Travelling from Colombo to Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI): what you need to know
Planning your getaway begins with figuring out where you'll leave from in Colombo. Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is the city's main airport, so explore your options for reserving a flight from Colombo to Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) departing from here.
Kota Kinabalu is 2 hours 30 minutes ahead of Colombo. Kota Kinabalu International Airport is located in Kota Kinabalu, which operates on the UTC+8 timezone.
Get to the airport on time so you don't miss your flight from Colombo to BKI. Be there at least two hours ahead for international flights and an hour early for domestic departures to avoid the stress of rushing.
Popular months like August or other peak periods mean bigger queues and potential delays. Stay on schedule by arriving at the airport even earlier. Aim for at least four hours ahead of international flights and two hours before a domestic departure.
Airports in Colombo
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
We make it a cinch to plan a flight from Colombo to BKI with a stopover. To see all the options departing from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Then, choose a flight with a stop long enough to tour the city of your choice. Top stopovers between CMB and BKI include:
Changi International Airport (SIN)
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
CMB is about 32 kilometres from central Colombo. To help work out how to get there, use Google Maps. This essential traveller tool will give you the quickest route and your public transport options.
Planning to catch an early flight from Colombo to Kota Kinabalu International Airport? Avoid rushing to the terminal (and catch some extra z's) by picking one of these stays close to Bandaranaike International Airport:
About Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI)
If you have a late flight from Colombo to Kota Kinabalu International Airport, few things top the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your bags from the carousel and then be showered and resting soon after at one of these hotels near BKI:
Getting from Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) to central Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu International Airport is approximately 8 kilometres from central Kota Kinabalu. With your own car rental or in a cab, the drive is about 14 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Colombo to Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI)
The lowest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Colombo to Kota Kinabalu International Airport is Rs48,696. The cheapest price for a return flight is Rs93,319. Keep in mind fares can change due to demand at the time of booking.
To score cheap tickets from Colombo to BKI, book early. Airlines typically offer the most competitive fares when flights are first made available.
Use the 'Whole month' search tool to compare the prices of tickets from Colombo to Kota Kinabalu International Airport across each month. The lowest fares are marked in green, making it easy to choose a flight your budget will love.
Locking in a cheap ticket from Colombo to BKI couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you when there's a better deal.
Personalise your trip using filters. Choose the number of stops, duration, and arrival and departure times to find the ideal flight from Colombo to Kota Kinabalu International Airport. You can also sort the results to see the 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' options first.
The best time to fly from Colombo to Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI)
August is the most popular month to board a flight from Colombo to Kota Kinabalu International Airport while February is the quietest. To work out the ideal time to visit Kota Kinabalu, consider whether you prefer a lively vibe or a quieter pace.
Schedule your flight from Colombo to BKI for May if you're eager to experience the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Kota Kinabalu to range from 24ºC to 31ºC.
February sees average temperatures of between 23ºC and 29ºC. Look for cheap flights from Colombo to Kota Kinabalu International Airport around that time if you like travelling in cooler conditions.
More about Kota Kinabalu
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best stays in Kota Kinabalu right here. Check out these options after locking in your flight from Colombo to Kota Kinabalu International Airport:
One of the best ways to get to know Kota Kinabalu is to visit its top sights. Essential stops include Cool Bar, Orchid De Villa and Sri Pasupathinath Alayam.
Complete your Kota Kinabalu trip with a car rental
We use the same magic that helped you find your cheap flight from Colombo to Kota Kinabalu International Airport to track down your perfect ride. Browse our car rentals in Kota Kinabalu and compare offers in one place. Plus you'll find all the info you need to know, from the most popular car type to the average daily price.
