Getting around KK City with the “Pink Bus” or BAS.MY
Getting Around Kota Kinabalu with the “Pink Bus” (BAS.MY) – Easy City Guide
If you’ve been around Kota Kinabalu recently, you’ve probably seen the bright pink buses moving around the city. This is the new BAS.MY city bus service — and honestly, it’s one of the easiest ways to explore KK without driving.
Whether you’re a tourist or a local, here’s a simple guide on how to use the Pink Bus to get around KK city.
🚌 What is the Pink Bus?
The “Pink Bus” is part of Malaysia’s BAS.MY public transport system, launched in Kota Kinabalu to modernise the city’s bus network. Unlike the old minibuses, this one is:
- Air-conditioned (very important in KK weather 😄)
- Runs on a fixed schedule
- Cashless payment system
- Cleaner, safer, and more organised
It officially started full operations in April 2026 and is expected to expand across more routes soon.
📍 Where Does It Go?
Right now, the Pink Bus operates a few main routes, with more coming soon. Most journeys start from:
👉 KK Sentral Bus Terminal (main hub)
Current key routes include:
- S01 – From KK Sentral to 1Borneo (via Likas / UMS area)
- S05 – Around city areas including Luyang, Damai, and nearby neighbourhoods
These routes connect major areas like:
- Likas
- Inanam / Menggatal
- Luyang & Damai
- 1Borneo Hypermall
- City centre surroundings
The full system is planned to cover up to 8 routes and over 100+ stops across KK.
💳 How to Pay
The Pink Bus is cashless, so no more digging coins.
You can use:
- Manjalink Card (recommended for regular users)
- Monthly pass (around RM50 for unlimited rides)
- Concession cards (students, OKU, senior citizens ride free)
Just tap in when you board and tap out when you exit. Easy.
💰 Bus Fare (How Much Does It Cost?)
The Pink Bus uses a distance-based fare system, meaning the price depends on how far you travel.
🪙 Estimated Fare Range
- Short trips (within city area): ~RM1.00 – RM2.00
- Medium distance (e.g. Luyang to Likas): ~RM2.00 – RM3.00
- Long routes (e.g. KK Sentral to 1Borneo): ~RM3.00 – RM5.00
Fares are calculated automatically when you tap in and tap out.
⏰ Bus Timing & Frequency
- Runs daily from around 5:30 AM to 11:00 PM
- Buses come every 30–60 minutes depending on route
Tip: Plan your trip slightly ahead, especially during off-peak hours.
🗺️ How to Use It (Step-by-Step)
- Go to the nearest Pink Bus stop (or KK Sentral)
- Check the route number (S01, S05, etc.)
- Tap your card when boarding
- Sit back and enjoy the ride
- Tap out when you reach your destination
Simple as that. No need to guess or wait for the bus to fill up like before.
📌 Best Ways to Explore KK Using the Pink Bus
Here are some easy ideas for a day out:
🏙️ City & Food Trip
- Start at KK Sentral
- Stop at Luyang / Foh Sang area (famous food spots)
- Continue to Likas for seaside views
🛍️ Shopping Route
- Ride to 1Borneo
- Explore malls, cafes, and student areas around UMS
🌊 Chill & Sightseeing
- Use routes passing through Likas
- Walk along the coastal road or park areas
👍 Why Use the Pink Bus?
- Cheap (or free for some users)
- No need to drive or find parking
- Reliable schedule (finally!)
- Good for both locals & tourists
- More comfortable than old city buses
⚠️ Things to Know
- Not all routes are active yet (still expanding)
- No direct airport route for now
- Bring your card — no cash payments onboard
- Check timing if travelling late
- You must tap in AND tap out — or you may be charged the maximum fare
- No cash payments onboard
- Always keep your card topped up
💡 Final Thoughts
The Pink Bus is a big upgrade for Kota Kinabalu’s public transport. It may still be growing, but it’s already one of the easiest and most affordable ways to move around the city.
If you haven’t tried it yet — give it a go, bah. You might be surprised how convenient it is.
Tip for kkcity.info readers:
We’ll continue updating routes and stops as new lines are launched — so bookmark this page for the latest Pink Bus guide in KK.
