Ship a Car
to Sabah
Complete Service 2026
Ship a car from Peninsular Malaysia to Sabah from RM2,480 (sedan) and RM1,250 (motorcycle). RoRo & container vessels from Port Klang to Sepanggar Port, Kota Kinabalu — including door-to-door to Sandakan, Tawau, Lahad Datu and across Sabah.
5K+
Cars to Sabah
4-7 days
Transit Time
100%
Marine Insurance
Route
Port Klang → KK
Car Shipping Price to Sabah
Real costs for all vehicle types from Port Klang to Kota Kinabalu (and the return). Port-to-port, including basic port charges.
Port Klang → Kota Kinabalu
Car: Sedan / SUV / MPV
Port Klang → Kota Kinabalu
Motorcycle
Port Klang → Kota Kinabalu
Commercial / Van / 4x4 Pickup
Kota Kinabalu → Port Klang
Car: Sedan / SUV / MPV
Kota Kinabalu → Port Klang
Motorcycle
Kota Kinabalu → Port Klang
Commercial / 4x4
Calculate Your Car Shipping Cost to Sabah
Select your vehicle type and door-to-door method, and get an instant cost estimate for shipping to Sabah.
Instant Rate Calculator
Check the latest 2026 prices in 3 seconds
Prices are rough estimates subject to current changes in fuel surcharge (BAF) and slot availability. For Jockey Drive, prices are subject to vehicle condition (drivable). Car Carrier is subject to truck schedule (3-7 working days).
Ship a Motorcycle to Sabah RM1,250
Direct motorcycle shipping service from Port Klang to Sepanggar Port, Kota Kinabalu. All motorcycle types are accepted — from a 110cc kapchai, street bikes, and adventure bikes, all the way to 1000cc+ superbikes. Every motorcycle is secured with special brackets and covered by full marine insurance throughout the voyage to Sabah.
Standard Motorcycle
RM1,250
Port Klang → KK
Superbike
RM1,250
Same price, no surcharge
Car Shipping Services to Sabah
Everything related to shipping a car to Sabah — pricing, schedule, documents, guides, and shipping methods.
Car Shipping Cost to Sabah
Full 2026 price list for all vehicle types to Kota Kinabalu
Sailing Schedule to Sabah
Weekly sailings from Port Klang to Sepanggar Port, KK
How-To & Guide
Step-by-step process of shipping a car to Sabah from Peninsular Malaysia
RoRo to Sabah
The Roll-on Roll-off method — the most popular & economical option to Sabah
Door-to-Door to Sabah
We collect from your home and deliver straight to your address in Sabah
Marine Insurance
Every car is covered throughout the voyage to Sabah
Kota Kinabalu Port
Sepanggar Port information — the Sabah delivery destination
Port Klang Hub
Our loading yard before the ship departs for Sabah
Ship a Car to Any Town in Sabah
From Sepanggar Port, Kota Kinabalu, we arrange delivery across Sabah — Jockey Drive for every town, Car Carrier for the major towns.
Kota Kinabalu
Drop-off at the port / pickup at port — cheapest
Sandakan
East Sabah — Jockey or Car Carrier
Tawau
Southern Sabah — Tawau Airport area
Lahad Datu
East Coast Sabah — Felda areas
Semporna
Tourism hub — the Sipadan islands
Keningau
Interior Sabah — Tambunan route
Kudat
Far north Sabah — Tip of Borneo
Ranau
Near Mount Kinabalu
Beaufort
South-west Sabah
Kota Belud
Northern Sabah
Tenom
Interior Sabah
Kunak
Near Lahad Datu
The prices above are additional delivery charges from Sepanggar Port (KK) to the destination town. Add them to the voyage cost (Port Klang → KK, RM2,480 for a sedan).
Sepanggar Port — Your Car's Destination in Sabah
Every car shipped from Peninsular Malaysia to Sabah arrives at Sepanggar Port (Sapangar Bay Container Port), located 22 km from Kota Kinabalu city centre. This is Sabah's only major container port.
Sepanggar Port (Sapangar Bay Container Port), Sabah
Sapangar Bay Container Port (SBCP) is operated by Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd and is the largest container port in Sabah. Every RoRo and container vessel carrying cars from Port Klang berths here for unloading. After customs clearance, the car can be collected at the port yourself or delivered door-to-door via jockey drive to your address.
