Reaching: Balikpapan

By Air: Balikpapan's Gateway

Sepinggan International Airport BPN

Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan International Airport is Balikpapan's main air hub and the gateway to East Kalimantan.

Airport Facilities

Retail and Dining: Duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, convenience stores.
Financial Services: ATMs and currency exchange counters.
Connectivity: Wi-Fi available throughout the terminal.

Flight Connections

A range of Indonesian airlines operate frequent flights connecting Balikpapan to major cities across the archipelago.

Airline and Route Insights

Domestic Airlines: Garuda Indonesia, Citilink, Lion Air, Super Air Jet, Batik Air, Sriwijaya Air.
International Flights: Currently limited direct flights.
Transit through major Indonesian (Jakarta, Bali) or regional Asian hubs (Singapore, Kuala Lumpur).

Airport Taxis

Official airport taxis are available just outside arrival hall, operating on fixed-rate or metered system. Fares typically range Rp 80,000-Rp 150,000.

Ride-hailing Apps

Grab and Gojek are popular and often cheaper. Book via app; transparent pricing. A local SIM or roaming is useful upon arrival.

Hotel Shuttles

Many larger hotels offer complimentary airport shuttle services. Check with your accommodation beforehand and arrange pick-up if available.

Flight Pricing and Booking Tips

Seasonal Fluctuations

Prices typically increase during major Indonesian public holidays (Eid al-Fitr, Christmas, New Year) and school holiday periods (June-July).
Demand is higher during these times.
Booking your flights several weeks or even months in advance is advisable to secure better rates.
Mid-week flights often present better value than weekend flights.

Flexibility Rewards

If your travel dates are flexible, consider flying during the shoulder or low seasons for more affordable tickets.
Always check flight schedules well in advance, specifically during peak seasons.
Price comparison websites can assist in finding the best deals.
Earlier bookings generally yield better availability for your desired dates.

Air Travel Facts

Exit Fees

No separate exit fees or taxes are typically levied at Indonesian airports for international or domestic flights. These fees are usually incorporated into your ticket price.

Departure Timing

For domestic flights, arrive 1.5 to 2 hours before scheduled departure. For international flights, arrive 2 to 3 hours before departure. This time is for check-in, bag drop, and security.

Check-in

Online check-in can save time. Even with online check-in, you will still need to drop off any checked luggage at the airline's bag drop counter.

Overland Journeys

Long-Distance Buses

Long-distance buses connect Balikpapan to other cities within East Kalimantan. These buses represent a common and affordable mode of inter-city travel.

Bus Details

Destinations: Samarinda (2-3 hours drive), Tenggarong, and Penajam (via ferry then bus).
Terminal Batu Ampar is the main bus terminal for long-distance routes.
Bus Types: Range from basic economy to executive class (air-conditioned, more comfortable).

Self-Driving & Rentals

For those preferring independence, rental options are available, though traffic considerations apply.

Driving Considerations

Requirements: A valid International Driving Permit (IDP) with your domestic driver's license.
Minimum Age: Usually 21-23 for rental.
With Driver: Often recommended for ease; it removes navigation stress.

Road Conditions & Traffic

Main roads linking major cities are generally paved and in reasonable condition, though congestion occurs.

Road Challenges

Road Quality: Smaller roads may be unpaved or poorly maintained.
Congestion: Common in central areas during peak hours.
Safety: Traffic can be chaotic. Defensive driving is necessary. Driving at night is not recommended.

Motorcycle & Scooter Rentals

Motorcycle and scooter rentals are available from local shops or guesthouses.

Riding Safely

Requirements: Valid motorcycle license and International Driving Permit endorsed for motorcycles.
Safety: Helmets are legally required and absolutely necessary.
Caution: Only rent if you are an experienced rider comfortable with heavy and unpredictable traffic.

No Border Crossings or Trains

Land Borders: No international land border crossings directly to Balikpapan for tourists.
Kalimantan shares land borders with Malaysia and Brunei, but these are far from Balikpapan.
Direct arrival in Balikpapan from these borders is impractical for most tourists.

Train Services: No inter-city train services exist in Kalimantan.
Rail infrastructure for passenger transport is not developed on the island.
Travel between cities within Kalimantan is exclusively by road or air.

Sea & River Journeys

Ferry Services

Balikpapan's coastal location means sea travel presents another option for inter-island connections within Indonesia.

Ferry Connections

Semayang Port is Balikpapan's main passenger port, a busy hub for domestic ferry traffic.
PELNI (Pelayaran Nasional Indonesia) operates long-distance passenger ferries.
Routes include Surabaya (Java), Makassar (Sulawesi), and Parepare (Sulawesi). Journeys can be long but offer affordable inter-island travel.

River Transportation

While Kalimantan is famous for its vast river systems, river transportation from Balikpapan itself is not a main mode of inter-city travel for tourists.

River Insights

Balikpapan is a coastal city rather than a riverine one.
River tours are more common further north, for example, from Samarinda on the Mahakam River.
Some small boat taxis operate within Balikpapan Bay for specific coastal connections or recreational tours.

Travel Tip

Public buses have limited routes. Angkot are more extensive but require local knowledge. Grab/Gojek for direct, upfront pricing.

Reaching Balikpapan