Comprehensive Guide to Johor Bahru to Tawau Flights: Everything You Need to Know
Planning a trip from Johor Bahru to Tawau? Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, this comprehensive flight guide provides all the essential information you need for a smooth journey between these two Malaysian destinations. From flight options and airport details to travel tips and local attractions, we've got you covered with the most up-to-date information for your Johor Bahru to Tawau journey.
Direct Flights
No direct flight available.
Layover Flights
When traveling from Johor Bahru to Tawau, all flights require a connection through Kuala Lumpur. Here are the main flight options currently available:
Flight 1:
Route: Johor Bahru (Malaysia) → Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) → Tawau (Malaysia) Airlines: AirAsia Total Flight Duration: 5h 55m Aircraft: Airbus A320, Airbus A320neo Layovers:
- Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia layover for 2h 10m
Flight 2:
Route: Johor Bahru (Malaysia) → Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) → Tawau (Malaysia) Airlines: Batik Air Total Flight Duration: 17h 50m Aircraft: Boeing 737 Layovers:
- Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia layover for 13h 50m (overnight)
Flight 3:
Route: Johor Bahru (Malaysia) → Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) → Tawau (Malaysia) Airlines: Batik Air Total Flight Duration: 16h 40m Aircraft: Boeing 737 Layovers:
- Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia layover for 12h 40m (overnight)
Flight 4:
Route: Johor Bahru (Malaysia) → Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) → Tawau (Malaysia) Airlines: Malaysia Airlines Total Flight Duration: 14h 25m Aircraft: Boeing 737 Layovers:
- Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia layover for 10h 30m (overnight)
Information about schedule and airline subject to change based on airline policy. Please check regularly at Traveloka App.
About Senai International Airport - Johor Bahru
Location
Senai International Airport is located approximately 32 kilometers northwest of Johor Bahru city center. The airport serves as the main gateway to the southern region of Peninsular Malaysia, including Johor Bahru and surrounding areas. The strategic location of the airport makes it easily accessible for travelers from both Malaysia and neighboring Singapore.
Airport Terminal
Senai International Airport features a modern and well-designed terminal that caters to both domestic and international flights. The terminal is equipped with essential amenities and services to ensure a comfortable travel experience. The airport's layout is user-friendly, with clear signage guiding passengers through check-in, security, and boarding procedures. The terminal building houses various commercial facilities, including shops, restaurants, and lounges.
Transport to Airport
Getting to Senai International Airport is convenient through several transportation options:
- By Car: The journey from Johor Bahru city center to the airport takes approximately 30-35 minutes via the North-South Expressway.
- By Taxi: Taxis are readily available in Johor Bahru and provide direct service to the airport.
- By Ride-sharing: Services like Grab offer convenient and often cost-effective transportation to the airport.
- By Bus: Public buses operate between Johor Bahru city center and the airport, with the journey taking approximately 1 hour and 21 minutes.
- By Private Transfer: Pre-booked airport transfers are available through Traveloka for a hassle-free journey.
Facilities
Senai International Airport offers a range of facilities to enhance the travel experience:
- Food and Beverage: Various dining options including cafes, restaurants, and food kiosks serving local and international cuisine.
- Shopping: Retail outlets selling travel essentials, souvenirs, duty-free goods, and local products.
- Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, charging stations, and telecommunication services.
- Services: Currency exchange, ATMs, prayer rooms, and baby care facilities.
- Special Assistance: Services for passengers with reduced mobility or special needs.
- Information: Information counters staffed with multilingual personnel to assist travelers.
About Tawau Airport - Tawau
Location
Tawau Airport is situated approximately 30 kilometers north of Tawau city center in Sabah, East Malaysia. The airport serves as an important gateway to Sabah's southeastern region, including access to nearby natural attractions like Tawau Hills Park and the famous diving destinations around Semporna and Sipadan Island.
