Kota Kinabalu International Airport
Kota Kinabalu International Airport things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) offers a travel experience that balances efficiency with a touch of Borneo’s natural charm, serving as a vital gateway to Sabah’s lush landscapes and vibrant culture. Upon arrival, the airport’s compact layout ensures a hassle-free transition from plane to exit, with clear signage in English and Malay guiding travelers through immigration and baggage claim. While the airport isn’t as sprawling as major international hubs, its manageable size minimizes confusion, though peak hours can lead to crowded queues at immigration counters, occasionally testing patience. The staff, however, often counterbalance delays with their friendly demeanor, embodying Malaysia’s renowned hospitality. Departures are similarly streamlined, with check-in counters and security checks operating smoothly, though the limited seating in pre-departure areas can feel cramped during busy periods. The terminal’s modern design, recently upgraded, features clean lines and ample natural light, while subtle nods to local culture—such as artwork showcasing Sabah’s indigenous heritage—add a regional flavor without overwhelming the functional aesthetic. Amenities, while not extravagant, cover essentials: duty-free shops stock local snacks and handicrafts like Sabah tea and woven bags, perfect for last-minute souvenirs, while cafés and fast-food outlets offer decent coffee and meals, though dining options remain basic compared to larger airports. Free Wi-Fi is available but can be inconsistent, urging travelers to stay flexible. The airport’s proximity to the city center—just a 15-minute drive—is a major plus, with taxis and ride-hailing services readily available, though the absence of a direct rail link might inconvenience budget travelers. A standout feature is the breathtaking view during takeoffs and landings: flights often glide over the South China Sea or frame Mount Kinabalu in the distance, a scenic bonus that softens the stress of travel. For transit passengers, the lack of extensive lounges or entertainment means shorter layovers are advisable, but the overall efficiency ensures that KKIA serves its primary purpose well—connecting visitors to Sabah’s jungles, islands, and adventures without unnecessary frills. Environmental touches, like energy-efficient lighting and water stations, hint at sustainability efforts, aligning with Sabah’s eco-tourism ethos. While the airport may lack the glamour of global hubs, its strengths lie in simplicity, functionality, and glimpses of the natural beauty awaiting beyond its doors. For travelers seeking a straightforward entry point to Borneo’s wonders, KKIA delivers a practical, pleasantly uneventful experience, mirroring the laid-back rhythm of Kota Kinabalu itself.
Alpha KiloAlpha Kilo
00
Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) offers a convenient gateway to the city, located approximately 15-20 minutes from the city center. The traffic is usually bearable, and travelers can easily take e-hailing services straight to their desired destinations in the city. For arriving passengers, I recommend using Gate 5 (Domestic Arrival) for e-hailing services to the city, as it is less congested compared to Gates 1-4 (International Arrival). Gate 5 is conveniently located just a short 1-minute walk from the international arrival gates, right after the Starbucks outlet. On the other hand, for departing passengers, it is advisable to arrive slightly early at the airport. The number of check-in counters is limited, and the airport itself is not particularly large, which can result in long queues during peak hours. The international departure security pass is also limited, with only 3 lanes, and at times, only 2 lanes are functioning. As a result, the queues can become quite lengthy and time-consuming, so it's essential to allocate sufficient time for security checks before boarding. For Malaysian citizens arriving in Sabah, the immigration officer will provide a printed small pass for temporary visits. It is crucial to keep this pass safe, as you will need to return it to immigration when departing back to Kuala Lumpur. Losing this pass can lead to unnecessary hassles, such as making a police report. The airport itself has 19 boarding gates, making it easy to navigate. However, it could use some improvements, especially in terms of amenities and facilities. There are only a few shops available, which might limit the options for travelers looking to spend some time before their flights. We hope to see some post-pandemic recovery efforts to enhance the overall airport experience for passengers in the future.
FakhruddinFakhruddin
00
Not worthy to be an INTERNATIONAL airport! 1. There is no aerobridge connecting the flight to gate, audio system sucks & the ambiance feels like a small, remote airport. 2. As a Malaysian, passing through immigration was an insult! I had to be in the same long queue with foreigners. At least, there should be separated counters for MALAYSIANS & foreigners. A Malaysian spends 15secs at the counter for NRIC check, a foreigner spends 50secs for Passport & thumbprint. Mix them up, u have a PROUD immigration there that put up a service KPI of serving 45sec per person! Pure nonsense, even a layman can tell the difference by having separate counters. 3. At the immigration counter, the computer screen faces those in the queue. Anyone can read the info of those being served. Didnt the immigration know or just ignore about this? Just look at the picture. 4. For departure, anyone with an e-boarding pass needs to fill up a chit JUST for immigration. Again, pure nonsense. At counter, officer just stamp on it & return to passenger. If want to know the flight details, just have a look at the e-boarding pass. U can notice mainly the comments were on the immigration. Immediate improvement & change must be done, every one seems like still working in the 90s era & mindset. With these, no wonder I didn't feel being in my country the minute I queued at the immigration.
Mohd Saifullizan Mohd JanisMohd Saifullizan Mohd Janis
00
As a traveler who has had the pleasure of experiencing the top-notch amenities and services offered at this airport, I cannot help but sing its praises. From the moment I arrived, I was immediately struck by the immaculate cleanliness and tidy appearance of the entire facility. The attention to detail in ensuring that all areas, from the restrooms to the prayer room, were well-maintained and fully equipped with everything a visitor could possibly need, was truly impressive. But what truly sets this airport apart from the rest is the range of amenities that are available to ensure a stress-free travel experience. The convenient self-check-in kiosks and well-organized baggage area make navigating the departure and arrival process a breeze. And for those looking for a little extra peace of mind, the baggage wrapping service is a game-changer. But perhaps the most standout feature of this airport is its location, providing a stunning view of the majestic Mount Kinabalu. The waiting area for transportation is also thoughtfully designed and adds to the overall convenience of the airport. Overall, I cannot recommend this airport highly enough. Its commitment to providing a seamless travel experience, combined with its exceptional cleanliness and stunning surroundings, make it an absolute must-visit for anyone traveling in the area.
S GS G
00
Stuck in transit at the worst airport. I’ve been passing through this airport for over ten years now for work and tourism. I love KK and its vibe, the cool restaurants and bars, scenery and mountains. Sorry to say I can’t stand this airport. It’s got worse and worse over the years. There are now only two places to eat left in the international departures airside - Starbucks (where I write this - separate review to follow based on no croissants or pastries - what does one eat with one’s morning coffee?) and a sad looking place called Nooodles (yes, with 3 ‘o’s). Loads of shops selling complete tourist waffle but that’s it. There’s a lounge that I can pay to enter (I’d pay anything right now for decent coffee and a proper meal) except that it doesn’t open until 2pm, just before my flight departs five hours from now. Makes no sense to open so late - on the domestic side the lounge opens at 9. So basically I’m stuck for five and a half hours in an airport wiyh almost. 1km promenade with one place to eat (Starbucks doesn’t count I’m afraid). Cmon Malaysia and MAB - you can do better than this. This should be a flag ship airport for east Malaysia.
AntrodAntrod
00
I wish I could give zero stars if possible. We had to go through so much with BKI airport immigration. My husband's visa clearly mentions that he can visit Sabah, and it was authorised by Putrajaya Immigration, yet they stopped us from entering. The immigration mentioned we need to get some approval, and it was not mentioned on any website to whom we were supposed to deal. How do they expect us to know the requirements when they only paste them on their wall? We got to know upon our arrival, which is really not fair. The immigration lady in a higher position wasn’t really nice to us. It was very depressing. What did we do wrong? We asked simple questions, but they couldn’t even answer our questions professionally. It’s very sad. I’m having some medical conditions and had to deal with all this hassle. We have been travelling around and have never had any issues. For the first time, we got stranded at BKI airport due to immigration. We had to purchase another ticket to return on the same day. I didn’t expect to go through this at Kota Kinabalu airport. We wasted our money and energy. Very depressing
Sheila ZackSheila Zack
10
Nearby Attractions Of Kota Kinabalu International Airport
Petagas War Memorial
Perform Plus Physio + Pilates (Kepayan)

