$4044 Cheap Flights to Kota Kinabalu
One-way
Departing from
United States
Going to
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Kota Kinabalu (BKI)
Malaysia • January, 2026
63% AI deal score
$5,875 $4,779
Kota Kinabalu (BKI)
Malaysia • November, 2025
54% AI deal score
$4,400 $4,044
Kota Kinabalu (BKI)
Malaysia • December, 2025
25% AI deal score
16%
$5,725 $6,670
This is the lowest one-way flight price found by RatePunk users in the last 24 hours for a flight departing from Kota Kinabalu. Fares are subject to change and may not be available for all dates. (Data last updated 11/6/2025).
Popular airlines to Kota Kinabalu
AirAsia
Royal Brunei Airlines
Hong Kong Airlines
Cathay Dragon
Korean Air
Malaysia Airlines
Malindo Airways
QantasLink
186,881 searches in the past 7 days on RatePunk
Flight deals up to 90% off
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Top Cheap Flight Deals to Kota Kinabalu
Recent round-trip flight deals to Kota Kinabalu
Wed, Dec 10 - Tue, Feb 3
Cheapest
Los Angeles (LAX) - Kota Kinabalu (BKI)
Air Premia airlines • 1 stop • Seoul (ICN)
Kota Kinabalu (BKI) - Los Angeles (LAX)
AirAsia airlines • 2 stops • Hong Kong (HKG), Taipei (TPE)
$1,505
$1,122
-$383
25%
Mon, Nov 3 - Sat, Nov 8
Hoonah (HNH) - Kota Kinabalu (BKI)
airlines • 3 stops • Juneau (JNU), Seattle (SEA), Taipei (TPE)
Kota Kinabalu (BKI) - Hoonah (HNH)
AirAsia airlines • 3 stops • Taipei (TPE), Seattle (SEA), Juneau (JNU)
$1,971
Tue, Nov 4 - Tue, Nov 25
Hoonah (HNH) - Kota Kinabalu (BKI)
airlines • 3 stops • Juneau (JNU), Seattle (SEA), Taipei (TPE)
Kota Kinabalu (BKI) - Hoonah (HNH)
AirAsia airlines • 3 stops • Taipei (TPE), Seattle (SEA), Juneau (JNU)
$2,050
Sat, Nov 8 - Thu, Nov 13
El Paso (ELP) - Kota Kinabalu (BKI)
Alaska Airlines, Inc. airlines • 3 stops • Seattle (SEA), Taipei (TPE), Shanghai (PVG)
Kota Kinabalu (BKI) - El Paso (ELP)
Trans World Airlines airlines • 3 stops • Seoul (ICN), Vancouver (YVR), Seattle (SEA)
$11,200
$8,235
-$2,965
26%
Wed, Dec 31 - Mon, Jan 12
Grand Rapids (GRR) - Kota Kinabalu (BKI)
Korean Air airlines • 3 stops • Atlanta (ATL), Seoul (ICN), Shanghai (PVG)
Kota Kinabalu (BKI) - Grand Rapids (GRR)
China Southern Airlines airlines • 3 stops • Guangzhou (CAN), Seoul (ICN), Minneapolis (MSP)
$9,163
Fri, Oct 31 - Fri, Nov 7
Los Angeles (LAX) - Kota Kinabalu (BKI)
Alaska Airlines, Inc. airlines • 3 stops • Seattle (SEA), Manila (MNL), Kuala Lumpur (KUL)
Kota Kinabalu (BKI) - Los Angeles (LAX)
Malaysia Airlines airlines • 3 stops • Kuala Lumpur (KUL), Bangkok (BKK), Taipei (TPE)
$10,800
$15,361
+$4,561
42%
The cheapest time to fly to Kota Kinabalu
Ready to jet to Kota Kinabalu on a budget? Check out these popular routes with surprisingly cheap fares (one-way prices):
Last-Minute Flights to Kota Kinabalu
Need to get to Kota Kinabalu ASAP? Even if you're booking a flight on short notice, there are often last-minute deals available:
Next 2 weeks deals
Last Minute Flight Deals!
Grab last-minute flight deals to Kota Kinabalu departing in the next two weeks, with prices starting from $4044.
⌛ Last-Minute
San Luis Obispo - BKI
A great last-minute steal for a cross-country flight.
