Helicopter Tours in Sabah

Helicopter tours in Sabah are available from some travel companies in Kota Kinabalu city for those who want to see a more unique side of Sabah from the air.

On one of my working trips to Sabah, we rented a helicopter to fly the team over various popular tourist locations. We used the helicopter services of Sabah Air which is based around Terminal 2 or KKIA 2.

The aerial tour is available to the public, and if you love seeing things from a bird’s eye view, you should really try the Sabah Helicopter Tours.

Below are various images taken from around during my five-hour aerial tour of Sabah, and remember I do not operate the tours as you need to contact the operators.

Helicopter Tours in Sabah

Kota Kinabalu International Airport or KKIA

As the Sabah Air helicopter took off from the hanger, we flew past the Kota Kinabalu International Airport or KKIA, just next to the sea.

The feeling was quite odd for me as it was my first time flying in a helicopter. The chopper was a Bell 206B Long Ranger which could seat four people easily.

As two of my friends sat passenger at the back, I had the honour of being co-pilot sitting next to the captain in front.

At first, what scared me was the see-through foot panel in the front as I could see the chopper lifting off the ground and everything moving just under my feet.

kinabalu-range Helicopter Tours in Sabah

Kinabalu Range is seen from the helicopter.

Flying towards Mount Kinabalu was rather interesting as we cruised past the famous Kinabalu Range, which stretches for miles.

The roads that I usually drive to Mount Kinabalu looked so small when I was up in the air.

In the picture above, you see the main road that follows the mountain range passing the smaller towns and villages en route to Kinabalu.

mount-kinabalu Helicopter Tours in Sabah

Helicopter view of Mount Kinabalu

One of the most breathtaking views was seeing the mountain at an altitude of 6,000 feet above sea level. The captain turned to me and asked if I had climbed up before, and sadly my answer was no.

He then told me to wait a few minutes, and the next thing I knew, I was at an altitude of 7,000 feet, looking right at the tip of Mount Kinabalu. The experience was surreal, having a different perspective of the mountain.

water-bungalows-sabah-malaysia Helicopter Tours in Sabah

Gayana Eco Resort seen from the helicopter

We then left Kinabalu and proceeded to fly past the Kiulu River and through gorges and canyons and hills before heading back to the coastal area.

From here, I had an excellent view of the many islands above the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park (TAR Park), where seeing Sulug, Manukan, Mamutik, and Sapi Island from the sky was indeed beautiful.

Flying over the islands, we headed towards Gaya Island and saw the beautiful Gayana Eco Resort and the Bungaraya Resort. Along the way, you can also spot the YTL Gaya Island Resort too.

kota-kinabalu-arial-view Helicopter Tours in Sabah

Kota Kinabalu city aerial view from the helicopter

Types of Helicopter Tours in Sabah

Generally, there are a few types of tours you can book from the travel agents in Kota Kinabalu. They need to be booked in advance, so they can arrange everything, including the pick up from your hotel.

KK City & Sea Aerial Tour

Duration: 60 minutes

Capacity: 4 person

Minimum: 4 Person

Price: From RM 1,600.00 per person

Mount Kinabalu Panoramic Helicopter Tour

Duration: 60 minutes

Capacity: 4 person

Minimum: 4 Person

Price: From RM 1,600.00 per person

Customized Aerial Tour (Photography or Private Tour)

Duration: One to Two Hours

Capacity: Maximum 4 persons

Price: Varies as you need to book the entire helicopter

How To Book the Sabah Helicopter Tours?

You need to contact some of the travel agencies in Sabah to book any helicopter tours. The larger tour companies will be able to help you with this.

Please note that I am just a writer and photographer, and I do not operate the helicopter tours here.

sulug-island-sabah Helicopter Tours in Sabah

Sulug Island seen from the helicopter

Helicopter Services in Sabah

Specialized helicopter services are offered for those who wish to travel around Sabah fast. This involves using various helicopters like Bell, Airbus Eurocopter, and Agusta.

These services are often used by VIP’s or emergencies and sometimes used by businessmen who want to travel quickly from city to city in Sabah. You can check out Sabah Air for any helicopter service.

Helicopter Filming or Videography Services in Sabah

For those who want to do aerial filming or videography, you need to obtain special permits from the Sabah State Government. The helicopters will fly you anywhere you want and rarely arrange your permits.

Note that permits can range anywhere from thousands to tens of thousands of Ringgit Malaysia and must be applied well beforehand.

Usually, you need a couple of months’ application but check with the relevant authorities.

sabah-helicopter-tours Helicopter Tours in Sabah

Bell 206B Long Ranger Helicopters in Sabah

Conclusion

For those who want to have a different experience, you should consider looking at these unique tours in Sabah. Several tour operators offer these services.

Apart from the general aerial tours, Sabah Air also does air charters to various parts of Sabah, namely the remote and hard-to-get-to places like Maliau Basin, Mabul Island, and other popular islands.

The helicopters are also booked for unique forest conversations visits to Danum Valley and Imbak Canyon, especially when short on travel time.

Overall for the available tours, the price ranges anywhere from RM 1,400 and above per person and per hour for the Helicopter tours in Sabah.

You can also charter a helicopter for business or a family trip, and the prices range from RM4000 and above per hour. Contact the relevant tour company in Kota Kinabalu for any inquiries.

Share this content: