Quick Answer
The best and most convenient way to get from Lawas Airport (LWY) to Tamu Lawas is by taxi or pre-booked private transfer, taking about 10-15 minutes and costing approximately MYR 15-25. For the cheapest option, take a local minibus to Lawas town (a few MYR) and walk, or simply walk the entire 3 km if you have light luggage. There are no direct trains or long-distance buses from this small regional airport.
Taxi & Private Transfer (The Most Convenient Option)
This is the primary mode of transport for arriving passengers at Lawas Airport. Given the short distance and lack of integrated public transit, it offers a hassle-free, door-to-door solution.
- Where to Find Them: Taxis wait directly outside the small arrivals hall. An official dispatcher is often present.
- Journey Time: 10-15 minutes to Tamu Lawas (via Lawas town center).
- Cost: Fixed fare or metered. Expect to pay between MYR 15 to MYR 25 for the car. Always confirm the price before departure.
- Private Transfer: For guaranteed service, especially for families or groups, pre-book with a local company or your hotel. Cost: MYR 30 - MYR 50.
Pros: Extremely convenient, available on arrival, direct to your destination.
Cons: The most expensive option per person (though still affordable).
Is Grab or Ride-Hailing Available?
Do not rely on Grab or similar apps. Driver availability at LWY is very limited and unpredictable. The local taxi service is your confirmed option.
Local Minibus & Bus (The Budget Public Option)
For adventurous and budget-conscious travelers, local minibuses (van) connect the airport road to Lawas town.
- How it Works: Walk out of the airport to the main road (Jalan Lawas). Flag down a passing minibus heading towards Lawas Town or Bandar Lawas.
- Frequency: Irregular, but more frequent in the morning and early afternoon. Might not operate late evening.
- Cost: Very cheap, around MYR 2 - MYR 5 per person.
- Drop-off Point: You will be dropped off somewhere in Lawas town (e.g., near the bus station or market). From there, Tamu Lawas is a short walk away.
Pros: Ultra-cheap, authentic local experience.
Cons: Unreliable schedule, requires walking and local knowledge, not suitable with heavy luggage.
Walking (For the Very Frugal & Fit)
Given the proximity, walking is a viable option under the right circumstances.
- Distance: Approximately 3 kilometers.
- Time: 30 to 45 minutes at a moderate pace.
- Route: Exit the airport and follow Jalan Lawas south-east towards the town. You will pass residential areas before reaching the town center where Tamu Lawas is located.
- Considerations: Only attempt this if you have light luggage. Check the weather â it can be very hot or rainy. The walk is on a roadside pavement; be cautious of traffic.
This option highlights how small-scale Lawas Airport and its surroundings are.
Getting to Lawas by Regional Train or Bus First
This section is crucial if you are traveling to Tamu Lawas from other parts of Sabah/Sarawak and your journey involves a connection. Lawas Airport is a gateway, but the town itself is connected by land.
By Bus (From Miri, Kota Kinabalu, Brunei)
Long-distance buses terminate at the Lawas Bus Terminal (often near the town center). From there to Tamu Lawas is a 5-10 minute walk. Companies like Busan and Sipitang Express serve this route.
By Train (From Brunei & Sabah via the North Borneo Railway)
The North Borneo Railway service runs between Tenom and Brunei, with a stop in Lawas. The Lawas train station is a bit outside the town center. From the station, you would need a taxi (MYR 10-15) or a long walk to reach Tamu Lawas.
| Regional Route | Transport Mode | To Lawas Town | Then to Tamu Lawas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miri -> Lawas | Express Bus | ~4 hours | 5-min walk |
| Kota Kinabalu -> Lawas | Express Bus | ~6-7 hours | 5-min walk |
| Brunei -> Lawas | Train / Bus | ~2-3 hours | Taxi/Walk from station |
Cost & Time Comparison: Lawas Airport to Tamu Lawas
This table summarizes all options to help you decide at a glance.
| Transport Method | Approx. Cost (MYR) | Travel Time | Best For | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi (Metered/Fixed) | 15 - 25 (per car) | 10-15 mins | Most travelers, convenience | Confirm fare first. Most reliable. |
| Private Transfer (Pre-booked) | 30 - 50 (per car) | 10-15 mins | Families, groups, late arrivals | Peace of mind, guaranteed. |
| Local Minibus | 2 - 5 (per person) | 10 mins ride + 10-15 mins walk | Solo budget travelers, light packers | Irregular schedule, requires local know-how. |
| Walking | FREE | 30-45 mins | The ultra-frugal & fit, no luggage | Weather and luggage dependent. |
Verdict: For 95% of visitors, the airport taxi offers the best balance of cost, time, and effort.
