Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu Flights

Kota Kinabalu, often known as KK by the locals, is a major tourist destination in Malaysia. It is the gateway for travellers visiting Sabah on the island of Borneo and is located around 90 km from the famous Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in Malaysia.

Documents Required For Entry

Although Kuala Lumpur (KL) and Kota Kinabalu (KK) are cities in the same country, these two cities are not located in the same geographical part of Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia, located on the central west coast of Peninsular Malaysia whereas Kota Kinabalu is the capital city of Sabah, a state located in East Malaysia. The states in East Malaysia each has independent immigration controls therefore; you will pass through immigration when travelling between Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu.

This means that you will require a valid passport/travel documents and relevant visas to enter Sabah. All documents must be original and copies are not acceptable. Upon arrival, you will receive an entry passport stamp. If you are travelling on a foreign passport, this stamp does not extend your time in Malaysia and you still must leave the country within the timeframe you were initially given on your first entry. All visitors are required to complete an Arrival/Departure card, a Customs Declaration, and if required, a Travelers Declaration Form and Quarantine Form.

For Peninsular Malaysians, some sources have said that you may enter East Malaysia with just your MyKad. However, it is advisable to bring both your MyKad and passport due to the unforeseen changes in passport ruling in East Malaysia, especially if you are planning to also travel to Sarawak after visiting Kota Kinabalu. Alternatively, you can also apply for the Internal Travel Document, a valid travel document issued by the Malaysian Government as an alternative to an International Malaysian Passport. This document is valid for a single journey and the holder is allowed to enter and remain in Sabah for not more than three (3) months on a Social or Business Visitor’s Pass. The document can be obtained from all immigration counters at Sabah airport arrival halls. It is free of charge and parent’s or guardian’s permission is not required for travellers under the age of 18.

Distance & Flight Duration

The fastest way for you to reach any city in East Malaysia is by flight since East Malaysia is located on the island of Borneo, separated from the mainland Peninsular Malaysia by the South China Sea. According to Google, the distance between Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu is about 1,625 km. The flight duration from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu is approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes.

Airlines & Airports

You can easily book direct non-stop flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu via Malindo Airways, Malaysia Airlines, or AirAsia.

Depending on which airline you choose, your flight from Kuala Lumpur can depart either from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) or Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (klia2). Either way, your flight will arrive at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) in Kota Kinabalu.

Earliest & Latest Flight Time

The earliest flight you can get to Kota Kinabalu from Kuala Lumpur is at 05:45, operated by AirAsia. It departs from klia2 and arrives at KKIA approximately at 08:25.

The latest flight you can get to Kota Kinabalu from Kuala Lumpur is at 21:30, operated by Malaysia Airlines. It departs from KLIA and arrives at KKIA approximately at 00:05 (past midnight).

Airfares & Flight Tickets

The cost of a one-way Economy flight ticket from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu can be as low as RM 154 or as high as RM 1,050, depending on the airline, current sales and season. Flight tickets tend to be higher during public holidays and festive seasons.

For example, prices are generally high during Chinese New Year in January/February, March school holiday period, mid-year school holidays, Hari Raya Aidilfitri period, year-end school holidays and Christmas/New Year period.

Getting To The City Centre From The Airport

Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) is located about 8 km (around 20 minutes by car) southwest of the city centre and is the second busiest airport in Malaysia. You can get to the city centre from KKIA through various ways:

1. Taxi Services

The airport is served by city taxis that operate through a coupon system. You do not have to haggle for the taxi fare as the charges are fixed based on the desired destinations. You can obtain the taxi coupon at the counter located at Level 1, Arrival Level of the terminal building.

2. Bus Services

You can also use the city bus service to reach the city centre by going to Level 1, Arrival Level of the terminal building. The bus ticket is RM 5.00 per trip.

3. Rent a Car

If you would like to drive a car throughout your trip, consider renting a car directly from Trip.com’s Car Rental Service page. You can choose to pick up your vehicle at KKIA.

4. Airport Transfer

To save time and enjoy a peace of mind during your trip, you can also consider booking an airport transfer directly from Trip.com’s Airport Transfers page.

Best Time to Travel to Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu is generally warm throughout the year, with occasionally rainy days all year round. If you love to travel during the summer time or have plans to climb Mount Kinabalu, its hot weather is known to be somewhere between March to September, where temperatures are between 30 – 32 °C, with an exceptionally hot day that can be as high as 36 °C, or a cool night that dips to 22 °C. During these months, the weather is usually nicer with a low chance of rain, making it perfect for outdoor activities. It generally rains a lot from November to March however due to climate change; the possibility of rain can be anytime of the year.