Airport Terminal
Tawau Airport features a single terminal building that handles both arrivals and departures. The terminal is designed to efficiently process passengers while providing necessary amenities. Though smaller than major international airports, Tawau Airport is well-maintained and organized, offering a straightforward airport experience. The terminal handles primarily domestic flights, with the majority of connections coming from Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu.
Transport From Airport
Travelers have several options to reach Tawau city center from the airport:
- By Taxi: Taxis are the most convenient option and are available outside the arrival area. The journey to Tawau city takes approximately 40-45 minutes.
- By Airport Shuttle: Shuttle services operate between the airport and major hotels in Tawau.
- By Rental Car: Car rental services are available at the airport for travelers who prefer self-driving.
- By Private Transfer: Pre-arranged airport transfers can be booked through Traveloka for a seamless journey to your accommodation.
Facilities
Tawau Airport provides essential facilities to meet travelers' needs:
- Food and Beverage: Cafes and food stalls offering local snacks and beverages.
- Shopping: Small retail outlets selling travel necessities and local products.
- Services: ATMs, currency exchange, and basic passenger assistance.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi service and public telephones.
- Information: Information counters providing assistance to travelers.
- Seating: Comfortable waiting areas for departing and arriving passengers.
FAQ Johor Bahru to Tawau Flight
- Question: How long is the flight from Johor Bahru to Tawau?
Answer: There are no direct flights between Johor Bahru and Tawau. With a layover in Kuala Lumpur, the total journey time ranges from approximately 5 hours 55 minutes (with the shortest connection) to over 17 hours (with longer overnight layovers). - Question: Which airlines operate flights between Johor Bahru and Tawau?
Answer: The main airlines operating connecting flights between Johor Bahru and Tawau are AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, and Batik Air. All flights require a connection through Kuala Lumpur. - Question: What is the cheapest time to book flights from Johor Bahru to Tawau?
Answer: The most economical time to book flights is typically 9 months in advance. May tends to be the cheapest month for this route. Using Traveloka's price alert feature can help you track fare changes and book when prices drop. - Question: How frequently do flights operate on this route?
Answer: Currently, there is approximately one weekly connecting flight option from Johor Bahru to Tawau. The frequency may vary depending on the season and airline schedules. - Question: What is the baggage allowance for flights from Johor Bahru to Tawau?
Answer: Baggage allowance varies by airline and fare type. AirAsia typically offers 15-20kg for checked baggage (depending on the fare purchased), while Malaysia Airlines usually provides 30kg for economy class. Always verify the specific allowance when booking through Traveloka. - Question: How far in advance should I arrive at Senai International Airport for my flight?
Answer: It's recommended to arrive at Senai International Airport at least 2 hours before your scheduled departure time for domestic connections. This allows sufficient time for check-in, security procedures, and boarding. - Question: Are there any overnight layover accommodations in Kuala Lumpur?
Answer: For flights with overnight layovers in Kuala Lumpur, there are several transit hotels inside and near KLIA/KLIA2. Capsule hotels and lounges with rest facilities are also available. These can be booked in advance through Traveloka along with your flight. - Question: What travel documents do I need for flying from Johor Bahru to Tawau?
Answer: As both cities are within Malaysia, domestic travelers need a valid Malaysian ID card (MyKad) or passport. International travelers must have a valid passport and appropriate Malaysian visa or entry permit.
Other Ways to Travel From Johor Bahru to Tawau
While flying is the most practical way to travel between Johor Bahru and Tawau due to the considerable distance (approximately 1,635 km), there are alternative options for those seeking a different travel experience:
Combined Bus and Ferry Journey:
- Route: Johor Bahru → Kuala Lumpur (by bus) → Kota Kinabalu (by flight) → Semporna (by bus) → Tawau (by bus)
- Duration: Approximately 3-4 days
- This option involves multiple transfers and requires significant time but allows travelers to see more of Malaysia along the way.
