Marudi Airport

Marudi Airport (MUR) is not just a transport hub, but a true "air shuttle" for residents and guests of the Sarawak hinterland. This miniature Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) port offers a unique and slightly nostalgic travel experience: there are no aerobridges or endless corridors here; instead, passengers walk to the aircraft directly across the tarmac. Located literally on the outskirts of the town, it serves as a key link to the outside world, welcoming agile propeller planes capable of landing on short runways amidst the jungle.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

Marudi Airport possesses the unique charm of a provincial air haven, where everything is arranged simply and feels like home. Its main advantages are directly linked to its compactness and the specific nature of operations in a remote region.

• Unique Proximity to the City: The airport is located just 1 kilometre from the centre of Marudi. It is one of the few airports in the world where you can walk to your hotel or the main square in 10–15 minutes if you are travelling light.
• Speed of Service: Forget the need to arrive three hours early. In Marudi, all procedures — from check-in to boarding — take mere minutes. There are practically no queues here, and the staff know many passengers by face.
• Scenic Flights: Flights are operated by small DHC-6 Twin Otter turboprop aircraft. The flight takes place at a relatively low altitude, allowing passengers to enjoy stunning views of winding rivers and the dense tropical rainforests of Borneo.
• Key Hub for the Hinterland: For many remote settlements, such as Bario, Long Akah, or Long Banga, this airport is the only fast means of connection with civilisation, replacing long and arduous journeys by river or logging roads.

You can contact the administration or services of Marudi Airport in several ways. Given that this is a small regional airport, many issues are resolved through the central office of the operator, Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), or directly through the airline.

• Official Website: Marudi Airport does not have a separate website. All main information about the country's airports is published on the Malaysia Airports operator's site: www.malaysiaairports.com.my.
• Inquiry Desk Phone: For general questions, it is recommended to use the unified MAHB contact centre: +603 8776 2000. For questions related to booking, schedules, and flight status, you should contact your airline directly (e.g., MASwings).
• Airport Address: Lapangan Terbang Marudi, 98050 Marudi, Sarawak, Malaysia.
• Email: For general inquiries, you can use the official customer service email of Malaysia Airports: care@malaysiaairports.com.my.
• Social Media: The airport does not maintain its own social media pages. Up-to-date information can be found on the official accounts of the operator, Malaysia Airports, on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you must immediately contact the Lost and Found service of your airline at the airport of arrival.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general support and consultations, passengers can use the phone number and email of the MAHB central office listed above.

Getting to Marudi Airport (MUR) from the town of the same name is quite simple, as it is located very close to the centre. Marudi is a small town in Malaysia, so the transport infrastructure here has its own specifics, but reaching the terminal will not be difficult.

Taxi and Private Transfer is the most popular and convenient way to get to the airport. The trip from the town centre will take just 5–10 minutes, depending on your exact location. The cost will be low, but it is recommended to agree on the price with the driver in advance, as not all cars are equipped with meters. Many hotels can also assist with organising transfers for their guests.

Public Transport in the conventional sense (such as city buses with a strict schedule) usually does not run to the airport. However, private minibuses or shared taxis may operate in the town. This option might be cheaper but is less predictable. It is best to check availability and routes with locals or at your hotel upon arrival.

Car Rental is a good option for those planning to travel around the Sarawak region independently. If you already have a rented car, driving to the airport will be very easy. Marudi Airport has a parking area where you can leave your vehicle. Given the size of the airport, parking is likely to be free or very inexpensive.

It is important to note that Marudi Airport mainly serves local flights. For travel to other destinations or international flights, travellers often have to reach larger aviation hubs, such as Miri Airport (MYY), which is the nearest major hub. Other airports in the region, such as Mulu Airport (MZV) and Limbang Airport (LMN), also serve tourist and local destinations. As a major international hub in the region, one can also consider Brunei International Airport (BWN).

Marudi Airport (MUR) is a small regional airport in Malaysia that primarily serves short domestic flights. Its structure is extremely simple and clear, making it convenient for passengers unaccustomed to large transport hubs.

The airport consists of one small passenger terminal, which serves both departing and arriving passengers. Due to its compact size, it is impossible to get lost here. All infrastructure is located in one building: several check-in counters, a security screening area, a small waiting hall, and the boarding gate. There are no transfers between terminals, as there is only one.

The departure and arrival zones are effectively combined. After check-in and security screening, passengers enter a common waiting hall. Boarding the aircraft, just like disembarking upon arrival, often takes place by walking across the tarmac. The baggage claim area is also located in the main hall and consists of a simple belt or collection counter.

The main feature of the terminal is its simplicity and lack of hustle. Check-in and screening procedures are very fast. Usually, all formalities take no more than 15–20 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport about an hour before departure to check in luggage and pass through all stages without rushing.

Navigating Marudi Airport requires no special knowledge. All signs are intuitive, and staff are always ready to help. The main advice is simply to follow the standard procedure: check-in, security, waiting in the hall. The compactness of the airport is its main advantage, ensuring a quick and calm start or end to your journey.

The history of Marudi Airport (MUR) is closely tied to the development of remote regions of the state of Sarawak in Malaysia. Initially, there was an old airstrip in the town, located closer to the centre. It played a key role in ensuring connection with the outside world when river and land transport were slow and unreliable. This strip was vital for local residents, administrative services, and commercial enterprises.

