A new connection from Kapuas Hulu
Putussibau and Kuching are linked by a cross-border bus service through Badau in Indonesia and Lubok Antu in Sarawak. Kapuas Hulu’s government confirmed the route was operating in October 2026, with DAMRI and Bus Asia/Biaramas involved. For travellers already visiting the Putussibau region, it offers a route to investigate without first treating Pontianak as the compulsory departure city.
The itinerary has a different geographical purpose from the Pontianak–Kuching corridor. Choose it around your actual stay in Kapuas Hulu, rather than adding a long detour solely to try a newly opened service. Confirm both directions separately if your plans require returning to Putussibau.
Understand the bus change
The service is described as back-to-back operation: the Indonesian and Malaysian sections connect through a bus transfer around the Badau–Lubok Antu border. Ask how the transfer works for your departure, where passengers wait and who directs the group after formalities. Keep the next vehicle and meeting instructions clear before leaving the first bus.
Check whether your booking covers both sections and whether you need to show another ticket after changing vehicles. Ask who handles checked luggage and make sure every bag reaches the connecting bus. Keep passport, booking details and essential personal items with you so they remain available throughout the border process.
Booking and entry preparation
DAMRI’s launch information identifies Terminal Kedamin in Putussibau and Kuching Sentral as ticketing points, alongside its digital booking channels and agents. Use the operator to confirm the current boarding address, service date, fare and class. An advertised route does not reserve a seat, and a launch promotion should not be assumed to remain available.
Check entry requirements for your nationality and travel documents with the relevant immigration authorities before committing to the journey. Ask specifically about the Badau–Lubok Antu crossing in your direction of travel. A transport ticket is separate from permission to enter, and requirements that apply to a local border resident may not apply to an international visitor.
Connect the journey with your stay
If arriving from Sungai Utik or another hosted visit, organise the road transfer to Putussibau with your host and give yourself enough time before bus check-in. Keep the final village night flexible until the bus arrangement is settled. At Kuching, arrange onward travel from the actual arrival point, rather than assuming a city-centre hotel drop-off.
Carry the operator’s contact details and tell your accommodation that border processing can affect arrival. Avoid an immediate flight connection or a tightly timed activity after the journey. With the border handover and both overnight stops understood, this corridor can make a Kapuas Hulu and Sarawak itinerary more coherent.