Found 3 days ago
$4044
one-way
Tip: If you don’t see your city listed, try a quick search anyway – new deals appear daily. Airlines sometimes slash prices a few days before departure to avoid empty seats.
Keep in mind, while last-minute fares can be lucky finds, booking about a month in advance generally yields cheaper flights on average. If you have flexibility, try to plan ahead. But if an unexpected trip to Kota Kinabalu pops up, check our site – you might get lucky with a sudden fare drop.
Facts About Flights to Kota Kinabalu
To help you plan your journey, here are some quick Kota Kinabalu flight facts and tips.
Kota Kinabalu city airports
Kota Kinabalu is primarily served by Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI). BKI is the main gateway to Sabah and Borneo, handling both domestic and international flights. The airport has two terminals, though Terminal 1 is the primary terminal in use now. You'll find a variety of airlines operating here, connecting Kota Kinabalu to major cities in Malaysia, Southeast Asia, and beyond. Expect a range of services and facilities including duty-free shops, restaurants, lounges, and transportation options to the city center. BKI is a modern airport that ensures a smooth travel experience for visitors to this beautiful region.
Pro tip: search “Kota Kinabalu (Any)” to see fares to all Kota Kinabalu airports – sometimes one is cheaper than the others on your dates.
Insights for flights to Kota Kinabalu
Cheapest airport
Kota Kinabalu (BKI)
Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) is the gateway to Sabah and Borneo, offering a mix of international and domestic flights. It's your starting point for exploring rainforests, Mount Kinabalu, and stunning beaches!
Nonstop vs. 1-stop
20+ cities
Kota Kinabalu International Airport, while not a major hub, acts as a secondary airport connecting various cities, with popular routes including those to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and several cities within Borneo.
Number of airlines
10+ airlines
Kota Kinabalu is served by more than 10 airlines, including full-service carriers like Malaysia Airlines and low-cost options like AirAsia, giving you plenty of choices!
Typical price range (round-trip)
$200 - $800
Generally, flights to Kota Kinabalu range from $200 to $800. Prices tend to increase during peak seasons like summer and major holidays due to higher demand. Keep an eye on shoulder seasons for potentially better deals!
Flight frequency
200+ flights
Flights to Kota Kinabalu are quite frequent, with multiple departures daily. Expect even more options during peak seasons like school holidays and public holidays, or the golden hours of morning and early evening!
BKI Airport Deal Stats
Current most discounted routes
Avg. most discounted routes (last 3 months)
BKI airport insights
Best days to catch a deal
Mon, Sun
Based on the data, Wednesday has the highest chance of finding a deal for Kota Kinabalu International Airport. Saturday and Thursday are also good days to look for deals.
Avg. deal survival time
16.0 hours
Deals for Kota Kinabalu International Airport typically last around 16.0 hours. You'll want to book quickly to avoid missing out on these limited-time offers.
Rare deal frequency
20 deals
In the past month, we've uncovered 20 rare deals for flights from Kota Kinabalu International Airport. These rare deals, identified by an AI Deal Score of 90+, typically include mistake fares, special promotions, or ultra-discounts.
Average price drop
-54%
The average price drop for flights to Kota Kinabalu International Airport is 54.0%, meaning you could save a significant amount on your airfare. Keep an eye out for deals and consider booking during off-peak seasons to maximize your savings.
Next 4 weeks: deal forecast
Kota Kinabalu Flight Forecast
Based on current data, flight prices to Kota Kinabalu International are expected to remain relatively stable next month. There are no significant price drops or increases anticipated.
Top 5 biggest price drops (last 3 months)
Found on November 3
Batam - BKI
$1,548 → $234
85%
Found on October 31
Kozhikode - BKI
$1,775 → $290
84%
Found on November 2
Vientiane - BKI
$1,100 → $278
75%
Found on November 2
Taichung - BKI
$935 → $275
71%
Found on October 29
Okayama - BKI
$820 → $243
70%
Check these nearby airports too
Looking for more options? These airports near BKI sometimes drop rare deals too:
Brunei International (BWN)
~3 rare deals/month
Labuan (LBU)
~14 rare deals/month
Tawau (TWU)
~13 rare deals/month
If you’re flexible with departure cities, it’s worth keeping an eye on nearby airports — especially BWN and LBU for long-haul deal surprises.