Recommended Sightseeing Spots at Kota Kinabalu

1. Mount Kinabalu

One of the most popular tourist destinations in Sabah is none other than Mount Kinabalu (Malay: Gunung Kinabalu), the tallest mountain in Malaysia. The summit of Mount Kinabalu, Low’s Peak, sits at 4,095.2 meters (13,435 feet) above sea-level. Protected as part of the Kinabalu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mount Kinabalu is also one of the highest mountains in Southeast Asia. It is also the 20th tallest mountain in the world by topographic prominence and is one of the highest peaks in the world that is easily trekked by most people.

2. Kinabalu National Park

The Kinabalu National Park is located about 2-hour scenic drive from Kota Kinabalu. According to its official website, apart from Mount Kinabalu, the park has one of the richest collections of biodiversity in the world, housing and protecting more than 4,500 species of flora and fauna – including 326 bird species, an estimated of over 100 mammal species, and over 110 land snail species. Visitors exploring Kinabalu National Park will notice the cooling temperature, ranging from 15 - 24 °C.

3. Tanjung Aru Beach

Tanjung Aru Beach is Kota Kinabalu’s iconic beach. It is located a short drive from the city, near the airport, and known for its world-class sunset beach view. The relaxing ambiance makes Tanjung Aru Beach a great place to chill, gaze at the sunset, and dine on fresh seafood caught only hours earlier.

4. Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park

If you love island hopping, explore Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park. The park is made up of five islands; Gaya, Manukan, Sapi, Sulug and Mamutik. These islands are only a short boat ride away from Kota Kinabalu and is undoubtedly a popular destination among day-trippers (locals and tourists). Besides sun bathing, diving and snorkelling are among the popular attractions at the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park. Other activities include kayaking, sailing, picnicking, BBQ-ing and beach sports.

Basic Information on Kota Kinabalu

1. Getting Around

Getting around Kota Kinabalu is easy. You can use the widely available public transport like taxis or public buses. You can also download e-hailing apps such as Grab Malaysia or MyCar and travel worry-free within the city. Alternatively, you can also rent a car or a motorcycle. However, always ensure that you have the proper driving licence requirements and documentations before you rent any vehicle.

The state of Sabah also has its own railway system and operator known as Sabah State Railway (SSR). It consists of a single 134 km line from Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu in West Coast Division to the town of Tenom, in the Interior Division.

2. Language

Similar to the locals in Peninsular Malaysia, the locals in Kota Kinabalu mainly speak in Bahasa Malaysia (Malay), with a distinct Sabahan creole. Nevertheless, almost half of Kota Kinabalu residents are of Chinese descent, therefore Chinese is also widely spoken. Majority of the residents are able to communicate in English, especially the younger generation so you do not have to worry about any language barriers. It is, however, recommended to learn basic Malay if you are heading towards any rural areas or speaking to the older generation. Like other countries in the world, speaking at least some local phrases or attempting to learn the language will be appreciated by the locals.

3. Religion

Kota Kinabalu’s population is a mixture of many different races and ethnicities. There is a sizeable population that follows the teachings of Islam. Therefore, like any place in Malaysia, it is important to remember some of the do’s and dont’s while touring the country. As a foreigner, you do not have to dress in traditional clothing. However, it is advisable to avoid wearing revealing clothes to avoid unwanted attention. When visiting religious places such as mosques and temples, it is highly recommended to dress modestly. Removing your shoes is also required before entering these holy places. You must also know that non-Muslims are not allowed to enter a mosque during prayer time although it is okay to stand outside and look around.

4. Tipping

Tipping is not mandatory as service charges are usually included in the bills. Generally, the service charge rate is around 10%. However, although tipping is not expected, any extra tipping from foreigners to the services provided by the locals will often be greatly appreciated.

5. Safety

The locals in Kota Kinabalu are generally known to be very friendly and welcoming towards tourists. Nevertheless, it is advisable to avoid unnecessary exposure of valuable and expensive items in crowded areas. Like any other tourist spots, petty crimes, such as pick pocketing or bag snatching may happen therefore always exercise caution on your valuables.

6. Smoking

Working towards a smoke-free generation in Malaysia, Kota Kinabalu adhere strongly to the laws to establish more smoke-free zones. Smoking is strictly prohibited in public transportation, all eateries, government buildings, airports, entertainment centres, theatres, elevators and other public spaces. Any violation in this act can be treated as a punishable offense with a fine or jail.

7. Drinking Water

The water from the tap is not for direct consumption, even if the water is from the bathroom faucet in your hotel room. You are encouraged to purchase bottled water. In addition, when you purchase any bottled water, make sure that the seal is not broken. Inspect these seals before making any purchases from a local store.

*Disclaimer: Note that the information above is for reference only and may be subject to changes. We hold no responsibility in any inaccurate information stated above. We strongly advise that all travellers coming into Malaysia to check the latest entry requirements/visas from the Immigration Department of Malaysia and the latest flight details from the relevant airlines.