Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in Sabang. Maimun Saleh Airport is well-positioned for exactly that — downtown is reachable in about 45 minutes. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen smoothly.
Pre-Departure Checklist
A few things to sort out before you leave SBG:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for Indonesia. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Sabang takes about 45 minutes by Taxi. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is IDR. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some IDR in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
How to Spend Your Time in Sabang
For a layover visit to Sabang, we’d suggest Pantai Kasih (Love Beach) and Sabang Grand Mosque (Mesjid Agung Sabang). Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
Perfect for a short walk when you need fresh air after a long flight. The architecture is worth seeing, even from the outside.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside SBG, you can spend time at Maimun Saleh Airport Waiting Area or try Local Products & Souvenir Stand. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Where to Eat
For food in Sabang, local travelers recommend Warung Kopi Jaya. If you have time for a second stop, Rumah Makan Selera is another popular pick.
Back at SBG, Maimun Saleh Airport Canteen is the go-to. Coffee & Snack Corner rounds out your in-terminal options.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
From SBG, the Taxi gets you to Sabang in around 45 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 65 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
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Sabang, budget roughly $19 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $4 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $5 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
Withdraw local currency from an ATM at the airport rather than using exchange counters — the rates are usually better.
Storing Your Luggage at Maimun Saleh Airport
Dedicated luggage storage at SBG may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Sabang’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at SBG, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Sabang itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Indonesia that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Taking a Break at SBG
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at SBG.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in Sabang exploring the streets or relaxing at SBG, 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.