Owais Crawford
Borneo is divided among three countries: Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia. The island's rugged interior and lack of rail networks and well-developed roads make flying the only practical option for covering long distances. The biggest airports in Borneo are conveniently located close to the action, with Bandar Seri Begawan (Brunei), Kuching, and Kota Kinabalu offering easy access to hotels and attractions. Kota Kinabalu International Airport is the busiest airport in Borneo, with the most international flights, and is located in the state capital of Sabah, Malaysia. Brunei International Airport, located in the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan, is another major hub, offering connections to several international destinations. Kuching International Airport, the second-largest airport in the Malaysian part of Borneo, provides access to many regional airports in Sarawak and some connections to Sabah and international destinations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airports in Borneo | Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei; Kuching, Miri, and Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia |
| Busiest airport in Borneo | Kota Kinabalu International Airport |
| Second busiest airport in Borneo | Kuching International Airport |
| Second busiest airport in Malaysia | Kota Kinabalu International Airport |
| Distance of Kota Kinabalu International Airport from the city centre | 8 km (5 miles) |
| Number of passengers handled by Kota Kinabalu International Airport in 2024 | 7.95 million |
| Number of passengers handled by Kota Kinabalu International Airport in 2019 | 9 million |
| Amount of investment approved for Kota Kinabalu International Airport's expansion and modernisation | RM442.3 million |
| Year in which regular passenger services to Kuching commenced | 1949 |
| Year in which Terminal 2 of Kota Kinabalu International Airport closed | 2015 |
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What You'll Learn
- Kota Kinabalu International Airport, the busiest airport in Borneo
- Kuching International Airport, the second-largest airport in Malaysian Borneo
- Brunei International Airport, located in Bandar Seri Begawan
- Sandakan Airport, a 30-minute taxi ride from Sepilok
- Miri Airport, the best option for visiting Mulu National Park
Kota Kinabalu International Airport, the busiest airport in Borneo
Borneo's busiest airport, Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA), is located in the state capital of Sabah, Malaysia, approximately 8 km (5.0 mi) southwest of the city centre. The airport, which is also the third busiest in Malaysia for cargo, serves as the primary gateway to East Malaysia and is a hub for several airlines, including MASwings, Firefly, and Malaysia Airlines.
The history of the airport dates back to World War II when it was a military airfield known as Jesselton Airfield, with Kota Kinabalu then called Jesselton. After the war, the airport underwent significant infrastructure upgrades, including the construction of a new terminal and the resurfacing of its original grass runway with bitumen. By 1959, the runway was lengthened to accommodate turboprop aircraft, marking the beginning of its transformation into a modern facility.
Over the years, Kota Kinabalu International Airport has continued to expand and upgrade its facilities to accommodate increasing air traffic and larger aircraft. Terminal 2, which was the airport's first terminal, was renovated in 2006 to accommodate low-cost carriers, but eventually closed in 2015 due to congestion and limited space. In 2023, the airport received funding for a facelift program to improve passenger comfort and operational efficiency.
In 2024, Kota Kinabalu International Airport handled over 7.95 million passengers, though this was lower than its peak in 2019 when it recorded over 9 million passengers. There are plans to expand the airport further, with the goal of increasing its annual capacity to 15.4 million passengers. The airport's expansion and modernisation have received significant investments, with the final phase of the project expected to conclude in 2028.
Kota Kinabalu itself is an easy city to navigate on foot and acts as a gateway to Sabah. It offers a range of attractions, including empty beaches, clear waters, fantastic villas, and a lively night market. The nearby Tip of Borneo is a popular destination for self-drive holidays, and there are also opportunities to explore traditional villages and the jungle, home to proboscis monkeys and other wildlife.
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Kuching International Airport, the second-largest airport in Malaysian Borneo
Borneo is home to several airports, including Brunei International Airport, located on the island's eastern edge of Balikpapan in East Kalimantan. However, one of the most notable airports in Borneo is Kuching International Airport (KIA), located in the Malaysian state of Sarawak, Borneo.
Kuching International Airport is the second-largest airport in Malaysian Borneo, serving the entire southwestern region of Sarawak. It is situated 11 kilometres south of Kuching's city centre, which can be reached in just 15 minutes by car or taxi. The airport is also conveniently located near the Kuching Sentral Bus Terminal, just 2 kilometres away. KIA plays a crucial role in facilitating travel to and from Sarawak, Brunei, and North Borneo (now known as Sabah).
The history of KIA dates back to 1938 when an airstrip was first constructed at 7th Mile (Bukit Stabar). However, the airport truly came into its own in the 1950s, with Malayan Airways offering weekly flights connecting Kuching to Singapore and other destinations in Borneo. In 1954, KIA recorded significant growth, handling 1,550 aircraft movements and over 13,000 passengers.
To accommodate the increasing passenger demand, KIA underwent several expansion projects over the years. The runway was extended multiple times to facilitate larger aircraft, including turboprop and turbojet aircraft. In 1962, the terminal was enlarged, and a Control Zone was established to manage the growing air traffic. In the early 2000s, construction began on a new, larger terminal, which was completed in 2006. The new terminal complex features aerobridge aircraft parking bays, remote parking bays, and modern navigation and communication systems.
Today, KIA is a bustling airport, handling over 5 million passengers and a substantial volume of cargo annually. It serves as the operating base for AirAsia and plays a vital role in catering to the travel demands of the Sarawak region. While the airport may not be a design award winner, it is functional and designed to withstand the tropical climate of the island, featuring a large porte-cochere that shields passengers from the monsoonal downpours that characterise this region.
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Brunei International Airport, located in Bandar Seri Begawan
Brunei International Airport (BIA) is located in the Brunei-Muara District, about 8km from the centre of the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan. The airport is the primary international airport and official airport of entry in the Sultanate of Brunei Darussalam, on the island of Borneo. It is also the home base and hub for Royal Brunei Airlines (RBA), which was founded in 1975, and the Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF) is headquartered at a base opposite the airport's main runway.
The airport is conveniently located, with the journey from the city centre taking approximately 15 minutes by taxi. Bandar Seri Begawan's most famous mosque, the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, is only a 15-minute taxi ride from the airport. The airport is also accessible by car, with parking space for 1,440 cars and an additional 300 covered parking spaces.
Brunei International Airport consists of an international terminal, a cargo terminal, and a royal terminal for the sultan's flights. The international terminal has 40 check-in counters, 12 emigration counters, and 14 immigration clearance counters. The airport has a capacity of three million passengers, although this figure is expected to increase to eight million with the construction of a new terminal. The airport also has a post office, bank, and mosque, as well as various eateries and shops.
Despite its convenient location and facilities, some reviews of the airport have been negative, citing issues with water supply and toilet facilities, limited dining options, and a lack of appeal.
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Sandakan Airport, a 30-minute taxi ride from Sepilok
Borneo is home to several airports, including the busy Kota Kinabalu International Airport. However, if you're interested in visiting Sepilok, the Sandakan Airport is a more convenient option, located just a 30-minute taxi ride away.
Sandakan Airport, also known as SDK, is an important gateway connecting travellers to destinations within Malaysia and beyond. It boasts a well-organised single terminal that efficiently caters to both domestic and international travellers. The airport is known for its swift services, ensuring a hassle-free and enjoyable travel experience.
For those nature enthusiasts visiting Sepilok, the Sandakan Airport is an ideal entry point. Sepilok is home to the renowned Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where visitors can catch a glimpse of intelligent orphaned orangutans within a lush forest setting. The nearby Sun Bear Conservation Centre is also worth a visit, as it aims to improve the welfare and rehabilitation of the Malayan sun bear while raising public awareness.
In addition to its natural attractions, Sandakan city offers a diverse cultural heritage and breathtaking landmarks. The Gomantong Caves, with their enchanting appeal, are located near the airport. The airport itself is nestled amidst the striking Bornean rainforest, providing a captivating welcome to travellers.
When planning a trip to Sandakan, it is recommended to pre-book your airport transportation to ensure a smooth journey. Services like Jayride offer reliable and affordable options for transfers to and from the airport, allowing travellers to escape the buzz of airport queues and providing flexibility in scheduling multiple stops.
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Miri Airport, the best option for visiting Mulu National Park
Borneo is home to several busy airports, including Kuching, Kota Kinabalu International Airport, and Bandar Seri Begawan. Given the island's rugged interior, flying is often the only practical option for covering long distances. If you're planning to visit Mulu National Park, however, your best option is to fly into Miri Airport.
Miri, in Northeast Sarawak, serves as the main gateway to Gunung Mulu National Park. The airport is located just six miles south of Miri and offers daily flights to Mulu operated by MASwings, a subsidiary of Malaysian Airlines. The flight takes just 30 minutes, making it the quickest option for reaching the park.
In addition to its convenience, Miri Airport offers stunning views as you descend into the heart of the rainforest. You'll be greeted by miles of forested mountains and coffee-coloured rivers snaking their way through the landscape. The airport itself is small and isolated, but it surprisingly maintains good aviation links.
When planning your trip to Mulu National Park, it's important to keep in mind that the weather can be unpredictable and may impact your flights. Heavy rainfall is common, and it's not unusual for flights to be delayed or cancelled due to the weather. As such, it's recommended to allow for a flexible itinerary and to book your accommodation and guides in advance, as the park can fill up quickly.
To get from Miri Airport to Mulu National Park, you can take advantage of the local community's reliable and inexpensive airport transfers, which cost around 5RM (£0.90) per person. Alternatively, you can choose to walk, as the park is just a 15-20 minute walk from the airport. For the adventurous traveller, there is also the option of hiking to the park via the Headhunters Trail, which starts from the town of Limbang. However, it's important to keep in mind that this area is extremely isolated, so it's recommended to arrange this route through a licensed tour operator.
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Frequently asked questions
Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) is the busiest airport in Borneo and the second busiest in Malaysia.
The airport is located in Kota Kinabalu, the state capital of Sabah, Malaysia, approximately 8 km (5.0 mi) southwest of the city centre.
The IATA code for the airport is BKI.
Many destinations in the Malaysian part of Borneo are served by the airport, including Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru, and Kota Bharu. Internationally, the most frequently served destination is Singapore.
Kota Kinabalu is known for its beautiful islands, diving spots in the waters of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, and the botanical diversity of Kinabalu National Park. It is also a gateway to Sabah, where you can enjoy the beaches, explore the Tip of Borneo, and discover traditional villages.
