Tanjung Manis Airport

Tanjung Manis Airport is not merely a transit point, but a unique aerial gateway into the heart of Sarawak's developing economic zone, hidden amidst dense mangrove forests and winding rivers. This intimate aviation hub offers a sense of tranquillity and privacy rare for modern travellers, where time flows to the rhythm of unhurried tropical life. Arriving here resembles a scene from an adventure movie rather than a standard business trip: a small aircraft descends over the Rajang River delta, revealing breathtaking views of Borneo's pristine nature.

Airport Features and Advantages

Despite its modest size, Tanjung Manis Airport possesses several unique advantages that make travelling through it a pleasant experience. Its infrastructure is specifically adapted for the rapid handling of a small flow of passengers, eliminating the hustle and bustle typical of major hubs.

Instant Formalities. One of the main virtues of this airport is the absence of queues. The journey from the terminal entrance to boarding the plane takes mere minutes. Here, you can forget about long waits at the check-in counter or tedious passport control, enjoying the efficiency of the local service.

Scenic Approach. Since the airport mainly accepts small turboprop aircraft (such as the DHC-6 Twin Otter), the flight takes place at a relatively low altitude. This turns an ordinary flight into a genuine aerial excursion, allowing you to examine the green carpets of the jungle and the water arteries of the state of Sarawak in detail.

Strategic Importance. The airport is a key link for access to the Tanjung Manis Halal Hub — one of the region's most important industrial zones. For business tourists and investors, this is the fastest and most convenient way to reach production sites and the port, bypassing long overland routes.

Finding direct contacts for a small regional airport like Tanjung Manis can be challenging. Most services are coordinated through the central office of the airport operator or directly by the airlines. Here is the main contact information that may be useful to you:

• Official Website: Tanjung Manis Airport is managed by Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad. It is recommended to look for up-to-date information on their official website, as small airports rarely have their own web pages.
• Information Desk Phone: For information regarding flights, bookings, or ticket changes, it is best to contact your airline directly. For general questions about airport operations, you can try contacting the Malaysia Airports central office.
• Airport Address: Tanjung Manis Airport (TGC), 96150 Tanjung Manis, Sarikei Division, Sarawak, Malaysia. The airport serves the port town of the same name and the surrounding areas of the Sarikei region.
• Email: A direct email address for the airport is usually not published. For communication, it is recommended to use the feedback forms on the Malaysia Airports operator's website or your airline's website.
• Social Media: News and updates regarding the operation of the country's airports are published on the official social media pages of Malaysia Airports.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you should immediately contact your airline's Lost & Found service at the arrival airport.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For all questions related to the flight (check-in, baggage allowance, special services), it is necessary to contact the customer support service of the airline you are flying with.

When planning a trip to Tanjung Manis Airport (TGC), it is important to consider its location. The airport is not located in the city of Sarikei itself, but at a significant distance from it, in the industrial port town of the same name. The journey from the centre of Sarikei to the airport takes approximately 1.5–2 hours, so the choice of transport and advance planning are crucial.

Taxi or Pre-booked Transfer is the most reliable and convenient way to get to the airport. You can order a taxi in the city, but be sure to agree on the trip cost in advance, as taximeters may not be used for long distances. You can also check for car availability via the Grab app, which is popular in Malaysia, although availability for such long trips may be limited. The optimal option is to book a private transfer through your hotel or a local travel agency. This guarantees a fixed price and timely arrival.

Car Rental provides maximum freedom and flexibility, especially if you plan to explore the region. Car rental points are available in the city of Sarikei. For foreign tourists, an International Driving Permit is generally required in addition to a national license. Please note that the route passes through rural roads, so be prepared for local driving conditions. This option is ideal for independent travellers.

Public Transport options for travelling to Tanjung Manis Airport are extremely limited. There are generally no direct bus routes from Sarikei to the airport. Theoretically, one can take an intercity bus to the town of Tanjung Manis and take a local taxi from there, but this method is inconvenient and can be very time-consuming. There is no rail service or metro in this part of Sarawak.

If you are arriving in your own or a rented vehicle, parking is available at Tanjung Manis Airport. As with most small regional airports, an open-air parking zone is available for short-term and long-term parking. The cost of parking is usually low, making this option convenient for those travelling by car.

Due to the limited number of flights to Tanjung Manis, travellers often consider alternative options. The nearest major hub is Sibu Airport (SBW), from which you can reach the Sarikei region in about 2-3 hours by car. Another larger, but more distant option is Kuching International Airport (KCH), the state's main aviation hub, from where you can reach Sarikei by bus or car.

Tanjung Manis Airport (TGC) is a small and compact aviation hub designed to serve regional flights. Its structure is as simple and intuitive as possible, making a stay here comfortable even for first-time travellers.

The airport consists of one terminal, which serves both departing and arriving passengers. Thanks to its modest size, getting lost here is practically impossible. All key zones — check-in counters, security screening, the waiting lounge, and the boarding gate — are located in a single building within a short distance of each other. There are no transfers between terminals, as all operations are concentrated in a unified space.

The departure and arrival zones are effectively parts of the same hall. Immediately after entering the terminal, you will see the check-in counters, and after passing security control, you will enter a small waiting lounge. Check-in and screening procedures at Tanjung Manis Airport usually proceed very quickly due to the low passenger flow. Typically, all formalities take no more than 20-30 minutes.

To navigate the terminal, simply follow the few available signs. Given the airport's size, you will not need much time to move around. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 1-1.5 hours before departure to go through all procedures without haste and wait for your flight.

