Getting Around State of Sabah

A comfortable ferry called Kinabalu Express travels the waters between Kota Kinabalu and Labuan.
The trip takes around 3 hrs each way.
We had originally planned to go all the way to Brueni and return but ran out of time.
We just did the Labuan rt part. Stopped for a quick lunch and duty free shopping.

Ferries use the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal, a 20 minute walk from the center of KK.

The only way to get to and from Gayana Eco Resort is by boat. The resorts own ferry goes back and forth on a regular schedule. It takes 1/2 hour for the trip. The boats operate from Jesselton Point Sabah Port Authority ferry terminal.

Kota Kinabalu Ferry Terminal - Gayana
AM - 8.00, 9.30, 11.00
PM - 12.30, 3.15, 6.00, 7.30, 9.30, 11.00

From Gayana - Kota Kinabalu Ferry
AM - 7.15, 8.45, 10.15, 11.45
PM - 2.30, 5.00, 6.45, 8.45, 10.30
subject to change

We flew from Senai airport in Johor Bahru to Kota Kinnabalu.
Our Air Asia flight left Johor at 7:30am arriving in KK at 9:45.
It was a smooth flight with pleasant flight attendants.

Sultan Ismail International Airport, 81250, Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'zim, Malaysia.
http://www.senaiairport.com/travellers.asp?menuid=100020&rootid=100020&splid=100001

To travel from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan, you can take a bus and ride for 5 hours or fly so you will be there in 45 minutes.
We chose to fly with Malaysia Airlines. Air Asia flies there also.

I see there is a new airport in KK since we were there.

One thing that i wish i can change about sabah is the public transport. It's not very bad but still need A LOT OF IMPROVEMENT.

The most common public transport is the mini van and mind you, this van will wait for you, some will wait till it's fully pack before it leaves from one destination to another, some will just stop wherever they like to pick up or to let down a passenger. This, many times caused accidents.Anyway,some people like this as they are fast to go around.

Buses. There are buses available but i think it's still not very efficient within town and the condition of the buses need to be checked and i wish they can replace most of it.

Taxi. Well, the most convenient way to travel but be prepared to pay more

The company that organised our tour arranged for us to fly from Kota Kinabalu to Sandikan in order to visit Sepilok and Turtle Island. I would imagine it takes a long time to drive the route, but if you are staying in Borneo for more than a couple of weeks it is probably a much nicer trip. Air travel always takes forever due to the waiting around at the airports. Having said that, we found the luggage collection to be quite a swift process.

Probably the cheapest airfares in the continent of Asia can be found at Air Asia. This low budget airline flies mainly Boeing's and are well maintained. Air Asia has hubs in KL and BKK. From here you can fly all over SE-Asia for bargian prices. Book well in advance for the best deals, but even last minute prices are still ok. I flew Air Asia from Johor Bahru to KK, from KK to KL and from Penang to BKK. Service is good and staff are friendly and good looking!

Between all the major towns and tourist sites there is an excellent network of express buses. The buses are very convenient. There are many connections a day, the buses are comfortable and above all very cheap! Do bring a warm sweater, since all buses have airconditioning. If a trip takes more than a couple of hours you will for sure get a bottle of water and sometimes also a meal at one of the stops along the way. All included in the price. I believe a trip from Sandakan to KK costed around RM 20,- which is about 5 EUR and the trip takes over 6 hours. Bargain if I say so myself. Do remember also to bring some toilet paper or tissues with you on all bus trips.