Getting There

Kota Kinabalu’s remote location leaves very few choices for alternate modes of transport, apart from the convenient flights from several local and international destinations.

International Flights

There are now several international flights connecting to the region. Malaysian Airlines features flights from Hong Kong, Manila, Seoul, Singapore, Tokyo, Osaka, Taipei, Kaosiung, Shanghai and a number of other Asian destinations. AirAsia flies regularly from Bangkok and Macau, and the Australia-based Qantas Airways has flights connecting Kota Kinabalu to Sydney. The Royal Brunei Airlines flies between Brunei and KK.

Domestic Flights

Malaysian Airlines has direct flights from several domestic locations including KL, Kuching, Miri, Johor, Bahru and inter-state flights to and from Sandakan, Tawau and other towns in Sabah. The Malaysian Airlines subsidiary operates the convenient Fokker planes from Lahad Datu four times a day, Sandakan twice daily and Tawau, again twice a day. AirAsia has direct flights from Johor, Bahru and KL. For budget travel, try to book one of the AirAsia flights from Kohor Bahru that feature a stopover at Kota en route to Singapore. MASWings flies between KK and Limbang, Lawas, Miri and Mulu National Park about twice or thrice a week. Sibu is connected to Kota Kinabalu by daily direct flights. There is a private jet reserved for passengers booked at the Layang Layang Island.

Kota Kinabalu is well-connected to major Asian destinations, and has an array of travel choices to shuttle between other Malaysian cities and neighboring towns.