Kudat, Sabah Airbnb Market Data 2025: STR Report & Statistics
How much can you earn on Airbnb in Kudat, Sabah? Based on AirROI's 2025 dataset (December 2024 – November 2025), the short answer is $6,443 per year — at a $121 nightly rate, 19.4% occupancy, and a N/A RevPAR.
With just 18 active listings, Kudat is a micro-market where selective demand that rewards strong listing quality and pricing strategy. Supply grew 28.6% year over year, and the market is recalibrating around a new competitive baseline. This is the stage where hosts who invest in amenities, guest experience, and dynamic pricing build durable advantages that compound as the market matures.
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 $6,443 in average annual revenue,19.4% occupancy, $121 ADR, and $0 in RevPAR, and guests book about 46 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 August, 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 $1,850+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $919 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $410 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $208, 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, Decembersees 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 47%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 28% 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 October and dips lowest during July. 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 $268+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $145 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $84 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $70 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Kudat
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Kudat?
RevPAR in Kudat is currently N/A. 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 N/A RevPAR.
- Typical properties (Median) generate N/A RevPAR.
- Strong performers (Top 25%) earn N/A RevPAR.
- Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve N/A RevPAR.
Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Kudat
RevPAR Insights for Kudat
- RevPAR peaks in Jan and bottoms out in Jan, 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 N/A, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
- 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 August, January, December, while the softest stretch is March, June, October. Overall, the market shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy, which should guide pricing, minimum stays, and cash-flow planning.
Peak Season (August, January, December)
- Revenue averages $1,103 per month
- Occupancy rates average 27.6%
- Daily rates average $129
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $771 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 22.3%
- Daily rates hold near $126
Low Season (March, June, October)
- Revenue drops to average $564 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 14.4%
- Daily rates adjust to average $128
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 $1,175, occupancy reaching 30.6%, and ADRs peaking at $137.
- Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $466, occupancy could drop to 11.0%, and ADRs may adjust to $120.
- 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 83.3% of the 18 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 2 bedrooms properties represent 66.7% of the active Airbnb listings in Kudat, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 61.1% 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 (50%). 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 61.1% of listings.
- 66.7% 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 5.6 guests.
What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Kudat?
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Kudat
- Popular amenities like Free parking on premises, Air conditioning, TV 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
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Free parking on premises or Air conditioning 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.
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 (48%) 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 47.5% of guests.
- Key international markets include Malaysia (47.5%) and China (12.5%).
- Top languages spoken are English (36%) followed by Chinese (22%).
- 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.
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 83.3% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 94.4% 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 (44.4%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 5.6% 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 46 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during January (average 60 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in April (average 25 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Fall (45 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Summer (36 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (46 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Kudat.
- For January stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 60 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.
Kudat Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
14 listings
77.8% of total
2 Nights
2 listings
11.1% of total
3 Nights
1 listings
5.6% of total
7-29 Nights
1 listings
5.6% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Kudat is 1 Night, adopted by 77.8% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A strong majority (88.9%) 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 77.8% 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
4 listings
22.2% of total
Moderate
4 listings
22.2% of total
Firm
7 listings
38.9% of total
Strict
3 listings
16.7% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Kudat
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Kudat is Firm, used by 38.9% of listings.
- A majority (55.6%) of hosts in Kudat utilize Firm or Strict policies, indicating a market where hosts prioritize booking security.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Firm policy to align with the 38.9% market standard in Kudat.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Kudat.
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
Detached house, big homestay in Kudat, Sabah
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
JW Homestay (ShopHouse Lv2)
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Casuarina Palms Luxury Villa @ Kudat Riviera
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Frangipani Family Suite @ Kudat Riviera
Entire Place • 1 bedroom
![[New Promo] Borneo - Gudat Comfortable Neighborhood // Kudat Happiness @ Home](https://a0.muscache.com/im/pictures/87d93438-05f3-438f-a56b-d75cc2615d7b.jpg?im_w=480&im_format=avif)
[New Promo] Borneo - Gudat Comfortable Neighborhood // Kudat Happiness @ Home
Entire Place • 3 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 | $41,163 | 71 | 4.89/5.0 |
| Kudat Riviera | 2 | $18,730 | 34 | 4.49/5.0 |
| Loi | 1 | $13,870 | 69 | 4.96/5.0 |
| Jacky | 1 | $11,186 | 8 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Bryan | 3 | $5,469 | 16 | 4.53/5.0 |
| Donna | 1 | $5,004 | 31 | 4.71/5.0 |
| Low | 1 | $4,567 | 46 | 4.85/5.0 |
| Cactus | 1 | $4,170 | 24 | 4.96/5.0 |
| Connie Kong | 1 | $3,986 | 4 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Ekoos | 1 | $3,825 | 48 | 4.79/5.0 |
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.
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 17 percentage points lower occupancy and about $33 lower ADR. That helps frame whether this market is winning more on demand, pricing, or both.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kundasang | 23 | $1,463 | $154.23 | 36% |
| Kampung Mesilau | 35 | $1,394 | $139.07 | 32% |
| CINTA MATA | 13 | $975 | $144.76 | 25% |
| Dumpiring Atas | 10 | $791 | $73.65 | 24% |
| Kota Kinabalu | 1,565 | $688 | $82.12 | 34% |
| Tanjung Aru | 186 | $656 | $65.06 | 35% |
| Kampung Sembulan Lama | 156 | $636 | $98.57 | 29% |
| Putatan | 14 | $545 | $64.84 | 25% |
| Api-Api Center | 45 | $514 | $63.63 | 32% |
| Kudat Division | 17 | $359 | $99.38 | 16% |
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 $6,443 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $121 and RevPAR of N/A. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Kudat, Sabah, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2025 data, Kudat market, December 2024 to November 2025.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Kudat?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Kudat is 19.4%. August 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 $121 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 18 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 N/A. 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 19.4% 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 $6,443, 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 46 days — a longer planning horizon typical of destination or vacation markets where travelers book well in advance. 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 83.3% 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, Kundasang posts $17,561 in average annual revenue with 35.6% occupancy, compared to Kudat's $6,443 and 19.4%. Comparing nearby markets helps investors understand whether a destination's performance reflects local demand or broader regional trends.
When is the peak season for Airbnb in Kudat?
August is the highest-revenue month in Kudat, while October is the softest. The revenue spread between them indicates a highly seasonal market — revenue in the peak month is more than double the low month, so cash-flow planning and pricing automation are critical.
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 2025-11-30. 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.