Flying from Manila Ninoy Aquino Airport (MNL) to Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI): what you need to know
The average duration of a direct flight from Manila Ninoy Aquino Airport to Kota Kinabalu Airport is 2 hours 10 minutes.
Manila and Kota Kinabalu are in the same timezone, UTC+8.
Each week, there are four Manila Ninoy Aquino Airport to Kota Kinabalu Airport flights. To take off as soon as possible, take the 16:15 Philippines AirAsia flight. If you're eager to make the most of your day before flying, the last flight is at 23:10 with Philippines AirAsia.
To ensure you get on your MNL to BKI flight, leave enough time for things like baggage drop and finding your gate. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
You'll likely experience longer queues in popular months such as May. Arriving up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours for a domestic departure is a wise move.
Jetting into Kota Kinabalu (and then seeing more of Malaysia!) is a breeze with Philippines AirAsia. This popular airline has direct flights from Manila Ninoy Aquino Airport to Kota Kinabalu Airport.
Most travellers choose to travel with Philippines AirAsia on this route.
Philippines AirAsia is the most punctual carrier operating MNL to BKI flights, with 78.95% of its services reaching their destination on time.
We make it simple to book a flight with a stopover. To see all your options for tickets from Manila Ninoy Aquino Airport to Kota Kinabalu Airport, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, choose a flight offering a stop long enough to tour your chosen city. Stopovers between MNL and BKI include:
Kuala Lumpur International Airport
Hong Kong Intl Airport
Taipei Taiwan Taoyuan Airport
How to find the cheapest flights from Manila Ninoy Aquino Airport (MNL) to Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI)
At the moment, R 961 is the lowest price we've found for a one-way Manila Ninoy Aquino Airport to Kota Kinabalu Airport flight. The best price for a return plane ticket is R 2,108. Keep in mind that fares can change due to demand at the time of booking.
Book two months before you want to fly. After looking at the numbers on our calendar, this is how far you should book ahead to secure cheap tickets from MNL to BKI.
July is the cheapest month for flights from Manila Ninoy Aquino Airport to Kota Kinabalu Airport. If you prefer to fly during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices across every month.
Getting your hands on cheap flights from MNL to BKI is a cinch with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you when fares go down.
Tailor your flights using filters. Select your ideal arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort the results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best' flights from Manila Ninoy Aquino Airport to Kota Kinabalu Airport.
Handy information about Manila Ninoy Aquino Airport (MNL)
Of the flights that depart from Manila Ninoy Aquino Airport, 72% land on schedule at their destination.
Manila Ninoy Aquino Airport is around 11 kilometres from central Manila. If you're driving, ride-sharing or catching a taxi from the centre, it'll take you 30 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic.
You can expect a trip time of about 1 hour 10 minutes when using public transport.
Searching for a convenient hotel near MNL? If you've booked an early flight from Manila Ninoy Aquino Airport to Kota Kinabalu Airport, these accommodation options will put you moments from your check-in counter:
Arriving at Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI)
Consider booking a hotel near BKI if you're on a late Manila Ninoy Aquino Airport to Kota Kinabalu Airport flight. Select one of these options and make your arrival easier:
Travel at your own speed with a Kota Kinabalu Airport rental car. Book your wheels from NH Travel, Green Motion or Keddy By Europcar and experience more of Kota Kinabalu and beyond.
Reserving your vehicle from Kota Kinabalu Airport about one week ahead can help you get the lowest rate.
Getting from Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI) to central Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu Airport is approximately 8 kilometres from the centre of Kota Kinabalu. Driving there takes about 20 minutes.
Getting to the centre on public transport takes about 35 minutes.
When to fly to Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI)
The quietest month for a flight from Manila Ninoy Aquino Airport to Kota Kinabalu Airport is March, while August is the most popular. Pick the ideal time to go to Kota Kinabalu based on whether you prefer a faster pace or a more relaxed vibe.
When booking your flight from Manila Ninoy Aquino Airport to Kota Kinabalu Airport, consider the type of weather you enjoy. May is the warmest month in Kota Kinabalu, with temperatures ranging from 24ºC (75ºF) to 31ºC (88ºF).
Search for cheap tickets from MNL to BKI in February if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest around then, ranging between 23ºC (73ºF) and 29ºC (84ºF) on average.
Explore more of Malaysia
Sandakan is just one of the many cities in Malaysia waiting to be explored once you've taken in the sights of Kota Kinabalu. Around 225 kilometres away to the east, well-known attractions include Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Sepilok and Sandakan Rainforest Park.
Around 274 kilometres south-east of Kota Kinabalu, Tawau is another essential stop in Malaysia. Experience the best of this destination with a visit to Hot Springs Tawau, Teck Guan Cocoa Museum and Batu payung.