Traveler Experience & Insider Tips
Plan for Tamu Day (Sunday)
Tamu Lawas is a Sunday market. If that's your goal, fly in on Saturday. Sunday morning traffic near the market area will be bustling. Accommodation is simpler to find on other nights.
Money Matters
Have small Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) cash ready for the taxi or minibus. Credit cards are not accepted for these small transactions. There is an ATM at the airport, but it's wise to have cash beforehand.
Luggage Strategy
Given the short transfer, complex luggage forwarding isn't needed. However, if you are on a longer Borneo trip and have heavy bags, services like KargoExpress can ship between major cities, allowing you to travel to Lawas with just a daypack.
Connectivity
Purchase a local SIM card (like Celcom or Maxis) at the airport or in town for better navigation and communication, especially if trying to use ride-hailing apps or find your way on foot.
Beyond the Airport
Lawas is a gateway to the Ba Kelalan highlands and the Limbang Division. Consider arranging longer tours or 4x4 transfers from Lawas town if you plan to explore further.
FAQs: Getting from Lawas Airport to Tamu Lawas
Is there a direct train or bus from Lawas Airport to Tamu Lawas?
No, there is no direct public transportation (train or bus) connecting Lawas Airport (LWY) directly to Tamu Lawas. The airport is small, and you will first need to get to the town of Lawas itself, which is only about 2-3 km away. From Lawas town, you can easily reach Tamu Lawas, as it's located within the town center.
What is the best way to get to Tamu Lawas if I arrive late at night at Lawas Airport?
For late-night arrivals (after 10 PM), your only reliable option is a taxi or a pre-booked private transfer. Public transport and ride-hailing services are extremely scarce or unavailable at night. It's highly recommended to book your transfer in advance if arriving on a late flight.
What is the cheapest way to travel from Lawas Airport to Tamu Lawas?
The absolute cheapest way is to walk if you have light luggage and the weather is good (takes about 30-40 minutes). The next cheapest option is to take a local minibus or shared van from the airport roadside to Lawas town center, which costs only a few Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). From there, Tamu Lawas is within walking distance.
Can I use a ride-hailing app like Grab at Lawas Airport?
Availability of Grab or other ride-hailing apps at Lawas Airport is inconsistent and not guaranteed due to the airport's small size and remote location. You might get lucky, but you should not rely on it. Official airport taxis or pre-booked cars are a much more dependable option.
How much does a taxi cost from Lawas Airport to Tamu Lawas?
A metered taxi from Lawas Airport to Tamu Lawas (via Lawas town) should cost between MYR 15 to MYR 25 for the entire car. Always confirm the price or ensure the meter is used before starting your journey. For a pre-booked private car, expect to pay MYR 30 to MYR 50.
Is it easy to find taxis upon arrival at Lawas Airport?
Yes, it is generally easy. Due to the limited public transport, a small queue of taxis usually waits for arriving flights. However, during peak travel seasons or for very late flights, it's wise to pre-arrange a pickup through your hotel or a local tour operator.
How far is Tamu Lawas from Lawas Airport?
The direct distance is very short, approximately 2 to 3 kilometers. However, the route typically goes through Lawas town, making the road journey around 4-5 km. By car or taxi, it takes only about 10-15 minutes depending on traffic in town.
What day is Tamu Lawas held, and should I plan my travel around it?
Tamu Lawas is famously held every Sunday. If your goal is specifically to visit the tamu (market), you should plan your flight to arrive on a Saturday. Be aware that accommodations in Lawas town may book up faster for Saturday nights, and traffic around the market area on Sunday morning will be heavier.