Address
Jalan Sapangar Bay, 88460 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Operator
Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd (a subsidiary of Suria Capital Holdings)
Customs Operating Hours
Monday–Friday: 8:30am–5:00pm
Saturday: 8:30am–12:30pm
Distance to KK City
22 km (~30 min drive)
Grab/Taxi available
How Customs Clearance Works at Sepanggar Port
After the car arrives at Sepanggar Port, the Sabah customs (Royal Malaysian Customs Department) clearance process takes 1-2 working days. We handle all the documents on your behalf — but here is the actual process that happens at the port.
Ship Arrives at Sepanggar
The RoRo / container vessel arrives at Sepanggar Port after a 4-7 day voyage from Port Klang. The port receives the manifest and begins the documentation process.
Day 4-7Submit Customs Documents
Our agent submits the AK90 (Bill of Lading), a copy of the grant, a copy of the IC, and the bank release letter (if under loan) to the Royal Malaysian Customs branch at Sepanggar Port.
Day 5-8Sabah Customs Clearance
Royal Sabah Customs verifies the documents and the car's identity (chassis number, engine number). Once approved, the car can be taken out of the port.
1-2 working daysPickup or Door-to-Door
You can collect it yourself at the port (bring your original IC), or choose jockey drive — our driver drives the car all the way to your address in Sabah.
Same dayDistance & Drive Time from Sepanggar Port
After the car arrives at Sepanggar Port, you need transport to the final destination. Here are the estimated distances and times for all major Sabah towns — use them to plan a jockey drive or self-drive.
| Destination Town | Distance from Sepanggar | Estimated Drive Time | Road Condition | Recommended Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kota Kinabalu (City Centre) | 22 km | 30 min | Highway | Self-drive / Grab |
| Penampang | 28 km | 40 min | Highway | Jockey Drive |
| Putatan | 30 km | 45 min | Highway | Jockey Drive |
| Papar | 67 km | 1 hr 15 min | Highway | Jockey Drive |
| Kota Belud | 95 km | 1 hr 45 min | Federal Road | Jockey Drive |
| Ranau | 110 km | 2 hr | Mountain road | Jockey Drive |
| Beaufort | 112 km | 2 hr | Federal Road | Jockey Drive |
| Tambunan | 125 km | 2 hr 30 min | Mountain road | Jockey Drive |
| Keningau | 175 km | 3 hr 30 min | Mountain road | Jockey Drive |
| Kudat | 200 km | 3 hr 45 min | Federal Road | Jockey Drive |
| Tenom | 220 km | 4 hr | Mountain road | Jockey Drive |
| Sandakan | 340 km | 6 hr | Sabah Trunk Road | Carrier (recommended) |
| Lahad Datu | 510 km | 8.5 hr | Sabah Trunk Road | Carrier (recommended) |
| Tawau | 550 km | 9 hr | Sabah Trunk Road | Carrier (recommended) |
| Kunak | 540 km | 9 hr | Sabah Trunk Road | Carrier (recommended) |
| Semporna | 580 km | 9.5 hr | Sabah Trunk Road | Carrier (recommended) |
* Distances and times are Google Maps estimates (normal conditions). They may vary with traffic, weather and road damage. For routes ≥300 km (Sandakan, Tawau, Lahad Datu, Semporna), we recommend a Car Carrier to avoid wear-and-tear from long-distance driving.
Sabah's 5 Major Towns — Shipping Profiles
Each Sabah town has its own context — who typically ships cars there, what types of cars, and which industries drive demand.
Kota Kinabalu
State CapitalPopulation: 500,000+
Sabah's main hub. The largest number of car recipients — government staff on posting, Petronas/Shell workers, and locals returning home. Drop-off at Sepanggar, with delivery across the KK area (Penampang, Putatan, Likas, Inanam).
Common Car Types
Sedan, SUV, MPV
Sandakan
East Sabah HubPopulation: 410,000+
The second-largest town in Sabah. High demand from palm oil workers and government officers transferred here. Pickup via Carrier (340km from Sepanggar) is more economical for busy drivers.
Common Car Types
4x4 Pickup, SUV, Sedan
Tawau
Southern SabahPopulation: 410,000+
Sabah's southern hub, near the Indonesian border (Nunukan). Car recipients include Felda palm oil workers, Grab/airport taxi drivers, and border traders. Many 4x4 pickups — well suited to the Sabah Trunk Road.
Common Car Types
4x4 Pickup, Hilux, Triton
Lahad Datu
Palm Oil HubPopulation: 220,000+
The largest palm oil port town in East Sabah. High demand from estate managers, Felda workers, and contractors. Common vehicles: pickups for plantation access, SUVs for family relocation.
