Kudat Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in Sabah, Malaysia

Source: AirROI
Last updated: 2025-03-31

Is Airbnb profitable in Kudat in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Kudat, Sabah, Malaysia to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Kudat, based on AirROI data from April 2024 to March 2025, reveals key trends in the niche market of 17 active listings.

Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Kudat, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Kudat Airbnb data is crucial. Leveraging the low regulation environment is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Let's dive into the specifics.

Key Kudat Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview

Avg. Daily Rate (ADR)(?)
$130
The average rental revenue earned for an occupied room per day in Kudat.
Occupancy Rate(?)
24.0%
Lower demand, potentially seasonal or market factors at play.
Median Annual Revenue(?)
$8,295
Typical annual income for an Airbnb listing in Kudat. Factors like property type, size, and location influence actual earnings.
Revenue Growth YoY(?)
1.3%
Positive growth (1.3%) vs. last year.
Peak Revenue Month(?)
July
The month with the highest average earnings, indicating peak season in Kudat.
Lowest Revenue Month(?)
March
The month with the lowest average earnings, indicating the low season in Kudat.
STR Regulation Level(?)
Low
Fewer regulations, offering more operational flexibility.
Active Airbnb Listings(?)
17
Total number of active short-term rentals listed.

Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Kudat (2025)

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 July, while March 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 $2,477+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $1,200 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
  • Typical properties (Median) generate around $487 per month, representing the average market performance.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $244, often with potential for optimization.

Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Kudat

Kudat Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)

Maximize your bookings by understanding the Kudat STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Julysees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while March 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 59%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 34% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
  • Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 17%.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 10% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.

Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Kudat

Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Kudat (2025)

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 January and dips lowest during August. 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 $279+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $128 or more.
  • Typical properties (Median) charge around $81 per night.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $65 per night.

Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Kudat

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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Kudat (2025)

Peak Season (July, August, January)
  • Revenue averages $1,431 per month
  • Occupancy rates average 30.3%
  • Daily rates average $119
Shoulder Season
  • Revenue averages $980 per month
  • Occupancy maintains around 25.9%
  • Daily rates hold near $121
Low Season (March, May, November)
  • Revenue drops to average $730 per month
  • Occupancy decreases to average 19.7%
  • Daily rates adjust to average $123

Seasonality Insights for Kudat

  • The Airbnb seasonality in Kudat shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy. While the sections above show seasonal averages, it's also insightful to look at the extremes:
  • During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Kudat's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $1,765, occupancy reaching a high of 36.6%, and ADRs peaking at $128.
  • Conversely, the slowest single month of the year, typically falling within the low season, marks the market's lowest point. In this month, revenue might dip to $695, occupancy could drop to 11.1%, and ADRs may adjust down to $114.
  • Understanding both the seasonal averages and these monthly peaks and troughs in revenue, occupancy, and ADR is crucial for maximizing your Airbnb profit potential in Kudat.

Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit

  • Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability.
  • Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, special promotions (e.g., extended stay discounts), and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers or budget-conscious guests.
  • Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that balances peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers or specific events. Offer slightly more flexible terms than peak season.
  • Regularly analyze your own performance against these Kudat seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.

Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Kudat (2025)

Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Kudat? This section highlights key areas, outlining why they are attractive for hosts and guests, along with notable local attractions. Consider these locations based on your target guest profile and investment strategy.

Neighborhood / AreaWhy 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

Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Kudat (2025)

While Kudat, Sabah, Malaysia currently shows low STR regulations, specific Airbnb license requirements might still exist or change. 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, 2025, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)

Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Kudat (2025)

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

Luxurious and private holiday villa

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$53,361
Revenue
51.0%
Occupancy
$293.43
Daily Rate
Detached house, big homestay in Kudat, Sabah

Detached house, big homestay in Kudat, Sabah

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$14,215
Revenue
61.6%
Occupancy
$59.47
Daily Rate
JW Homestay (ShopHouse Lv2)

JW Homestay (ShopHouse Lv2)

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$12,418
Revenue
44.2%
Occupancy
$68.39
Daily Rate
Frangipani Family Suite @ Kudat Riviera

Frangipani Family Suite @ Kudat Riviera

Entire Place • 1 bedroom

$11,244
Revenue
17.2%
Occupancy
$350.59
Daily Rate
Casuarina Palms Luxury Villa @ Kudat Riviera

Casuarina Palms Luxury Villa @ Kudat Riviera

Entire Place • 4 bedrooms

$9,024
Revenue
24.3%
Occupancy
$246.47
Daily Rate
Mangrove View Double Deluxe

Mangrove View Double Deluxe

Entire Place • 2 bedrooms

$6,452
Revenue
24.8%
Occupancy
$86.98
Daily Rate

Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.

Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Kudat (2025)

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 NamePropertiesGrossing RevenueStay ReviewsAvg Rating
James1$53,361624.92/5.0
Kudat Riviera2$20,268334.49/5.0
Loi1$14,215564.95/5.0
Fran3$13,18941.50/5.0
Jacky1$12,41855.00/5.0
Ekoos1$6,452414.80/5.0
Low1$5,201434.86/5.0
Cactus1$4,187174.94/5.0
Host #4708874091$3,78610.00/5.0
Donna1$2,588244.67/5.0

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.

Dive Deeper: Advanced Kudat STR Market Data (2025)

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 Metrics

Kudat Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types

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 88.2% of the 17 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 (2025): 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 52.9% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for families or small groups.
  • Together, 3 bedrooms and 2 bedrooms properties represent 70.5% of the active Airbnb listings in Kudat, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
  • A significant 64.7% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Kudat.

Kudat Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)

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 (52.9%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
  • Properties designed for 8+ guests and 4 guests dominate the Kudat STR market, accounting for 64.7% of listings.
  • 70.6% 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 6.1 guests.

Kudat Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): 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 82.4% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
  • Approximately 88.3% 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 (47.1%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
  • A notable 17.6% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.

Kudat Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis

Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement

1 Night (76.5%)

1 Night

13 listings

76.5% of total

2 Nights (11.8%)

2 Nights

2 listings

11.8% of total

3 Nights (5.9%)

3 Nights

1 listings

5.9% of total

7-29 Nights (5.9%)

7-29 Nights

1 listings

5.9% of total

Key Insights

  • The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Kudat is 1 Night, adopted by 76.5% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
  • A strong majority (88.3%) 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 76.5% 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 (2025)

Flexible (14.3%)

Flexible

2 listings

14.3% of total

Moderate (28.6%)

Moderate

4 listings

28.6% of total

Firm (14.3%)

Firm

2 listings

14.3% of total

Strict (42.9%)

Strict

6 listings

42.9% of total

Cancellation Policy Insights for Kudat

  • The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Kudat is Strict, used by 42.9% of listings.
  • A majority (57.2%) of hosts in Kudat utilize Firm or Strict policies, indicating a market where hosts prioritize booking security.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Consider adopting a Strict policy to align with the 42.9% market standard in Kudat.
  • With 42.9% using Strict terms, this is a viable option in Kudat, particularly for high-value properties or during peak demand periods.
  • Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Kudat.

Kudat STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)

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 March (average 67 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
  • The shortest booking windows occur for stays in September (average 25 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
  • Seasonally, Summer (50 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Fall (38 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 March stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 67 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
  • Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 50 days) to capture early planners.
  • Monitor your own booking lead times against these Kudat averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.

Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Kudat (2025)

Amenity Prevalence

Amenity Insights for Kudat

  • Essential amenities in Kudat that guests expect include: Hot water. Lacking these (this) could significantly impact bookings.
  • Popular amenities like Air conditioning, Essentials, Free parking on premises 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: Hot water.
  • Consider adding popular differentiators like Air conditioning or Essentials 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.

Kudat Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)

Guest Origin: Domestic vs. International
Top 5 Cities of Origin
Top 5 Countries of Origin
Top 5 Languages Spoken
Guest Age Distribution (Birth Decade)

Guest Profile Summary for Kudat

  • The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Kudat consists of a mix of domestic (50%) and international guests, with top international origins including China, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Chinese.
  • Domestic travelers account for 50.0% of guests.
  • Key international markets include Malaysia (50%) and China (18.8%).
  • Top languages spoken are English (36.9%) followed by Chinese (30.8%).
  • 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.

Nearby Short-Term Rental Market Comparison

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.

MarketActive PropertiesMonthly RevenueDaily RateAvg. Occupancy
Kampung Mesilau32$1,384$142.9528%
CINTA MATA14$995$134.3124%
Kundasang14$967$148.6921%
Kampung Sembulan Lama170$815$104.4934%
Kota Kinabalu1,359$735$79.5138%
Tanjung Aru196$657$58.3038%
Putatan12$496$68.0229%
Api-Api Center46$484$65.3231%
Kudat Division16$296$99.5816%
Donggongon130$289$55.1527%

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