BKI

RM 106 Find Cheap Flights to Kota Kinabalu – Compare and Save

1 adult
1 adult, Economy, 0 bags

Save 18% or more on flights. Compare deals from all over the web.

Never overpay with our price tracking tools.

Filter searches by price, airline and more to find your best flights.

Everything you should know

Cheapest return flight
RM 180
Typical prices: RM 331-RM 639
AirAsia
Mon 8/10Thu 11/10
SDK - BKI • Direct
Cheapest one-way flight
RM 106
Typical prices: RM 178-RM 392
AirAsia
Wed 7/11
SDK - BKI • Direct
Direct flights
You can fly direct with AirAsia, MASwings, and others. Average duration is 1h 45m.
FAQs
FAQs
Top airlines
Most flights • 248 per week
Best reviews • 7.8 score
Airline reviews
+1
Airline reviews
+1
Top routes
Cheapest • 63% average savings
Most popular
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travellers who book at least 26 weeks in advance save around 29% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 24% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Start a new search
KAYAK searches hundreds of sites at once to find you the best travel deals.
We hope you enjoy your trip to Kota Kinabalu!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights to Kota Kinabalu

 
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent return flight deals to Kota Kinabalu

Thu, 8 Oct - Sun, 11 Oct
AirAsia Logo
13:40 - 14:25SDK  Sandakan-BKI Kota Kinabalu
0h 45mdirect
AirAsia Logo
12:30 - 13:15BKI  Kota Kinabalu-SDK Sandakan
0h 45mdirect
RM 180AirAsia
Thu, 8 Oct - Sun, 11 Oct
AirAsia Logo
07:55 - 08:40SDK  Sandakan-BKI Kota Kinabalu
0h 45mdirect
AirAsia Logo
16:40 - 17:25BKI  Kota Kinabalu-SDK Sandakan
0h 45mdirect
RM 180AirAsia
Thu, 5 Nov - Thu, 5 Nov
Multiple Airlines Logo
09:55 - 10:50TWU  Tawau-BKI Kota Kinabalu
0h 55mdirect
Multiple Airlines Logo
21:45 - 22:35BKI  Kota Kinabalu-TWU Tawau
0h 50mdirect
RM 257Multiple Airlines
Thu, 5 Nov - Mon, 9 Nov
Multiple Airlines Logo
09:55 - 10:50TWU  Tawau-BKI Kota Kinabalu
0h 55mdirect
Multiple Airlines Logo
17:55 - 18:45BKI  Kota Kinabalu-TWU Tawau
0h 50mdirect
RM 261Multiple Airlines
Wed, 28 Oct - Fri, 6 Nov
Batik Air Logo
09:55 - 10:50TWU  Tawau-BKI Kota Kinabalu
0h 55mdirect
Batik Air Logo
15:45 - 16:40BKI  Kota Kinabalu-TWU Tawau
0h 55mdirect
RM 306Batik Air
Thu, 12 Nov - Thu, 19 Nov
MASwings Logo
14:30 - 15:05LBU  Labuan-BKI Kota Kinabalu
0h 35mdirect
MASwings Logo
13:35 - 14:10BKI  Kota Kinabalu-LBU Labuan
0h 35mdirect
RM 432MASwings
Sun, 8 Nov - Sun, 15 Nov
MASwings Logo
07:20 - 07:55LBU  Labuan-BKI Kota Kinabalu
0h 35mdirect
MASwings Logo
13:35 - 14:10BKI  Kota Kinabalu-LBU Labuan
0h 35mdirect
RM 432MASwings
Thu, 8 Oct - Sun, 11 Oct
Royal Brunei Airlines Logo
15:05 - 08:10KCH  Kuching-BKI Kota Kinabalu
17h 05m1 stop Bandar Seri Begawan Brunei Intl
Royal Brunei Airlines Logo
07:05 - 21:00BKI  Kota Kinabalu-KCH Kuching
13h 55m1 stop Bandar Seri Begawan Brunei Intl
RM 469Royal Brunei Airlines
Sat, 7 Nov - Tue, 17 Nov
Royal Brunei Airlines Logo
08:35 - 16:10KCH  Kuching-BKI Kota Kinabalu
7h 35m1 stop Bandar Seri Begawan Brunei Intl
Royal Brunei Airlines Logo
08:20 - 21:00BKI  Kota Kinabalu-KCH Kuching
12h 40m1 stop Bandar Seri Begawan Brunei Intl
RM 481Royal Brunei Airlines
Fri, 16 Oct - Sun, 18 Oct
Batik Air Logo
19:45 - 22:15KUL  Kuala Lumpur Intl-BKI Kota Kinabalu
2h 30mdirect
Batik Air Logo
08:05 - 10:35BKI  Kota Kinabalu-KUL Kuala Lumpur Intl
2h 30mdirect
RM 543Batik Air
Booking Insights

Price, demand, and travel trends for Malaysia to Kota Kinabalu flights

Use KAYAK data on prices, travel dates, airlines, and seasonal trends to compare options and book flights from Malaysia to Kota Kinabalu with more confidence.

