Arriving in Borneo

Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) is the main airport in Sabah, Malaysia. It is located about 2.5km from the city centre and handles both domestic and international flights. If you’re arriving in KKIA for the first time, here are a few things to keep in mind. First, all visitors must have a valid passport and visa. Second, KLIA is a smoke-free airport, so smoking is not allowed anywhere inside the terminal building. third, be sure to declare any food or plants that you are bringing into the country. Finally, please be respectful of other cultures and religions while you are in Malaysia (Malaysia is a predominantly Islamic country). KKIA is just the beginning of your adventure in Sabah!

We recommend arriving in Kota Kinabalu in the morning, but if your flight arrives in the afternoon, you may wish to book an extra night. It’s important that you are able to adjust to the time zone and get a good night sleep before you climb Mount Kinabalu!

You’ll want to book 1-2 nights at your hostel in Kota Kinabalu.

Hostels start from $6/night, with some offering private rooms from $20/night. We recommend booking a hostel that is close to the city centre— which average about $13/night— so that you can walk to supermarkets, restaurants, and have an easy pick-up in the morning. Many of the hostels also offer a free breakfast (this is typically very basic, such as toast or cereal) but if you have dietary requirements, you may wish to opt for a hostel with kitchen facilities so you can store and cook your own food.