Penang ↔ Belawan: the Malaysia to Indonesia border crossing
About 90 minutes of formalities between Malaysia and Indonesia, and this is one of the frontiers you can cross without abandoning your seat.
Malaysia ↔ Indonesia · about 90 minutes · 1 service · 1 written-up journey
How the crossing works
Penang ↔ Belawan
Malaysia ↔ Indonesia- Where
- Ferry terminal, Belawan (port for Medan)
- On the train?
- n/a
- Luggage
- Yes
- Visa
- Confirm Belawan is currently an international checkpoint issuing VOA.
- Cash on the far side
- Indonesian rupiah.
- Time cost
- About 90 minutes of formalities
The trap. Historically operated, intermittent. Treat as unavailable until confirmed.
The position here moves. Confirm it against the operator and your own government's current advice before you book anything that depends on it.
What crosses here
| Service | Operator | Time | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| George Town → Belawan Penang–Belawan ferry | Riau / Straits ferries | 5h | $50 |
Typical scheduled running time for the crossing leg itself, which does not include the 90 minutes of formalities above. Allow for both when you are working out whether a connection holds. Fares are indicative.
Riau / Straits ferries. Operators on the Straits routes change often. Check what is currently sailing before you commit to a date. Punctuality: weather.
Getting to each side
The frontier is rarely the problem. Reaching it on a day when something onward is still running usually is.
George Town
Malaysia| Reached by | Operator | Time | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| George Town → Langkawi (Kuah) Penang – Langkawi ferry | Langkawi ferry lines | 2h 45m | $18 |
| Butterworth → George Town Penang ferry | Penang Ferry | 15m | $1 |
Belawan
Indonesia| Reached by | Operator | Time | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belawan → Medan Taxi / bus | Local transfer | 30m | $5 |
Journeys through Penang ↔ Belawan
Written up in full, each with this crossing in its proper place in the itinerary rather than as a footnote.
- Singapore to Medan overland 8 legs · 3d · $154
Plan a journey through it Pick two places and the crossing appears in the itinerary, with the buffer it needs.