What is the cheapest flight to Kota Kinabalu?

Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu is the cheapest route at RM 180 return, found in the past 5 days on KAYAK. Kuching to Kota Kinabalu is the most popular connection with return deals from RM 469.

How much is a flight to Kota Kinabalu?

A return flight to Kota Kinabalu costs RM 442 on average, based on data over the past 12 months on KAYAK. Return fares from Limbang average RM 163, while Lawas runs a bit higher at RM 203.

What is the cheapest day to fly to Kota Kinabalu?

Monday is the cheapest day to fly to Kota Kinabalu at RM 453 return on average over the past 12 months on KAYAK. Tuesday is the most expensive at RM 473.

What is the cheapest month to fly to Kota Kinabalu?

•January is the cheapest month to fly to Kota Kinabalu with an average price of RM 335 return.
•August (RM 575) and July (RM 555) are the most expensive.
•Based on KAYAK data over the past 12 months.

What is the cheapest time of day to fly to Kota Kinabalu?

Morning flights to Kota Kinabalu are the cheapest at RM 441 return on average. Night flights are the most expensive at RM 514.

What is a good deal for flights to Kota Kinabalu?

Flights under RM 331 are considered a good deal. 25% of KAYAK users found return flights to Kota Kinabalu at or below these prices, with the lowest fares from:
•Limbang RM 145
•Miri RM 147
•Tawau RM 155.

When are flights to Kota Kinabalu the cheapest?

Flights to Kota Kinabalu are cheapest 26 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 29% less than the average last-minute fare (within 2 weeks of the flight), based on KAYAK data.

Key details for flights to Kota Kinabalu

Low season

July

Cheapest flight

RM 106
Best time to beat the crowds but there is an average 26% increase in price.
Most popular time to fly and prices are also 22% lower on average.
Flights from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu

When to book flights to Kota Kinabalu

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel to Kota Kinabalu based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated return price

Your questions about flights to Kota Kinabalu, answered

Find helpful route details based on KAYAK data, including flight times, airports, airlines, and booking questions.

  • How do I know if a flight to Kota Kinabalu is a good deal?

    A good deal on a flight to Kota Kinabalu is around RM 331 return. This fare is in the lowest 25% of return flight prices searched on KAYAK, averaged across the cities most often searched as origins by KAYAK users.

  • How long are direct flights to Kota Kinabalu from different departure cities?

    Direct flight time to Kota Kinabalu varies depending on your departure city:

    • from Lawas: 0h 45m
    • from Lahad Datu: 0h 55m
    • from Sibu: 1h 15m
    • from Sandakan: 0h 45m
    • from Kuala Lumpur Intl Airport: 2h 30m

  • How expensive are last-minute flights to Kota Kinabalu?

    Last-minute fares to Kota Kinabalu – booked within 2 weeks of departure – run 25% above the average return fare of RM 442.

  • What is the difference between the most popular and the most frequent airline at Kota Kinabalu?

    AirAsia operates the most flights from Malaysia to Kota Kinabalu at 248 per week, and for this route AirAsia is also the airline most often selected by KAYAK users searching for flights from Malaysia to Kota Kinabalu. The two are sometimes different because flight volume reflects an airline's schedule, while popularity reflects traveller choice.

  • Which airlines should I consider for flights to Kota Kinabalu?

  • How many flights serve Kota Kinabalu?

    Kota Kinabalu receives 59 flights per day and 415 per week from across the world. Kuala Lumpur Intl Airport has the most flights to Kota Kinabalu with 162 weekly flights.

  • What are the transportation options for travel to the city centre?

    Most travellers opt for either a bus or taxi from the airport. The Airport Bus takes passengers to the city in about 20 to 45 minutes for RM 5 and stops at Center Point, Horizon Hotel, and Padang Merdeka. Prepaid taxis are also available for hire and you can find taxi counters in the arrivals hall. A 20-minute taxi ride to the city centre will come to about RM 30.

  • Does Kota Kinabalu International Airport offer services for disabled passengers?

    Disabled passengers requiring a wheelchair will find that the airport is quite accessible for their needs, with ample availability of ramps and elevators. There are also adapted toilets to accommodate wheelchair use.

  • Is there free Wi-Fi at Kota Kinabalu Airport?

    Yes, there is free Wi-Fi available for sessions lasting up to four hours. You will need to complete a quick registration upon connecting.