The history of Tanjung Manis Airport (TGC) is a vivid example of how infrastructure can contribute to the economic growth of a region. Initially, there was only a small airstrip on this site used by logging companies. With the commencement of the development of a major industrial project known as the Tanjung Manis Halal Hub, an urgent need for a modern aviation node arose.

A key moment in the airport's history was the year 2001, when it was officially opened following a massive reconstruction. The old strip was significantly modernised and extended to 1,500 metres, allowing it to accommodate larger turboprop aircraft such as the Fokker 50. The main goal of the construction was to ensure transport accessibility for the new industrial centre in Malaysia and to attract investment. After the opening, commercial flights were launched; however, over time, they had to be suspended due to low demand.

Despite this, the airport has not lost its significance. It continued to serve charter and corporate flights, playing an important role in business logistics. An interesting fact: its history is a journey from a simple strip in the jungle to a strategic facility upon which the development of an entire region depends. Currently, there are ambitious plans for the further expansion of the airport, including the extension of the runway to accommodate jet airliners. This is expected to give new impetus not only to industry but also to tourism in the vicinity of the city of Sarikei.

Tanjung Manis Airport (TGC) is a small regional airport serving mainly domestic flights. The infrastructure here is quite compact and offers a basic set of services necessary for a comfortable wait before departure.

Dining and Shopping: Opportunities for shopping and dining at the airport are limited. Typically, there is a small cafe or kiosk operating here, where you can buy light snacks, sandwiches, pastries, and drinks. The selection is not extensive, so one should not count on a full lunch or dinner. There may also be a small shop with essential goods and souvenirs.

Lounges and Wi-Fi: A general waiting lounge with standard seating is available for all passengers. There are no specialised VIP or business lounges at this airport. Access to Wi-Fi may be limited or provided on a paid basis. The number of power outlets for charging electronic devices is also small, so it is recommended to charge them in advance.

Financial and Medical Services: An ATM for cash withdrawal may be installed in the terminal; however, currency exchange points and full-service bank branches are absent. It is better to conduct all financial transactions in the city beforehand. Medical assistance is limited to a first aid point for emergency cases.

Services for Passengers with Special Needs: The airport is equipped with basic amenities for passengers with reduced mobility, including ramps and specially equipped toilets. To receive assistance with moving around the terminal or boarding, it is recommended to notify your airline in advance. A nursing room may be available for passengers with small children, but its presence should be verified on-site.

Accommodation and Business Services: There are no hotels within the airport territory itself. The nearest accommodation options are located in the town of Tanjung Manis, which requires transport to reach. Conference halls and business centres are absent at the airport.

When planning a flight through Tanjung Manis Airport (TGC), it is important to note that this is a small regional airport serving mainly local flights. Consequently, the choice of dining establishments here is modest but sufficient for a snack before departure. The airport consists of one compact terminal, so all options are within walking distance.

The main place where you can eat is a small cafe or eatery located in the general public area (landside), before passing through security control. Here, passengers can find simple but hearty dishes typical of Malaysian cuisine. We recommend looking out for classic options such as Nasi Lemak (rice cooked in coconut milk with various accompaniments) or Mee Goreng (fried noodles). This is an excellent opportunity to try authentic local food at an affordable price.

For those in a hurry, the cafe usually offers quick snacks: local pastries (Kuih), sandwiches, as well as hot and cold drinks, including traditional Malaysian coffee, "Kopi". If you have time for a more substantial meal, a hot dish would be the best choice. It is important to note that practically all food in Malaysia is Halal, and the establishments at the airport are no exception. Specialised vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free menus are unlikely to be available, but one can ask for a simple dish of rice or noodles with vegetables.

The opening hours of the cafe depend directly on the flight schedule — it usually opens a couple of hours before the first flight and closes after the departure of the last one. Prices here are quite budget-friendly, which is typical for small airports in the country. Since the selection after the security zone (airside) may be extremely limited or non-existent, it is recommended to have a full meal in the main public area before going through security.

To ensure your journey through Tanjung Manis Airport goes as smoothly as possible, take advantage of these useful tips. This small airport serves domestic flights, making it quite simple to navigate, but proper preparation never hurts.

Recommendations for Arrival and Check-in. For domestic flights within Malaysia, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 1.5–2 hours before departure. This time is sufficient to check in for the flight and pass security control without rushing. To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides this option. Screening procedures at small airports usually go faster, but the rules are standard: prepare liquids and electronic devices for inspection in advance.

Seat Selection and Hand Luggage. When choosing a seat on the plane for short flights from the city of Sarikei, a window seat will gift you with scenic views of Borneo, while an aisle seat offers more convenience if you need to stand up. Liquids in containers up to 100 ml packed in a transparent bag are allowed in hand luggage. Remember that power banks and lithium-ion batteries can only be carried in hand luggage. Sharp objects and flammable substances are prohibited.

Transfers and Customs Control. Tanjung Manis Airport is usually a final destination or a departure point, so long layovers here are unlikely. If your itinerary involves a self-transfer at another airport, ensure you have enough time between flights. There is no customs control for domestic flights; however, when flying between different states of Malaysia (for example, from the Peninsula to Sarawak), an immigration document check may be conducted.

Savings and Actions in Case of Delay. To save money, book flight tickets in advance and consider travelling light with only hand luggage. Bring an empty water bottle to fill after security. In the event of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for information. A small airport may have a limited number of cafes, so it is useful to have a book or a charged gadget with you for entertainment.