Travelling from Auckland Airport (AKL) to Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI): what you need to know
The timezone in Kota Kinabalu is UTC+8, which is five hours behind Auckland.
Get to the airport on time so you don't miss your AKL to BKI flight. Be there at least two hours ahead for international flights and an hour early for domestic departures to prevent a last-minute sprint to your gate.
You can expect longer lines during popular months such as July. Arriving up to four hours in advance for international flights and two hours for a domestic departure is a wise move.
If you'd like to break up your flight, just deselect 'Direct flights only' when searching for your ticket from Auckland Airport to Kota Kinabalu International Airport. Here are the most popular stopovers between AKL and BKI:
Changi International Airport
Kuala Lumpur International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport
How to find the cheapest flights from Auckland Airport (AKL) to Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI)
The lowest price we've found for a one-way Auckland Airport to Kota Kinabalu International Airport flight is R 6,634. A return ticket is currently R 14,880. Depending on the availability when you book, these fares can change.
It's a good idea to book in advance if you want to get cheap tickets from AKL to BKI. That's because flight prices are based on demand, which tends to rise closer to departure.
Getting cheap flights from Auckland Airport to Kota Kinabalu International Airport is easy if you can be flexible with your dates. Use the 'Whole month' function to see the best prices throughout the month and land a great deal.
Snapping up cheap flights from AKL to BKI couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know when a lower fare pops up.
Pick your ideal arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines with the filters. Or sort your results by 'Cheapest' to find the best deals on flights from Auckland Airport to Kota Kinabalu International Airport.
Handy information about Auckland Airport (AKL)
Of the flights that depart from Auckland Airport, 69.31% arrive as scheduled at their destination.
Central Auckland to Auckland Airport is around 27 kilometres. Depending on traffic, it'll take about 30 minutes to get there if you're catching a cab, ride-sharing or driving.
Taking public transport? You can expect a journey time of around 1 hour 25 minutes.
Get your holiday off to a hassle-free start by staying near AKL. Whether you have an early flight from Auckland Airport to Kota Kinabalu International Airport or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are the answer:
Arriving at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI)
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late Auckland Airport to Kota Kinabalu International Airport flight. Reserve one of these accommodation options near BKI instead:
Begin your adventure by picking up a Kota Kinabalu International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from NH Travel, Green Motion or Keddy By Europcar and explore beyond Kota Kinabalu's main sights.
Booking your ride from Kota Kinabalu International Airport about one week in advance can help you get the lowest rate.
Getting from Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) to central Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu International Airport to the centre of Kota Kinabalu has a drive time of around 15 minutes. It's approximately 8 kilometres away.
When to fly to Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI)
The quietest month for a flight from Auckland Airport to Kota Kinabalu International Airport is February, while August is the most popular. Choose the ideal time to go to Kota Kinabalu based on whether you prefer a laid-back vibe or a more bustling atmosphere.
The warmest month in Kota Kinabalu is May, with the temperature ranging between 24ºC (75ºF) and 31ºC (88ºF). Book your flights from Auckland Airport to Kota Kinabalu International Airport in this month if you enjoy this type of weather.
If you'd rather travel in cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from AKL to BKI in February. Average temperatures are between 23ºC (73ºF) and 29ºC (84ºF) then.
Explore more of Malaysia
You've visited Kota Kinabalu, now it's time to discover more of Malaysia. Journey about 225 kilometres east to Sandakan to check off its top sights. From Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre to Sandakan Memorial Park and Sandakan Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC), you'll have a full itinerary ahead.
If you're ready to explore another well-known destination in Malaysia, consider Tawau, roughly 274 kilometres south-east of Kota Kinabalu. Teck Guan Cocoa Museum, Tawau Bell Tower (The Belfry) and Masjid Al-Khauthar, Sabindo Tawau, Sabah. Are highlights.