Your guide to booking Kota Kinabalu flights

From booking to airport arrival, find tips to help you plan your flight with more confidence.
  • For the best chance at a low fare to Kota Kinabalu, aim to book around 26 weeks before you fly. That window historically saves about 29% versus last-minute pricing based on KAYAK booking data over the last 12 months.
  • For flights to Kota Kinabalu, recent KAYAK data shows that stronger deals tend to be around RM 331 return. If you see a fare below that threshold, it's a good deal – book before the price climbs back up.
  • If you can choose when to go, aim to travel to Kota Kinabalu in January. Return fares historically average RM 335 that month – typically the cheapest month to travel based on the last 12 months.
  • Before you book:

    • Check the route's typical price range so you can spot a deal.
    • Confirm baggage fees and seat selection costs on budget carriers.
    • Verify whether you need any travel documents beyond an ID.
    • Pick a departure airport, since your nearest may not be the cheapest origin.
  • Shift your departure to morning to save up to RM 73 per return. Morning flights to Kota Kinabalu average RM 441 compared to RM 514 for evening flights. See the time-of-day chart above for the full breakdown.
  • Bag allowances vary by airline, fare type, cabin class, and route. On flights to Kota Kinabalu, some airlines may include bags at no extra cost. For example, AirAsia includes a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy class, Malaysia Airlines includes a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy class, and Batik Air includes a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy class. Always check the fare details before booking, since bag policies can change by ticket type.
  • There are two pay-per-use lounges you can access at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI). The Plaza Premium Lounge has two locations—one in the Domestic Terminal and the other in the International Terminal. Hot showers are available in both lounges.
  • You can find sleep capsules at the Napzone KKIA by Sovotel hotel located on Level 1 of Terminal 1. The rooms include free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, massage chairs, and lockers. For a four hour stay, expect to pay around RM 70. A six hour stay costs around RM 100.
  • On Level 3, across from the entrance to the Departure Hall, you can find luggage storage services. The facility charges about RM 5 per bag for the first three hours and then RM 2 for the hours thereafter. Alternatively, for RM 15, you can store your bag for up to 24 hours. If you just need to store something small in a locker, expect to pay RM 5 for two-hour periods.

Reviews of the top 4 airlines flying to Kota Kinabalu

 
Need help choosing which airline to fly with to Kota Kinabalu? KAYAK airline reviews give an overall score for each airline based on loads of factors, including comfort, boarding, in-flight entertainment and more, to make your decision easier. See airline scores according to verified KAYAK customer reviews.
7.8
FireflyOverall score based on 35 reviews
8.1Comfort
6.3Entertainment
7.4Food
8.2Crew
7.6Boarding
Airline reviews

No boarding bridge this time — we walked out to a bus and climbed the stairs up to the aircraft. Not the most convenient, but we got lucky with clear, sunny weather, so it actually felt kind of nice to get some fresh air before boarding. No entertainment screens on board, which is pretty standard for a budget carrier, but I appreciated that each seat had two types of USB ports with fast charging — a small thing, but it kept my devices topped up for the whole flight. The cabin crew were the highlight. Genuinely warm, attentive, and professional throughout, which made a big difference on a longer short-haul flight like this. Overall, a comfortable four-hour flight for the price. No frills, but everything worked, and the crew's service made it feel better than a typical no-frills experience. **Pros: Friendly, professional crew; fast-charging USB ports; comfortable seating **Cons: No boarding bridge (bus + stairs); no in-flight entertainment

10.0 Excellent真洋, Aug 2026
Read more Firefly reviews

No boarding bridge this time — we walked out to a bus and climbed the stairs up to the aircraft. Not the most convenient, but we got lucky with clear, sunny weather, so it actually felt kind of nice to get some fresh air before boarding. No entertainment screens on board, which is pretty standard for a budget carrier, but I appreciated that each seat had two types of USB ports with fast charging — a small thing, but it kept my devices topped up for the whole flight. The cabin crew were the highlight. Genuinely warm, attentive, and professional throughout, which made a big difference on a longer short-haul flight like this. Overall, a comfortable four-hour flight for the price. No frills, but everything worked, and the crew's service made it feel better than a typical no-frills experience. **Pros: Friendly, professional crew; fast-charging USB ports; comfortable seating **Cons: No boarding bridge (bus + stairs); no in-flight entertainment

Flight delayed 3 HR 45 min, but prior notification given. However, plans had already affected.

They used the ATR 72-500 for the route and I love it.

Delayed 7 hours plus. Given $15 worth of meal at Subway but it was actually we can only choose 1 set meal instead of $15 of anything. The staff at subway weren’t happy to serve huge group of us. No detailed explanation given by the airline and we just have to keep looking for information at the departure tv screen.

Was all very easy, from buying the ticket online to walking stratup to the check-in desk, helpful and friendly checkin staff, punctual take off, good standard of aircraft, luggage was waiting by the time I had cleared immigration. Thumbs up all round.

