A long layover in Lawas is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Lawas Airport for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 35 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
Before You Step Outside LWY
Stepping out of the airport during a layover takes a little preparation. Here’s what to keep in mind at LWY:
First, verify that you can enter Malaysia — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the Taxi takes about 35 minutes into Lawas, so add that up for the round trip plus security buffer. Third, have your payment sorted — MYR is the currency here. Avoid exchanging money at the airport if you can — city-center ATMs usually give you a better deal.
What to See and Do in Lawas
For a layover visit to Lawas, we’d suggest City Center Walk and Local Market. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
It’s the kind of area you can wander through at your own pace. Great for picking up a quick snack or souvenir between flights.
If you’d rather stay inside LWY — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Airport Lounge
- Duty Free Shopping
Where to Grab a Meal
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Lawas: Local Restaurant and Popular Eatery. Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for Airport Cafe or Terminal Restaurant. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
Getting from LWY to Lawas
From LWY, the Taxi gets you to Lawas in around 35 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 55 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Taxi offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Planning Your Layover Spending
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Lawas might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$5 USD
- A meal: ~$5 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$20 USD
Budget a little extra for the unexpected. It’s better to come back with spare change than to run short.
Luggage Storage Options
Luggage storage options at LWY can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Lawas for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at LWY, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Lawas itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Malaysia that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Sleep & Lounge Options at LWY
Long overnight layover? Your options at LWY include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Malaysia also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in Lawas exploring the streets or relaxing at LWY, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.