When Is the Best Time to Fly to Kota Kinabalu
Timing is everything when hunting for cheap flights. Here are data-backed insights on the best times to fly to Kota Kinabalu:
Cheapest month
November
Cheapest month
Looking for the most budget-friendly time to explore Kota Kinabalu? November is your golden ticket! During this time, you can snag the best deals on flights and accommodations. Plus, you'll enjoy fewer crowds and pleasant weather, perfect for discovering all the wonders Kota Kinabalu has to offer.
Best day to book
Sunday
Best day to book
Did you know that the day you book your flight can impact the price? Booking on a Sunday can potentially save you some serious cash. Airlines often release deals and discounts at the beginning of the week, making Sunday the perfect day to snag a bargain. Get ready to set those Sunday reminders!
Cheapest days to fly
Tuesday
Cheapest days to fly
If you're flexible with your travel dates, flying on a Tuesday can be incredibly cost-effective. Mid-week flights tend to be less popular with business travelers, leading to lower fares. So, consider extending your weekend or taking a few days off during the week to save on your flight to Kota Kinabalu!
Advance booking sweet spot
2 months
Advance booking sweet spot
To secure the best possible deal on your flight to Kota Kinabalu, timing is everything. The sweet spot for booking your flight is about two months in advance. This gives you enough time to monitor prices and pounce when fares drop, ensuring you get the most bang for your buck.
Seasonal considerations
Distinct
Seasonal considerations
Keep in mind that Kota Kinabalu has distinct seasons that can impact flight prices and availability. The dry season (March to September) is peak tourist season, so expect higher prices. Opting for the shoulder seasons (April-May or September-October) can offer a balance of good weather and better deals.
TL;DR: If you're dreaming of Kota Kinabalu without breaking the bank, here's the scoop: November is the cheapest month to fly, and booking on a Sunday could save you some extra cash. Aim to fly on a Tuesday for even more savings, and book about two months in advance to snag the best deals. Kota Kinabalu experiences distinct seasons, so consider the shoulder months for a mix of good weather and reasonable prices. Happy travels!
Kota Kinabalu Airports & Ground Transportation
One big question for travelers is which Kota Kinabalu airport to fly into. Here’s a quick guide to Kota Kinabalu’s airports and how to get to the city from each:
Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI)
Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) is the primary gateway to Sabah and Borneo, connecting you to a world of tropical adventures! As the second busiest airport in Malaysia, it boasts two terminals, offering a variety of amenities including duty-free shops, restaurants, and comfortable lounges to relax before your flight. Located just a short 8km (5 miles) southwest of Kota Kinabalu city center, it's super convenient to get to your hotel. Taxis, ride-sharing services, and airport buses are readily available, making the journey a breeze. Be sure to check out the local handicrafts at the airport shops for a memorable souvenir!
Tip: Allow ample time for check-in, especially during peak season, to navigate the bustling terminals with ease!
Other airports
While Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) is your best bet for flying directly into the city, consider nearby airports like Labuan Airport (LBU) or even Brunei International Airport (BWN) for potentially cheaper flights. However, keep in mind that ground transportation from these airports can be lengthy and costly, involving a combination of flights, ferries, and buses to reach Kota Kinabalu. Factor in these extra travel costs and time when comparing flight deals to make the most informed choice for your trip!
Airport transfers
Getting around from Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) is a breeze with taxis, ride-sharing services, and airport buses readily available. Taxis and ride-sharing offer the most direct routes, while the airport bus provides a budget-friendly option to the city center. Consider your budget and desired convenience when selecting your transportation from the airport.
What to Do in Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu isn’t just about getting there – it’s about enjoying the country once you arrive! Here are some top things to do in Kota Kinabalu, organized by interest:
Sightseeing & Landmarks
Kota Kinabalu is brimming with iconic landmarks! Visit the City Mosque, a stunning example of modern Islamic architecture, or climb Signal Hill Observatory Platform for panoramic views. Don't miss the Sabah State Museum to dive into the region's rich history!
Arts & Culture
Immerse yourself in the local arts and culture scene by visiting the Sabah Art Gallery, showcasing contemporary and traditional Borneo art. Explore the vibrant handicraft markets for unique souvenirs, or catch a traditional dance performance to experience Sabah's cultural heritage firsthand.