No frills, basic flight in a puddle jumper. I wasn’t expecting refreshments nor entertainment. Everything was efficient, and everyone was pleasant.

The only problem was that I bought ticket on a third party app but I have to pay extra luggage cost, because of in their system different from my bought ticket. Every other was perfect

I don’t like the sour face of the check in staff at Penang international airport, front desk service provider should be more friendly n smiles always 😊

It was delayed for more than 1 hour due to LIMA when many planes landed & took-off at the same time. It could ve been better if the pilot or crew informed us every few minutes so that we know what’s going on.

The crews were very professional and courteous. Pleasant flight and thank you!

Overall experience is good but if the food menu can change to authentic Malaysia food will be good. I.e. Nasi Lemak, Char Kueh Tiew and etc

Surprised that the safety briefing was only conducted in Malay language and no English despite there are foreigners on board. MH should take safety more seriously.

We are row 11, when the crew came to us, only one meal choice was available.

AC not working, just slowly blowing room temperature air. Long taxi time does not help as well. Sweating all over the whole trip.

The IFE is quite unconvenient if using our own device. Not all passenger brought their own earphone/headphone.

Delayed for 45 minutes. Don't know what's the issue. Other than that, food was not to my satisfaction. However it's okay.

My first course flight (Aor-Kul) was cancelled in the morning, and they asked me to board the night flight hence I need to transit overnight for the 2nd flight (Kul-Myy) that supposed to be on the same day. The overnight stay was not provided, (I'm traveling with my spouse, a daughter (5 y.o.) and an infant (2 months old). Hence I booked Sama Sama Hotel at my own expense (fortunately using my enrich miles points). Other than this issue, all services is good.

Orange juice change to mineral water . Should keep the orange juice.

Elderly individual shud be given priority to board the plane together with passengers with children and disabled. Otherwise things are OK.

Friendly staff but otherwise a typical no frills airline. The sets are extremely cramped

Flight was delayed from 8pm to near midnight. They made us board then sit in the cabin and wait for even longer for take-off. No compensation whatsoever - not even in a free drink or meal

I had a wonderful experience with this company. The staff were all very friendly and helpful. Our pilot was skilled and clearly experienced. The value for the price was excellent. I would definitely recommend them.

Instead of landing we had to go around and landed in Kuala Lumpur International Airport instead of Subang. Then we had to restart and arrived over 2.5 hrs late

As usual, poor communication on delays. No info, no updates, no apologies.

Premium check in was worth it. Boarding process was a little chaotic. Seats were super cramped and I am less than 80kg and 180cm

It was good. The FACE check in at KLIA2 was not working.

Bad experience, delay like no tomorrow. Original schedule departure time at 9:30pm, delayed until 12:05am only depart.

Great flight. Achieve my objecttive of travelling with less hassle .

The crew is good, but the flight delayed and there is two passengers keep talking during the flight

My flight from PEN-KUL was re-timed for two hours or so due to some technical issue. It was not conveyed accordingly by the staff. Info only received via fellow passenger who also mentioned about the possibility of changing flight but different airport SZB. Changing flight is not easy since everyone is fighting for available seat unsystematically. Anywhere, I and my wife managed to get seat for slightly earlier flight from the retimed one. The issue should be handled more professionally and systematically.

I was pretty sure my seat includes a meal. But I guess I was wrong because I wasn't served a meal on my flight with Batik Air from Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur. I was fortunate because the layover was more than an hour in Kuala Lumpur. Otherwise, I could have cause a delay to the connecting flight to Taiwan because my terminal to board the next flight is located at different building. I had to take a train to the satellite building. Overall, all is well.

Freezing onboard and staff refused to give me hot water “because we were landing soon”. The plane arrived at the gate an hour late. And there’s an air leak in one of the bathrooms. Very scary noise.

Batik Air is racing to the bottom of the list with its consistent flight delays. Especially out of Malaysia. Shocking that they keep getting away with it without any form of punishment from the authorities. Also very inconsistent rules on cabin luggage.

Need to improve the availability of the food. Seems like everything sold out

Delayed for 3 hours, need to pay extra for drinking water.

The OD2204 KUL-LGK was delayed 40 minutes due to air-condition malfuntion, after inspection the technician give green light for the flight to go as usual but the air-condition is still not working properly, passengers complaining to the stewardess but they cannot do anything, I did tweet to @malindoair to complaint but no reply from them … hope this Batik Air is not having problem like Rayani Air and I do hope the management do respond to my complaint as well

2 delayed flights - hotel layover in a different country- lost baggage.

Silly to not even offer people water for free when they are paying so much for tickets.

Good leg room ... air conditioning was a bit warm don't Book row 8 ... no windows

More options for your flight to Kota Kinabalu