Tawau to Kota Kinabalu Flight Information

The approximate distance between Tawau and Kota Kinabalu is 291.72 km. Average flight time from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu is around 50 minutes. According to Trip.com data, travel demand hits its peak in January. The cheapest month to book flights is October.

Cheapest one-way
US$22
AirAsia Berhad (Malaysia) AirAsia Berhad (Malaysia) TWU-BKI 50m · Nonstop Thu, Oct 15
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Cheapest round-trip
US$63
AirAsia Berhad (Malaysia) AirAsia Berhad (Malaysia) TWU-BKI 50m · Nonstop Sun, Oct 4 - Tue, Oct 6
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When to fly
December
Cheapest
January
Peak season
Route details
291.72 km
Flight distance
50m
Average flight time

Search for direct flights from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu in the next 3 months. Based on Trip.com's latest 7-day flight data, one-way direct flights start at US$22, and round-trip direct flights start at US$63.

Popular airlines flying from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu

You can pick from 2 carriers that fly from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu including AirAsia Berhad (Malaysia), Batik Air Malaysia, , with AirAsia Berhad (Malaysia) serving cheapest direct ticket on this route.
AirAsia Berhad (Malaysia) logo AirAsia Berhad (Malaysia)
Batik Air Malaysia logo Batik Air Malaysia
Airlines are determined based on actual purchased flight tickets from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu according to previous 12 months data from Trip.com.

Trip.com Price Trends on Flights from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu

Which month has the cheapest one-way flights from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu?

Average monthly one-way flight prices from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu, based on bookings made by Trip.com users over the past 12 months.

Based on Trip.com’s data, the cheapest month for flights from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu is December, with an average price of US$13; while the month with the highest flight price is usually July, with an average price of up to US$33.

US$33
US$23
US$13
US$3
    Cheapest
  • US$21
    Aug
  • US$18
    Sep
  • US$16
    Oct
  • US$15
    Nov
  • US$13
    Dec
  • US$16
    Jan
  • US$21
    Feb
  • US$19
    Mar
  • US$26
    Apr
  • US$30
    May
  • US$32
    Jun
  • US$33
    Jul

Which month has the cheapest round-trip flights from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu?

The average price of round-trip flights from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu purchased by Trip.com users by month over the past 12 months.

Based on data from Trip.com, the lowest prices for round-trip flights from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu are found during January, with an average price of US$48. Conversely, the highest prices are found during May, with an average price of up to US$103.

US$103
US$76
US$48
US$21
    Cheapest
  • US$57
    Aug
  • US$61
    Sep
  • US$51
    Oct
  • US$54
    Nov
  • US$61
    Dec
  • US$48
    Jan
  • US$88
    Feb
  • US$63
    Mar
  • US$93
    Apr
  • US$103
    May
  • US$82
    Jun
  • US$80
    Jul

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the cheapest flights from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu (TWU-BKI)?

    Based on Trip.com data, AirAsia Berhad (Malaysia) offers one-way fares as low as US$22 on Cheapest nonstop routes (e.g. TWU to BKI on Thu, Oct 15), while AirAsia Berhad (Malaysia) offers Cheapest nonstop round-trips from US$63 departing on Sun, Oct 4 and returning on Tue, Oct 6.
  • At the moment, you can catch a nonstop flight from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu with the following airlines, including: AirAsia Berhad (Malaysia) Batik Air Malaysia Selected airlines are based on historical data collected from flight bookings users made on Trip.com within the last 90 days.
  • It takes about 50 minutes to fly from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu.
  • By analyzing data from all airlines on the Trip.com flight calendar, it looks like the best time to book a flight from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu is around 40 days (6 weeks) in advance, and the best time to fly is usually on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Tuesday typically offers the cheapest flights for departure, while Saturday offers the best return deals.
  • Based on Trip.com data in the past 4 weeks, there is 64 flight per week flying from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu. You can check the weekly schedule for popular airlines on this route below: AirAsia Berhad (Malaysia): S/M/T/W/T/F/S -- AK6261 (10:50) AirAsia Berhad (Malaysia): S/M/T/W/T/F/S -- AK6271 (16:37) AirAsia Berhad (Malaysia): S/M/T/W/T/F/S -- AK6265 (15:29)
  • To find best deals on flights from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu, you can use various tools on Trip.com:
    · Be flexible with your travel dates to get the cheapest flight deal. Now the cheapest flight deal is on Thu, Oct 15, with one-way flights priced at just US$22.
    · Compare airlines strategically. Budget carriers often provide the lowest base fares, while we found the most affordable airline currently operating on this route is AirAsia Berhad (Malaysia).
    · Set up price alerts to easily monitor ticket prices without having to check every day.
    · Check Trip.com flight deals and promo codes frequently.
    · Avoid peak season unless you book very early. It seems the peak season for Kota Kinabalu travel is around January.
    · Get exclusive promo codes for Trip.com app users.
  • The cheapest months to fly from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu is October, when demand for travel is lower.
  • After crunching the numbers on our August flight calendar, it's currently cheapest to fly from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu on August 26, 2026 with AirAsia Berhad (Malaysia), with prices starting at US$26.
  • You can land at any one of the following hubs in Kota Kinabalu, with Tawau Airport to Kota Kinabalu International Airport (TWU-BKI) is by far the most common option on this route: Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI).
  • The time difference between Kota Kinabalu and Tawau is 0m.
  • Tickets can only be changed or canceled if permitted by airline policy. To submit a change or cancellation request, go to the flight bookings page, select the option to change or cancel your booking, choose the relevant passengers and segment, and submit a request. Please note that additional charges may apply according to the airline ticket policy. However, if the flight has been rescheduled and you would like to change or cancel your ticket, you can submit an involuntary cancellation request. For more details about change and cancellation policies, please check the customer support pages.
  • Based on Trip.com data for flights departing in the next 30 days, the average one-way fare from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu is US$94. Fares vary by travel date, airline and availability.
  • Based on Trip.com data for travel in the next 30 days, the average round-trip fare from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu is US$117. The final price depends on the outbound and return dates, airline and fare conditions.
  • Enter Tawau and Kota Kinabalu, choose your travel dates and passengers, then compare flights by price, duration and baggage. Select a fare, review the change and cancellation rules, enter traveler details and complete payment to receive your confirmation.
  • AirAsia Berhad (Malaysia)are the most popular budget airlines flying from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu. Check baggage, seat and payment fees before comparing the final price.

