Are direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu always the best option?

Direct flights are often convenient and save travel time, but they are not always the cheapest option. Connecting flights may offer lower fares, especially if you are willing to have a layover. Evaluate your priorities between cost and convenience.

Can flexible travel dates help on Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu flights?

Yes, being flexible with your travel dates can significantly impact flight prices. Flying on weekdays or during off-peak seasons often results in lower fares. Adjusting your departure or return by a few days may reveal more affordable options.

What extra costs should I check before booking Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu flights?

Before booking, always check for potential extra costs such as baggage fees, seat selection charges, and in-flight services. Some airlines may also charge for printing boarding passes at the airport. Factor these into your total travel budget.

Flights From Kuala Lumpur

To Kota Kinabalu

Cheap Flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu

Browse current best options from Kuala Lumpur. Become a member to unlock all deals and get alerts when new deals appear.

Deals from

Kuala Lumpur

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Prices updated today

485 airlines compared

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Fares are subject to change and may not be available for all dates. (Data last updated Nov 2, 2026.)

Today’s best flight deals from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu

Explore current cheapest deals departing from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu

2027-01-08 – 2027-01-18
KUL - Kota Kinabalu
39% AI deal score
$51
$130
Round trip
2027-01-08 – 2027-01-19
KUL - Kota Kinabalu
39% AI deal score
$51
$130
Round trip
2027-01-05 – 2027-01-18
KUL - Kota Kinabalu
39% AI deal score
$51
$130
Round trip
2027-01-05 – 2027-01-19
KUL - Kota Kinabalu
39% AI deal score
$51
$130
Round trip
2027-01-05 – 2027-01-23
KUL - Kota Kinabalu
39% AI deal score
$49
$130
Round trip
2027-01-05 – 2027-01-21
KUL - Kota Kinabalu
39% AI deal score
$50
$130
Round trip
2027-01-05 – 2027-01-17
KUL - Kota Kinabalu
39% AI deal score
$51
$130
Round trip
2026-11-24 – 2026-11-25
KUL - Kota Kinabalu
38% AI deal score
$63
$131
Round trip
2027-01-14 – 2027-01-21
KUL - Kota Kinabalu
39% AI deal score
$56
$131
Round trip
2026-11-25 – 2026-11-28
KUL - Kota Kinabalu
39% AI deal score
$63
$131
Round trip

Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu: Overview

Insights for flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu

The flight distance from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu is 1629 km, classifying it as a medium-haul route. This distance means you can expect a journey that is longer than a short hop but typically shorter than intercontinental travel.

For travelers seeking cheap flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu, prices typically range from $126–$240, with a median of $178. Right now, current fares are near the typical level. New deals show up several times a week, so setting up a price alert can help you track fare changes.

When is the cheapest time to fly from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu? The data indicates that December is often the most affordable month, with a median fare of $65. Other cost-effective months include January, with a median fare of $114, and November, where the median fare is $115.

How long is the flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu? A typical journey takes 2h 35m. This route is predominantly served by direct flights, with 80.8% of recent itineraries being non-stop. For the remaining itineraries that do include connections, travelers typically experience one stopover.

How much is a round trip from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu

Regular price: $45 - $132

Prices for flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu are currently within the regular range.

Regular prices for flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu typically range from USD 45 to USD 132. The current lowest deal is USD 119 with AirAsia, for travel from Feb 19-Feb 21.

now $119

Low $45

High $132

The cheapest time to fly from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu

The cheapest month to fly from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu is December, with a median price of $65. The most expensive month is August, with a median price of $278. Prices are generally lower from January to December.

December

Cheapest

Flights from $65

August

Most Expensive

Flights from $278

Jan

Feb

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu

AirAsia

Last-minute flights going from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu

Sun, Nov 8

⌛ Last-Minute

KUL - Kota Kinabalu

Kuala Lumpur (KUL) - Kota Kinabalu (BKI)

Malindo Airways

$64

$142

One-way

Mon, Nov 9

⌛ Last-Minute

KUL - Kota Kinabalu

Kuala Lumpur (KUL) - Kota Kinabalu (BKI)

AirAsia

$70

$135

One-way

Mon, Nov 9

⌛ Last-Minute

KUL - Kota Kinabalu

Kuala Lumpur (KUL) - Kota Kinabalu (BKI)

AirAsia

$79

$139

One-way

Mon, Nov 9

⌛ Last-Minute

KUL - Kota Kinabalu

Kuala Lumpur (KUL) - Kota Kinabalu (BKI)

AirAsia

$62

$140

One-way

Tue, Nov 10

⌛ Last-Minute

KUL - Kota Kinabalu

Kuala Lumpur (KUL) - Kota Kinabalu (BKI)

AirAsia

$76

$135

One-way

Tue, Nov 10

⌛ Last-Minute

KUL - Kota Kinabalu

Kuala Lumpur (KUL) - Kota Kinabalu (BKI)

AirAsia

$75

$140

One-way

Biggest price drops on these dates for flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu

7 nights

Mar 22 - Mar 29

$59 → $120

105%

9 nights

Mar 23 - Apr 1

$58 → $120

108%

9 nights

Mar 22 - Mar 31

$58 → $120

107%

9 nights

Mar 20 - Mar 29

$59 → $121

105%

Popular Airports to fly from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu

Kuala Lumpur - Kota Kinabalu route insights

💸 Price insights

Recent fares near the typical level

Recent fares are near the typical level, with prices from $126 to $240.

