Kota Kinabalu International Airport is the primary gateway into the province of Sabah. Regular flights depart for Singapore, Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur, though a roster of less frequent flights makes it possible to book travel farther abroad to places like Brunei, Hong Kong, Thailand, the Philippines and Macau.

Malaysia Airlines is the primary operator at Kota Kinabalu Airport, handling the greatest spectrum of international flights. Second is AirAsia, the domestic discount flyer that links various Malaysian states with Sabah. Recent changes at the airport have seen Fly Asian Xpress (FAX) take over many domestic routes. Meanwhile, Dragonair flies to Hong Kong and Silkair to Singapore.

As Sabah is quasi-autonomous, it’s worth noting that even a domestic connection from another Malaysian province will involve passing through customs. Even Malaysians are subject to immigration checks.

This dual-terminal airport is the second-busiest in Malaysia (next to the airport at Kuala Lumpur) and boasts ample facilities to accommodate international travellers. The airport’s only four miles from Sabah’s capital city of Kota Kinabalu, so public transfer options to the city centre are quite simple.

The state of Sabah features a range of transportation options of variable quality. Minivans, express buses and minibuses run back and forth between most major stop-offs throughout the region. Generally, it’s wise to start early in Sabah, as the frequency of departures dwindles after noon. Long-haul travellers especially are advised to get an early start.

A new bus terminal at Inanam in Kota Kinabalu handles transport in and out of the region while an airport shuttle service travels approximately four times an hour to the old bus terminal at the city centre. Express buses are modern and large, offering the most comfortable, air-conditioned long-haul transport.

On the other hand, minivans are usually older vehicles that are not always reliable. These eight-passenger vans take on more passengers and luggage than sometimes seems feasible and don’t depart until full. Even though minivans are quick, the superior express buses don’t cost much more but offer added convenience and on-board comfort, making them worth the extra expense.

A single railway begins in Kota Kinabalu, passing through Papar and Beaufort before terminating in Tenom. The trip takes four hours however frequent delays and cancellations can be something of a nuisance. There are some scenic vistas along the way, especially along the track between Tenom and Beaufort.

There’s also a ferry service that operates out of Kota Kinabalu. Fast ferries depart twice daily for the federal territory of Pulau Labuan, a journey of about two hours. From the island of Labuan, it’s possible to board a second ferry for Brunei.

Travelling by hire car is a reasonable option for exploring the countryside at your own pace. However, it’s wise to check in with the local tourism office before braving the more rural roads. In many cases, washouts leave routes impassable. Four-wheel drive vehicles can make all the difference in this part of the country.