Navigating Kota Kinabalu: Your Complete Transportation Guide
Discover the best ways to explore Kota Kinabalu and its surrounding wonders. From air transit to island hopping, we've got your mobility needs covered.
Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) & Air Transit
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1. Arrival Essentials at KKIA
KKIA is the second busiest airport in Malaysia, handling 98% of visitor arrivals into Sabah. As the main entry point to Sabah and Kota Kinabalu, several budget airlines operate here, and most major towns in Sabah – such as Sandakan, Lahad Datu, and Tawau – also have domestic airports.
First Steps:
- Book a Grab (cheaper) or an airport taxi (available 24/7)
- Exchange currency at airport counters
- Purchase a local SIM card with a data plan
- Visit the Tourism Malaysia booth for information
Pro Tip: The airport's McDonald's McCafe operates 24/7 for late arrivals.
Bus & Public Transport
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1. North Bus Terminal Inanam
Located 10 km from KK, this terminal operates from 6:30am to 8:30pm with air-conditioned express buses to Sandakan, Tawau, Semporna, and Lahad Datu.
Express Bus Schedules (2012 Data)
| Destination | Fare | Hours | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sandakan | RM43.00 | 6hrs | Multiple daily departures |
| Lahad Datu | RM52.00 | 8hrs | Multiple daily departures |
| Semporna | RM75.00 | 9hrs | Via Lahad Datu/Kunak, multiple daily departures |
| Tawau | RM71.50 | 9hrs | Via Lahad Datu, multiple daily departures |
| Note: This data is from 2012 and may be outdated. Please refer to https://www.mysabah.com/download/express-bus.pdf for the 2012 information. | |||
Tip: Bus travel is the most economical option if you have time to spare.
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2. Padang Merdeka Bus Terminal
Situated in the city centre, buses from here serve most towns on the West Coast and Interior of Sabah (e.g., Keningau, Tenom, Kudat, Kota Belud, Ranau). A long-distance taxi station is adjacent to the terminal.
Bus and Taxi Schedules (2012 Data)
| Destination | Fare | Hours | Service Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ranau | RM16.00 | 2hrs | Mini Van/TaxiUnser, 6am-6pm |
| Kudat | RM25.00 | 3hrs | Mini Van/TaxiUnser, 6am-6pm |
| Kota Belud | RM8.00 | 1hr | Mini Van, 6am-6pm |
| Kota Marudu | RM15.00 | 2hrs | Mini Van, 6am-6pm |
| Tambunan/Keningau | RM10.00 | 2hrs | Mini Van/TaxiUnser, 6am-6pm |
| Keningau | RM15.00 | 2hrs | Specific times, contact for details |
| Tenom (via Keningau) | RM20.00 | 3hrs | Specific times, contact for details |
| Menumbok | RM30.00 | 2hrs | TaxiUnser, 6am-6pm |
| Papar | RM10.00 | 1hr | TaxiUnser, 6am-6pm |
| Beaufort | RM15.00 | 1.5hrs | TaxiUnser, 6am-6pm |
| Sipitang | RM25.00 | 2.5hrs | TaxiUnser, 6am-6pm |
| Note: This data is from 2012 and may be outdated. Please refer to https://www.mysabah.com/download/express-bus.pdf for the 2012 information. | |||
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3. KK Central (City Park Bus Terminal)
Located next to Imago and near Wawasan Plaza, this terminal offers services to Southern Sabah (Sipitang), Sarawak (Lawas), and Brunei. Bring your passport for cross-border journeys.
Express Bus Schedules (2012 Data)
| Destination | Fare | Hours | Departure Times |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sipitang (via Beaufort) | RM15.00 (RM10) | 2.5hrs | 8:30am, 12noon, 2:30pm, 4:30pm |
| Menumbok | RM14.00 | 2.5hrs | 7:30am, 9am, 1pm, 6am, 6:20am, 6:50am, 11am, 12:30pm, 2pm |
| Brunei | RM100.00 (Lawas: RM20.00) | 7hrs | 8am |
| Miri (Sarawak) | RM90.00 (Limbang: RM50.00) | 10hrs | 7:45am, 7:30am |
| Note: This data is from 2012 and may be outdated. Please refer to https://www.mysabah.com/download/express-bus.pdf for the 2012 information. | |||
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1. North Borneo Railway
Service Overview:
- Connects 15 stations across Sabah, forming a vital link between major towns and rural communities. For a complete station list, please visit the official station list.
- Operates on a 134 km route stretching from Tanjung Aru to Tenom, allowing you to enjoy Sabah's diverse landscapes—from bustling urban centers to serene countryside views.
- For day-to-day commuters, detailed daily schedules and timings are available here.
- Discover the tourism train service which offers a direct and less-stop journey—perfect for travelers seeking a relaxed ride through Sabah's scenic routes. More details can be found on the official tourism train page.
- Choose from a range of package options tailored for different travel experiences: TTMSB, Chartered Hybrid Steam Train, WGTT, and DML.
The North Borneo Railway is not only a practical mode of transport—it’s also a journey into the heart of Sabah’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Whether you’re commuting for business or exploring the scenic routes, the service offers modern coaches alongside a nostalgic vintage steam train experience.
Note: Service frequencies, ticket prices, and package details are subject to seasonal changes. It is advisable to check the official website for the most current information before planning your trip.
Self-Drive Options
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1. Car & 4WD Rentals
Rental Guide:
- Prices range from RM150/day (sedan) to RM500/day (4WD)
- Requires a Malaysian or International Driver's License
- Popular pickup location: Wisma Sabah
- Vehicles operate on a left-hand driving system
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2. Motorbikes & Scooters
Ideal For:
- City navigation and short trips
- Rental prices starting at RM40/day for motorbikes
- Helmets are provided with rentals
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3. Private Charters
Benefits:
- Professional drivers
- Flexible itineraries
- Variety of vehicle options from MPVs to coaches
Taxis & E-Hailing
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1. Grab, Taxis & Local E-Hailing
Key Info:
- Grab services available 24/7 in city areas
- Taxis can be found at major hotels, shopping malls, and bus terminals – look for signs like "Teksi", "Teksi Bermeter", or "Kereta Sewa"
- Local e-hailing apps are also available for quick booking
Boat Transfers
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1. Island Hopping Boats
Boat Terminals:
- Jesselton Point: The most popular terminal for island-hopping to Manukan, Sapi, Mamutik, and Gaya. Located adjacent to Suria Sabah shopping mall and near the Royal Customs Department, it operates from 6am to 4pm.
Licensed operators also offer fishing boat rentals, water sport packages, snorkeling kit rentals, and organized diving trips.
For more information, contact Jesselton Point at +60 88-240709 or+60 88-231050 (fax), or email jesseltonpoint@bumiria.com.my.
Other ports include Sutera Harbour (Pacific Sutera Hotel) and Star Marina (Shangri La Tanjung Aru Resort).
In Semporna, a long jetty near the Dragon Inn or Seafest hotel serves as a departure point for island or diving trips – advance booking is advised as some resorts do not accept walk-ins.
Strategic Accommodation
At Sianglory Hotel, we put you at the heart of KK's transport network:
- 3-minutes walk to Padang Merdeka bus terminal
- Direct access to Grab pickup points
- 6-minutes drive (1.5 km) to Jesselton Point ferry terminal
- 24/7 taxi availability at the hotel entrance
1.2 km from City Center
Affordable Comfort at Sianglory Inn
Enjoy a budget-friendly stay in a prime location. Choose the perfect option for you—book a room or opt for a shared dorm bed.
Free WiFi
Stay connected throughout your stay
24/7 Front Desk
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Flexible Options
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