>>>>
Worldwide Coverage
Worldwide Coverage
Flights to over 5,000 cities
One-stop Service Guarantee
One-stop Service Guarantee
Price guaranteed upon confirmed payment, booking guaranteed once tickets issued
Secure Payment
Secure Payment
Convenient & reliable booking and payment system

Cheap flight deals from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu Starting at $23

Discover our range of affordable one-way and round-trip flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu and kick-start your next adventure today!

  • One way
  • Round-trip

Crossed out prices are calculated based on the average price of the corresponding route on Trip.com.

When is the cheapest time to fly from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu?

Price trend charts are a great way of tracking how much your flights cost in the lead up to departure and can help you choose when to book your tickets. See how prices to Kota Kinabalu from Kuala Lumpur have changed and are set to move below.

Displayed prices are calculated based on the cheapest average weekly prices of the corresponding route on Trip.com.

Find cheap airlines flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu

Compare prices from various providers below to understand which option best suits your travel needs, before enjoying a comfortable journey with a trusted airline from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu.

AirAsia X
From $35
AirAsia
From $35
Batik Air Malaysia
From $36
Firefly Airline
From $45
Malaysia Airlines
From $69
Royal Brunei Airlines
From $123
China Southern Airlines
From $233
Singapore Airlines
From $333
Sichuan Airlines
From $632

Find more flights and airlines

Alternative Cheap Routes from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu

Searching for potential routes that might be cheaper and faster? There are a few alternative ways to get to Kota Kinabalu from Kuala Lumpur which could help you save money and time.

  • Cheapest
    AirAsia
    SZB
    20:30
    2h 30m
    Nonstop
    BKI
    23:00
    Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport - Kota Kinabalu International Airport
    Wed, Nov 27AirAsia
    $30
  • AirAsia X
    KUL
    10:45
    2h 45m
    Nonstop
    BKI
    13:30
    Kuala Lumpur International Airport - Kota Kinabalu International Airport
    Sun, Dec 1AirAsia X
    $35
  • AirAsia X
    KUL
    10:45
    2h 45m
    Nonstop
    BKI
    13:30
    Kuala Lumpur International Airport - Kota Kinabalu International Airport
    Sun, Dec 1AirAsia X
    $35
    Find More Flights

Frequently Asked Questions

  • When are flight tickets from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Kota Kinabalu (BKI) the cheapest?

    Airlines adjust prices for flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu based on the departure date and time of your selection. By analyzing data from all airlines, we've discovered that on Trip.com, you can find the lowest flight prices on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.
  • How much do flights from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Kota Kinabalu (BKI) cost?

    According to Trip.com's data, the lowest price is around $117.
  • How long does it take to fly from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Kota Kinabalu (BKI) and what is the distance?

    It takes around 2 hours 39 minutes to fly from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Kota Kinabalu (BKI).
  • What is the transportation method from the main airport to downtown in Kota Kinabalu?

    • The distance from Kota Kinabalu International Airport to downtown is about 7 km. It takes about 20 minutes by taxi.
  • What are the most popular airlines that fly from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Kota Kinabalu (BKI)?

    Airlines with flights from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Kota Kinabalu (BKI): IndiGo, AirAsia, AirAsia X, Turkish Airlines, Batik Air Malaysia, Malaysia Airlines, Myanmar Airways International and Firefly Airline.

How to find a cheap flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu

Understanding the common pitfalls when booking your flight tickets can help you save massively when it comes time to fly. We’ve listed our six essential steps to keep in mind when you’re booking flight tickets to help you find the best price.
1
Book Early
Once prices are gone, they're gone. Lock in deals while you can!
2
Compare Flight Prices
Compare prices on travel agency and airline websites.
3
Look Out for Deals
Check airline and travel agency websites for latest flight deals
4
Check One-way Fares
Buying two cheap one-way flights can sometimes be a better deal than a round-trip.
5
Try Different Dates
Flying during the week, early in the morning, or late at night can help save money.
6
Use the Trip.com App
Save up to £10 per person when booking your flights on Trip.com

Flight Info | Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu

Cheapest nonstop flight price$23
Cheapest round-trip ticket price$54
Off-season for travelDecember
Peak season for travelAugust
Flight distance1,621.07 km
Average flight time2 hours 39 minutes
Popular airlineFirefly
Flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu is the capital city of Sabah state and lies in east Malaysia. It is one of the major commercial and industrial centres of Malaysia, which makes it one of the fastest-growing cities in Malaysia. Hence is blessed with exquisite tourist spots. Also, tourism is a major industry supporting the city's economy. Inside the city, people can choose to explore delectable seafood, craft markets, museums, and some stunning lookout spots. Some nearby spots near the city will let you relish hot springs, windy river cruises, mangrove swamps, beautiful train rides, and ultimate diving experience. The city has plenty of locations to keep you busy, according to your itinerary. Be ready for a fun-filled holiday here!

Tip: December to April serves the best time to visit Kota Kinabalu.

 Arriving Kota Kinabalu

Kuala Lumpur Kota Kinabalu flight booking should be made for Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) as the destination. It is located about 8 kilometres from the city centre. There are n-number of flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu, flying daily.  Direct flight to Kota Kinabalu takes approximately 3 hours to reach the destination. Key airline operators on this route are Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia Airways, and Malindo Air Airlines.

Tip: Book your tickets in advance for a budgeted holiday in this ultimate natural beauty.

Exploring Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu offers you a variety of travel experiences. The Nature love side of you would like to take a river cruise on the Klias River and spot a range of animals. Kinabalu National Park is a must-visit on your list to witness 90 mammal species and vascular plant species. Mount Kinabalu is a sacred mountain located in this national park. Trek to the top for some picturesque views.

There are some strikingly beautiful mosques in the city, namely Kota Kinabalu City Mosque and State Mosque.

Visit the Sabah State Museum to explore the city’s history. It holds a Science and Technology Museum along with Sabah Art Gallery.

For an adventurous holiday, get into the waters of Poring Hot Springs. Go for a leisurely walk at the Tanjung Aru Beach and also try kayaking. Enjoy street foods on the beach as well. Padas River and Kiulu River provide you with adrenaline rush if you try out white water rafting here!

Tip: If you are thinking of driving around yourself, buy a detailed map from the Sabah Tourism Office.

Shoppers Hop in Kota Kinabalu

There are many shopping places in Kota Kinabalu. The weekly Gaya street market on Sundays has a large number of local vendors selling traditional ethnic souvenirs. The handicraft market on the waterfront is famous for selling handicraft items and foodstuffs. Head to the Kampung Air, the flea market for budget shopping and small souvenirs. For low priced goods, Gaya Street Sunday Market will be a great option. The market ranges from souvenirs, toys, accessories, clothes, food, etc.

Tip: Prepare yourself to walk a lot because the local markets will be crowded.

Dining in Kota Kinabalu

Some of the cuisines you will find here include Japanese, Hungarian, Malaysian, American, and the list goes on. Trying freshly caught fish would be great here as Kota Kinabalu is located near the coast. The best place to enjoy delectable seafood is on the waterfront, which houses several trendy restaurants. 

Some of the must-try dishes include Roti Cobra from Kedai Makan, Laksa from Yee Kung, and Pan Mee from Lido Pan Mee. Head to the Gaya Street to taste different varieties of local cuisines. Apart from that, you can find vegetarian and non-vegetarian restaurants everywhere.

Tip: Do try this local seafood of Kota Kinabalu: Beef Noodle, Laksa, Bak Kut The, and Claypot rice. 

To book a cheap flight from Kuala Lumpur, try Trip.com. It will not only help you in Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu flight booking but will also suggest you places to roam around, top markets for shopping and eating as well. Trip.com also lets you book your stay in Kota Kinabalu. Its customer rating will help you book the right hotel for yourself. Enjoy your trip to one of the most peaceful and diverse places in Malaysia!