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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Kota Kinabalu
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Kota Kinabalu
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Kota Kinabalu
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Rent a Car in Kota Kinabalu?
Kota Kinabalu, the vibrant capital of Sabah, Malaysia, offers a blend of modern city life and stunning natural beauty. While public transportation is available, renting a car provides the freedom and flexibility to explore this region at your own pace.
Explore Beyond the City. With a rental car, you can easily venture beyond Kota Kinabalu to discover Sabah's diverse landscapes, from pristine beaches to lush rainforests.
Convenience and Comfort. Having your own vehicle eliminates the need to wait for buses or negotiate taxi fares, especially when travelling with family or luggage.
Access Remote Locations. Many of Sabah's hidden gems are located in remote areas that are difficult to reach by public transport. A rental car allows you to access these secluded spots.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Kota Kinabalu
Before renting a car in Kota Kinabalu, familiarise yourself with the standard terms and conditions. These typically include age restrictions, licensing requirements, insurance policies, and fuel guidelines.
Area
351 square kilometres (136 square miles)
Population
Approximately 462,903 residents
Time Zone
Malaysia Time (MYT), GMT+8
Ideal for
Exploring Sabah's diverse attractions
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic from 7 AM to 9 AM and 4 PM to 6 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsThe minimum age to rent a car in Kota Kinabalu is usually 21 years old. Some companies may have higher age limits or charge young driver surcharges for renters under 25.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is required. Foreign visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not in English or Malay. A passport is also necessary.
3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements typically include basic insurance coverage. A security deposit is required, usually held on a credit card, and refunded upon safe return of the vehicle.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies can be unlimited or restricted. Fuel policies often require returning the car with a full tank to avoid refuelling charges.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, optional insurance upgrades, GPS navigation, child seats, or out-of-hours pickup and return.
Car Rental Prices in Kota Kinabalu – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £25 / $31 / €28 per day
Classic:
from £15 / $19 / €17 per day
Executive:
from £35 / $44 / €40 per day
7 Seater:
from £45 / $56 / €51 per day
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €23 per day
SUV:
from £22 / $28 / €25 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August, December): Demand increases, with prices rising by 20-30%
Low season (September to November, February to May): Discounts are often available
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in Kota Kinabalu?
To ensure a smooth car rental experience in Kota Kinabalu, follow these essential steps. Booking in advance is always recommended, especially during peak season.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison platforms to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your travel needs, considering size, fuel efficiency, and comfort.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement, including mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and guarantee availability by booking your rental car well in advance.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Present your driver's licence, passport, and credit card at the rental counter to collect your vehicle.
General Information About Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu is a bustling city known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant markets, and stunning views of Mount Kinabalu. Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore these attractions and the surrounding Sabah region.
As the gateway to Sabah, Kota Kinabalu offers a blend of modern amenities and natural wonders. While the city centre is relatively easy to navigate, venturing beyond requires a reliable mode of transportation. A rental car is highly recommended for exploring the diverse landscapes of Sabah, from rainforests to coastal areas. Be aware of local traffic regulations and parking guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable driving experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Tanjung Aru Beach
Famous for its stunning sunsets and relaxing atmosphere.
Mount Kinabalu
Southeast Asia's highest peak, offering challenging hikes and breathtaking scenery.
Gaya Street Sunday Market
A vibrant market with local handicrafts, souvenirs, and delicious street food.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Available in shopping malls and commercial areas.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is common, but spaces can be limited.
Park & Ride
Not widely available, but some hotels offer parking for guests.
Gas Stations in Kota Kinabalu
Major Brands
Petronas, Shell, and BHP are the most common fuel stations.
Availability
Gas stations are readily available in and around Kota Kinabalu.
Payment
Most stations accept cash and credit cards.
Useful Tips for Visiting Kota Kinabalu
Be Aware of Traffic
Traffic can be heavy during peak hours, especially in the city centre.
Use Navigation Apps
Google Maps or Waze can help navigate the city and find nearby attractions.
Respect Local Customs
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and be mindful of local traditions.
Stay Hydrated
The tropical climate can be hot and humid, so drink plenty of water.
Key Transportation Hubs in Kota Kinabalu
Major Bus Stations
North Bus Terminal (Inanam)
Serves long-distance buses to destinations throughout Sabah.
Railway Stations
Kota Kinabalu Railway Station
Operates limited rail services.
Airports
Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI)
The main airport serving Kota Kinabalu and Sabah.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Kota Kinabalu?
To rent a car in Kota Kinabalu, you'll need to meet a few essential requirements. Having these documents and understanding the rules will ensure a smooth rental process.
A valid driver's licence from your country of residence is required. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your licence is not in English or Malay.
The minimum age to rent a car is typically 21 years old, but some companies may have higher age limits or charge extra for young drivers.
A valid credit or debit card in the renter's name is required for the security deposit. Some companies may prefer or require a credit card.
A passport is required for identification purposes, especially for foreign tourists.
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Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Kota Kinabalu as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Pretty chill, overall
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 21.08.2025
Exploring Kota Kinabalu was a breeze! Having a car made it so easy to hop between beaches and sights during our road trip. Absolutely stunning scenery.
Evelyn Carter
Reviewed: 02.06.2025
Kota Kinabalu was surprisingly efficient for a short business trip. So much natural beauty easily accessible by car!
David Lee
Reviewed: 11.08.2025
Summer in Kota Kinabalu was incredible! Getting around with a car was so convenient, and the scenery was breathtaking.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 04.07.2025
Pretty relaxed vibe
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 06.11.2024
Pretty chill, actually
Maya Rodriguez
Reviewed: 28.03.2025
Kota Kinabalu exceeded expectations! Having a car made exploring so effortless; the beaches were stunning.
Benjamin Harris
Reviewed: 11.09.2024
Fantastic trip to Kota Kinabalu! Catching up with friends was effortless, thanks to having a car. Beautiful scenery everywhere.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 18.04.2025
Car rental was fine, city kinda meh. Food okay.
Kevin Nguyen
Reviewed: 30.05.2025
Pretty laid-back, actually.
Isabelle Chen
Reviewed: 18.04.2025
Wonderful time in Kota Kinabalu! Catching up with friends was so easy with a car; the scenery was breathtaking.
Ava Smith
Reviewed: 28.06.2025
Kota Kinabalu was amazing! Easy to get around, gorgeous beaches, pure relaxation.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 31.12.2024