How to find a cheap car hire deal in Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI)
Get into the driver's seat with a cheap Kota Kinabalu International Airport rental car. With prices averaging ج.م. 7,074 a day, you're on the road to better value. From economy models to full-size family cars, we'll help you pick the right wheels at a price that works.
The cheapest daily price for a rental at Kota Kinabalu International Airport is ج.م. 1,448.
Planning a longer stay in Kota Kinabalu? Pick up a weekly rental from ج.م. 7,732 and fit more into your itinerary.
Timing is everything when it comes to finding a cheap BKI car hire. Book around one week before you travel to land the best price.
Grab your wheels from NH Travel, Green Motion or Keddy By Europcar, some of the most reliable providers at Kota Kinabalu International Airport.
The coverage NH Travel or another supplier offers for your Kota Kinabalu International Airport car hire can vary, so remember to go over the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will provide it for an extra charge.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to land a good deal if the provider needs to move cars between branches. Find the best available rates for a car for hire in BKI by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car hire in Kota Kinabalu International Airport with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. You'll also skip the costly refueling charges rental agencies tack on.
Want to explore more without stressing about the number of miles you cover? Search for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and travel as far as you like without the extra charges.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll get the best value deal with this company, with average prices coming in at ج.م. 3,637 a day.
Offering daily rates of around ج.م. 3,391, this provider follows close behind.
The third option also comes in as one of the cheaper suppliers. Hop into one of their rentals for roughly ج.م. 3,541 a day.
If you're not sure what kind of wheels you need, choose something from the Mini rental category. It's the most frequently booked vehicle type at BKI.
Compare car hire types from Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI)
Small: These cheap Kota Kinabalu International Airport rental cars may be small in size, but they pack a big punch. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to drive, great on mileage, and just the thing for short trips.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine comfort, space and fuel efficiency. Easy to manoeuvre around cities and with enough space for longer drives, they're well-suited to most travel needs.
Large: You've got the kids, the bags, the snacks, the everything. Large vehicles have got the capacity to handle it all without breaking a sweat. Perfect for long-distance journeys, this BKI car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV says, 'let's go.' It's your perfect road trip buddy, ready for highways, backroads, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also promise extra space and improved safety features.
Van: Go for this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in Kota Kinabalu International Airport that makes light work of heavy loads. With options like commercial vans and trucks, they're built to carry more, whether that's supplies, suitcases or groups of people.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers the cost you'd have to pay if your BKI car hire is damaged or stolen. While not compulsory, it's a safety net if something happens. Keep in mind that not all insurance policies are equal, so make sure you know exactly what's included.
Make life easier when you rent a car in Kota Kinabalu International Airport by adding some nifty extras. Think things like a navigation system to make sure you never miss a turn, or reverse cameras to park like you're pulling off a choreographed routine.
Good to know
Rental age requirements aren't always the same everywhere. Providers can set their own policies, and if you're a younger driver, you could face extra fees or restrictions. Check what rules apply with each supplier before booking your rental in Malaysia.
Add a car seat to your BKI car hire reservation if you're bringing the kids. Regulations change from one place to another, but using a child seat suited to their size, weight and age is always the safest choice.
You'll be asked for a few things when picking up your rental car: a current driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card with enough funds for the security deposit. Debit cards usually aren't accepted. Any other requirements will be listed in your booking.
Get acquainted with your rental. Set up your seat and mirrors, learn where everything is, and get used to its handling before you set off. And remember to stick to the left side of the road in Malaysia.
Local speed limits may vary, but it's typically around 45kph in built-up areas and 100kph or so on highways. Always go with what's posted on the road signs.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05% applies in Malaysia. The only guaranteed way to stay safe to drive is to avoid alcohol completely.
Drive smarter from the start
The real trip begins once you've picked up the keys to your BKI car hire. You have the freedom to roam wherever you choose, but if you're off to central Kota Kinabalu, it's around 8 kilometres to the northeast.
At peak travel times, expect the drive from Kota Kinabalu International Airport to the centre to take up to 30 minutes.
Around 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination. Try to avoid rush hours if you want a smoother run.
Don't need a set of wheels immediately? Consider grabbing a car hire in Kota Kinabalu instead of at the airport. That way, you won't be paying for days you don't use.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI)
Check out the biggest attractions in Kota Kinabalu before doing anything else. Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park and Danum Valley Conservation Area (DVCA) set the tone for a great trip.
Keningau should be on your to-do list if you'd like to visit Crocker Range National Park and Pamalan Hill View. This city is around 64 kilometres south of BKI.
Add Ranau to your list of stops. Around 72 kilometres east of the airport, drive there in your Kota Kinabalu International Airport car hire to explore major highlights such as Poring Hot Spring and Nature Reserve and SABAH.
Got a little fuel left in the tank? Take off to Miri, about 290 kilometres southwest of BKI. From Miri Balloon to Piasau Nature Reserve Ranger Station, it's the perfect finale to your trip.
