Kota Kinabalu International Airport
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia · Since 1985
Last updated:
About BKI
Gateway to Malaysian Borneo and the island of Sabah.
Terminals
Terminal 1 (Main Terminal)
The main terminal handling Malaysia Airlines, international flights, and most full-service carriers. Recently refurbished with improved facilities, duty-free shopping, and dining options.
Terminal 2 (LCCT)
Low-cost carrier terminal used by AirAsia. Simpler facilities but functional with basic food and shopping options. Connected to Terminal 1 by shuttle bus.
Minimum Connection Times (MCT)
Airlines at BKI
AirAsia
Terminal 2 (LCCT)
Malaysia Airlines
Terminal 1 (Main Terminal)
MASwings
Terminal 1 (Main Terminal)
Air Busan
Batik Air
Cebu Pacific
Terminal 1 (Main Terminal)
China Southern Airlines
Chongqing Airlines
Showing 8 of 21 airlines. View all airlines →
Getting There & Away
Taxi
RM30-40 (~$7-9 USD)
15-25 minutes to city center
Public Transport
RM1-5 (~$0.25-1 USD)
30-45 minutes to city center
Popular Destinations
Parking at BKI
Terminal 1 Parking
Terminal 2 Parking
Long-Term Car Park
VIP Parking
Airport Lounges
Malaysia Airlines Golden Lounge
Terminal 1 (Main Terminal)
The flagship lounge of Malaysia Airlines at BKI with Sabahan and Malay cuisine, Teh Tarik, noodle station, and views of Mount Kinabalu on clear days.
Plaza Premium Lounge
Terminal 1 (Main Terminal)
International lounge chain with Malaysian and international food, shower suites, and comfortable seating.
SATS Premier Lounge
Terminal 1 (Main Terminal)
Comfortable lounge with Asian food options, drinks, and Wi-Fi. Good pre-flight relaxation space.
CIP Lounge
Terminal 1 (Main Terminal)
Basic VIP lounge with refreshments and quiet atmosphere.
Where to Stay
Nearby Hotels
Hotel & Homestay Airport KK
3 minutes from airport
Budget accommodation near the airport for overnight stays. Basic but clean rooms with free airport transfer.
Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu
15 minutes from airport, city waterfront
Waterfront hotel with sea views, pool, and multiple restaurants. Convenient location between airport and city center.
Grandis Hotels & Resorts
Suria Sabah area, 15 minutes from airport
Modern hotel connected to Suria Sabah shopping mall. Rooftop pool with views of the South China Sea and islands.
Hyatt Regency Kinabalu
City center, 15 minutes from airport
Upscale city hotel with rooftop pool, fitness center, and proximity to the Filipino Market and waterfront.
Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort
5 minutes from airport
Luxury beachfront resort closest to the airport with private beach, multiple pools, spa, and sunset views over the islands.
Food & Dining
The Chicken Rice Shop
Malaysian
Terminal 1 (Main Terminal) (Airside)
Popular Malaysian chain serving Hainanese chicken rice, roast chicken, and Malaysian favorites. Halal-certified.
06:00-22:00
Old Town White Coffee
Malaysian/Cafe
Terminal 1 (Main Terminal) (Landside)
Malaysian coffee chain famous for their white coffee, toast sets, and local noodle dishes like Laksa and curry mee.
06:00-22:00
Marrybrown
Fast Food
Terminal 1 (Main Terminal) (Airside)
Malaysian halal fast food chain with fried chicken, burgers, and nasi lemak sets. Local alternative to KFC.
06:00-22:00
Duty Free Zone Cafe
Cafe/Snacks
Terminal 1 (Main Terminal) (Airside)
Small cafe in the duty-free shopping area with coffee, drinks, and light snacks.
07:00-22:00
KFC
Fast Food
Terminal 1 (Main Terminal) (Landside)
International fast food chain with halal Malaysian menu including rice meals and spicy chicken.
06:00-22:00
AirAsia Red Hot Food Court
Mixed/Asian
Terminal 2 (LCCT) (Landside)
Food court in the low-cost terminal with Malaysian, Chinese, and Filipino food stalls. Budget-friendly options.
05:00-22:00
Car Rental
Hertz Malaysia
Terminal 1, Arrivals Hall
International chain with good vehicle selection. Driving is on the left in Malaysia. GPS recommended for Sabah roads.
Mayflower Car Rental
Terminal 1, Arrivals Hall
Established Malaysian rental company with competitive rates and well-maintained vehicles.
KK Rent A Car
Airport area, free pick-up
Local Sabah-based rental with knowledge of local roads. Good for trips to Kundasang, Sandakan, or along the coast.
Hawk Rent A Car
Terminal 1, Arrivals area
Large Malaysian rental chain with variety of vehicles. 4WD available for off-road Sabah adventures.
What to Do During a Layover
Inside the Airport
Airport Duty Free Shopping
Browse duty-free shops for Sabah-made chocolate, Borneo pearls, and Malaysian products at competitive prices.
Explore the City
These activities require leaving the airport. Make sure you have valid visa and enough time before your next flight.
Sunset at Tanjung Aru Beach
Enjoy one of Southeast Asia's most spectacular sunsets at Tanjung Aru Beach, just 5 minutes from the airport. Local food stalls serve satay and drinks as the sun sets.
Signal Hill Observatory & City Walk
Climb Signal Hill for panoramic views of the city and islands, then walk through the waterfront, Gaya Street, and the Filipino Market for handicrafts and pearls.
Seafood Feast at Filipino Market
Visit the Filipino Market seafood section where you choose live seafood and have it cooked to order. Amazingly fresh and affordable giant prawns, crabs, and fish.
Tunku Abdul Rahman Island Hopping
Take a short boat ride to the beautiful islands of Sapi, Manukan, or Mamutik for snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing in crystal-clear waters just minutes from the city.
Mari Mari Cultural Village
Learn about the indigenous tribes of Sabah at this living museum. See traditional houses, watch cultural demonstrations, taste tribal cuisine, and try bamboo cooking.
Practical Information
WiFi & Connectivity
- Free WiFi: Yes (Unlimited)
- Power Outlets: Type G (UK-style 3-pin)
- SIM Cards: Available for purchase
Services
- Left Luggage: RM15-30 per item per day
- Showers: Available in lounges
- Medical Services: Available
- Prayer Rooms: Available
Family Facilities
- Children's Play Areas
- Nursing Rooms
- Family Restrooms
Money & Currency
- Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
Smoking Areas
Designated smoking areas outside terminal buildings
Facilities & Contact
Official Website
Phone
+60 88 325 555