โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
110
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
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 airport operates with 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.
๐ Connection Tips
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.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Aji Pangeran Tumenggung (APT) Pranoto International Airport (AAP) is the primary air gateway for Samarinda, the capital of East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Opened in 2018 to replace the older, centrally located Temindung Airport, AAP features a modern and spacious single-terminal building designed to handle the region's growing passenger traffic. The terminal architecture incorporates local Dayak cultural motifs and offers a clean, well-organized environment for travelers. All domestic and international flights are managed from this integrated facility, which includes a large check-in hall, multiple departure gates, and a modern baggage handling system.
The airport is equipped with a range of passenger amenities. Travelers will find various dining options, from local Indonesian eateries to popular coffee shops, located both before and after the security checkpoint. Retail outlets include convenience stores, souvenir shops, and a Duty-Free section. While premium lounges are limited, there are ample public seating areas throughout the departure hall. The airport is also designed to be accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
As a key infrastructure project for the region, particularly with the development of Indonesia's new capital, Nusantara, APT Pranoto Airport is undergoing significant expansion. Plans are in place for a new, larger passenger terminal and improved ground infrastructure, including a potential future rail link. For now, the current terminal capably serves as a vital hub connecting Samarinda to major cities across Indonesia.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Aji Pangeran Tumenggung Pranoto International Airport requires navigating Indonesia's domestic network, as this East Kalimantan hub currently offers no international services despite its international designation, requiring all overseas connections through Jakarta or Surabaya. Opened in 2018 to replace obsolete Temindung Airport, AAP handles 752,913 passengers annually with domestic routes operated by Garuda Indonesia, Batik Air, Citilink, Super Air Jet, and Wings Air to five destinations including Jakarta CGK, Surabaya, Banjarmasin, Tanjung Redeb, and Yogyakarta, with approximately 291 monthly flights serving the region's mining and oil industries.
Domestic connections within the single terminal require minimal transit time due to the airport's compact design, though passenger volumes approaching the 1.5 million annual capacity limit can create congestion during peak periods. The 831-mile Jakarta route, served by multiple carriers, provides the primary gateway for international connections, with Garuda Indonesia offering premium connectivity options through Jakarta's extensive network. Alternative routing through Surabaya enables connections to Australian and regional Asian destinations, while the limited Banjarmasin service provides access to South Kalimantan's coal regions and onward connections to Malaysian Borneo.
Ground transportation coordination is essential for connections beyond Samarinda, with Banyumili Travel providing scheduled shuttle services to key East Kalimantan cities including Sangatta, Bontang, and Balikpapan, while DAMRI operates two bus routes connecting the airport to various Samarinda districts. The airport's location 25 kilometers from city center requires fixed-rate taxis charging IDR 150,000-160,000 for the 30-45 minute journey, with six standardized taxi companies operating 24-hour services. Future expansion plans targeting 8 million annual passengers by 2040 include runway extension to 3,000 meters and additional terminal capacity, potentially enabling direct international services that would eliminate current connection requirements through Java's major hubs.
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