Kundasang, Sabah Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics
How much can you earn on Airbnb in Kundasang, Sabah? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $15,313 per year — at a $134 nightly rate, 31.4% occupancy, and a $47 RevPAR that reflects moderate rate-to-revenue efficiency with room to optimize.
With just 27 active listings, Kundasang is a micro-market where selective demand that rewards strong listing quality and pricing strategy. Supply expanded 125.0% as revenue climbed even while nightly rates softened — occupancy gains are outrunning rate pressure. For hosts entering now, strengthening demand means there is still room to build a profitable listing.
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 Kundasang?
In Kundasang, the headline Airbnb metrics are $15,313 in average annual revenue,31.4% occupancy, $134 ADR, and $47 in RevPAR, and guests book about 42 days in advance.
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Kundasang?
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Kundasang 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 Kundasang is typically June, while February often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Kundasang across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $3,948+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $2,703 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $827 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $315, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Kundasang
What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Kundasang?
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Kundasang STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Decembersees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while May 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 Kundasang:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 88%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 62% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 26%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 12% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Kundasang
What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Kundasang?
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Kundasang involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Kundasang typically peaks in June and dips lowest during November. 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 $292+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $157 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $85 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $60 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Kundasang
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Kundasang?
RevPAR in Kundasang is currently $47. 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 $8 RevPAR.
- Typical properties (Median) generate $16 RevPAR.
- Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $72 RevPAR.
- Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $130 RevPAR.
Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Kundasang
RevPAR Insights for Kundasang
- The average RevPAR in Kundasang is $47. 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% ($130) and bottom 25% ($8) is $122, indicating significant performance disparity driven by property quality, pricing strategy, and location.
- RevPAR peaks in Jun and bottoms out in Feb, mirroring the broader seasonal demand pattern and suggesting opportunities for dynamic pricing.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Track your own RevPAR monthly against these Kundasang benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $16, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
- Top-quartile listings achieve $72+ 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 Kundasang?
Kundasang's peak Airbnb season falls in June, December, July, while the softest stretch is January, February, March. Overall, the market shows moderate seasonality with distinct peak and low periods, which should guide pricing, minimum stays, and cash-flow planning.
Peak Season (June, December, July)
- Revenue averages $2,153 per month
- Occupancy rates average 42.1%
- Daily rates average $138
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $1,747 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 37.7%
- Daily rates hold near $133
Low Season (January, February, March)
- Revenue drops to average $1,478 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 33.3%
- Daily rates adjust to average $136
Seasonality Insights for Kundasang
- The Airbnb seasonality pattern in Kundasang shows moderate seasonality with distinct peak and low periods. While the sections above show seasonal averages, it is also insightful to look at the extremes:
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Kundasang's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $2,357, occupancy reaching 45.9%, and ADRs peaking at $140.
- Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $1,353, occupancy could drop to 31.0%, and ADRs may adjust to $123.
- Lower occupancy paired with meaningful seasonality means hosts in Kundasang 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.
- Regularly analyze your own performance against these Kundasang seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Do You Need a License for Airbnb in Kundasang?
Low regulation and minimal registration activity in Kundasang, 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 Kundasang 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 Kundasang?
With a compact short-term rental market, Kundasang 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Kinabalu Park | A UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular destination for nature lovers and hikers. The highest mountain in Southeast Asia attracts both adventurous tourists and those seeking a tranquil retreat amidst nature. | Mount Kinabalu, Kundasang War Memorial, Poring Hot Springs, Mamutik Island, Sabah Tea Garden |
| Desa Cattle Dairy Farm | Known as the 'Little New Zealand' of Sabah, this dairy farm offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is perfect for families and tourists looking for unique experiences like cow milking and cheese-making. | Kundasang View Point, Desa Cattle Dairy Farm, Kundasang Market, Mount Kinabalu views, Local chocolate shops |
| Kundasang Market | A vibrant market where locals sell fresh produce, local handicrafts, and souvenirs. Ideal for visitors wanting to experience local culture and cuisine, as well as shop for unique gifts. | Local fruits and vegetables, Handmade crafts, Sabah souvenirs, Nice view of Kinabalu, Local street food |
| Mesilau Nature Resort | A serene resort area close to Kinabalu Park that provides a peaceful atmosphere amid nature, suitable for relaxation and nature walks. Great for tourists seeking a quiet getaway. | Nature trails, Bird watching, Scenic views, Photography spots, Cultural experiences |
| Kundasang War Memorial | A historical site that honors the bravery of Australian and British soldiers during World War II, offering educational tours and beautiful gardens. A perfect spot for guests interested in history and remembrance. | Beautiful gardens, Historical plaques, Scenic viewpoints, Visitor center, Guided tours |
| Borneo Eco Tours | A sustainable tourism operator that showcases the rich biodiversity of Sabah. Visitors can engage in eco-friendly tours, making it appealing for environmentally conscious travelers. | Rainforest tours, Wildlife spotting, Community engagement, Cultural experiences, Conservation efforts |
| Poring Hot Springs | Famous for its natural hot springs and canopy walk, it's a great place for relaxation and adventure, attracting tourists looking to unwind and enjoy nature. | Hot springs, Canopy walkway, Jungle trails, Butterfly farm, Wildlife |
| Kundasang Temples | Home to various unique temples featuring the mingling of local culture with architectural beauty. It's a cultural hotspot for tourists exploring spiritual landmarks. | Gayasan Temple, Kundasang Buddhist Temple, Cultural experiences, Scenic landscapes, Photography opportunities |
With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Kundasang 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 Kundasang?
