 21.2%. May is the strongest month and October is the softest, so hosts should expect demand to move meaningfully throughout the year rather than stay flat.
What is the average Airbnb daily rate in Kudat?
Listings in Kudat average $137 per night. The broader pricing spread also matters: lower-performing listings cluster closer to the lower quartiles, while premium homes can price materially above the city average when demand spikes or listing quality stands out.
How many Airbnb listings are active in Kudat?
Kudat currently has about 22 active Airbnb listings in AirROI's market dataset. That supply count helps explain how competitive the market is, how much depth there is for benchmarking, and whether the market behaves like a niche destination or a scaled urban market.
How strict are short-term rental regulations in Kudat?
AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Kudat as Low. The dataset also shows about 0.0% of listings with registration evidence. That is a market signal, not legal advice, so hosts should still confirm current licensing and compliance rules locally before listing.
What is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Kudat?
RevPAR in Kudat is about $32. That metric combines pricing and occupancy into one efficiency number, so it is often a better quick benchmark than ADR alone when investors want to compare how well listings convert nightly rates into realized revenue.
Is Airbnb profitable in Kudat?
Occupancy of 21.2% means Kudat is a more selective market. Profitability is achievable but requires careful cost management, premium positioning, or targeting longer stays to reduce turnover. Average annual revenue is $7,953, but individual returns depend on property type, location within the city, and the host's operating efficiency.
How far in advance do guests book Airbnb in Kudat?
The average booking lead time in Kudat is about 40 days — a moderate lead time that gives hosts planning visibility while still benefiting from last-minute bookings. Hosts who understand their market's booking cadence can adjust minimum stays and pricing windows accordingly.
What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Kudat?
Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Kudat include Turtle Islands National Park, Kudat Beach, Borneo Divers. Each area attracts different guest profiles — from business travelers to leisure visitors — so the best location depends on the property type and target audience a host is aiming for. See the full neighborhood breakdown above.
What type of property performs best on Airbnb in Kudat?
entire_home listings make up 95.5% of the active supply in Kudat. The most common configuration does not always mean the most profitable — operators who identify underserved property types or bedroom counts can sometimes outperform the market average by filling a gap in local supply.
How does Kudat compare to nearby Airbnb markets?
Among neighboring markets, Ranau posts $19,874 in average annual revenue with 26.4% occupancy, compared to Kudat's $7,953 and 21.2%. Comparing nearby markets helps investors understand whether a destination's performance reflects local demand or broader regional trends.
What is the average length of stay in Kudat?
The average Airbnb stay length in Kudat is about 2.2 nights. That matters for turnover, cleaning operations, and pricing strategy because shorter stays increase changeovers while longer stays can smooth occupancy and reduce operational friction.
What is the average Airbnb guest rating in Kudat?
Airbnb listings in Kudat average 4.77 out of 5 overall. About 13.6% of listings carry the guest favorite badge, which suggests a meaningful share of inventory is competing on review quality rather than price alone.
Which amenities boost Airbnb revenue in Kudat?
Fire extinguisher and First aid kit are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Kudat. In AirROI's latest dataset, listings with these amenities outperform those without on average revenue, which makes amenities analysis useful for prioritizing investment and listing upgrades.
Do Airbnb hosts charge cleaning fees in Kudat?
Yes. About 36.4% of active Airbnb listings in Kudat charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $9. The more important operating benchmark is how much of gross revenue that fee consumes, not just the absolute dollar amount.
What percentage of Airbnb hosts are Superhosts in Kudat?
At 31.8%, there is a healthy mix of experienced and newer hosts — earning Superhost status can still provide a meaningful visibility boost.
About AirROI Market Data
AirROI tracks over 20 million properties across 190+ countries and maintains 15+ years of historical performance data, making it one of the deepest Airbnb and STR intelligence platforms available. The analytics pipeline aggregates listing-level data monthly — revenue, occupancy, nightly rates, RevPAR, guest demographics, booking patterns, and competitive supply — so investors and operators can benchmark any market against its own history and against neighboring destinations.
Real estate investors, property managers, financial institutions, hedge funds, tourism boards, hospitality consultants, tech platforms, and academic researchers rely on AirROI data to underwrite acquisitions, optimize pricing, model macro trends, and conduct peer-reviewed research. Data is available through in-depth market reports like this one and the Airbnb API with 22 endpoints and an Airbnb MCP Server for AI agents.
AirROI proprietary analytics as of 2026-06-30. Metrics reflect trailing twelve-month aggregates from active listings. Revenue figures are market averages, not projections. Neighborhood descriptions are AI-generated and reviewed for accuracy. For full methodology, see the data methodology page.