Quick Answer
Best way: Tawau Ferry Terminal → 1.5–2 h ferry (Indomal Express or local operator) → Tarakan Ferry Terminal → 10–15 min taxi (IDR 70k–100k / USD 4–7) to Juwata Airport (TRK). Total door-to-door: ~2.5–3.5 hours · Total cost: ≈ MYR 55–80 (USD 12–18) ferry + IDR 70k–100k (USD 4–7) taxi = ≈ USD 16–25. Key transit: Tarakan city, no direct ferry to airport. Visa on Arrival available at Tarakan port for most nationalities (IDR 500k / USD 33).
🚢 Ferry Service: Tawau (Malaysia) → Tarakan (Indonesia)
The ferry is the most popular and cost-effective way to cross from Sabah, Malaysia to North Kalimantan, Indonesia. It connects Tawau Ferry Terminal (also called Terminal Feri Antarabangsa Tawau) with Tarakan Ferry Terminal (Pelabuhan Ferry Tarakan). This is the only direct maritime link between the two cities.
🕒 Schedule & Frequency
Ferries operate 1–2 times daily, typically with a morning departure around 08:00–09:00 and an afternoon departure around 13:00–14:00. The crossing takes 1.5–2 hours depending on sea conditions. During peak seasons (Chinese New Year, Eid al-Fitr, July–August) an extra sailing may be added.
Note: Schedules change monthly; always confirm with the operator 48 h before travel. Indomal Express official schedule.
💰 Ticket Prices
| Passenger Type | Price (MYR) | Price (USD approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult (12+ years) | MYR 55–80 | USD 12–18 | Standard seat, incl. port tax |
| Child (3–11 years) | MYR 30–45 | USD 7–10 | ~50% of adult fare |
| Infant (under 3) | Free | Free | No seat, must sit on lap |
| Vehicle (motorcycle) | MYR 120–180 | USD 26–39 | Limited spaces, book 3 d ahead |
Prices are indicative for 2025. Booking online via EasyTawau or at the terminal counter.
🚢 Ferry Operators
- Indomal Express — most reliable, modern vessels with A/C, TV, basic snacks. indomalexpress.com
- Pelni Ferry (local) — cheaper but older ships, less frequent. Tickets from MYR 45–60. pelni.co.id
- Speedboat (charter) — from MYR 400–600 (USD 87–130) for up to 8 pax, ~1 h crossing. Only recommended for groups with urgent needs.
🛂 Immigration & Visa
This is an international border crossing. You must carry a valid passport (minimum 6 months validity). Most nationalities can obtain a Visa on Arrival (VoA) at Tarakan Ferry Terminal for IDR 500,000 (≈ USD 33). Citizens of ASEAN countries (except Myanmar) enjoy visa-free entry for 30 days. Indonesian Immigration official site.
Tip: Fill out the e-CD (Customs Declaration) online 24 h before arrival to save time at the port. e-CD portal.
🧳 Luggage
Each passenger can carry 20 kg of luggage free of charge. Excess baggage: MYR 5–10/kg. There is no dedicated cargo service; oversized items (surfboards, large boxes) must be declared at the ticket counter.
🚕 Tarakan Ferry Terminal → Juwata Airport (TRK) — All Transfer Options
Juwata Airport (TRK) is located ~7 km north-east of Tarakan city centre. From the ferry terminal, you have three realistic options:
| Option | Time | Cost (IDR) | Cost (USD) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi (blue bird / local) | 10–15 min | IDR 70k–100k | USD 4.50–6.50 | Direct, 24/7, fixed price from terminal counter | Can be slightly more expensive than ride-hail |
| Grab / Gojek | 10–15 min | IDR 60k–90k | USD 4–6 | Cheapest, cashless, trackable | Requires app & data; limited during heavy rain |
| Airport shuttle bus | 20–25 min | IDR 25k–35k | USD 1.60–2.30 | Budget option, runs every 45 min | Only 06:00–18:00; not luggage-friendly |
Recommended: For convenience and speed, take a taxi from the official counter inside the ferry terminal. The fare is fixed (no negotiation needed) and drivers wait right outside. If you're on a tight budget and travelling light, the shuttle bus (yellow/blue minibus) stops at Jalan Yos Sudarso — ask the driver to drop you at "Bandara Juwata".
🚉 Juwata Airport overview
Juwata Airport (TRK) is a small regional airport with one terminal. Facilities include: ATM (BCA, Mandiri), a small food court, duty-free shop (limited), and a prayer room. There is no airport hotel; the nearest accommodation is in Tarakan city (10–15 min drive).
✈️ Alternative: Flight from Tawau (TWU) to Juwata (TRK) — Comparison
Flying is the only direct alternative to the ferry. Airlines such as AirAsia and Batik Air operate the route 2–3 times weekly (not daily). Flight time: ~50 minutes. However, the total door-to-door time is often similar to the ferry because of:
- Check-in & baggage drop: 45–60 min
- Security & boarding: 20–30 min
- Taxi from Tawau city to Tawau Airport: 20–30 min
- Taxi from Juwata Airport to Tarakan city (if needed): 10–15 min
Total door-to-door by air: 3–4 hours vs ferry + taxi: 2.5–3.5 hours. The time advantage of flying is marginal.
| Factor | Ferry + Taxi | Flight |
|---|---|---|
| Total time | 2.5–3.5 h | 3–4 h |
| Cost per adult | USD 16–25 | USD 48–96 |
| Flexibility | Daily 1–2 departures | 2–3 times weekly |
| Luggage allowance | 20 kg free | 20 kg included (AirAsia) |
| Visa on Arrival | Available at port | Available at airport |
Verdict: Choose the ferry if you're budget-conscious or want a daily departure. Choose the flight only if you find a promo fare (under MYR 160 / USD 38) or if you have mobility concerns.
