How to Travel from Brunei to Kota Kinabalu by Ferry (Labuan–Menumbok Route Guide)

If you’re planning to travel from Brunei to Kota Kinabalu without flying, this is one of the most straightforward overland + ferry routes you can take in Borneo. It’s not the fastest, but it’s definitely an experience.

We did the Brunei → Labuan → Menumbok → Kota Kinabalu route, and here’s exactly how it went.

Things to Know Before You Go

Best for Travelers Who:

• Want to save money compared to flights
• Enjoy overland travel adventures
• Have flexible schedules
• Want to see more of Borneo beyond airports

We decided to do this route because we want to experience international crossing on a ferry. We will fly back to Brunei, so in this way, we get to experience two different routes.

Total Travel Time

Around 8 to 12 hours, depending on ferry schedules, waiting times, and traffic.

Currency

This route is very cash-based.

Make sure to prepare:

• 💵 Brunei Dollar (BND) before leaving Brunei
• 💵 Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) once you enter Malaysia

Cash is needed for:

• Ferry tickets
• Bus/van tickets
• Small fees at terminals
• Food and snacks along the way

Some areas do not accept cards, and ATMs are not always convenient at the ports, so it’s better to be prepared before the trip starts.

Internet & SIM Card

You can buy a Malaysian SIM card once you arrive in Kota Kinabalu, or use an eSIM before the trip for convenience.

For us, we already had a SIM card from Brunei, so we only had to buy an eSIM so we could have an internet connection in Malaysia.

Step-by-Step Guide: Brunei to Kota Kinabalu

1. Travel from Bandar Seri Begawan to Labuan

The first part of the journey starts from Bandar Seri Begawan, going to Labuan, Malaysia via ferry.

Ferry Details

• 💰 25 BND per person
• ⏱️ Around 2 hours ferry ride
• 📍 Departure: Serasa Ferry Terminal, Brunei
• 📍 Arrival: Labuan, Malaysia

How to Get to Serasa Ferry Terminal

From Bandar Seri Begawan, you can go to Serasa Ferry Terminal via:

• Dart (Brunei’s version of Grab)
• Taxi
• Private transport

We left early in the morning and opted for private transport from our hotel because ferry schedules can sometimes change, and we didn’t want to risk missing the trip.

Important Reminder About Ferry Tickets

Before traveling, we contacted the ferry operator going to Labuan to check their updated schedule since timings may change depending on weather and operations.

Seri Mutiara Express: +673 731 7588

You can only buy tickets at the port. There’s currently no reliable online booking system for this route, so it’s best to arrive early, especially during weekends and peak travel days.

Immigration Process

This is the first international crossing of the trip.

Before boarding, you’ll go through Brunei immigration. You also need to fill out the Malaysian Digital Arrival Card before entering Malaysia as part of their immigration process. There will be a QR code in the port, so you can easily fill it up. But this is the link in case you miss it:

https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main

Our Experience going from Brunei to Labuan

When we arrived at the terminal, the ferry was about to depart. They still let us buy the ticket, but we are in such a hurry to catch the 8:30 am boating time.

It was comfortable for the two-hour journey. However, since it is an early morning ride, I suggest bringing food with you so you will have something to eat during the trip.

2. Travel from Labuan to Menumbok

After arriving in Labuan, the next step is taking the ferry to Menumbok in Sabah.

This is the shorter ferry ride and feels more local compared to the Brunei to Labuan route.

Ferry Options from Labuan to Menumbok

There are usually two types of boats available for this route:

Option 1: Ro-Ro Ferry (What We Took)

• 💰 Around 5 MYR per person
• ⏱️ Around 1.5 hours
• More spacious and stable
• Better if you have luggage

This is the option we took during our trip.

Option 2: Fast Craft / Speedboat

• 💰 Around 9 MYR+ per person
• ⏱️ Around 30–45 minutes
• Faster travel time
• Smaller boat and can feel bumpier depending on sea conditions

Arrival in Labuan, Malaysia

Once you arrive in Labuan, you’ll go through Malaysian immigration. You just need to show your arrival card you filled out earlier.

Labuan is a federal territory of Malaysia and acts as the main connection point for travelers going overland between Brunei and Sabah.

Depending on your schedule, you can:

• Eat lunch nearby
• Buy snacks
• Withdraw cash
• Wait for the next ferry

As for us, we had no Malaysian Ringgit when we arrived in Labuan, so the moment we got there, we looked for a money exchange place so we could exchange our Brunei Dollars.

Then we bought our tickets to the earliest ferry/ro-ro we could buy. Then, since we had time to spare, we had some lunch in the nearby restaurant.

Labuan is such a cute island, and I wonder what it’s like to spend a day or two exploring the place. Maybe next time. 😅

Before Boarding

Make sure to:

• Buy your ticket at the port
• Prepare your passport
• Go through immigration if required

Tickets are purchased directly at the terminal, and schedules may vary depending on the weather and daily operations, so it’s best to confirm timings once you arrive in Labuan.

Our Experience from Labuan to Menumbok

We took a ferry and paid 5 MYR, since that is the earliest ferry we could take. It was around 1.5 hours by boat ride.

Seeing the ocean while slowly leaving Labuan honestly made the trip feel even more exciting. It’s one of those moments where you realize you’re literally crossing different parts of Borneo by sea. 

At this point, we had time to relax and sleep. We also enjoyed the view.

3. Menumbok to Kota Kinabalu (Bus / Van)

This is the longest part of the journey, but also the most scenic. You’ll pass through small towns, stretches of greenery, and long quiet highways across Sabah.

• 💰 20 MYR per person
• ⏱️ Around 4 hours land travel

Once you arrive in Menumbok, you’ll take a bus or shared van going directly to Kota Kinabalu.

Options usually include:

• Shared vans
• Buses
• Private transport

We took the bus. The road trip was actually really scenic, it reminded me of when I used to ride a bus around Mindanao 😅. Lots of greenery, small towns, mountains in the distance, and random moments where I just stared outside the window thinking how massive Borneo really is.

According to my research, they say that travel time is around 2 to 3 hours. There are roads under construction, so it might have been the reason that the tour trip took longer than expected.

Estimated Total Cost

• Brunei to Labuan: 25 BND (~85–90 MYR / ~₱1,000–₱1,100)
• Labuan to Menumbok: 5 MYR (~₱60–₱70)
• Menumbok to KK: 20 MYR (~₱230–₱250)

Total:

• 30 MYR + 25 BND
• Around ₱1,300–₱1,500+ total (excluding food and extras)

Is It Worth It?

Honestly, yes.

Flying is easier, but doing the Brunei to Kota Kinabalu route by ferry and land made the trip feel more memorable. You get to experience different ports, local transport, random conversations, and the feeling of slowly crossing borders instead of teleporting through airports.

It reminded me that sometimes the journey really does become part of the destination.

And if you enjoy a bit of adventure, this route is definitely one for the books.

Will I do it again? Let’s see. 😉

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