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Cheap flights to Kota Kinabalu from $591

This is the cheapest return flight price found by a Cheapflights user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight departing on 21/8. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
CMH — BKI
1 mag — 8 mag1
1 adult
mer 1/5
mer 8/5

Flights to Kota Kinabalu in 2024

Find the latest flights to Kota Kinabalu in 2024, with up-to-date prices and availability. In the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made a total of 596,426 searches and data was last updated on 26 aprile 2024.

Popular in

January

Cheapest in

October

Average price

$1,033

Return from

$1,158

One-way from

$740
High demand for flights, 25% potential price rise
Best time to find cheap flights, 6% potential price drop
Average for return flights in April 2024
From Sydney Kingsford Smith to Kota Kinabalu
One-way flight from Sydney Kingsford Smith (SYD) to Kota Kinabalu (BKI)

Cheap flights to Kota Kinabalu in April & May 2024

Discover affordable flights and deals to Kota Kinabalu in April and May 2024. In the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made a total of 596,426 searches and data was last updated on 26 aprile 2024.
The lowest-priced flights departing to Kota Kinabalu in April and May 2024 can be found below. Be sure to check back soon as deals update often.
dom 26/509:45SYD - BKI
1 stop18h 35mMultiple Airlines
dom 2/607:10BKI - SYD
2 stops22h 45mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 26/4$718
lun 13/520:45SYD - BKI
2 stops17h 10mMultiple Airlines
gio 16/518:35BKI - SYD
2 stops34h 45mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 26/4$720
dom 26/509:45SYD - BKI
2 stops29h 20mMultiple Airlines
dom 2/607:10BKI - SYD
2 stops22h 45mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 26/4$731
lun 13/520:45SYD - BKI
2 stops23h 20mMultiple Airlines
gio 16/505:20BKI - SYD
1 stop12h 40mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 26/4$749
lun 13/520:45SYD - BKI
3 stops18h 30mMultiple Airlines
gio 16/506:00BKI - SYD
2 stops26h 10mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 26/4$778
lun 13/520:45SYD - BKI
1 stop20h 00mMultiple Airlines
gio 16/505:20BKI - SYD
1 stop12h 40mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 26/4$795
lun 13/520:30SYD - BKI
1 stop30h 00mChina Eastern
mer 15/501:30BKI - SYD
1 stop33h 05mChina Eastern
Deal found 26/4$935
dom 26/520:30SYD - BKI
1 stop30h 00mChina Eastern
sab 1/601:30BKI - SYD
1 stop33h 05mChina Eastern
Deal found 26/4$940
dom 26/509:45SYD - BKI
1 stop18h 35mMultiple Airlines
sab 1/601:30BKI - SYD
2 stops28h 10mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 26/4$972

Kota Kinabalu 2024 flight deals

Explore flight deals for Kota Kinabalu in 2024, offering the best prices and options to suit your preferences. In the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made a total of 596,426 searches and data were last updated on 26 aprile 2024.
The lowest fares on flights travelling to Kota Kinabalu in April and May 2024. More deals are always being added, so be sure to check back regularly.
mer 21/812:35SYD - BKI
1 stop24h 30mScoot
mer 28/819:55BKI - SYD
1 stop21h 50mScoot
Deal found 26/4$591
mer 21/812:35SYD - BKI
2 stops26h 05mMultiple Airlines
mer 28/823:15BKI - SYD
2 stops18h 30mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 26/4$611
mer 21/812:35SYD - BKI
2 stops15h 45mMultiple Airlines
mar 27/815:05BKI - SYD
1 stop14h 50mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 26/4$646
mer 21/809:45SYD - BKI
1 stop15h 05mMultiple Airlines
mar 27/812:05BKI - SYD
1 stop21h 30mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 26/4$649
gio 22/811:15SYD - BKI
1 stop16h 05mMultiple Airlines
mar 27/812:05BKI - SYD
1 stop21h 30mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 26/4$659
mar 16/720:45SYD - BKI
1 stop24h 25mScoot
gio 25/712:05BKI - SYD
1 stop21h 30mScoot
Deal found 26/4$672
gio 22/820:45SYD - BKI
2 stops17h 55mMultiple Airlines
mar 27/816:35BKI - SYD
1 stop13h 20mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 26/4$679
mer 21/809:45SYD - BKI
1 stop13h 50mMultiple Airlines
gio 29/811:20BKI - SYD
1 stop18h 35mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 26/4$683
mer 21/809:45SYD - BKI
1 stop15h 05mMultiple Airlines
mer 28/823:15BKI - SYD
2 stops18h 30mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 26/4$692

One-way flights to Kota Kinabalu

Explore one-way flight options to Kota Kinabalu for greater flexibility in your travel plans. Find up-to-date pricing and availability for one-way flights. In the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made a total of 596,426 searches and data was last updated on 26 aprile 2024.
Choose from one of these one-way flights departing to Kota Kinabalu. Reserve a round-trip flight to Kota Kinabalu instead by utilising the search form above.
ven 28/612:35SYD - BKI
1 stop24h 30mScoot
Deal found 25/4$740
ven 28/610:30SYD - BKI
2 stops36h 30mPhilippine Airlines
Deal found 25/4$760

Average price of flights to Kota Kinabalu by month

Plan your trip to Kota Kinabalu by taking into account the cheapest months to travel. The average price of a one-way flight to Kota Kinabalu is currently $750 while a return flight costs $1,448. Price data was last updated on 21 April 2024.