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Kundasang
- The Kundasang Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 63% of the 27 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- However, a notable 22.2% share for Private Rooms suggests opportunities for budget-conscious travelers or hosts renting out spare rooms.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Kundasang, House properties are the most common (48.1%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 48.1% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- The presence of 29.6% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
Kundasang Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Kundasang
- The dominant room capacity in Kundasang is 1 bedroom listings, making up 33.3% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms properties represent 62.9% of the active Airbnb listings in Kundasang, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 22.2% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Kundasang.
Kundasang Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Kundasang
- The most common guest capacity trend in Kundasang vacation rentals is listings accommodating 8+ guests (25.9%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
- Properties designed for 8+ guests and 4 guests dominate the Kundasang STR market, accounting for 48.1% of listings.
- 37.0% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Kundasang.
- On average, properties in Kundasang are equipped to host 4.3 guests.
How Do Listings in Kundasang Compare on Quality?
Listing quality in Kundasang 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 Kundasang
- At 26.8 photos per listing on average, Kundasang hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
- 25.9% 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 Kundasang averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.
What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Kundasang?
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Kundasang
- Essential amenities in Kundasang that guests expect include: Free parking on premises. Lacking these (this) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Essentials, Shower gel, Fire extinguisher 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 Kundasang: Free parking on premises.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Essentials or Shower gel 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 Kundasang to stay competitive.
Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Kundasang?
Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Kundasang, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.
| Amenity | Prevalence | Revenue With | Revenue Without | Revenue Uplift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Shampoo | 44.4% | $30,744 | $2,968 | 935.7% |
Hot water | 70.4% | $20,841 | $2,185 | 854.0% |
Dishes and silverware | 59.3% | $23,873 | $2,861 | 734.4% |
Barbecue utensils | 22.2% | $43,158 | $7,357 | 486.6% |
Kitchen | 55.6% | $24,103 | $4,326 | 457.2% |
Dining table | 33.3% | $33,503 | $6,218 | 438.8% |
Patio or balcony | 48.1% | $26,386 | $5,031 | 424.5% |
Iron | 70.4% | $20,131 | $3,870 | 420.3% |
Long term stays allowed | 18.5% | $44,777 | $8,616 | 419.7% |
Microwave | 37.0% | $30,756 | $6,229 | 393.8% |
Revenue Impact Insights for Kundasang
- Shampoo tops the revenue impact list with a 935.7% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $30,744 vs. $2,968 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 Kundasang STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Kundasang. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsKundasang Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for Kundasang
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Kundasang consists of primarily domestic travelers (75%), often arriving from nearby Kuala Lumpur, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Malay.
- Domestic travelers account for 75.4% of guests.
- Key international markets include Malaysia (75.4%) and Singapore (15.5%).
- Top languages spoken are English (41.6%) followed by Malay (27.9%).
- A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Target domestic marketing efforts towards travelers from Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.
- 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 Kundasang?
Listings in Kundasang average 4.69 out of 5 overall, with about 51.1 reviews per active listing and 3.7% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.
Rating Breakdown by Category
Guest Rating Insights for Kundasang
- An average rating of 4.69 places Kundasang in solid territory. Most guests leave satisfied, though there is room for hosts to push toward the top tier.
- The strongest subcategory is Communication (4.78), while Value (4.57) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
- 3.7% 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 3.7% of listings earning Guest Favorite status, hosts who consistently exceed expectations have a clear competitive advantage.
Kundasang Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Kundasang
- The most common availability pattern in Kundasang falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 63% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 81.5% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 1-30 days range is most frequent in Kundasang (33.3%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 18.5% 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 Kundasang?
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Kundasang
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Kundasang is 42 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during November (average 55 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in June (average 31 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Fall (47 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Summer (38 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (42 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Kundasang.
- For November stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 55 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Fall season well in advance (at least 47 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Kundasang averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Kundasang?
Guests in Kundasang stay about 2 nights on average, generating roughly 610 reservations and 22.6 bookings per listing in the latest AirROI dataset. The most common check-in time is 3:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM.
Monthly Length of Stay in Kundasang
Check-in Time Distribution
Check-out Time Distribution
Stay Pattern Insights for Kundasang
- Very short stays drive high turnover. Cleaning costs, consumable restocking, and check-in coordination become significant operational factors at this frequency.
- At 22.6 bookings per listing, the turnover rate is high. Hosts with streamlined operations (self-check-in, automated messaging, reliable cleaners) have a structural advantage.
- Stay lengths peak in Dec (2.6 nights) and shorten in Aug (1.2 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.