Food & Nightlife
Kota Kinabalu is a foodie's paradise! Indulge in fresh seafood at the waterfront restaurants, sample local delicacies at the night markets, or enjoy a sunset cocktail at a rooftop bar. The city comes alive at night with various entertainment options!
Shopping & Fashion
Shopaholics, rejoice! Kota Kinabalu offers a diverse shopping experience, from modern malls to bustling street markets. Explore the local boutiques for unique fashion finds, or hunt for bargains at the handicraft markets.
Nearby Getaways
Escape the city and explore the natural beauty surrounding Kota Kinabalu! Take a boat trip to the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park for snorkeling and diving, or hike through the lush rainforests of Kinabalu Park. For a truly unforgettable experience, climb Mount Kinabalu, Southeast Asia's highest peak!
No matter your interest – be it art, food, nightlife, or nature – Kota Kinabalu has something for everyone. And the best part? Many events and attractions refresh throughout the year, so there’s always something new to experience each visit.
Kota Kinabalu Weather
Weather in Kota Kinabalu
Mon, Nov 3
25%
32° 24°
25%
Tue, Nov 4
75%
30° 24°
75%
Wed, Nov 5
75%
30° 25°
75%
Thu, Nov 6
25%
31° 25°
25%
Fri, Nov 7
25%
31° 25°
25%
Sat, Nov 8
70%
31° 25°
70%
Sun, Nov 9
35%
31° 24°
35%
Here’s a quick look at the weather you can expect, plus this week’s forecast:
Seasons: Kota Kinabalu experiences a tropical rainforest climate with consistent temperatures and high humidity year-round. There aren't distinct seasons like spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Temperatures generally range from 24°C to 32°C (75°F to 90°F) throughout the year.
Rain: Kota Kinabalu experiences rainfall throughout the year, with slightly wetter and drier periods. The high rainfall can sometimes impact travel, causing delays or disruptions, especially during the months with higher precipitation.
This week's forecast: This week in Kota Kinabalu, expect temperatures between 29.6°C and 31.6°C (85.28°F and 88.88°F). There's a high probability of rain, with isolated thunderstorms expected on some days.
(We update the weather forecast weekly so you know what to expect during your travel week. Always check a day or two before your flight for the most current conditions.)
Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Kota Kinabalu
(Have more questions?) Feel free to reach out or check our comprehensive Kota Kinabalu travel guide. We’re here to help make your flight to Kota Kinabalu (and the trip itself) as smooth as possible.
Pro Tips for Finding Cheap Flights to Kota Kinabalu
Finally, to wrap up, here’s a cheat sheet of pro tips that experienced travelers use to save on Kota Kinabalu flights:
Be Flexible with Travel Dates: Shift your travel dates by a day or two, or even consider flying on weekdays instead of weekends. You'd be surprised how much prices can fluctuate!
Consider Budget Airlines: Kota Kinabalu is a popular destination for budget airlines. While you might skip the fancy extras, you'll save a bundle on airfare!
Book in Advance (But Not Too Early): Try to book your flights at least a few months in advance, but avoid booking too early (more than 6 months), as prices might still be unstable.
Use Incognito Mode: Airlines and travel sites sometimes track your searches and may increase prices accordingly. Browse in incognito mode to see the real deals.
Set Up Price Alerts on RatePunk: Don't have time to constantly check prices? Set up a price alert on RatePunk and receive notifications when prices drop. It's like having a personal deal-finder!
Fly During the Shoulder Season: Travel during the shoulder season (the months just before and after peak season) to enjoy fewer crowds and lower prices. Think late spring or early autumn.
Check Nearby Airports: Sometimes, flying into a smaller, nearby airport can save you money. Just be sure to factor in the cost of transportation to Kota Kinabalu.
Consider Connecting Flights: Non-stop flights are convenient, but connecting flights can often be significantly cheaper. A short layover might be worth the savings.
Look for Package Deals: Bundle your flight with a hotel or car rental to potentially unlock extra savings. Many travel sites offer discounts on package deals.
Redeem Rewards Points: If you have credit card or airline rewards points, now's the time to use them! Redeeming points can significantly reduce the cost of your flight.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to find the cheapest flights to Kota Kinabalu and make the most of your travel budget. After all, the more you save on your flight, the more you can spend on a Broadway show, a nice meal, or an extra tour in Kota Kinabalu! 🎉✈️