Common Car Types
4x4 Pickup, SUV
Keningau
Interior SabahPopulation: 175,000+
Sabah's main interior town. Delivery to Keningau involves driving through the Crocker Range (mountain roads). Recipient vehicles: family cars for school/hospital staff, pickups for farmers.
Common Car Types
Sedan, SUV, 4x4
Semporna
Tourism HubPopulation: 135,000+
Gateway to Sipadan & Mabul. Car recipients include hotel operators, dive shops, and tourism workers. Mostly SUVs for jetty access. Carrier is highly recommended (580km from Sepanggar).
Common Car Types
SUV, Sedan, Van
Monsoon Season & Sailing Schedule to Sabah
The South China Sea and Sulu Sea that ships to Sabah cross are affected by the monsoon. Plan your shipment around the season to avoid delays.
Northeast Monsoon
November – March
Strong winds from the South China Sea sometimes cause sailing schedules to be delayed. Large waves (1.5–3 metres) along the Port Klang to Sepanggar Port route. Although large RoRo vessels still operate, the voyage may be slower (5-7 days versus the usual 4-5 days).
- Ship slots fill up fast — book 2 weeks ahead
- Voyage time increases by 1-3 days
- December peak — limited slots (school holidays + new year)
Calm Season
April – October
Calm seas, clear weather. Consistent 4-5 day voyages from Port Klang to Sepanggar Port. This is the best time to ship a car — slots are easier, prices are more stable, and the risk of delay is very low. Nearly 80% of sailings throughout the year happen in this period.
- 1-2 ships a week from Port Klang
- Consistent 4-5 day voyage time
- May–September: peak season for family relocation
Differences: Shipping a Car to Sabah vs Sarawak
Many customers relocating to Borneo compare Sabah and Sarawak. Here are the key differences to help you decide.
| Factor | Sabah | Sarawak |
|---|---|---|
| Destination Port | Sapangar Bay Container Port (KK) | Kuching Port / Bintulu Port |
| Distance from Port Klang | ~1,400 km by sea | ~850 km by sea |
| Standard Voyage Time | 4-7 days | 4-6 days |
| Sedan Price (from) | RM 2,480 | RM 2,150 |
| Motorcycle Price (from) | RM 1,250 | RM 1,250 |
| Sailing Frequency | 1-2 times/week | 1-2 times/week |
| Monsoon Impact | Moderate-high (South China Sea) | Moderate (western South China Sea) |
| Major City Hubs | KK, Sandakan, Tawau, Lahad Datu | Kuching, Miri, Bintulu, Sibu |
| Land Access from Port | Highway + Trunk Road (far to the east) | Pan-Borneo Highway |
| Special Excise Duty | None (private car, same owner) | None (private car, same owner) |
Special Preparation Before Shipping a Car to Sabah
A 4-7 day sea voyage requires extra preparation compared to land transport. Here are 6 essential things many owners forget.
Fuel Tank No More Than 1/4 Full
An international maritime regulation — a full tank is a fire hazard. The port will reject a car with a tank over 1/4 full, or drain it themselves (extra charge).
Disable Alarm & Auto-Lock
A 5-7 day voyage can drain the battery if the alarm is sensitive. Disable the alarm, immobilizer, and auto-lock before shipping. Leave the keys at the location we specify.
Spare Tyre + Jack + Tool Kit
Make sure the spare tyre, jack, and tool kit are in the boot. Sabah road conditions (especially in the interior) are tougher than Peninsular Malaysia — you will need them.
Hard-Copy Documents (Bring Everything)
Original/copy grant, IC, bank release letter (if under loan), and chassis number. Bring hard copies even though we handle it — you may need to confirm at pickup.
Photograph the Car Before Drop-off
Take photos from 6 angles (front, back, left, right, top, dashboard). Document any existing scratches. This is for an insurance claim if any damage occurs.
Clear Out Personal Belongings
For RoRo, do not leave valuables (laptop, important documents, jewellery). RoRo is not locked and personal belongings are not covered by insurance. Only basic tools are allowed.
Choose Your Sabah Shipping Method
Two main methods for shipping a car to Sabah — compare price, protection, and suitability.