Flights from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu – Airlines, Airports & Travel Guide

About Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu is the capital city of Sabah. People come here to visit its natural beauty. Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, and Firefly primarily operate flights from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu. With a flight time of just about an hour, it’s a quick and convenient option for travelers from Sabah’s east coast.

Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) is situated approximately 8 km south of the city center. A taxi ride only takes about 10-15 minutes, costing around USD $7-$10.

Kota Kinabalu

Airlines from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu

Airlines

Flight Time

Price (USD)

AirAsia

1h 00m

from $34

Firefly Airlines

1h 00m

from $39

Malaysia Airlines

1h 00m

from $38

Heading to Tawau Airport

Take a taxi or Grab to get to Tawau Airport (TWU), costing around USD $7-$11, for about 30 minutes from the city center. The airport offers modern amenities, such as cafes, restrooms & comfortale lounges.

Kota Kinabalu Arrival Guide

  • Visa & Entry Requirements: Most foreign visitors from English‑speaking countries (e.g., the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand) do not need a visa to enter Kota Kinabalu/Malaysia for tourism or business stays up to about 90 days.
  • Kota Kinabalu eSIM: Get yourself a Malaysia eSIM to get well-connected.
  • Popular Apps: Grab (ride-hailing/food delivery), Google Maps (Maps), Trip.com/AirAsia (flight bookings), Foodpanda (takeout)
  • Transportation: Kota Kinabalu International Airport is located about 8 kilometers from the city center, near major tourist attractions and top hotels.

The best places to stay in Kota Kinabalu:

Tips for Booking Cheap Flights from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu

  • Download the Trip.com App – Get the best flight deals and discounts directly on your phone.
  • Use Promotions – Save more with monthly promotions and partner promo codes.
  • Flexible Booking – Choose a flexible booking guarantee for added protection if plans change.
  • Book Early – Secure the best rates by booking 3–4 months in advance; midweek flights are often cheaper.
  • Set Price Alerts – Track fare changes with notifications to grab the lowest price.
  • Bundle Flights and Hotels – Enjoy extra discounts, including 8% off for first-time users, when booking together.

Trip.com Airline Insights on Flights from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu

Which airline offers the cheapest direct flights from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu?

Data is based on the average price of all nonstop flights from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu on Trip.com over the past 12 months.

Based on Trip.com’s data from the past 12 months, Firefly Airline/Malaysia Airlines provides the lowest-priced direct flights from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu, with fares starting at US$30.

US$26
US$30
US$35
US$40
US$44
Firefly Airline
US$30
Firefly Airline
Malaysia Airlines
US$30
Malaysia Airlines
Batik Air Malaysia
US$43
Batik Air Malaysia
AirAsia Berhad (Malaysia)
US$44
AirAsia Berhad (Malaysia)

How many flights fly from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu daily?

The data is based on the flight numbers for each day of the week from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu within the Trip.com database over the past month.

Based on the past month's historical data from Trip.com, the number of flights from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu is the highest on Friday/Saturday and the lowest on Tuesday.

45
40
35
30
Highest
36
Mon
35
Tue
36
Wed
37
Thu
45
Fri
45
Sat
41
Sun

Note: Prices shown on this page are the estimated lowest prices found in the last 24 hours and include all taxes and fees.

Book with no extra fees

Prices displayed on this page are all-inclusive (incl. taxes, fuel surcharges, Civil Aviation Development Fund, etc.), and all fees are clearly shown before you pay. Charges for checked baggage, onboard meals, Wi‑Fi, and other optional services are also included where applicable in the flight cards.

Real-time pricing updates

Prices, availability, and travel details on this page have been updated within the last 24 hours, and for many routes are refreshed in real time. The more popular the route, the more accurate and up-to-date the data.

Change & Cancellation Policy

Trip.com shows the change and cancellation rules for each ticket during the booking process, including all related fees and conditions. Please refer to the following scenarios:
Voluntary cancellation/change:
To request a change or cancellation, go to the flight bookings page, select the option to change or cancel your booking, choose the relevant passengers and flight segment, and submit your request. Please note that additional charges may apply based on the airline’s fare rules.
Cancellation/change due to a flight schedule change:
If your flight has been rescheduled and you would like to change or cancel your ticket, you can submit an involuntary cancellation request. For full details of change and cancellation policies, please refer to the customer support pages.