Borneo is an incredible travel destination known for its lush rainforests, rich culture, and breathtaking landscapes. When I said Borneo, what I mean here is Sabah and Sarawak. I know, Borneo is including Kalimantan, Indonesia but in this post, Borneo here is Sabah and Sarawak ya.
Whether you're planning a visit to Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, or Sandakan or any part of Borneo, saving money on flight tickets can make your trip even sweeter.
As a Borneo native, I’ve been dealing with flight ticket issues for many years — since my first flight in 2008. From trips to Labuan to my first flight to Semenanjung Malaysia, booking flights has become second nature to me. After living in Semenanjung for over a decade and constantly flying back and forth, I’ve learned a thing or two about getting the best deals.
Whether you’re traveling for family reunions, festive seasons like Gawai or Christmas, or just a quick getaway, these tips will help you save money and avoid stress.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to buy flight tickets to Borneo at the cheapest price possible.
1. Book Early
Timing is everything!
Booking your flights early can often get you better prices, but there’s a sweet spot. For trips to Borneo, I recommend booking 2-3 months in advance for regular seasons and at least 4-6 months before peak travel periods like Christmas or Hari Raya. Airlines usually release tickets with the best prices during these windows.
2. Be Flexible with Travel Dates
Flying on weekdays, especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays, is usually cheaper than weekends. Use fare comparison tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Kayak to find the cheapest days to travel.
Pro Tip:
Flights to Borneo tend to be cheaper during the off-peak seasons:
Avoid: School holidays, major festivals (Hari Raya, Christmas, Chinese New Year)
Best Time: March to May and September to November
3. Use Flight Comparison Websites
Make use of websites and apps that compare flights from various airlines. Popular options include:
Skyscanner – Great for finding price trends.
Google Flights – Offers a clear, visual calendar to help you spot the cheapest days.
Kayak – Allows you to set price alerts for specific routes.
These tools can save you hours of searching and help you find the best prices.
Pro Tip: Please compare the price before purchase.
4. Set Price Alerts
Most flight search engines let you set price alerts for your chosen route. Sign up for email alerts and you'll be notified when prices drop. This helps you snag a deal before fares rise again!
5. Consider Budget Airlines
If you're flying from within Southeast Asia, budget airlines like AirAsia, Batik Air, or Malaysia Airlines often offer cheap tickets to Borneo.
Tips for Flying Budget Airlines:
Book during their frequent "Big Sales" for the best discounts.
Pack light to avoid extra baggage fees.
Skip add-ons like meals and seat selection if you're on a tight budget.
6. Check Nearby Airports
Sometimes flying into a nearby airport can be cheaper. For example:
Instead of flying directly to Kota Kinabalu, check flights to Labuan or Sandakan.
For Kuching, consider flights to Sibu or Bintulu and take a bus or local flight.
7. Use Airline Loyalty Programs
Sign up for airline loyalty programs like AirAsia BIG or Malaysia Airlines Enrich. Earn points when you fly, and redeem them for discounted or even free flights later.
8. Travel Light
To save even more, stick to carry-on luggage if possible. Many budget airlines charge extra for checked bags, and those fees can add up quickly.
Pro Tip:
Please purchased the luggage when you purchased the flight ticket.
9. Check for Promotions and Deals
Follow airlines on social media and subscribe to their newsletters to stay updated on promotions. Airlines often announce limited-time deals or flash sales through these channels.
10. Use Incognito Mode
When searching for flights, use your browser's Incognito Mode. Websites can track your searches and may increase prices if they see you're repeatedly looking at the same route.
Final Thoughts
Traveling to Borneo doesn’t have to break the bank. By planning ahead, being flexible, and taking advantage of deals and budget airlines, you can score affordable tickets and make your dream trip a reality.
As someone who’s been dealing with flight tickets for years, I know that the joy of going home makes every bit of effort worth it.
I hope these tips help you snag that affordable flight and make your trip back to Borneo smooth and stress-free.
Do you have your own tips or stories about booking flights to Borneo? Share them in the comments — I’d love to hear from you!
Happy travels and enjoy the beauty of Borneo!
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