From Kota Kinabalu it’s a whopping 550 km, but the journey is straightforward. Buses, flights, and private transfers run this route daily, and locals use the same connections to travel between the west and east coasts of Sabah.
Kota Kinabalu to Semporna – My Experience
I did this trip one‑way from Kota Kinabalu to Semporna by bus, and then continued on to Kinabatangan, Sepilok, and Kundasang. In practice, it became an anti‑clockwise loop around Sabah, hitting the places where nature really shows off.
I spent about five nights in Kota Kinabalu — partly because I was working, partly because I needed to slow down since I had already been traveling for long time— and used that time to plan my route. I debated whether to head to Kundasang first or just commit to the long journey straight away.
In the end, I decided to travel to Semporna first. Since I was booking last-minute, flights were a bit expensive, so I grabbed a bus ticket instead.
Still planning on an itinerary? Check out my 10-day Borneo itinerary.
The bus took around 12 hours, and while it’s a long ride, the roads are decent and the journey is manageable. It’s the cheapest option to get from Kota Kinabalu to Semporna. But if you book early, flying to the nearby city of Tawau, and then continuing with a minivan is probably the best choice if you’re on a two-week holiday. You can get a one-way ticket from Kota Kinabalu to Semporna for as low as $30 USD (probably ~$15 USD more for a checked in baggage).
If you’ve already decided to travel to Borneo and you’re still weeks or months away from departing, book your flights early, and you’ll save some cash.
1. Fly From Kota Kinabalu to Semporna (Probably the best way)
As I mentoned, you won’t fly directly from Kota Kinabalu to Semporna, but to Tawau, which is a city 100 km away from Semporna. The flight to Tawau takes less than an hour, and from there you’ll need to continue by grabor taxi to Semporna. This is the fastest option and often the most comfortable, especially if you’re short on time, or don’t want to spend half a day in the bus.
2. Ride the Bus From Kota Kinabalu to Semporna (What I did)
I took the bus from Kota Kinabalu to Semporna, and it was actually quite alright. The roads were decent, the seats comfortable, and with enough snacks and entertainment on my phone, the 12‑hour journey was completely manageable.
I booked my ticket through 12GO, which worked smoothly and cost me around $18 USD, plus a short Grab ride from my hotel in Kota Kinabalu to the bus terminal.
When I arrived in Semporna, the bus dropped us off right in the center, so I simply walked to my accommodation.
3. Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu to Semporna
If you’re traveling as a group, booking a private van through 12GO is a very practical option. You get door‑to‑door service, plenty of space, and full control over your departure time. It’s also a bit faster than the bus, with more flexibility for breaks, photo stops, and food stops along the way.
For groups or travelers carrying diving gear, this is easily the most convenient way to make the long journey across Sabah.
4. Rent a Car and Drive from Kota Kinabalu to Semporna
Renting a car and driving from Kota Kinabalu to Semporna gives you the most freedom of all the options. It will still take roughly the same amount of time as the bus, so it’s a long drive, but it makes it easy to continue traveling around Sabah afterward — whether you’re heading to Sepilok, Kinabatangan, or back toward the west coast. It’s a practical choice for families, groups, or anyone who prefers to travel at their own pace without relying on bus schedules.
Check Options on Discovercars.com — the cheapest I saw was a 5-seater for about $25 USD per day.
5. Join A Tour
It can feel like a bit of a hassle to organize your own trip through Sabah. Information can be scattered, bus schedules change, and booking transport isn’t always as straightforward as it should be. Joining a tour removes all of that stress. You get picked up, transported between destinations, and taken to the main sights without having to plan anything yourself. It’s the easiest option if you prefer convenience over logistics, or if you’re short on time and want everything handled for you.
FAQs About How to Get from Kota Kinabalu to Semporna
What is the best way to get from Kota Kinabalu to Semporna?
Flying is generally the best and fastest option. You’ll fly from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau, the nearest airport, which is about 100 km from Semporna. From Tawau, you can continue the remaining stretch by bus, shared minivan, or taxi. It’s the most time‑efficient way to travel, especially if you want to avoid the 12‑hour bus ride across Sabah.
Can You Drive Yourself?
You definitely can. Just make sure you have an up‑to‑date international driving permit and rent from a reliable company. Discovercars.com is a good place to compare options. The drive is long, but the roads across Sabah are generally in good condition, and many travelers choose to self‑drive so they can stop wherever they want along the way.
Check Options on Discovercars.com.
Is Semporna Worth Visiting?
If you’re planning to dive, snorkel, or go island‑hopping, then yes — Semporna is absolutely worth visiting. It’s the gateway to some of the richest marine life in Borneo, with world‑class sites like Sipadan, Mabul, and Kapalai just a short boat ride away. For underwater activities, it’s one of the best bases in Southeast Asia.
Check out my Semporna Travel Guide of more info.
Semporna Travel Guide: Islands, Diving & Bajau Laut Villages
If you don’t like to spend time in the water, or on the islands, then maybe Orangutans in Sepilok might be a better choice.
Check out the things to do in Sepilok of more info.
Sepilok & Sandakan Guide 2026: What to Do, How to Get Around & Where to Stay
Where to travel after Semporna?
Kinabatangan is the closest nature hotspot. Here you swap islands and diving for the Kinabatangan River Cruises, where days are filled with wildlife sightings and rainforest scenery. From Semporna, it’s a natural progression into the inland part of Sabah, and many travelers follow this exact route.
Final Thoughts on Getting to Semporna
It’s a long trip if you’re traveling by land, but it’s absolutely doable, and if you’ve just arrived in Borneo, the journey can actually be a nice way to ease into the landscape and watch the scenery change as you cross the island.
If you don’t want to spend 12 hours on a bus, flying is the easiest option. It’s a bit more expensive, but if you book in advance it’s usually reasonable, and you’ll get a beautiful aerial view of Sabah on the way to Tawau. From there, it’s just a short ride to Semporna.
As mentioned, I did the full 12‑hour bus ride myself, and honestly, the time passed faster than I expected.
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