$16 Cheap Flights from Sandakan (SDK) to Kota Kinabalu (BKI)

View $16 flight on Sat, Jul 26, 2025Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Sandakan (SDK) to Kota Kinabalu Intl. Airport (BKI)

  • Plan, book, fly with confidence

  • trending down icon
    Be in the know
    Get alerts if flight prices drop or rise*
  • bex rewards loyalty icon
    Book smarter
    Save up to 30% on select hotels after you book a flight*
  • one key icon
    Earn twice
    Earn your airline miles on top of our OneKeyCash
    Learn about One Key

Cheap Flights from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu (SDK-BKI)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $16 for one-way flights and $47 for roundtrip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.
Malaysia Airlines
Sat, Jul 12 - Sat, Jul 19
SDK
Sandakan
BKI
Kota Kinabalu
$47
Roundtrip
Found 1 day ago
Select Malaysia Airlines flight, departing Sat, Jul 12 from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu, returning Sat, Jul 19, priced at $47 Found 1 day ago
Malaysia Airlines
Sun, Jul 6 - Mon, Jul 7
SDK
Sandakan
BKI
Kota Kinabalu
$48
Roundtrip
Found 4 days ago
Select Malaysia Airlines flight, departing Sun, Jul 6 from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu, returning Mon, Jul 7, priced at $48 Found 4 days ago
Malaysia Airlines
Sun, Jul 13 - Sun, Jul 20
SDK
Sandakan
BKI
Kota Kinabalu
$52
Roundtrip
Found 1 day ago
Select Malaysia Airlines flight, departing Sun, Jul 13 from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu, returning Sun, Jul 20, priced at $52 Found 1 day ago
0
Flights from Sandakan (SDK) to Kota Kinabalu (BKI)
Origin airport
Sandakan
Destination airport
Kota Kinabalu Intl.
Airlines serving
Malaysia Airlines
Roundtrip price
$46
Distance
138 mi

Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu are during the month of July. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

 

The best time to book a flight from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

 

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu in 2025. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $16 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

 

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

 

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

 

*Terms apply.

 

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.

 

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Sandakan Airport (SDK) to Kota Kinabalu Intl. Airport (BKI) cost?
Cheap return fares from Sandakan Airport (SDK) to Kota Kinabalu Intl. Airport (BKI) start from $47. This information is based on the cheapest price found on Expedia for this return journey departing within the next three months. This airfare is for a Malaysia Airlines flight leaving SDK on July 6 2025 and touching down at BKI. The price was last updated on June 14 2025 and has not changed since.
What is the cheapest month to fly from SDK to BKI?
The cheapest flights from SDK to BKI are usually during off-peak season, when demand is lower. To save money, avoid flying during public holidays, school breaks and major local events.
Which airlines fly direct from Sandakan Airport (SDK) to Kota Kinabalu Intl. Airport (BKI)?
Jump on a nonstop flight with AirAsia and fly straight from Sandakan Airport (SDK) to Kota Kinabalu Intl. Airport (BKI).
What is the cheapest airline that flies from SDK to BKI?
Currently, the cheapest carrier offering one-way flights from SDK to BKI is Firefly. You can take off on this route from $19. This fare is based on the lowest price found on Expedia departing within the next three months. The flight takes off from SDK on July 12 2025. Prices were last updated on June 14 2025 and have not changed since.
How many flights per day from Sandakan Airport (SDK) to Kota Kinabalu Intl. Airport (BKI)?
When flying out of Sandakan Airport (SDK), you can choose from an average of 4 daily nonstop flights to Kota Kinabalu Intl. Airport (BKI).
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Sandakan Airport (SDK) to Kota Kinabalu Intl. Airport (BKI)?
More travelers fly between SDK and BKI at 11 AM than at any other time of day. Looking for a quieter experience? Travel outside of rush hours and it’s possible you’ll save on your fare as well.
What day of the week has the most flights from SDK to BKI?
If you jet off on a Thursday, you’ll get the greatest range of options for flights from Sandakan Airport (SDK) to Kota Kinabalu Intl. Airport (BKI).
What is the earliest flight from Sandakan Airport (SDK) to Kota Kinabalu Intl. Airport (BKI)?
The earliest flight jetting off from Sandakan Airport (SDK) is at around 7:35AM UTC+8. Catch this flight and you’ll land at Kota Kinabalu Intl. Airport (BKI) at approximately 8:20AM UTC+8. The total flight duration is 45m.
How long does it take to fly from Sandakan Airport (SDK) to Kota Kinabalu Intl. Airport (BKI)?
It takes around 45 minutes to travel the 140 mi from SDK to BKI.
What is the best time to fly from Sandakan Airport (SDK) to Kota Kinabalu Intl. Airport (BKI)?
To avoid possible delays on the Sandakan Airport (SDK) to Kota Kinabalu Intl. Airport (BKI) route, travel before 3 PM. Departures after this hour have a 22% higher chance of being canceled.**Most reliable time of the day and month to travel recommendation is based on January through August 2024 flight status data sourced from OAG’s global flight data platform.
What airports do you fly into for Kota Kinabalu from Sandakan Airport (SDK)?
Compare your flight options from Sandakan Airport (SDK) to Kota Kinabalu Intl. Airport (BKI). This is the only airport in Kota Kinabalu you can arrive at if you’re taking a direct flight.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Sandakan Airport (SDK) to Kota Kinabalu Intl. Airport (BKI) last-minute?
Waiting until just before your departure to book your flight from SDK to BKI often results in higher prices. While you may come across some last-minute offers, there’s no guarantee. Be flexible with your itinerary to boost your chances of landing a bargain.
Is it cheaper to book a SDK to BKI flight and hotel package?
Securing a SDK to BKI flight and hotel package is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the convenience of organizing your trip in one place. Choose from our impressive range of stays and then add activities, flights and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Sandakan Airport (SDK) to Kota Kinabalu Intl. Airport (BKI)?
In most instances, you’re able to reschedule or cancel your SDK to BKI flight. However, additional charges may apply, especially if you made your booking over 24 hours ago. Double-check your itinerary for the airline’s fees and guidelines on flight changes, or if you need more details, head to our Customer Service portal.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

*Available to One Key members.