Seaport · Malaysia
Port of Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu (Malaysia) is a medium-sized port listed in the NGA World Port Index (no. 51690). It lies on the South China Sea.
Port profile
- Country / territory
- Malaysia
- UN/LOCODE (WPI)
- MYBKI
- World Port Index no.
- 51690
- Coordinates
- 5.98°N, 116.07°E
- Harbor size
- Medium-sized
- Harbor type
- Coastal (natural)
- Shelter afforded
- Fair
- Waters
- South China Sea; North Pacific Ocean
- WPI region
- Sabah
- Other names
- Jesselton
- Repairs
- Limited
- Railway (slipway)
- Small
Depths and vessel limits
Values as reported in the World Port Index; where a field is not shown, no value is reported.
| Channel depth | 7.9 m |
|---|---|
| Anchorage depth | 15.5 m |
| Cargo pier depth | 9.4 m |
| Oil terminal depth | 6.4 m |
| Tidal range | 1.0 m |
| Max vessel length | 294.0 m |
| Max vessel beam | 37.5 m |
| Max vessel draft | 8.5 m |
Facilities
- Wharves
- Anchorage
- Med. mooring
- Container
- Breakbulk
Cranes and lifting
- Mobile cranes
- Lifts over 100 t
Entrance restrictions
- Heavy swell
- Ice
- Other restrictions
Navigation and port entry
- First port of entry
- ETA message required
- Quarantine: pratique
- Quarantine: sanitation
Pilotage and tugs
- Pilotage available
- Tugs: assistance
Services
- Longshoremen
- Medical facilities
Supplies
- Potable water
- Fuel oil
- Diesel oil
Communications and connections
- Radio
- Airport
- Rail
Only items reported as available in the World Port Index are listed.
Distance from Vietnam
Great-circle (straight-line) distances from Vietnam’s main port clusters. Actual sea routes are longer, as ships follow sea lanes around land.
| From | Great-circle distance |
|---|---|
| Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City) | 620 nm |
| Cai Mep – Thi Vai | 600 nm |
| Hai Phong | 1,050 nm |
Nearest major ports in our guides
Major container gateways and transshipment hubs closest to Kota Kinabalu, with full port guides:
Data source
Port characteristics on this page come from the NGA World Port Index (Pub. 150, U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency), as distributed in the seaport-data-js dataset. The index is a navigational reference and may not reflect recent construction, terminal changes or current operating limits. Always confirm details with the port authority, agent or carrier. Sailing directions: Sailing Directions Pub. 163 (Enroute) - Borneo Jawa Sulawesi and Nusa Tenggara.
Frequently asked questions about Kota Kinabalu
Where is Port of Kota Kinabalu?
Kota Kinabalu (Malaysia) lies on the South China Sea, at about 5.98°N, 116.07°E.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Kota Kinabalu?
The World Port Index lists UN/LOCODE MYBKI for Kota Kinabalu. Confirm the exact location code required by the carrier when booking.
What is the maximum vessel size at Kota Kinabalu?
The World Port Index reports a maximum vessel length 294.0 m, beam 37.5 m, draft 8.5 m for Kota Kinabalu. Limits can change with dredging and terminal works, so check with the port or agent.
Does Kota Kinabalu have container facilities?
Yes, the World Port Index lists container facilities at Kota Kinabalu. Service availability depends on which carriers call there; we can check current options.
How far is Kota Kinabalu from Vietnam?
The great-circle distance is about 620 nautical miles from Ho Chi Minh City (Cat Lai) and about 1,050 nm from Hai Phong; sea routes are longer. Nearby major ports in our guides include Manila, Cai Mep – Thi Vai, Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City).
Can Global Logistic Group arrange shipping to or from Kota Kinabalu?
Yes. We arrange FCL and LCL ocean freight, customs clearance and inland transport for Kota Kinabalu through our carrier contracts and agent network. Send us your cargo details for a quote.
Information on this page is general guidance compiled by Global Logistic Group from public sources. Port facilities, carrier networks, routings and transit times change frequently; always confirm current schedules, cut-offs and requirements with us or the carrier before booking.