$264 Cheap Flights to Kota Kinabalu
One-way
Departing from
United States
Going to
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Kota Kinabalu (BKI)
Malaysia • December, 2025
88% AI deal score
$1,505 $494
Kota Kinabalu (BKI)
Malaysia • January, 2026
71% AI deal score
$5,850 $3,652
Top Cheap Flight Deals to Kota Kinabalu
Recent round-trip flight deals to Kota Kinabalu
Sat, Nov 29 - Mon, Dec 1
Cheapest
Saipan (SPN) - Kota Kinabalu (BKI)
Trans World Airlines airlines • 1 stop • Seoul (ICN)
Kota Kinabalu (BKI) - Saipan (SPN)
AirAsia airlines • 1 stop • Seoul (ICN)
$551
Thu, Nov 27 - Wed, Dec 3
Saipan (SPN) - Kota Kinabalu (BKI)
Trans World Airlines airlines • 1 stop • Seoul (ICN)
Kota Kinabalu (BKI) - Saipan (SPN)
Malindo Airways airlines • 1 stop • Seoul (ICN)
$568
Fri, Dec 5 - Sun, Dec 7
Saipan (SPN) - Kota Kinabalu (BKI)
Coyne Aviation airlines • 1 stop • Seoul (ICN)
Kota Kinabalu (BKI) - Saipan (SPN)
AirAsia airlines • 1 stop • Seoul (ICN)
$1,035
$667
-$368
36%
Wed, Dec 10 - Sun, Dec 14
Saipan (SPN) - Kota Kinabalu (BKI)
Jeju Air airlines • 1 stop • Seoul (ICN)
Kota Kinabalu (BKI) - Saipan (SPN)
AirAsia airlines • 1 stop • Seoul (ICN)
$1,035
$670
-$365
35%
Wed, Dec 10 - Sun, Dec 14
Saipan (SPN) - Kota Kinabalu (BKI)
Jeju Air airlines • 1 stop • Seoul (ICN)
Kota Kinabalu (BKI) - Saipan (SPN)
Malindo Airways airlines • 1 stop • Seoul (ICN)
$1,035
$670
-$365
35%
Fri, Dec 5 - Mon, Dec 8
Saipan (SPN) - Kota Kinabalu (BKI)
Coyne Aviation airlines • 1 stop • Seoul (ICN)
Kota Kinabalu (BKI) - Saipan (SPN)
AirAsia airlines • 1 stop • Seoul (ICN)
$1,035
$680
-$355
34%
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 a flight to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia for as low as $387, departing in the next two weeks.
⌛ Last-Minute
Los Angeles - BKI
A great last-minute steal for a cross-country flight.
Found 3 days ago
$387
one-way
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)
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, Tue
Based on the data, Saturday and Thursday have the best chance of finding a deal for Kota Kinabalu International Airport. Monday has the least amount of deals compared to Saturday and Thursday.
Avg. deal survival time
8.3 hours
Deals for Kota Kinabalu International Airport typically last for about 8.3 hours. This short window means it's important to book quickly when you find a deal you like.
Rare deal frequency
4 deals
We discovered 4 rare deals for flights to Kota Kinabalu International Airport in the last month thanks to our advanced AI. These rare deals achieved an AI Deal Score of 90+, indicating they were likely mistake fares, special promotions, or ultra-discounts.
Average price drop
-63%
The average price drop for flights to Kota Kinabalu International Airport is 62.8%, offering a significant opportunity for savings. Travelers can potentially cut their flight costs by more than half when prices drop to their lowest.
Next 4 weeks: deal forecast
Kota Kinabalu Flight Forecast
The forecast for Kota Kinabalu International next month indicates stable flight prices based on current trends. No significant price drops or increases are expected at this time.
Top 5 biggest price drops (last 3 months)
Found on November 17
Vientiane - BKI
$1,100 → $137
88%
Found on November 16
Kozhikode - BKI
$1,775 → $287
84%
Found on November 18
Batam - BKI
$1,548 → $257
83%
Found on November 20
Hat Yai - BKI
$960 → $181
81%
Found on November 16
Siem Reap - BKI
$1,170 → $276
76%
Check these nearby airports too
Looking for more options? These airports near BKI sometimes drop rare deals too:
Brunei International (BWN)
~11 rare deals/month
Labuan (LBU)
~5 rare deals/month
Tanga (TGT)
~6 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.
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!
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!
Kota Kinabalu Weather
Weather in Kota Kinabalu
Thu, Nov 20
54%
28° 25°
54%
Fri, Nov 21
Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Kota Kinabalu
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!