📊 Cost & Time Comparison — All Tawau→Juwata Options
Quick-reference table to help you decide at a glance:
| Route / Mode | Total Time | Total Cost (per adult) | Transfers | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🚢 Ferry + Taxi | 2.5–3.5 h | USD 16–25 🏆 cheapest | 1 (ferry → taxi) | Budget travellers, daily departures |
| 🚢 Ferry + Shuttle bus | 3–4 h | USD 14–20 | 2 (ferry → bus → walk) | Ultra-budget, light luggage |
| ✈️ Flight (AirAsia/Batik) | 3–4 h | USD 48–96 | 0 (direct flight) | Promo fares, mobility issues |
| 🚤 Speedboat charter | 1.5–2 h | USD 87–130 (per boat) | 0 (direct to Tarakan port) | Groups, urgent travel |
🏆 Overall best value: Ferry + Taxi — balance of speed, cost, and convenience.
Cheapest possible: Ferry + Shuttle bus → ~USD 14–20, but only if your flight from Juwata departs between 08:00–17:00 (when shuttle runs).
All costs checked April 2025. Exchange rates: 1 USD ≈ 4.65 MYR ≈ 15,700 IDR.
🧳 Travel Tips & Insider Advice
📅 When to book
- Ferry tickets: Book at least 3–7 days ahead during peak seasons (Chinese New Year, Eid, July–August). Walk-up tickets are usually available off-peak.
- Visa on Arrival: Prepare exact change in IDR (IDR 500,000) or USD (USD 35) — the counter may not have change.
- Online check-in: For flights, check in 24 h before to avoid airport queues.
🧳 Luggage strategy
- If you have more than 25 kg, consider using Tawau–Tarakan cargo service (Ekspedisi Laut) — costs MYR 3–5/kg and takes 2–3 days. Useful for long-term travellers.
- At Tarakan Ferry Terminal, there are porters available for IDR 15k–25k per bag (≈ USD 1–1.60).
🌦️ Weather & delays
- Monsoon season (Nov–Feb) can cause ferry cancellations or delays of 1–3 hours. Always have a backup plan — the next ferry may not run until the next day.
- Check wind and wave forecasts via BMKG (Indonesian met office) before heading to the terminal.
🍜 Food & amenities
- Tawau Ferry Terminal has a simple canteen (nasi lemak, roti canai, coffee). Tarakan Ferry Terminal has warung selling gorengan and sweet tea.
- Juwata Airport has a KFC and a local coffee shop — but prices are ~30% higher than in town.
👥 Real traveller experiences
"I took the 08:00 Indomal Express from Tawau. The ferry was clean, A/C worked well, and we arrived in Tarakan at 09:45. Immigration took 20 minutes because I had the e-CD ready. A Grab to Juwata Airport cost IDR 78k. Total from my Tawau hotel to the airport gate: 3 h 10 min. Smooth!" — Sarah L., backpacker (March 2025)
"During Ramadan, the afternoon ferry was cancelled without notice. I had to wait 6 h for the next morning boat. Always call the operator the day before." — Amir R., frequent traveller
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is there a direct ferry from Tawau to Juwata Airport?
No, the ferry from Tawau docks at Tarakan Ferry Terminal, not directly at Juwata Airport. From the terminal you need a taxi or ride-hail (10–15 min, IDR 70k–100k) to reach the airport.
2. How long does the ferry from Tawau to Tarakan take?
The crossing takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours in normal sea conditions. Delays may occur during monsoon season (November–February).
3. Do I need a visa to travel from Tawau (Malaysia) to Tarakan (Indonesia) by ferry?
Yes, this is an international crossing. Most nationalities can obtain a Visa on Arrival (VoA) at Tarakan port for IDR 500,000 (≈ USD 33). Citizens of ASEAN countries (except Myanmar) are visa-free for 30 days. Check imigrasi.go.id before travel.
4. How much does the ferry from Tawau to Tarakan cost?
Ferry tickets range from MYR 55 to MYR 80 (≈ USD 12–18) per adult, depending on the operator and season. Children under 3 travel free; ages 3–11 get ~50% discount.
5. What is the cheapest way to get from Tawau to Juwata Airport?
The cheapest combination is the ferry (MYR 55–80) + shuttle bus (IDR 25k–35k). Total cost ≈ USD 14–20 per person. If the bus isn't running, a taxi adds ~USD 4–7.
6. Is it better to fly from Tawau to Juwata Airport instead of taking the ferry?
Flying is faster in the air (~50 min) but total door-to-door time (check-in, security, transfers) is 3–4 hours — similar to the ferry + taxi combo. Flights cost MYR 200–400 (USD 48–96), making the ferry the budget choice. Choose flying only if you find a promo fare under MYR 160.
7. How early should I arrive at Tawau Ferry Terminal before departure?
Arrive at least 60 minutes before departure for immigration clearance, baggage checks, and ticket verification. During peak seasons (Chinese New Year, Eid) arrive 90 minutes early.
8. Can I use Grab or Gojek from Tarakan Ferry Terminal to Juwata Airport?
Yes, both Grab and Gojek operate in Tarakan. A ride from the ferry terminal to Juwata Airport costs around IDR 60,000–90,000 (USD 4–6) and takes 10–15 minutes. Gojek is often slightly cheaper. Ensure your app is set to "Tarakan" location.