RoRo Ship
Roll-on Roll-off
- Most economical & affordable price
- Ships depart every week
- Fast procedure — suitable for standard cars
- Cars placed on a covered deck
- Duration: 4-7 working days
- Personal belongings not allowed
Container
Exclusive (20ft / 40ft)
- Maximum protection from weather & dust
- Car locked inside a steel box
- Personal belongings can be included
- Suitable for luxury, vintage & modified cars
- Duration: 5-10 working days
- Higher price (Premium)
Door-to-Door
Carrier / Jockey Drive
- No need to go to the port yourself
- Picked up from home, delivered to your door
- Ideal for busy people / out-of-area
- Choice of Jockey (drive) or Carrier (truck)
- Duration: +1-3 extra days from port
- Extra cost RM200-RM900 depending on location
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Prohibited Items Inside the Car
For maritime safety, the port and customs authorities take the issue of cargo inside vehicles seriously. STRICTLY PROHIBITED to carry flammable items, weapons, drugs, or smuggled goods.
For RoRo use, any personal belongings (clothes, boxes, tools) are at the owner's own risk and marine insurance coverage does NOT cover the loss of such items.
*Only the spare tyre, jack, and basic vehicle tools are officially allowed.
Process
of Shipping to Sabah
From the quote to the car arriving in Sabah — every step is clearly documented. We handle the JPJ paperwork, Sabah customs clearance, and delivery to your address.
Book a Sabah SlotContact our customer service officer via WhatsApp or call. Provide basic details: car model, origin location, and delivery destination. We will give free advice on the best method (RoRo or Container).
You will receive a transparent official quote. No hidden costs. This quotation covers sea freight, port charges, marine insurance (optional), and handling fees.
Once you agree on the price, we will open a booking file. Ship slots are very limited, so we recommend booking at least 2 weeks before your desired sailing date.
You need to submit copies of important documents: Owner's IC, Vehicle Registration (VOC) JPJ, and a Bank Authorisation Letter (if the vehicle is still under a loan). Documents can be sent as softcopy first.
For 'Hire Purchase' vehicles, you must obtain a release letter from your bank branch. We can provide a sample letter to ease your dealings at the bank counter.
Send your vehicle to our Yard at Port Klang (Westport/Northport). If you are busy, we provide a 'Door-to-Door' service with an additional charge to collect the car from your home.
Before entering the port area, a 'Joint Inspection' will be carried out. We will photograph the car's exterior condition, rims, mirrors, and accessories for a shared security record.
The car will be placed in a secure storage area (Holding Area) within the port while waiting for the ship to arrive. This area is tightly guarded by the port auxiliary police.
Professional port drivers (Stevedores) will drive your car into the ship's hold (RoRo) and secure the tyres (lashing) to ensure the car does not move during the voyage.
The ship departs from Port Klang heading to Borneo. The journey takes an average of 7 to 14 days depending on sea weather conditions and the ship's port-of-call schedule.
The ship arrives at the port (Kota Kinabalu/Kuching/etc). The car is driven out and placed at the destination yard. This process involves verification of port customs data.
Our agent at the destination will handle the release documents (Release Order). All destination terminal charges are settled by us (if included in the package).
You will be contacted to collect the car. Please bring your original IC and driving licence. Inspect your vehicle before signing the receipt form. Done!
Sabah Route Experts Since 2024
Over 5,000 cars shipped to Sabah safely. Experience, infrastructure, and an agent network in Sabah.
SSM-Registered Company
Hantar Kereta Trading (SSM 202603144686, IP0626439-K). Legal and accountable operations.
Sabah Route Experts
Experienced in handling shipments to KK, Sandakan, Tawau, Lahad Datu, Semporna, and Keningau.
All-Risk Marine Insurance
Every car to Sabah is covered by marine insurance throughout the 4-7 day voyage.
Door-to-Door in Sabah
Jockey Drive or Car Carrier from Sepanggar Port across Sabah.
Complete Document Handling
We handle JPJ, Sabah customs, and the bank release letter — you just relax.
Sabah Status Updates
From loading at Port Klang, through the voyage, to arrival at Sepanggar Port.
Post-Arrival Assistance
Our agent in Sabah helps handle customs clearance and delivery to your address.
Fast WhatsApp Response
Quick responses for quotes, Sabah sailing schedule enquiries, and vehicle status.
Trusted by Government Agencies for Sabah
Staff from various government agencies have used our service to ship vehicles to Sabah.
Registered with the Ministry of Finance
For public-sector staff who wish to ship vehicles to Sabah using the ePerolehan system, Hantar Kereta Trading is registered with the Ministry of Finance Malaysia (MOF).
Our Yard Before Cars Depart for Sabah
A secure and controlled vehicle storage area at Port Klang
Sabah Customer Experiences
Real customers who have shipped cars to Sabah with us.
