What to know about flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu?

The distance between Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu is approximately 1,621.07 km. It takes around 2 hours 39 minutes on average to fly from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu. Based on Trip.com's data, travel demand peaks in July. The cheapest month to book is October.

Cheapest one-way
$65
Batik Air Malaysia Batik Air Malaysia KUL-BKI 2h 30m · Nonstop Sat, Oct 24
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Cheapest round-trip
$129
Batik Air Malaysia Batik Air Malaysia KUL-BKI 2h 30m · Nonstop Tue, Oct 27 - Thu, Oct 29
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When to travel
December
Cheapest
July
Peak season for travel
Route details
1,621.07 km
Flight distance
2h 39m
Average flight time

Explore the cheapest one-way and round-trip flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu over the next 90 days, with one-way fares from $65 and round-trip from $129. Based on Trip.com's latest 7-day flight data.

Flight.News
Flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu operate an average of 91 times per day over the past 7 days, with a 54.8% on-time departure rate and a 91.0% on-time arrival rate.

Which airlines are the most popular for Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu flights?

The most popular airlines flying from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu are AirAsia, Batik Air Malaysia, and Malaysia Airlines, among 4 carriers on this route. Batik Air Malaysia offers the lowest fares. Based on Trip.com's flight booking data from the previous 12 months.
AirAsia logo AirAsia
Batik Air Malaysia logo Batik Air Malaysia
Malaysia Airlines logo Malaysia Airlines
Firefly Airline logo Firefly Airline
Airlines are determined based on actual purchased flight tickets from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu according to previous 12 months data from Trip.com.

Trip.com price insights on flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu

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

The average price of one-way flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu purchased by Trip.com users by month over the past 12 months.

Based on Trip.com’s data, the cheapest month for flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu is December, with an average price of $14; while the month with the highest flight price is usually July, with an average price of up to $31.

$31
$23
$14
$6
    Cheapest
  • $25
    Oct
  • $17
    Nov
  • $14
    Dec
  • $18
    Jan
  • $23
    Feb
  • $15
    Mar
  • $28
    Apr
  • $23
    May
  • $30
    Jun
  • $31
    Jul
  • $25
    Aug
  • $29
    Sep

What is the cheapest month for round-trip flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu?

Average price of round-trip flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu purchased by Trip.com users by month over the past 12 months

According to historical data from Trip.com, the lowest prices for flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu are found during November, with an average price of $54. Conversely, the highest prices are found during July, with an average price of up to $130.

$130
$92
$54
$16
    Cheapest
  • $75
    Oct
  • $54
    Nov
  • $61
    Dec
  • $65
    Jan
  • $69
    Feb
  • $74
    Mar
  • $79
    Apr
  • $94
    May
  • $122
    Jun
  • $130
    Jul
  • $130
    Aug
  • $130
    Sep

When is the cheapest day to fly from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu during Veterans Day?

Data is based on the lowest one-way price from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu during Veterans Day on Trip.com in the past 3 days.

Veterans Day is scheduled for Nov 11. The cheapest flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu are available on Nov 11, with fares starting at $66.

$72
$69
$66
$63
    Cheapest
  • $70
    7
    Nov
  • $70
    8
  • $72
    9
  • $72
    10
  • $66
    11
  • $69
    12
  • $69
    13

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the cheapest flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu (KUL-BKI)?

    Based on Trip.com data, Batik Air Malaysia offers one-way fares as low as $65 on Cheapest nonstop routes (e.g. KUL to BKI on Sat, Oct 24), while Batik Air Malaysia offers Cheapest nonstop round-trips from $129 departing on Tue, Oct 27 and returning on Thu, Oct 29.
  • At the moment, you can catch a nonstop flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu with the following airlines, including: Batik Air Malaysia AirAsia Berhad (Malaysia) Malaysia Airlines Firefly Selected airlines are based on historical data collected from flight bookings users made on Trip.com within the last 90 days.
  • It takes around 2 hours 39 minutes to fly from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Kota Kinabalu (BKI).
  • By analyzing data from all airlines on the Trip.com flight calendar, it looks like the best time to book a flight from Kuala Lumpur 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 152 flight per week flying from Kuala Lumpur 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 -- AK5110 (10:27) Firefly: S/M/T/W/T/F/S -- FY7658 (15:51)
  • To find best deals on flights from Kuala Lumpur 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 Sat, Oct 24, with one-way flights priced at just $65.
    · Compare airlines strategically. Budget carriers often provide the lowest base fares, while we found the most affordable airline currently operating on this route is Batik Air 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 July.
    · Get exclusive promo codes for Trip.com app users.
  • The cheapest months to fly from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu is October, when demand for travel is lower.
  • After crunching the numbers on our October flight calendar, it's currently cheapest to fly from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu on October 29, 2026 with AirAsia Berhad (Malaysia), with prices starting at $51.
  • You can arrive at any of the following airports in Kota Kinabalu: Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI). Flights from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KUL-BKI) are by far the most popular option for this route.
  • The time difference between Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu is $96. 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 Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu is $167. The final price depends on the outbound and return dates, airline and fare conditions.
  • Enter Kuala Lumpur 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) and Fireflyare the most popular budget airlines flying from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu. Check baggage, seat and payment fees before comparing the final price.

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!

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

Book with no extra fees

Prices displayed in this page are all-inclusive prices (incl. taxes, fuel surcharge, civil aviation development fund, etc) with all fees confirmed before payment. Fees for luggage, meals, WLAN, or other additional services are also included as shown in the flight cards.

Real-time pricing updates

Prices, availability, and travel information on this page were updated within last 24 hours—even in real-time. The more popular the route, the more precise the data.

Change & Cancellation Policy

Trip.com displays flight cancellation and change policies for each flight ticket during the booking process, including fees and applicable conditions. Please check the following scenarios:
Voluntary cancellation/change:
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.
Cancellation/change due to a flight schedule change:
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.