A major milestone in the town's aviation history was the construction of a new, modern airport. The current Marudi Airport was opened in 1997, replacing the old airstrip. This relocation allowed not only for the improvement of airport infrastructure but also freed up valuable land in the town centre for further development. The new complex was designed with the needs of regional aviation in mind and is capable of handling Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) aircraft, such as the de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter.

Since its opening, the new airport has not undergone massive reconstructions, yet its role remains invariably important. It is a key transport hub for the Baram District, ensuring fast access to larger cities like Miri. The airport serves scheduled passenger flights, which are an integral part of daily life for many people travelling for work, study, or medical services.

One interesting fact related to the airport is its specialisation in short flights. For instance, the flight between Marudi and Miri is one of the shortest commercial air routes in Malaysia, taking only about 20-25 minutes. Despite the gradual improvement of the road network in the region, Marudi Airport continues to remain an indispensable link in Sarawak's transport system, symbolising the connection between remote communities and the rest of the world.

Marudi Airport (MUR) is a small regional air station serving predominantly domestic flights. The infrastructure here is quite simple and oriented towards meeting the basic needs of passengers. Do not expect a wide variety of shops and restaurants. Typically, there is a small kiosk or café in the terminal building where you can buy light snacks, beverages, and essential items.

A common hall is available for passengers waiting for their flights. There are no specialised VIP lounges or business class lounges at Marudi Airport. Opportunities for connecting to Wi-Fi may be limited, so it is better to have mobile data available. The number of power outlets for charging electronic devices may also be small — it is recommended to charge gadgets in advance.

Financial services, such as currency exchange points, are absent at the airport. ATMs may be present, but their availability and functionality are not guaranteed, so it is better to settle all financial matters before arriving in Marudi. For passengers with children, mother and child rooms or changing tables in restrooms may be available. Basic medical assistance can be provided by airport staff, but for serious cases, one would need to contact medical facilities in the town.

The airport is equipped to serve passengers with reduced mobility, however, it is recommended to notify the airline in advance regarding the need for special assistance. There are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, but accommodation options can be found in the town of Marudi itself, which is easily accessible by taxi. Specialised business centres or conference rooms are also absent at the airport.

Marudi Airport (MUR) is a small regional air station in Malaysia, serving mainly local flights. Consequently, the choice of dining establishments here is quite limited and designed for passengers waiting for their flight for a short time. Do not expect a variety of restaurants and cafés here as you would in major international hubs.

Typically, one small kiosk or cafeteria operates within the airport building. The assortment usually includes basic options for a quick snack: packaged snacks (chips, biscuits), simple sandwiches, as well as bottled water, carbonated drinks, and hot tea or coffee. This is a convenient option to satisfy slight hunger or thirst before departure.

Finding a full hot meal or experiencing local Sarawakian cuisine at Marudi Airport is unlikely. Specialised menus, including vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free dishes, are also not represented. The operating hours of the sole food outlet are usually tied to the flight schedule, and it may be closed in the intervals between departures.

Travellers are strongly advised to eat beforehand at one of the establishments in the town of Marudi before travelling to the airport. If you have specific dietary preferences or simply want to have a more substantial snack at hand, the best solution would be to bring food and drinks with you. This ensures that waiting for your flight will pass comfortably for you.

Travelling through a small regional airport like Marudi Airport has its own specifics. To ensure your trip goes smoothly, use these tips to help prepare for your flight from Marudi and make it as comfortable as possible.

Arrival Time at the Airport
Marudi Airport is small, so there are no queues like those in major international hubs. For domestic flights within Malaysia, it is usually sufficient to arrive 1–1.5 hours before departure. This time is enough to calmly check in luggage and pass through security. Nevertheless, always check your airline's recommendations.

Check-in and Security Control
Procedures in small airports typically proceed faster. To save time, check in for your flight online if your airline offers this option. Security control is standard but usually passes without long waits. Keep your boarding pass and documents ready.

Seat Selection on the Plane
Flights in this region often delight with scenic views. If you want to enjoy panoramas of Borneo from above, choose a window seat. If comfort and the ability to stand up freely are more important to you, your choice is an aisle seat.

Carry-on Luggage Rules
The main rules are universal: liquids can be carried in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited. Be sure to check the permissible weight and dimensions of carry-on luggage on your airline's website, as stricter restrictions may apply on small aircraft.

Tips for Connecting Passengers
Marudi is typically a final destination or starting point, rather than a transit hub. If you have a planned transfer at another airport (for example, in Miri), check when purchasing your ticket whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage. Allow sufficient time between flights, especially if they are operated by different airlines.

Customs Control Features
Marudi Airport serves predominantly domestic flights, so customs control is absent for such journeys. You will only need to pass through security control. A passport or other identification document must, of course, always be with you.

How to Save Time and Money

• Time: Complete online check-in and travel light, with only carry-on luggage.
• Money: Book tickets in advance to get the best price. There may be a limited selection of food and drinks at the airport, so you can bring a small snack (non-liquid) with you to avoid overpaying.

What to Do in Case of Flight Delay
In the event of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative at the airport. They will provide up-to-date information and explain your rights (provision of drinks, food, or an alternative flight). Given the small size of the airport, there may not be much entertainment here, so just in case, have a book, a charged power bank, or downloaded movies with you.