Petagas War Memorial
4.2
(119)Click for details

Perform Plus Physio + Pilates (Kepayan)
5.0
(99)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Kota Kinabalu International Airport
OLDTOWN White Coffee (KKIA)
Kuya BBQ and Grill
My Juice 大碼果汁
Choice Restaurant North and South Indian Cuisine
McDonald's KK Airport
KFC KKIA (T1)
Flight Club Kota Kinabalu
Dunkin' Donuts KKIA
Apron Bites (KKIA)
Dunkin'

OLDTOWN White Coffee (KKIA)
4.2
(229)Click for details

Kuya BBQ and Grill
4.6
(139)Click for details

My Juice 大碼果汁
4.2
(135)Click for details

Choice Restaurant North and South Indian Cuisine
4.0
(135)Click for details
Basic Info
Address
Malaysia, MY Sabah Kota Kinabalu 134, Aras 5 邮政编码:邮政编码: 88740
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Phone
+60 88-325 555
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Website
kotakinabaluairport.com
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Reviews
Overview
4.3
(3.3K reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
attractions: Petagas War Memorial, Perform Plus Physio + Pilates (Kepayan), restaurants: OLDTOWN White Coffee (KKIA), Kuya BBQ and Grill, My Juice 大碼果汁, Choice Restaurant North and South Indian Cuisine, McDonald's KK Airport, KFC KKIA (T1), Flight Club Kota Kinabalu, Dunkin' Donuts KKIA, Apron Bites (KKIA), Dunkin'

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