Traveling from Tawau, located in the eastern region of Sabah, to Johor Bahru, the bustling city at Malaysia’s southern tip, is a popular journey for both business and leisure travelers. Johor Bahru, as a commercial, tourism, and cultural hub, attracts thousands of visitors annually who wish to explore its diverse attractions, rich history, and vibrant culinary scene. While the route is frequented, finding the most suitable flight can make all the difference for a seamless and enjoyable experience. Traveloka, a trusted platform for flight bookings and travel solutions, is ready to simplify every step of your adventure.
Direct Flights
No direct flight available.
Layover Flights
While there are no direct flights currently operating between Tawau and Johor Bahru, multiple convenient layover options ensure you can still make the journey comfortably. Here are the top layover flights you can consider for this route:
- Route: Tawau (Malaysia) → Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) → Johor Bahru (Malaysia)
- Airlines: Malaysia Airlines
- Total Flight Duration: 8 hours 5 minutes
- Aircraft: Boeing 737
- Layover: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — 4 hours 15 minutes - Route: Tawau (Malaysia) → Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) → Johor Bahru (Malaysia)
- Airlines: Batik Air
- Total Flight Duration: 6 hours 25 minutes
- Aircraft: Boeing 737
- Layover: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — 2 hours 30 minutes - Route: Tawau (Malaysia) → Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) → Johor Bahru (Malaysia)
- Airlines: Batik Air
- Total Flight Duration: 17 hours 10 minutes
- Aircraft: Boeing 737
- Layover: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — 13 hours 15 minutes (overnight)
Information about schedule and airline subject to change based on airline policy. Please check regularly at Traveloka App.
About Tawau Airport - Tawau
Location
Tawau Airport (IATA: TWU) serves as the gateway to Tawau and the southeastern region of Sabah, Malaysia. The airport is located approximately 31 km from Tawau town center, positioned along the main route that connects the city to Semporna, one of Sabah’s most visited tourist spots.
Airport Terminal
Tawau Airport features a single, modern terminal building designed to handle both domestic and limited international flights. The terminal is equipped with standard amenities, ensuring a pleasant experience for departing and arriving passengers.
Transport to Airport
Reaching Tawau Airport from Tawau city or nearby townships is hassle-free:
- Taxi: Taxis are available readily from the city center and surrounding areas with fixed fares.
- Private Car: Ample parking facilities are available for travelers using their own vehicles.
- Shuttle/Bus Services: Some hotels and tour operators offer shuttle or chartered bus services to and from the airport.
- E-Hailing: Popular ride-hailing services also operate in Tawau, providing convenient pick-up and drop-off.
Facilities
Tawau Airport offers a range of facilities to serve passenger needs, including:
- Check-in counters for all major airlines
- Comfortable waiting lounges
- Basic shopping outlets and duty-free shops
- Food and beverage options, including local and fast food
- Baggage services and information counters
- Ample seating, clean restrooms, and prayer rooms
- Car rental and tour desk services
For more details, visit the Tawau Airport page on Traveloka.
About Senai International Airport - Johor Bahru
Location
Senai International Airport (IATA: JHB) is Johor Bahru’s main aviation gateway, serving the southernmost state of Malaysia. The airport is situated approximately 32 km northwest of Johor Bahru city center, providing easy access to the Iskandar Malaysia development region and neighboring Singapore.
Airport Terminal
Senai International Airport houses a single passenger terminal, efficiently designed to handle domestic and regional flights. The terminal delivers a modern, functional environment for travelers, streamlining check-ins, arrivals, and departures.
Transport From Airport
Getting from Senai International Airport to Johor Bahru city center or nearby destinations is straightforward:
- Taxi: Metered taxis are available right outside the arrivals area.
- Airport Shuttle Bus: Shuttle services operate regularly, connecting the airport to central Johor Bahru, Larkin Sentral, and other major hubs.
- Car Rental: Multiple car rental agencies are located within the airport terminal.
- E-Hailing Services: Ride-hailing apps are widely used and provide flexible transport options to anywhere in Johor Bahru or across the causeway to Singapore.