Currently, February is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight to Kota Kinabalu (average of $290). Flying to Kota Kinabalu in December will prove the most costly (average of $747). There are multiple factors that influence the price of a flight so comparing airlines, departure airports and times can help keep costs down.

January

$918

February

$445

March

$599

April

$738

May

$740

June

$774

July

$697

August

$749

September

$818

October

$705

November

$726

December

$1,147

Kota Kinabalu experiences constant high temperatures, a considerable amount of rainfall and high humidity. Temperatures average at around 28 degrees Celsius all year round, with the hottest months being April and May and the coolest being January, although the difference is only very small.

The climate is characterised by two predominant monsoons. The Northeast Monsoon occurs from November to March and the Southwest Monsoon occurs from May to September. These are linked by two inter-monsoons from April to May and September to October. This therefore means that rain showers are an almost daily occurrence in the city, with the most rain falling in May to December and especially in October. This is a good time to look for cheap flights to Kota Kinabalu. There is, however, a noticeably drier period from January to April. This is a popular time to travel to Kota Kinabalu. However, because rainfall and the temperature are reasonably constant, flights to the city don’t fluctuate too much in price over the course of the year.

Kota Kinabalu doesn’t let the rain dampen the city’s spirits, even during the height of the rainfall, with a number of events and festivals taking place throughout the year. June hosts two popular events, the Kota Kinabalu Jazz Festival and the FCAS Dragon Boat Race. The Kota Kinabalu Jazz Festival brings together international artists and local talents for two days of concerts. On a cheap flight to Kota Kinabalu during the festival, you will listen to soulful jazz renditions and smooth contemporary songs, all for a good cause. The money raised goes towards helping a variety of community projects around Sabah. The FCAS Dragon Boat Race is an action packed event, promoting traditional Chinese culture and celebrating the Duan Wu Festival. Watch the boats race in time with the beat of the drum, taste a variety of local food, enjoy the colourful dragon dance performances and much more.

Temperature and rainfall in Kota Kinabalu by month

Plan your trip to Kota Kinabalu by taking into account the average temperature and rainfall totals by month.

BKI

Temperature

26 - 27 °C

If weather is an important factor for your trip to Kota Kinabalu, use this chart to help with planning. For those seeking warmer temperatures, April is the ideal time of year to visit, when temperatures reach an average of 27.0 C. Travellers hoping to avoid the cold should look outside of January, when temperatures are typically at their lowest (around 26.0 C).

When is the best time to book a flight to Kota Kinabalu?

Use this chart to determine the optimal time to book a return flight to Kota Kinabalu. Price data was last updated on 28 January 2024.
To ensure you get the cheapest price possible for a flight to Kota Kinabalu, you should look to book at least 13 days in advance of your intended travel date. The price of your flight may increase if you delay and leave booking until a week or so before departure.
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When is the cheapest time to fly to Kota Kinabalu?

Use this chart to determine the cheapest time to fly return to Kota Kinabalu. Price data was last updated on 21 April 2024.
Morning
Midday
Afternoon
Evening
All times are departure.
Users looking for the lowest fares to Kota Kinabalu should consider flying on Tuesday evenings, when prices are typically cheapest. Budget-minded travellers will want to avoid Thursday mornings, when prices are usually at their highest.
Search Deals

Reviews of airlines servicing Kota Kinabalu

Get insights into the airlines that provide service to Kota Kinabalu. Read reviews, discover amenities, and learn about the overall travel experience offered by airlines. Use this information to make informed decisions when choosing an airline for your flight to Kota Kinabalu. Reviews last updated 26 aprile 2024.
Read through reviews of airlines servicing Kota Kinabalu, such as AirAsia, Batik Air and China Eastern. In addition to providing an overall rating, users have also rated airlines in terms of entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process.

