How to get fromManado to Tawauby plane, ferry, car or car ferry

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There are 3 ways to get from Manado to Tawau by plane, ferry, car, or car ferry

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

Fly to Juwata International Airport, ferry
best
1. Fly from Sam Ratulangi International Airport (MDC) to Juwata International Airport (TRK)plane MDC - TRK
2. Take the ferry from Tarakan to Tawau Ferry Terminalferry
11h 15m
RM 720–260,937
Drive, ferry, car ferry
cheapest
1. Drive from Manado to Bitungcar
2. Take the ferry from Bitung to Sorongferry
3. Take the ferry from Sorong to Wanciferry
4. Take the ferry from Wanci to Kendariferry
5. Drive from Kendari to Tolitolicar
6. Take the car ferry from Tolitoli to Tarakancarferry
7. Take the ferry from Tarakan to Tawau Ferry Terminalferry
6d 12h
RM 444–265,379
Fly to Tawau Airport
1. Fly from Sam Ratulangi International Airport (MDC) to Tawau Airport (TWU)plane MDC - TWU
10h 6m
RM 922–3,091

Sam Ratulangi International Airport (MDC) to Juwata International Airport (TRK) flights

21Weekly Planes

7h 26mAverage Duration

RM 920Cheapest Price

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Manado to Tawau.

Launch map view

Distance: 1,005.7 km
Duration: 11h 15m

What companies run services between Manado, Indonesia and Tawau, Malaysia?

China Southern Airlines, AirAsia, and six other airlines fly from Sam Ratulangi International Airport (MDC) to Tawau Airport (TWU) once daily.

Airlines

Ferry operators

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Tawau, Malaysia(opens in a new window)

Tawau, formerly known as Tawao, is the capital of the Tawau District in Sabah, Malaysia. It is the third-largest city in Sabah, after Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan. It is located on the Semporna Peninsula in the southeast coast of the state in the administrative centre of Tawau Division, which is bordered by the Sulu Sea to the east, the Celebes Sea to the south at Cowie Bay and shares a border with North Kalimantan, Indonesia. The town had an estimated population, of 113,809, while the whole municipality area had a population of 397,673 (including 47,466 in Kalabakan, subsequently split off to form a separate district). The municipal area had a population of 372,615 at the 2020 Census.

Things to do in Tawau

Tawau Japanese War Memorial(Opens in a new window)

Tawau Japanese War Memorial (Malay: Tugu Peringatan Perang Jepun Tawau) is a former Japanese cemetery in Tawau in the Malaysian state of Sabah which now has been transformed into a memorial.

Tawau Bell Tower(Opens in a new window)

The Tawau Bell Tower (also known as the Belfry) is the oldest standing structure in Tawau, constructed by the Japanese to commemorate the signing of armistice agreement following World War I when Japan was an ally of Great Britain.

Batu Tinagat Lighthouse(Opens in a new window)

The Batu Tinagat Lighthouse (Malay: Rumah Api Batu Tinagat) is a lighthouse on Batu Tinagat of Tawau Division in Sabah, Malaysia. It is located around 10 kilometres from the Tawau town centre.

Tawau Hills National Park(Opens in a new window)

Tawau Hills Park, was established in 1979, primarily as a protection for the water catchment area of Tawau town, Sabah, Malaysia. It is located 24 kilometres from Tawau, and comprises 279.72 km² of lowland dipterocarp rainforest, surrounded by oil palm and cacao plantations. The park offers picnic areas, camping sites, and chalets. The Park contains rugged volcanic landscapes including a hot spring and spectacular waterfalls. The highest point in the park is Gunung Magdalena (1310 m). It is administered by the Sabah Parks.

Places to stay in Tawau

Check Inn Hotel Tawau(Opens in a new window)

8.1Very Good

City Garden Hotel(Opens in a new window)

8.5Very Good

Heritage Hotel(Opens in a new window)

8.2Very Good

SVOK Hotel(Opens in a new window)

8.1Very Good

Rome2Rio makes travelling from Manado to Tawau easy.

Rome2Rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. Find all the transport options for your trip from Manado to Tawau right here. Rome2Rio displays up to date schedules, route maps, journey times and estimated fares from relevant transport operators, ensuring you can make an informed decision about which option will suit you best. Rome2Rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward.