Flying from Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) to Melbourne: what you need to know
Melbourne is three hours ahead of Kota Kinabalu, where Kota Kinabalu International Airport is located. Melbourne observes the UTC+11 timezone.
For a relaxed start to your BKI to Melbourne flight, leave plenty of time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
Delays at check-in and security are likely if you're jetting off during high season, so give yourself some extra breathing space. A good rule of thumb for peak periods? Arrive up to four hours ahead for international flights and two hours for domestic departures.
A stopover is the perfect opportunity to take a break from travelling and possibly even visit a new city. When browsing for flight tickets from BKI to Melbourne, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Popular options include:
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
Changi International Airport (SIN)
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
Central Kota Kinabalu to BKI is around 8 kilometres. Depending on traffic conditions, it'll take about 15 minutes to reach there if you're driving, ride-sharing or catching a cab.
Catching an early flight from Kota Kinabalu International Airport to Melbourne? Avoid the stress of rushing to the terminal (and sneak in some extra snooze time) by choosing one of these stays close to BKI:
73.51% of flights taking off from Kota Kinabalu International Airport arrive at their destination on time.
How to find the cheapest flights from Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) to Melbourne
Rs54,098 is the cheapest price we've seen for a one-way Kota Kinabalu International Airport to Melbourne flight. A round-trip ticket right now is Rs115,071. Depending on when and how early you book, these fares may change.
Booking ahead of time is often the key to locking in a cheap flight from BKI to Melbourne. Fares tend to rise as demand increases, so the nearer your departure date, the more expensive your ticket may be.
If you're flexible with your travel dates, take advantage of the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll show you the cheapest price across every month when searching for your Kota Kinabalu International Airport to Melbourne ticket.
You don't need to keep checking in to find out if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll let you know when there's an extra saving on cheap flights from BKI to Melbourne.
Save money on your flight from Kota Kinabalu International Airport to Melbourne with the help of our filters. Choose your preferred times, airlines and number of stops, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Airports in Melbourne
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) is around 24 kilometres from the centre of Melbourne. If you're opting for a ride-share or a cab, the drive takes about 30 minutes.
It'll take around 40 minutes if you're travelling by public transport.
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Kota Kinabalu International Airport to Melbourne. Reserve one of these accommodation options near MEL instead:
Get on the fast track to adventure by picking up a Melbourne Tullamarine Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Bargain Car Rentals, East Coast or Sixt and explore beyond Melbourne's main sights.
Lock in the best deal by reserving your vehicle from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport around four weeks in advance of your flight from BKI to Melbourne.
Avalon Airport (AVV)
Avalon Airport (AVV) is around 56 kilometres from central Melbourne. After your flight from Kota Kinabalu International Airport to Melbourne, it'll take you around 50 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
If you choose to travel on public transport, the journey will take you 2 hours 5 minutes or so.
Corio Bay Motel is one accommodation option within a short drive of AVV. Check in here after your BKI to Melbourne flight and then put up the 'Do not disturb' sign for some uninterrupted rest.
The fastest way to reach your destination is with an Avalon Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Sixt, Kangaroo Rental or yesaway car hire and get going in the blink of an eye.
Lock in the lowest price by booking your ride from AVV three weeks in advance. You'll also have access to a wider range of vehicles.
Essendon Airport (MEB)
Hop off your flight from Kota Kinabalu International Airport to Melbourne and go straight to your hotel or start exploring right away. Central Melbourne is around 19 kilometres from Essendon Airport (MEB) and usually takes 25 minutes to reach driving.
The journey takes around 1 hour 15 minutes by public transport.
Enjoy a restful, unhurried start to your trip by checking in to a hotel near MEB after your BKI to Melbourne flight. Take a load off after a long travel day or just give yourself time to get your bearings in a new destination at:
Begin your travels without worrying about how to reach your destination with an Essendon Airport rental car. Book your wheels with trusted companies here like East Coast, Ace Rental Cars and Goldcar.
If you're hoping for a certain model or make, booking early gives you a better shot at snagging what you want. Secure your ride from MEB at least a couple of weeks ahead of your flight from Kota Kinabalu International Airport to Melbourne.
Best time to go to Melbourne
Before securing your flights from Kota Kinabalu International Airport to Melbourne, consider which time of year is best for you. High season in Melbourne offers a bustling atmosphere and plenty of activities, while low season means you'll get cheaper hotel deals and fewer crowds.
Book a Kota Kinabalu International Airport to Melbourne flight ticket with a departure in January if you're eager to visit the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures to range from 12ºC to 29ºC.
Look for cheap tickets from BKI to Melbourne in July if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 4ºC and 13ºC on average.
More about Melbourne
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the most popular stays in Melbourne right here. Browse these options as soon as you've locked in your flight from Kota Kinabalu International Airport to Melbourne:
There are so many things to explore in this city it can be difficult to know where to begin. National Gallery of Victoria, Federation Square and Eureka Skydeck 88 are top sights which should be on any good Melbourne itinerary.
Explore more of Australia
Melbourne has loads to offer, but there are so many other parts of Australia you'll want to see. Around 467 kilometres north-east of Melbourne, a visit to Canberra will keep your itinerary busy. Start with leading attractions like Australian War Memorial, National Gallery of Australia and Parliament House.
Around 451 kilometres south-east of Melbourne, Launceston is another favourite stop in Australia. Experience this destination's highlights firsthand at City Park, Tamar Island Wetlands and James Boag Brewery Experience.