How to Travel to Sabah: A Guide for Domestic and International Visitors

Traveling to Sabah from Malaysia

If you are traveling from within Malaysia, Sabah is easily accessible by air. Several domestic airlines offer direct flights to Sabah’s main airports:

1. Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI)

   • Location: Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah.
   • Flight Options: Most major Malaysian cities, such as Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Penang, and Kuching, offer direct flights to Kota Kinabalu. Airlines such as Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, and Firefly operate frequent domestic flights.
   • Flight Duration: Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu takes about 2.5 hours.

2. Sandakan Airport (SDK)

   • Location: Sandakan, an eastern city in Sabah.
   • Flight Options: Direct flights from Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, and other Malaysian cities. This is a convenient option for those visiting wildlife destinations such as the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre or the Kinabatangan River.

3. Tawau Airport (TWU)

   • Location: Tawau, in the southeastern part of Sabah.
   • Flight Options: Direct flights from Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu. Tawau is a great entry point for those heading to Sipadan Island, one of the best dive sites in the world.

4. Labuan Airport (LBU)

   • Location: Labuan, a Federal Territory near Sabah.
   • Flight Options: Direct flights from Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur. Although not directly in Sabah, Labuan offers ferry services to Sabah, making it a possible entry point for travelers.

Traveling to Sabah from International Destinations

For international travelers, Sabah is accessible through Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI), the second-busiest airport in Malaysia after Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

1. Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI)
   • International Flight Routes: BKI serves several international routes, with direct flights from:
     • Singapore: Scoot, AirAsia, and Malaysia Airlines offer direct flights.
     • South Korea (Seoul and Busan): Direct flights via AirAsia, Jin Air, and Jeju Air.
     • China (Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Shanghai, Hong Kong): Direct flights from various Chinese cities via Xiamen Airlines, China Southern, and AirAsia.
     • Indonesia (Jakarta, Bali): Direct flights are available from Jakarta via AirAsia and Batik Air.
     • Brunei: Royal Brunei Airlines offers flights from Bandar Seri Begawan.
   • Transit via Kuala Lumpur: If your country does not offer direct flights to Sabah, you can easily transit through Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), which connects to Sabah with multiple daily flights.
2. Other Airports
   • Tawau Airport (TWU): Tawau offers international flights from Tarakan and Nunukan in Indonesia via Garuda Indonesia.

Other Transport Options to Sabah

By Sea

• Ferries from Labuan: Labuan, a Federal Territory, is a common entry point by sea. Ferries from Labuan to Menumbok, Kota Kinabalu, or Pulau Tiga operate regularly. From Labuan, you can also take ferries to Bruneiand some parts of Sarawak.

Travel Tips for Smooth Entry to Sabah

1. Valid Passport or IC: For Malaysian citizens, a MyKad (IC) is sufficient for domestic travel. For international travelers, ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.

2. Visa Requirements: Visitors from ASEAN countries do not require a visa for stays of less than 30 days. However, travelers from other countries should check their visa requirements based on their nationality.

3. Arrival Card (MDAC): Complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) before arrival, especially for international travelers. This online document speeds up the immigration process.

4. COVID-19 Guidelines: Be aware of any travel restrictions or health screening measures in place due to the ongoing pandemic. Make sure to stay updated with the latest travel advisories and requirements.

5. Travel Insurance: Purchase travel insurance that covers flight cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage, especially if you’re planning outdoor activities like diving or trekking.

Why Choose Sabah?

Sabah is a traveler’s paradise, from climbing the majestic Mount Kinabalu to exploring the coral reefs of Sipadan Island. With rich indigenous culture, wildlife encounters, and adventures like no other, Sabah offers a unique experience for both domestic and international travelers.