Road and Sea Adventure:
- Route: Johor Bahru → Singapore → Ferry to Indonesian ports → Multiple ferry connections to Sabah → Tawau
- Duration: Several days to a week
- This ambitious journey crosses international borders and multiple sea passages, making it suitable only for the most adventurous travelers.
Combination of Train, Bus, and Flight:
- Route: Johor Bahru → Kuala Lumpur (by train) → Kuala Lumpur to Tawau (by flight)
- Duration: 1-2 days
- This option allows travelers to experience Malaysia's rail system for part of the journey before flying to the final destination.
These alternative routes are significantly more time-consuming than flying and generally not practical for most travelers. For convenience, reliability, and time-efficiency, flying remains the recommended mode of transportation between Johor Bahru and Tawau.
Explore Tawau
Popular Destinations in Tawau
- Tawau Hills Park
A pristine rainforest park located just 24km from Tawau city, featuring spectacular waterfalls, hot springs, and diverse flora and fauna. The park is home to some of the tallest tropical trees in the world and offers well-maintained hiking trails for nature enthusiasts of all experience levels. - Maliau Basin Conservation Area
Often referred to as "Sabah's Lost World," this remarkable conservation area is one of Malaysia's finest natural wonders. While technically located outside Tawau, it's accessible via organized tours from the city. The basin features a spectacularly pristine ecosystem with unique flora and fauna. - Table Waterfall
A beautiful waterfall located within the Tawau Hills Park, featuring a distinctive flat rock formation that creates a natural table-like appearance. The surrounding pool is perfect for a refreshing swim after hiking through the park. - Teck Guan Cocoa Museum
An educational attraction showcasing Tawau's significant role in cocoa production. Visitors can learn about the cocoa cultivation and processing while enjoying chocolate samples and purchasing locally-made chocolate products. - Bukit Gemok Forest Reserve
A recreational forest located just 7km from Tawau town, offering hiking trails with panoramic views of Tawau and the surrounding coastline. The relatively easy trails make it accessible for casual hikers and families.
Popular Cuisine in Tawau
- Tawau Kon Lau Mee
A local specialty featuring dry-tossed noodles with a unique blend of sauces, typically served with char siu (barbecued pork), minced pork, and fresh vegetables. The noodles have a distinctive texture and are often accompanied by a bowl of clear soup. - Fresh Seafood Dishes
Being a coastal town, Tawau is renowned for its fresh seafood. Popular preparations include butter prawns, steamed fish with ginger and scallions, chili crab, and salt-baked squid. Seafood restaurants along the coastal areas offer the freshest catch prepared in various Malaysian and Chinese cooking styles. - Bahar Saumlaki
A local delicacy consisting of grilled fish wrapped in banana leaves and marinated with a blend of aromatic local herbs and spices. This dish showcases the influence of indigenous cooking techniques on Tawau's culinary scene. - Nasi Kuning
A vibrant yellow rice dish cooked with turmeric and coconut milk, typically served with a variety of side dishes such as fried chicken, egg, vegetable curry, and sambal. This festive dish is both visually appealing and delicious. - Hinava
A traditional Kadazan-Dusun raw fish salad similar to ceviche, where fresh fish is marinated in lime juice, ginger, chili, and other herbs. This refreshing dish represents the indigenous culinary heritage of Sabah and is a must-try for adventurous food lovers visiting Tawau.
Traveling from Johor Bahru to Tawau opens up a world of natural wonders and cultural experiences in Sabah's southeastern region. While the journey requires a connection through Kuala Lumpur, the destination rewards travelers with pristine rainforests, remarkable biodiversity, and unique culinary delights. Whether you're planning a nature expedition, a diving adventure in nearby Semporna, or simply exploring a less-visited part of Malaysian Borneo, Tawau offers authentic experiences away from the typical tourist trails.
For the most convenient booking experience and up-to-date flight information, visit Traveloka to secure your flights from Johor Bahru to Tawau at the best possible rates.