"First time shipping a car to Sarawak. Hantar Kereta Trading guided me from A to Z. Alhamdulillah the car arrived within 10 days without a scratch. Best service!"
Azlan Iskandar
Kuala Lumpur to Kuching
"Prices are very reasonable compared to other agents. I love their update system, always informing me of the ship status. Trusted agent."
Sarah Wong
Johor to Kota Kinabalu
"They helped simplify the bank matters. I was busy with work, so they arranged towing to collect the car from my home. Highly recommended for busy people."
Encik Rahim
Shah Alam to Tawau
"Very satisfied with this team's efficiency. Updates were very fast, and the best part was the car arrived in KK 3 days earlier than expected. The document process was easy too."
Farah Nazira
Seri Kembangan to Kota Kinabalu
"Professional and honest. The price in the quote was final, no sudden hidden charges when it reached the port. The staff were very patient in answering my questions."
Encik Danish
Melaka to Kuching
"Shipped a Hilux pickup to Sandakan. They handled everything from Kuantan to Sabah including the customs documents. The car arrived in good condition, no scratches. Pricing was clear from the start, recommended."
Hafiz Rahman
Kuantan to Sandakan
Our Real Delivery Records
See for yourself how we handle customers' cars with full responsibility.
These images are part of the thousands of vehicles we have safely shipped to Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia.
Guides & Tips for Shipping to Sabah
Read expert articles on costs, documents, sailing schedules, and real experiences shipping a car to Sabah.
What Does It Really Cost to Ship a Car to Sabah? Full 2026 Price Breakdown
We break down every price component — from sea freight and jockey drive to the hidden charges many people don't know about.
Rizal Hakimi·8 min 
Sailing Schedule & Shipping Times to Sabah 2026
Departure days, transit times, and early-booking tips for the 2026 Sabah route.
Fauzi Mansor·6 min 
A First-Time Guide to Shipping a Car to Sabah
A complete document checklist, step-by-step instructions, and tips to avoid common mistakes.
Hafiz Sulaiman·7 min 
A Real Experience Shipping a Car to Sabah
The story of our customer who shipped a car from KL to Kota Kinabalu — a day-by-day journey.
Nadia Suraya·6 min Ship a Car to Other Destinations
Besides Sabah, we also ship cars to Sarawak, Peninsular Malaysia, and from Sabah/Sarawak back to Peninsular Malaysia.
Office & Yard for Shipping to Sabah
Hantar Kereta Trading (Hantar Kereta Trading)
SSM: 202603144686 (IP0626439-K)
Address: 78-1, Persiaran Raja Muda Musa, Kawasan 6, 41100 Klang, Selangor
Operating Hours: Monday - Saturday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Phone: +60 11-6912 1039
Email: info@hantarkereta.net
Frequently Asked Questions Shipping a Car to Sabah
Answers to popular questions about costs, schedules, documents, and the process of shipping a vehicle to Sabah.
What is car shipping to Sabah and what does it cover?
How much does it cost to ship a car to Sabah from Peninsular Malaysia?
How many days does shipping a car to Sabah take?
What is the sailing schedule for shipping a car to Sabah?
How do I ship a car to Sabah from Peninsular Malaysia?
What documents are needed to ship a car to Sabah?
Can I ship a motorcycle to Sabah?
Can I ship a car from Sabah back to Peninsular Malaysia?
Is RoRo or container better for shipping a car to Sabah?
Can you ship a car door-to-door to Sandakan, Tawau or Lahad Datu?
Which ports are used for shipping to Sabah?
My car is still under loan — can it be shipped to Sabah?
Is marine insurance included for shipping to Sabah?
Is there extra excise duty for shipping a car to Sabah?
How long does it take to change a car grant address from Peninsular Malaysia to Sabah?
Does Sabah have a car age limit for vehicles brought in?
What are Sepanggar Port's hours for car pickup?
Can I leave belongings inside a car being shipped to Sabah?
Ask Our Sabah Service Officers
Contact our officers directly for quotes, Sabah ship slot bookings, and document enquiries.
Get a Sabah Shipping Quote
in 5 Minutes
WhatsApp us now for a quote to ship a car to Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Tawau, or any town in Sabah. We handle the documents, shipping, and insurance — weekly ship slots are now open.
Hantar Kereta Trading — SSM Registered
78-1, Persiaran Raja Muda Musa, Kawasan 6, 41100 Klang, Selangor
Tel: +60 11-6912 1039