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Explore the Scenic Route from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan

Plan your one-way car rental journey with ease and confidence.

What should I pay attention to for a one-way rental?

Key Consideration:
  • Understand Rental Fees: Ensure you are aware of any additional charges, such as the one-way fee, included in your rental agreement.
  • Check Road Travel Restrictions: Review permissible routes and ensure your rental includes routes between specific locations.
  • Verify Cross-Border Rules: Certain policies involve additional restrictions when crossing state lines. Confirm the details early.
  • Inspect Insurance Coverage: Review included insurances and decide if additional coverage is necessary for your journey.
  • Fuel Policy and Gas Stations: Understand the return fuel level policy and note gas station locations for convenience.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Plan Route and Stops: Research key points along your route for refueling, refreshments, and sightseeing.
  • Time Travel Wisely: Leave sufficient time for check-ins, drive breaks, and unforeseen delays.
  • Choose the Right Vehicle: Select a vehicle size and type suited to your group, luggage, and travel terrain.
  • Understand Roadside Assistance: Opt for a vehicle rental with included roadside support for emergencies.
  • Confirm Documentation: Carry necessary identification, rental agreement, and driving license for a hassle-free experience.
Insurance: A Critical Consideration

Rental car insurance is essential for peace of mind on your journey. Counter rates can be expensive, often adding $20-40 per day to your rental cost.

QEEQ Online Car Rental Insurance
  • Comprehensive coverage for your rental vehicle
  • Approximately 50% cheaper than counter rates
  • Easy online purchase before your trip
Learn More About QEEQ Insurance
Book Earlier for Better Rates

Car rental prices fluctuate based on demand and availability. Booking in advance typically secures better rates, especially during peak travel seasons.

QEEQ One-Dollar Freeze
  • Reserve your vehicle with just $1 upfront
  • Price Drop Protector automatically tracks price changes
  • Automatic rebooking when prices drop
Learn More About One-Dollar Freeze

Refueling, Parking and Tolls

Refueling
Parking
Refuel Policy Basic

Refueling before returning the car is normally cheaper than purchasing a full tank from the rental company.

Always keep the receipt of the last refuel to avoid disputes.

Ensure the fuel level matches the level at the time of pickup to avoid extra charges.

Fuel Cost

The estimated average fuel cost for this route is approximately 2.30 MYR per liter.

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to optimize fuel usage.

Check tire pressure regularly to ensure proper inflation.

Avoid excessive use of air conditioning, especially on inclines.

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Kota Kinabalu Parking

Parking in downtown areas may cost around 1.00 MYR per hour.

Shopping malls offer parking facilities with flat rates for the first few hours.

Street parking is available but ensure to check for restricted zones.

Sandakan Parking

Parking near the city center is generally affordable, averaging 0.50 MYR per hour.

Hotels often provide complimentary parking for guests.

Public parking lots are available near major attractions.

Recommended Parking Apps

ParkEasy: A convenient app for finding available parking spaces.

JomParking: Useful for paying parking fees digitally.

Touch 'n Go eWallet: Offers integrated parking payment options.

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Popular Self-Drive Routes

Highway Routes and Scenic Drives:
Coastal Drive Route
Scenic Coastal Highway 7-9 hours

This route follows the coastal road, offering breathtaking views of pristine beaches, the South China Sea, and charming coastal towns.

Tuaran , Kota Belud , Pitas , Beluran
Mountain Highway Route
Mountainous Scenic Route 8-10 hours

Travel through the rugged inlands featuring rolling hills, tropical forests, and breathtaking mountain landscapes.

Tamparuli , Ranau , Poring Hot Springs , Telupid
Direct Route via Highway 22
Fastest Route via main highway 6-7 hours

Shortest route directly connecting Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan through Highway 22. Ideal for travelers seeking the fastest option.

Road Trip Planning Tips:

Plan Your Route Ahead: Select the route that best fits your goals whether scenic, shortest, or adventurous.

Choose the Right Vehicle: Opt for a reliable vehicle suitable for long distances and road conditions.

Mark Key Stops: Plan stopping points such as national parks, hot springs, or cities for refuel and rest.

Keep Fuel Levels in Check: Fuel stations might be sparse in rural areas, ensure the tank is full before long stretches.

Mind the Weather Conditions: Tropical regions can include heavy rain, plan accordingly to avoid unsafe road conditions.

Understand Rental Policies: Be aware of the terms like kilometer limitations, deposit policies, and fuel requirements.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Consider these criteria when selecting a car rental company for one-way trips between Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan. Ensure the company supports pick-up and drop-off at your specified locations.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Avis$$HighWide Reliable customer service , Large selection of vehicles , Multiple drop-off points across Sabah
Hertz$$$HighModerate Premium vehicle options , Flexible rental terms , Convenient roadside assistance
Hawk Rent A Car$MediumModerate Affordable pricing , Localized support , Convenient rental counters at major airports
KK Rent-A-Car$MediumWide Local expertise , Affordable options , Customizable one-way trips
QEEQ

Access to 110,000+ locations worldwide with 1,000+ suppliers for the best rates

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Global Coverage

200+ countries and regions

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Best Rates

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24/7 Customer Services

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Exclusive Features

One-Dollar Freeze & Price Drop Protector

Explore QEEQ Car Rentals
Selection Criteria for One-Way Rentals:
Pricing Considerations
  • Base rental rate per day
  • One-way drop-off fees
  • Additional driver charges
  • Insurance costs
  • Fuel policy and potential charges
Vehicle Selection
  • Vehicle size for passengers and luggage
  • Fuel efficiency for long drives
  • Comfort features for highway driving
  • Navigation and entertainment systems
  • Vehicle condition and mileage
Company Reliability
  • Customer service reputation
  • Transparency in fees and policies
  • Roadside assistance coverage
  • Cancellation and modification policies
  • Reviews from other one-way renters

Kota Kinabalu Car Rental Center Information

Location of Car Rental Counters:

Rental counters are situated on the ground floor of Terminal 1 at Kota Kinabalu International Airport.

Operating Hours:

Most rental counters are open from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Check with your selected company for specific hours.

Shuttle Services:

Complimentary shuttle services are available for transfers between terminals and rental counters within the airport.

Nearest Gas Station:

A PETRONAS gas station is located approximately 5 minutes away from the airport, ideal for refueling before returning the vehicle.

Pro Tips for Kota Kinabalu Airport(BKI) Car Rentals

Inspect the car thoroughly during pick-up and note any existing damages to avoid disputes during return.

Frequently Asked Questions

What documentation is required for car rental on this route?

To rent a car for a one-way trip from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan, you will need to provide a valid driver's license, a credit card for payment and deposit, and a form of identification such as a passport (for international visitors) or an IC (for locals).

Are there additional charges for a one-way rental?

Yes, most car rental companies incur a one-way rental fee to cover the cost of transporting the vehicle back to its origin or logistics arrangements. Customers are advised to confirm this fee when booking.

What types of vehicles are recommended for this journey?

Considering the distance and varying road conditions, SUVs and sedans with good storage capacity are recommended. Choose a vehicle that suits your group size and luggage requirements.

Is roadside assistance provided during the trip?

Many car rental companies include roadside assistance in their services. However, it's prudent to confirm this and understand the process for requesting assistance in case of a breakdown.

Can the rental period be extended once the trip has started?

Extensions are typically allowed, but you need to notify the rental company as soon as possible. Additional fees may apply, and terms might vary by company.

Ready to Book Your Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan Adventure?

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