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What is the best way to get from Kota Kinabalu to Semporna in 2026? In this article we will review and compare the best ways to travel from Kota Kinabalu to Semporna.
The best way to do this journey depends on your time, budget and desired level of comfort and convenience. Semporna is a very beautiful destination. The town itself is a little bit run down. However, in the area there are some very beautiful islands and the oceans are stunning. Many people visit Semporna to take an island hopping trip and to go diving and snorkeling. Sipidan (near Semporna) has some of the BEST diving in the world.
The journey from Kota Kinabalu to Semporna is 530km by road and is likely to take 10 – 15 hours depending on driving conditions and stopping times.
Why not take an Island Hopping trip in Semporna
Three ways to get from Kota Kinabalu to Semporna – summary
| Advantages and disadvantage | Journey time (including stops and transfers) | Price | |
| Long distance bus | Cheap but slow. Can’t stop where you want. Not comfortable. | 12 – 15 hours | RM60 – RM70 |
| Car rental | Slow but convenient. Can bring along lots of bags. Can stop at attractions along the way. Can use the car in Semporna. Find a car rental on Skyscanner | 10 – 12 hours | RM120 – RM200 (plus additional days rental) |
| Fly and take a short bus journey | Faster, but more expensive. Baggage may be limited. Still need to take a bus or taxi from Tawau to Semporna. May need a night in Tawau. Find flights in Skyscanner. | 1 hour flight + a few hours (waiting times and transfer to Tawau) | RM250 – RM350 (plus transfers and extra baggage charges) |
Ways to travel from Kota Kinabalu to Semporna Map
Option 1: Take a long distance bus
The cheapest, slowest and least convenient way to travel from Kota Kinabalu to Semporna is to take a long-distance bus. Long distance bus Journeys in Malaysia are surprisingly cheap. A long distance bus journey from Kota Kinabalu to Semporna is likely to cost around RM60 – RM70 (amazing for the distance!)
Long-distance buses are reasonably comfortable with reclining seats and they sometimes have toilets on board as well. Long distance buses can also take a reasonable amount of baggage too. It is worth being aware that much of the journey is along winding mountain roads. If you are prone to travel sickness this is a pretty rough journey.
Buses depart from Terminal Inanam in Kota Kinabalu. Buses stop at the Semporna Bus station. In general buses depart around 7am in the morning or around 7pm in the evening (and travel overnight).
A disadvantage of taking a long-distance bus is that you cannot choose where and when you stop. Long distance buses will probably stop every few hours for toilet breaks down food. However, if there are any attractions that you hope to see along the way then consider a car rental.
Option 2 Get a car rental in Kota Kinabalu
Don’t miss our FULL guide on renting a car in Kota Kinabalu
Another great way to get from Kota Kinabalu to Semporna is to take a car rental. Some car rental companies will let you pick up a car in Kota Kinabalu and drop it off in Semporna. However, be aware that if you want a different drop off location this may be a little bit more expensive and only some companies will offer this service. Alternatively, you could use a car rental to do a round trip around Sabah and drop it off in Kota Kinabalu.
How much does a car rental cost in Sabah?
A car rental in Kota Kinabalu is likely to cost between RM100 – RM300 per day depending on the vehicle, season and availability. The drive from Kota Kinabalu to Semporna is likely to take around 10 to 12 hours by car.
Find a great car rental deal on Skyscanner
TOP TIP If you get a car rental in Kota Kinabalu remember to make sure that your terms of use allow you to go as far as Semporna. If you go further than your terms of use allow and an incident occurs you may be liable.
What attractions can you see on the journey between Kota Kinabalu and Semporna?
Don’t miss these AMAZING things to do in Sabah
If you choose to travel to Semporna by car rental, there are several attractions you can visit along the way. For example, you can stop at mount Kinabalu. A little further and you can visit Kundasang – a beautiful mountain village with a market and dairy farm. Further and you can visit Poring with its Rafflesia Gardens, Hot springs, Canopy walkway and waterfalls. A small detour and you can visit Sandakan with its Orangutan Sanctuary and Proboscis monkeys. And past Sandakan you can also visit the beautiful wild Kinabatangan River. A great place to see Orangutans and Proboscis monkeys in the wild.
Option 3 Take a cheap domestic flight from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau and then a bus or taxi to Semporna (around 2 hours)
The most expensive way to travel from Kota Kinabalu to Semporna is to take a cheap internal flight with a Budget Airline. This is likely to cost between RM250 and RM350 per person. You may also need to pay additional fees depending on the weight of your check-in luggage. And you also need to consider the cost of transfer to and from the airport and a cheap bus from Tawau to Semporna (around RM20 per person and roughly 2 hours).
If your flight is later in the day you may arrive too late to get a bus from Tawau to Semporna. In this case, you also need to consider the additional time and cost of a night’s accommodation in Tawau.
Here is the journey step by step:
- Take a bus or taxi to Kota Kinabalu Airport (around 2-3 hours before your flight departs)
- Fly to Tawau Airport (around 1 hour)
- Take a taxi directly to Semporna (likely to cost around RM100 – RM150). You can book taxis using the Grab taxi app.
- OR take a taxi to Tawau (around RM25) and then take a bus to Semporna (RM20 per person)
- You can take buses from Tawau to Semporna at the Terminal Bas Bandar Tawau (TBBT)
We tend to use Skyscanner to search for flights. Check latest prices and deals on Skyscanner…
What are THE BEST places to stay in Semporna?
If you’re on the way to Mabul island – don’t miss our full guide on the best Mabul island resorts
We weren’t overwhelmed by the range of accommodation in Semporna town. BUT to save you time looking through overpriced low quality places to stay, here are a few pretty good option. Lol at least we’re honest.
Kuree Hut
Budget accommodation with private rooms – bunk beds. Clean, simple accommodation and well located. Rooms range between £10 – £20
Check the prices at Kuree Hut on Agoda and also Kuree Hut on Booking.com
Ang Lee Holiday Stay
Simple, clean and nice accommodation. Includes a triple room for families. Rooms range from £20 – £30 per night. Well located in central Semporna town.
You can reserve Ang Lee Holidays Stay on Agoda and you can also find Ang Lee on Booking.com
Mabul backpackers
Not in Semporna – BUT this place is worth a mention. If you want to stay on the BEAUTIFUL Mabul island (near Semporna) then check out the Mabul Backpackers Hostel for cheap accommodation and cheap diving and snorkelling trips. They also include 3 tasty meals per day.
Check out Mabul backpackers on Agoda and Mabul Backpackers on Booking.com
