Planning your journey from Sandakan to Johor Bahru? This comprehensive guide brings you the latest insights, up-to-date flight schedules, essential airport information, and travel alternatives. Book smarter, compare your options, and make your trip seamless with Traveloka.
Direct Flights
No direct flights are currently available between Sandakan and Johor Bahru. Travelers must book a layover flight to reach Johor Bahru from Sandakan.
Layover Flights
To travel from Sandakan (SDK) to Johor Bahru (JHB), you’ll need to take a connecting flight. Here are the most popular layover routes, airlines, and schedules. All durations and routes are subject to change based on airline policy—please check regularly before booking.
1. Sandakan → Kota Kinabalu → Johor Bahru
- Airlines: AirAsia
- Total Flight Duration: 5 hours 5 minutes
- Aircraft: Airbus A320neo, Airbus A320
- Layover:
- Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI), Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
- Layover Duration: 2 hours
2. Sandakan → Kuala Lumpur → Johor Bahru
- Airlines: Batik Air
- Total Flight Duration: 17 hours 15 minutes
- Aircraft: Boeing 737MAX 8 Passenger, Boeing 737
- Layover:
- Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Layover Duration: 13 hours 25 minutes (overnight)
3. Sandakan → Kota Kinabalu → Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah → Johor Bahru
- Airlines: Firefly
- Total Flight Duration: 27 hours 55 minutes
- Aircraft: Boeing 737, ATR 72
- Layovers:
- Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI), Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
- Layover Duration: 19 hours 55 minutes (overnight)
- Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB), Subang, Malaysia
- Layover Duration: 3 hours 20 minutes
Information about schedule and airline subject to change based on airline policy. Please check regularly at Traveloka App.
About Sandakan Airport - Sandakan
Location
Sandakan Airport is located approximately 13 kilometers from the heart of Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia. It serves as an important air gateway to the east coast of Sabah, providing both domestic and limited regional flights.
Airport Terminal
The airport has a single terminal building equipped to handle both arrivals and departures. The terminal is modern, with essential amenities for a comfortable pre-flight and post-flight experience.
Transport to Airport
Getting to Sandakan Airport is convenient, with the following options available:
- Taxi: Taxis are readily available throughout Sandakan, and the journey to the airport takes about 20 minutes from downtown.
- Ride-Hailing: Services such as Grab operate in the city.
- Car Rental: Several agencies offer cars for hire should you prefer private transportation.
- Bus: Limited public bus routes service the airport; check local schedules for the latest updates.
Facilities
Sandakan Airport offers the following facilities for travelers:
- Check-in counters
- Waiting lounges
- Food and beverage outlets
- ATMs and currency exchange
- Restrooms
- Souvenir shops
- Information desk
- Car parking
Find more about Sandakan Airport and available flights on Sandakan Airport.
About Senai International Airport - Johor Bahru
Location
Senai International Airport is located in Senai, approximately 32 kilometers northwest of downtown Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia. It is the primary airport for Johor Bahru and the surrounding region.
Airport Terminal
Senai International Airport comprises a single, efficient terminal that handles both domestic and international flights. The terminal is well-maintained and equipped with various amenities to cater to passenger needs.
Transport From Airport
Travelers arriving at Senai International Airport can choose from several transportation options:
- Airport Taxi: Metered taxis and airport limousines are available outside the arrival hall.
- Public Bus: Causeway Link buses connect the airport to Johor Bahru city center and other parts of Johor.
- Car Rental: Car rental counters are located within the terminal for convenience.
- Ride-Hailing: E-hailing services like Grab are widely used and accessible from the airport.
Facilities
Senai International Airport provides the following passenger amenities:
- Comfortable waiting lounges
- Free Wi-Fi connectivity
- Various dining and shopping outlets
- ATMs and banking services
- Luggage carts and storage
- Information counters
- Ample parking facilities
For flight options and more information, visit Senai International Airport.
FAQ Sandakan to Johor Bahru Flight
- 1. Are there direct flights from Sandakan to Johor Bahru? No, currently there are no direct flights operating between Sandakan and Johor Bahru. Passengers must book flights with at least one stopover.
- 2. Which airlines operate layover flights between Sandakan and Johor Bahru? Major airlines for this route include AirAsia, Batik Air, and Firefly, each offering various stopover routes.
- 3. What is the shortest total travel time from Sandakan to Johor Bahru? The shortest layover flight duration is approximately 5 hours and 5 minutes via AirAsia, with a transfer at Kota Kinabalu.
- 4. Which airports serve as layover points on this route? Common layover airports include Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI), Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), and Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB) in Subang.
- 5. How far is Sandakan Airport from the city center? Sandakan Airport is around 13 kilometers from downtown Sandakan, taking about 20 minutes by car.
- 6. How do I get from Senai International Airport to Johor Bahru city? Various transport options are available, including metered taxis, public buses, car rentals, and ride-hailing apps; travel time is roughly 30 to 40 minutes depending on traffic.
- 7. Are overnight layovers common on this route? Some flight options, especially via Kuala Lumpur or Kota Kinabalu, may involve overnight layovers—always check the layover duration when booking.
- 8. How far in advance should I book to get the best fares? For the best fares and availability, book as early as possible, especially if you’re traveling during busy holiday periods or weekends.
Other Ways to Travel From Sandakan to Johor Bahru
Besides air travel, there are alternative travel methods, though less direct and significantly longer:
- Bus & Ferry Combination: Travel by bus from Sandakan through Sabah to Kota Kinabalu, then take a ferry or overland route across Borneo into Sarawak, and continue by bus or flight into Peninsular Malaysia to reach Johor Bahru. This journey can take several days due to multiple borders and modes of transport.
- Sea Travel: There are occasional regional ferries, but none connect directly to Johor Bahru; travelers would still need to combine this with land transport.
- Driving: Self-driving is an option for the adventurous, but the route involves multiple border crossings and ferry segments, with total travel time exceeding two days.
Air travel remains the fastest and most convenient way to get from Sandakan to Johor Bahru.
Explore Johor Bahru
Johor Bahru, the vibrant capital of Johor, offers diverse attractions for all visitors.
Popular Destinations in Johor Bahru
- 1. Legoland Malaysia Resort: Interactive rides, themed zones, and fun for both kids and adults make this a top family destination.
- 2. Johor Bahru City Square: A central shopping mall featuring retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment all under one roof.
- 3. Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque: A stunning architectural landmark with panoramic views of the Straits of Johor.
- 4. Desaru Coast: A resort area with pristine beaches, waterparks, and luxury hotels, ideal for relaxation and adventure.
- 5. Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple: One of the oldest religious sites in the city, showcasing unique cultural heritage and annual festivals.
Popular Cuisine in Johor Bahru
- 1. Laksa Johor: A distinct noodle dish with a rich, creamy coconut-based fish gravy, unique to Johor.
- 2. Mee Rebus: Yellow noodles served in a thick, flavorful gravy, often topped with hard-boiled eggs and fried tofu.
- 3. Otak-otak: Spicy fish cake wrapped in banana leaves, grilled to perfection—a beloved street snack.
- 4. Nasi Briyani Gam: Johor's signature version of biryani, featuring fragrant rice with succulent meat, herbs, and spices.
- 5. Kacang Pool: A local take on Middle Eastern fava bean stew, enjoyed with toasted bread, minced beef, and a sunny-side-up egg.
Plan your journey smartly with Traveloka, compare flight times, and enjoy a seamless travel booking experience from Sandakan to Johor Bahru. For booking and the latest flight information, visit Sandakan Airport for departures and Senai International Airport for arrivals. Safe travels and happy exploring!