Kundasang Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
27 listings
100% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Kundasang is 1 Night, adopted by 100% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A strong majority (100.0%) of the Kundasang 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 100% of Kundasang hosts use this setting.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Kundasang.
Kundasang Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Flexible
9 listings
33.3% of total
Moderate
7 listings
25.9% of total
Firm
6 listings
22.2% of total
Strict
5 listings
18.5% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Kundasang
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Kundasang is Flexible, used by 33.3% of listings.
- There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (59.2%) and stricter (40.7%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Flexible policy to align with the 33.3% market standard in Kundasang.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Kundasang.
How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Kundasang?
Cleaning fees in Kundasang 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 Kundasang
- Only 14.8% of listings charge a cleaning fee, suggesting that most hosts in Kundasang bundle cleaning costs into the nightly rate.
- The average cleaning fee of $7 is close to the median ($1), suggesting a relatively consistent fee structure across the market.
- Cleaning fees represent 0.8% of gross revenue on average — a modest component of the overall booking price.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Price your cleaning fee competitively against the Kundasang median of $1. 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 Kundasang Look Like?
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Kundasangbased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Deco Home Mesilau Golf Bungalow @ Kundasang
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms
Villa Lokky Mountain High
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Hidden Hill Kundasang | Azabu | Mt View | 8 Pax
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Hidden Hill Kundasang | Izu-Kogen | Mt View | 2Pax
Entire Place • 1 bedroom
Hidden Hill Kundasang | Meguro | Mt View | 5 Pax
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Hidden Hill Kundasang | Shimo | Mt View | 4 Pax
Entire Place • 2 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 Kundasang?
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Kundasang 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hidden Hill Kundasang | 5 | $179,563 | 973 | 4.80/5.0 |
| Soo | 1 | $79,387 | 7 | 4.14/5.0 |
| Kingsley | 1 | $66,729 | 35 | 4.31/5.0 |
| Margaret | 1 | $18,319 | 45 | 4.96/5.0 |
| Swa | 1 | $13,545 | 116 | 4.88/5.0 |
| Ara | 1 | $10,710 | 7 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Mile ThirtySix | 5 | $8,318 | 77 | 4.50/5.0 |
| Sue | 1 | $7,937 | 26 | 4.69/5.0 |
| Oona Agrotourism | 1 | $6,036 | 30 | 4.40/5.0 |
| Melissa | 1 | $5,551 | 2 | Not Rated |
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 Kundasang.
Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Kundasang?
Kundasang has a relatively balanced host base.
Host Profile Insights for Kundasang
- A 37.0% Superhost share is healthy — enough experienced operators to anchor quality without making the market impenetrable for newcomers.
- 11.1% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
- 70.4% 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 29.6% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
- Benchmark your host metrics against these Kundasang averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.
How Does Kundasang's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?
How does the Kundasang 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 Tanjung Aru, Kundasang has 1 percentage points lower occupancy and about $70 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kampung Mesilau | 39 | $1,306 | $132.01 | 30% |
| CINTA MATA | 12 | $909 | $142.51 | 24% |
| Dumpiring Atas | 10 | $785 | $89.48 | 22% |
| Kudat | 15 | $606 | $109.75 | 21% |
| Kota Kinabalu | 1,547 | $604 | $83.04 | 31% |
| Tanjung Aru | 179 | $570 | $63.21 | 32% |
| Api-Api Center | 42 | $509 | $70.69 | 28% |
| Putatan | 17 | $458 | $82.96 | 19% |
| Kampung Sembulan Lama | 147 | $426 | $92.51 | 26% |
| Tawau | 77 | $296 | $62.27 | 23% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Kundasang
These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Kundasang.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Kundasang?
Kundasang hosts earn about $15,313 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $134 and RevPAR of $47. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Kundasang, Sabah, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Kundasang market, April 2025 to March 2026.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Kundasang?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Kundasang is 31.4%. June is the strongest month and February 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 Kundasang?
Listings in Kundasang average $134 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 Kundasang?
Kundasang currently has about 27 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 Kundasang?
AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Kundasang 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 Kundasang?
RevPAR in Kundasang is about $47. 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 Kundasang?
Occupancy of 31.4% means Kundasang 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 $15,313, 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 Kundasang?
The average booking lead time in Kundasang is about 42 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 Kundasang?
Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Kundasang include Kinabalu Park, Desa Cattle Dairy Farm, Kundasang Market. 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 Kundasang?
entire_home listings make up 63.0% of the active supply in Kundasang. 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 Kundasang compare to nearby Airbnb markets?
Among neighboring markets, Kampung Mesilau posts $15,668 in average annual revenue with 29.8% occupancy, compared to Kundasang's $15,313 and 31.4%. 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 Kundasang?
The average Airbnb stay length in Kundasang is about 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 Kundasang?
Airbnb listings in Kundasang average 4.69 out of 5 overall. About 3.7% 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 Kundasang?
Shampoo and Hot water are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Kundasang. 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 Kundasang?
Yes. About 14.8% of active Airbnb listings in Kundasang charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $7. 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 Kundasang?
At 37.0%, 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 2026-03-31. 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.