๐ฎ๐ฉ Tanjung Redeb, Indonesia
Kalimarau Airport (BEJ), serving the town of Tanjung Redeb in the Berau Regency of East Kalimantan, is a modern and award-winning domestic aviation hub. Located approximately 10 kilometers from the city center, the airport acts as the primary aerial gateway for the world-famous Derawan Islands and the wider Berau maritime region. The facility features a sleek, eco-friendly passenger terminal that was significantly upgraded in 2012, blending contemporary architectural elements with traditional Dayak and marine motifs. The airport boasts a 2,250-meter asphalt runway capable of handling Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 series aircraft, making it one of the most capable regional facilities in Kalimantan. The terminal at Kalimarau is designed for high efficiency and passenger comfort, often earning high praise for its cleanliness and logical layout. It features a spacious check-in hall, multiple security screening zones, and a comfortable departure lounge equipped with several boarding gates and telescopic aerobridges. The interior design emphasizes natural light and local cultural heritage, providing a much higher standard of service than typical regional spokes. The airport serves as a critical connection point for tourists heading to the Sangalaki and Kakaban islands, as well as for business travelers involved in the region's significant coal mining and palm oil industries. Amenities within the Kalimarau terminal are diverse and cater well to both domestic and international visitors. Travelers can find a variety of cafes and small restaurants serving authentic Indonesian dishes, alongside international coffee chains and snack bars. The terminal provides free high-speed Wi-Fi, clean restrooms, and a dedicated nursing room for families. Several retail outlets sell local East Kalimantan handicrafts, including traditional beadwork and pearls from the Celebes Sea. Ground transportation is well-organized, with a dedicated taxi rank and ride-sharing services like Grab and Gojek readily available outside the arrivals hall for the 20-minute journey into Tanjung Redeb. The airport also features a VIP lounge for premium passengers and a medical post for first aid.
Connecting through Kalimarau Airport (BEJ) is a straightforward domestic experience, primarily involving transfers between Kalimantan hubs or onward travel to the Derawan Archipelago. Most travelers arrive at BEJ via a short 50-60 minute flight from Balikpapan (BPN) or Samarinda (AAP). If you are connecting from an international flight in Jakarta (CGK) or Surabaya (SUB), it is essential to allow at least three to four hours for the transfer. You will need to collect your baggage at the major hub, clear any relevant security, and check in for your domestic leg to Berau. It is highly recommended to book your journey on a single ticket with carriers like Batik Air to ensure better protection in case of delays. Ground connections from the airport to the various islands of the Berau Regency require careful planning. Upon arrival at BEJ, travelers typically take a taxi to the Tanjung Batu pier, which is a roughly two to three-hour drive from the airport. From the pier, speedboats provide the final leg to Derawan, Sangalaki, or Maratua. Many high-end eco-resorts in the area provide an integrated 'airport-to-island' transfer service, which is strongly recommended for first-time visitors. Alternatively, local ride-sharing apps are very active in Tanjung Redeb and offer a cost-effective way to reach city hotels or the riverfront if you are staying in town before your island hop. Travelers using BEJ should be prepared for the equatorial climate, which can bring heavy tropical downpours throughout the year, sometimes causing short-term flight disruptions. Arriving at the airport at least 90 minutes to two hours before your domestic departure is standard, as the security and check-in counters can become busy during the morning peak. While major credit cards
Check terminal and airline baggage transfer rules, especially on separate tickets.
Minimum domestic connection:
45 minutes
International connections:
90 minutes
Interline transfers:
110 minutes
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Last updated: January 1980 | Data Source: IATA and other airline sites and resources