Kulanalamu International Airport serves Kualanamu in East Java, Indonesia. It opened in 2015 as a modern replacement for older facilities, handling both domestic and international flights. The airport sits near the city of Malang and provides access to volcanic landscapes, tea plantations and coastal towns like Banyuwangi. With new terminals and improved services since its start, it handles around two million passengers annually. The site includes a small museum showcasing Indonesia’s aviation history alongside local art displays reflecting regional culture.
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type F
Type C:
  Read about power adapters |
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| Currency: |
Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) £1 ≈ IDR 24,141.20 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 4/5
Cashless payments are becoming more common in urban areas of Indonesia, particularly in larger cities. Credit cards and mobile payment apps like GoPay and OVO are widely accepted in many establishments.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in Indonesia. A 5-10% tip is common in restaurants, and taxi drivers may expect small tips for good service. |
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| Public drinking: | Public drinking is not commonly seen in Indonesia. Alcohol is consumed mainly in licensed establishments such as bars, restaurants, and hotels. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in many indoor public spaces, including restaurants, shopping centres, and public transport. |
| Independence Day (17 August) |
A national holiday with celebrations and ceremonies |
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| Nyepi (March/April) |
The Balinese Day of Silence, celebrated with unique rituals and festivities |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 112 |
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| Taxi apps: | GoJek, Grab |
| Other: | Indonesia is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including beaches, volcanoes, and jungles. It is a great destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. |
Kualanamu International Airport is located approximately 39 kilometers east of Medan city center. Opened in 2013, it replaced the older Polonia Airport and features a spacious terminal with modern facilities, wide check-in halls and a variety of amenities including lounges, shops and diverse dining options. It’s one of Indonesia’s largest airports designed to handle increasing passenger traffic with comfort.
The airport has both domestic and international terminals, providing smooth transit between flights. Many travelers appreciate the clean, well-organized environment and the airport’s emphasis on technology and service, although some mention that airport staff may have limited English skills, so having some basic Bahasa Indonesia phrases or translation apps can be very useful.
Travelers should take note that the airport is relatively far from the city, so transport arrangements require planning to avoid delays or high taxi costs. Traffic congestion on the approach road can increase travel times, especially during peak hours. Security checks are standard but can be crowded during holidays.
Transportation options include airport taxis, shuttle buses and ride-sharing services. Despite some logistical challenges, Kualanamu remains a capable and modern gateway to explore North Sumatra’s cultural and natural beauty.
A premium lounge located within the international terminal offering refreshments, Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, and a quiet atmosphere for business and first-class passengers. Open daily with convenient access for elite frequent flyers.
Found in the domestic terminal, this lounge welcomes all travellers for a fee or membership, featuring snacks, drinks, workspaces, Wi-Fi, and relaxing areas to unwind before flights.
Most travelers prefer to stay in Medan’s city center where a diverse range of accommodations from budget to upscale hotels are available, all within reasonable distance to the airport either by taxi or shuttle.
To Medan City Center:
The airport is about 39 km from Medan city centre, reachable by airport shuttle buses operating regularly with fares around IDR 30,000 – 50,000 (£1.25 – 2.08). Taxis and ride-hailing services like Grab are widely available but traffic congestion can increase travel time to 45-60 minutes, so it’s wise to plan accordingly.
To Berastagi:
Berastagi, a popular cool highland town, can be reached by car or organised tour from Medan, roughly a 3-hour drive from the airport. Public transport options require travelling to Medan first and then connecting by bus or private transfer.
To Lake Toba:
Lake Toba is accessible by journeying via Medan city, and from there by bus or car hire, the trip taking around 5-6 hours. Planning your travel logistics around the airport-to-city connection is important for a smooth journey.
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