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Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu from $14: 3 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Sandakan, Malaysia
to
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

How to Get from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$14 by busBest price
229 kmDistance
1h 4m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
1h  4m
Estimated price
$22-102
Recommended
Company
Sida Express
Bus
Average Duration
7h  33m
Estimated price
$14-16
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 229 km
Duration: 1h 4m

See more options

Company
N/A
Drive
Average Duration
4h  16m
Estimated price
$13-20
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Traveling From Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu

Traveling from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu offers a fascinating shift from the rich wildlife encounters of Sandakan to the vibrant urban landscape and stunning coastal views of Kota Kinabalu.

Best Neighbourhoods in Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu offers diverse neighborhoods, each with distinctive charm and attractions.

Likas
• Home to the stunning Likas Bay.
• Famous for its beautiful sunsets.
Jessleton Point
• Departure point for island-hopping tours.
• Lively atmosphere with waterfront dining.
Gaya Street
• Bustling Sunday market featuring local crafts.
• Surrounded by heritage buildings and cafes.

Best Times To Visit Kota Kinabalu's Attractions

Knowing when to visit Kota Kinabalu’s attractions can enhance your experience significantly.

Mount Kinabalu
Early morning treks provide cooler temperatures and breathtaking sunrises.
Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
Weekdays are ideal for fewer crowds and clearer waters for snorkeling.
Gaya Street Sunday Market
Arrive early to enjoy the freshest local products and avoid the crowds.

Kota Kinabalu Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Kota Kinabalu enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures and high humidity year-round, making it essential to plan your visit during the drier months from February to April for optimal weather. Rainfall can affect outdoor activities, so understanding the seasonal patterns can enhance your travel experience.

Dining Recommendation

When in Kota Kinabalu, you should definitely try the famous Sang Nyuk Mian, a flavorful pork noodle dish served in a rich broth, which contrasts with Sandakan's seafood-centric offerings. The vibrant street food atmosphere and the use of fresh, local ingredients in Kota Kinabalu create a lively dining experience that showcases the region's culinary diversity.

Sandakan - Kota Kinabalu operators

Explore transport companies operating between Sandakan and Kota Kinabalu, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Plane
Website
airasia.com

Plane from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu

Average Duration
48m
Estimated price
$14-170
Website
fireflyz.com.my

Plane from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu

Average Duration
45m
Estimated price
$17-221
Bus
Contact phone
+60 198072570
Website
facebook.com

Bus from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu North Bus Terminal Inanam

Average Duration
7h 25m
Estimated price
$220-220

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu.

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The distance between Sandakan and Kota Kinabalu is approximately 228 km by road. The travel time can vary depending on the mode of transportation chosen. By plane, it takes around 1 hour and 4 minutes to reach Kota Kinabalu from Sandakan. If traveling by car, the journey takes approximately 4 hours and 16 minutes. By bus, the travel time is longer, taking about 7 hours and 33 minutes to reach Kota Kinabalu from Sandakan.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu is by flying. It takes 1 hour and 4 minutes to reach Kota Kinabalu by plane. The cost ranges from $22 to $130, depending on the airline and time of booking. Although taking a bus is more affordable, it takes 7 hours and 33 minutes, making it a less time-efficient choice.
The prices for traveling from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu by bus range from $14 to $16.
To travel from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu without using public transportation, you can consider renting a car. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 333 km, and it takes around 4 hours and 16 minutes to drive from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu. Car rental prices vary, but you can expect to pay around $13 to $20 for the journey.
If you don't have a car, the best way to travel from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu is by bus. The bus journey takes approximately 7 hours and 33 minutes and costs around $14-$16.
The flight between Sandakan and Kota Kinabalu typically takes around 45 minutes. The cost of the flight can vary depending on the airline and the time of booking, ranging from $22 to $122.
There are plenty of accommodation options near Kota Kinabalu with over 946 hotels available. Prices for these hotels start at $26 per night. Some popular areas to stay in include the city center, Tanjung Aru, and the nearby islands of Gaya and Manukan, which offer beautiful beachfront resorts.