Overall

7.5

Boarding

7.6

Food

7.0

Entertainment

6.8

Comfort

7.5

Crew

8.1

Reviews

1 / 10

We had a late gate change that required using buses to a remote part of the airport. As a result our take_off was delayed Communication was poor

7.5
Good
403 reviews

Overall

7.5

Boarding

7.6

Food

7.0

Entertainment

6.8

Comfort

7.5

Crew

8.1

Reviews

1 / 10

We had a late gate change that required using buses to a remote part of the airport. As a result our take_off was delayed Communication was poor

7.4
Good
1,290 reviews

Overall

7.5

Boarding

7.6

Food

7.0

Entertainment

6.8

Comfort

7.5

Crew

8.1

Reviews

1 / 10

We had a late gate change that required using buses to a remote part of the airport. As a result our take_off was delayed Communication was poor

7.2
Good
563 reviews

Overall

7.5

Boarding

7.6

Food

7.0

Entertainment

6.8

Comfort

7.5

Crew

8.1

Reviews

1 / 10

We had a late gate change that required using buses to a remote part of the airport. As a result our take_off was delayed Communication was poor

6.6
Okay
317 reviews

Overall

7.5

Boarding

7.6

Food

7.0

Entertainment

6.8

Comfort

7.5

Crew

8.1

Reviews

1 / 10

We had a late gate change that required using buses to a remote part of the airport. As a result our take_off was delayed Communication was poor

Why visit

The capital of the Malaysian state of Sabah, Kota Kinabalu enjoys a prime location on the shore of the South China Sea and is an inspired choice for exciting holiday and breaks. KK, as it’s also known, is surrounded by tropical rainforest and enjoys some of the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets in the world. The city is on the beautiful island of Borneo, and Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is a major attraction, while the Koto Kinabalu National Park is also within easy reach. Fish to your heart’s content in one of the world’s top fishing spots, or explore the history and culture of the region. With spectacular beaches, Mount Kinabalu, historic sites and national parks within easy reach, you can easily find a reason to take a cheap flight to Kota Kinabalu.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is about 20 to 30 minutes from the city by boat, and divers from all over the world come to explore popular dive sites like the Gaya wreck. The islands and beaches throughout the national park are breathtaking, and offer a wide range of snorkelling and diving opportunities.

Learn more about the history of the city by visiting some of the local museums such as the Sabah State Museum, or take in local art at the Sabah Art Gallery or Borneo Art Gallery. Local sights such as the Atkinson Clock Tower which was built in 1902 when the city was still part of the British Commonwealth, or take a walk up to the Signal Hill Observatory for superb views.

Be sure to see the fabulous city mosque and the Sabah state mosque, as well as the amazing Che Sui Khor Pagoda. Each is an impressive structure and a stark contrast to the modern buildings in the downtown area.

No visit to the city would be complete without trying some of the many local foods and there are dozens of food stalls or kedai kopi (coffee shops) offering everything from Malay and Chinese to Javanese food.

Getting around Kota Kinabalu

There are minibus and van services which locals use to get around the town, and these are a budget-friendly option for travellers. Taxis are plentiful, but unlike the airport service, you will need to haggle to agree the fare you want to pay. The city is small and getting around on foot is relatively simple if you’re aware of traffic.

Getting Downtown from the airport

Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) is the second busiest airport in Malaysia, and the main point of entry into Sabah for wildlife lovers who come for the famous orangutan and for divers who come for world class dive sites and great beaches.  The airport is 7 km from the city centre and most international flights arrive at the Terminal 1.  There is an hourly shuttle bus service from the airport to Wawasan Centre, and there is also a minibus shuttle.  There are also taxis available from outside each terminal. You can buy a taxi coupon to cover the fixed rate fare which you simply hand to your driver.

  • What does BKI mean?

    Great question - BKI just means Kota Kinabalu Airport. Now you’ll know what this unique code and ones like it mean when you look for flights!

  • What airport do you fly into for flights to Kota Kinabalu?

    Kota Kinabalu (BKI), located 5.8 km from the city centre, is the airport you fly into when you book flights to Kota Kinabalu.

  • Can I find cheaper flights to Kota Kinabalu if I am willing to have stopovers?

    Yes, flights with stopovers are often cheaper than direct flights. Keep an eye out for flight deals to Kota Kinabalu on Cheapflights that require 1 or 2 stops for potential cost savings.

  • What is the best airline to fly to Kota Kinabalu?

    Based on reviews from Cheapflights users, Scoot is rated the highest out of the airlines that fly to Kota Kinabalu.

  • What is the cheapest airport to fly to in Kota Kinabalu?

    Kota Kinabalu Airport is currently the cheapest airport to fly to in Kota Kinabalu. One-way flights to Kota Kinabalu Airport typically cost $53, while return flights cost around $80.

  • How much is a return flight to Kota Kinabalu?

    A return flight to Kota Kinabalu will typically cost around $56, however they can be found for as little as $52.

  • Where does the fastest flight to Kota Kinabalu depart from?

    For those looking to save time traveling to Kota Kinabalu, Perth offers the quickest one-way flight (11 hours 25 minutes).

  • Does Kota Kinabalu Airport have car hire?

    Yes. Those touching down at Kota Kinabalu Airport can take advantage of the car hire services offered upon their arrival.

  • Are there hotels close to Kota Kinabalu Airport?

    Yes. Kota Kinabalu Airport has hotels nearby for those requiring accommodations. Survivor Lodge Pulau Tiga is the closest property to Kota Kinabalu Airport (0.0 km away from Kota Kinabalu Airport).

See more FAQs

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