Facilities
Senai International Airport is equipped with amenities for passenger comfort:
- Spacious check-in and boarding areas
- Duty-free shops and retail outlets, including local crafts and souvenirs
- Food courts and cafes offering local and international cuisine
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal
- Banking and ATM services
- Car rental, taxi counters, and travel assistance desks
- Business facilities and lounges for premium passengers
For more information, explore the Senai International Airport page on Traveloka.
FAQ Tawau to Johor Bahru Flight
- How long is the total flight duration from Tawau to Johor Bahru?
Total duration varies depending on the layover, with average durations ranging from approximately 6 hours 25 minutes to 17 hours 10 minutes including stopovers. - Which airlines operate flights from Tawau to Johor Bahru?
Malaysia Airlines and Batik Air are the main carriers currently servicing this route with one layover in Kuala Lumpur. - Where do layovers typically occur on this route?
All listed layover flights have their transit at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), Malaysia. - Are meals included on the layover flights?
Meal inclusions depend on the airline and class of ticket booked. Malaysia Airlines generally offers complimentary meals, while Batik Air may provide meals depending on the fare type. - What is the primary aircraft used for the Tawau to Johor Bahru route?
The Boeing 737 is the primary aircraft utilized on this route by both Malaysia Airlines and Batik Air. - Is it possible to book connecting flights with a single ticket?
Yes, with Traveloka you can book your entire journey—including layovers—on a single itinerary for a smoother travel experience. - Are baggage allowances the same for all airlines?
Baggage allowance varies by airline and fare class, so always confirm your allowance when booking. - Can I amend or cancel my flight after booking?
Amendment or cancellation policies depend on the airline and fare conditions. Check the terms before booking and visit Traveloka for assistance with changes.
Other Ways to Travel From Tawau to Johor Bahru
Aside from flights, traveling between Tawau and Johor Bahru typically involves multi-modal transport due to the considerable distance and the fact that both cities are separated by the South China Sea.
- Bus & Ferry Option:
Take a bus from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu (approximately 10–12 hours), then board a flight from Kota Kinabalu to Johor Bahru. - Combination of Bus, Ferry, and Train:
Travel to Labuan by ferry from Tawau, onward to Brunei, then cross into Sarawak, and continue by bus or train to Johor Bahru — this journey is lengthy and involves multiple transfers. - Private Car & Ferry:
This is possible via the Trans-Borneo Highway but is only practical for those on extensive road trips and requires border crossings and several days.
Flights remain the fastest, safest, and most convenient option for most travelers.
Explore Johor Bahru
Popular Destination in Johor Bahru
- Legoland Malaysia Resort
A world-renowned theme park featuring rides, attractions, and a unique water park for families and children. - Johor Bahru City Square
A vibrant shopping and entertainment center at the heart of the city, popular for its retail outlets and dining options. - Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque
An architectural marvel and significant religious landmark, perched on a hill overlooking the Straits of Johor. - Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple
A historical temple blending traditional Chinese design with local heritage, central to the city’s cultural identity. - Danga Bay
A waterfront recreational area known for its scenic views, luxury hotels, and nightly entertainment.
Popular Cuisine in Johor Bahru
- Laksa Johor
A unique noodle dish combining Malay and Western influences, featuring spaghetti in a rich, spicy fish-based gravy. - Mee Rebus
Noodles served in a thick, slightly sweet potato-based gravy, topped with eggs, tofu, and fried shallots. - Kacang Pool
A fusion dish of Middle Eastern origin, popularized in Johor Bahru and made from fava beans with a Malaysian twist. - Otak-Otak
Spiced fish paste wrapped in banana leaves and grilled, commonly found at roadside stalls and night markets. - Nasi Briyani Gam Johor
A fragrant rice dish with various meats and spices, celebrated for its rich flavors and traditional preparation.
For a seamless booking experience and up-to-date travel information, book your journey through Traveloka and make the most of reliable, transparent service.
Looking for airport details or wanting to check the latest flight schedules and facilities? Visit Tawau Airport and Senai International Airport on Traveloka for comprehensive information. Safe travels as you journey from the serene coasts of Tawau to the lively streets of Johor Bahru!