📅 Best time to fly

December is historically cheapest

Historically, December is the cheapest month to fly, with a median price of $65.

⏱️ Flight duration

Direct flights take 2h 35m

Direct flights to Kota Kinabalu typically take 2 hours and 35 minutes.

✈️ Airlines & availability

80.8% of flights are direct

Most flights on this route are direct, with 80.8% of recent flights being nonstop.

🏆 Airline highlight

AirAsia offers direct flights

AirAsia is one airline that provides direct flights on this route.

🎯 Booking tip

Deals appear regularly

Deals for flights on this route appear regularly, often within a 30-day window.

Kuala Lumpur main airports to depart from

Kuala Lumpur International (KUL)

Cheapest

Kuala Lumpur International is a convenient option for flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu.

📍 ~44 km from Kuala Lumpur city center (reachable by car or train).

💸 Flights from ~$127

Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah (SZB)

Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah offers another departure point for flights to Kota Kinabalu.

📍 ~15 km from Kuala Lumpur city center (reachable by car or train).

💸 Flights from ~$156

Kota Kinabalu main airports to arrive at

Kota Kinabalu International (BKI)

Cheapest

Arrive at Kota Kinabalu International for convenient access to Kota Kinabalu and surrounding areas.

📍 ~5 km from city center (reachable by car)

💸 Flights from ~$127

Airports nearby Kota Kinabalu used as alternative

Sandakan (SDK)

Sandakan Airport is a major airport in Sabah with reliable domestic connectivity, offering a useful alternative.

📍 ~270 km from Kota Kinabalu (approximately 6 hours by road).

💸 Flights from ~$119

Business & First Class Flight Deals to Kota Kinabalu

46% AI deal score

$448

From SZB

Elite

Oct 28

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

46% AI deal score

$449

$448

Save $1

From SZB

Elite

Oct 29

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

46% AI deal score

$448

From SZB

Elite

Nov 08

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

45% AI deal score

$426

Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Kota Kinabalu

To find more affordable flights, consider being flexible with your travel dates and times. Using flight comparison sites can help you compare options from various providers. Look out for deals and promotions that airlines may offer periodically.

Booking flights in advance often provides more competitive prices, though last-minute deals can sometimes appear. Prices may fluctuate, so monitoring fares over time can be beneficial. There isn't a single best time, as it can depend on various factors.

Comparing nearby airports can sometimes reveal different flight options or prices. While not always necessary, it may offer alternative routes or carriers. Always consider the additional travel time and cost to and from these alternative airports.

Related routes

More routes from Kuala Lumpur

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Flights to Kota Kinabalu from other cities

Flights from Hong Kong to Kota Kinabalu Flights from Singapore to Kota Kinabalu

Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu: Overview

Insights for flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu

How much is a round trip from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu

Regular price: $45 - $132

Prices for flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu are currently within the regular range.

Regular prices for flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu typically range from USD 45 to USD 132. The current lowest deal is USD 119 with AirAsia, for travel from Feb 19-Feb 21.

now $119

Low $45

High $132

The cheapest time to fly from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu

December

Cheapest

Flights from $65

August

Most Expensive

Flights from $278

Jan

Feb

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu

AirAsia

Last-minute flights going from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu

Sun, Nov 8

⌛ Last-Minute

KUL - Kota Kinabalu

Kuala Lumpur (KUL) - Kota Kinabalu (BKI)

Malindo Airways

$64

$142

One-way

Mon, Nov 9

⌛ Last-Minute

KUL - Kota Kinabalu

Kuala Lumpur (KUL) - Kota Kinabalu (BKI)

AirAsia

$70

$135

One-way

Mon, Nov 9

⌛ Last-Minute

KUL - Kota Kinabalu

Kuala Lumpur (KUL) - Kota Kinabalu (BKI)

AirAsia

$79

$139

One-way

Mon, Nov 9

⌛ Last-Minute

KUL - Kota Kinabalu

Kuala Lumpur (KUL) - Kota Kinabalu (BKI)

AirAsia

$62

$140

One-way

Tue, Nov 10

⌛ Last-Minute

KUL - Kota Kinabalu

Kuala Lumpur (KUL) - Kota Kinabalu (BKI)

AirAsia

$76

$135

One-way

Tue, Nov 10

⌛ Last-Minute

KUL - Kota Kinabalu

Kuala Lumpur (KUL) - Kota Kinabalu (BKI)

AirAsia

$75

$140

One-way

Biggest price drops on these dates for flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu

7 nights

Mar 22 - Mar 29

$59 → $120

105%

9 nights

Mar 23 - Apr 1

$58 → $120

108%

9 nights

Mar 22 - Mar 31

$58 → $120

107%

9 nights

Mar 20 - Mar 29

$59 → $121

105%

Popular Airports to fly from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu