โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Datadawai Airport (WALJ) serves Long Lunuk in Long Pahangai, Mahakam Ulu Regency, East Kalimantan, operating as the sole airport providing air service to this extremely remote region of Indonesian Borneo near the Kapuas River, the longest river in Indonesia. The facility operates without a radio control tower and handles only pioneer flights, with a runway that was lengthened and upgraded by the Indonesian government in 2015 to improve connectivity to this isolated area accessible primarily by river transport.
The airport features basic infrastructure designed for small aircraft operations, with Susi Air providing the primary service offering one daily 12-seat flight to Samarinda, serving as an essential lifeline for the local communities of Mahakam Ulu Regency. The minimal terminal facilities accommodate passengers and basic cargo operations supporting the region's indigenous communities, government services, and essential supply logistics to an area where river and air transport remain the primary means of accessing the outside world.
Positioned in stark contrast to East Kalimantan's extensive coal mining operations that cover 70% of the province, Datadawai Airport serves communities largely removed from the industrial activities dominating neighboring Kutai Kartanegara regency. The facility provides crucial connectivity for medical emergencies, government administration, and cultural preservation efforts in one of Indonesia's most remote regions, where traditional river communities maintain their connection to modern Indonesia through this essential aviation link in the heart of Borneo's pristine interior.
๐ Connection Tips
Datadawai Airport (DTD) is an extremely remote and essential 'pioneer' airstrip located in the Mahakam Ulu Regency of East Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo. For travelers connecting through DTD, the most important tip is to understand that air travel is the primary lifeline to the outside world. The airport is served by scheduled pioneer flights, typically operated by Susi Air or Smart Aviation, linking the region to Samarinda (AAP). Because these flights use small 12-seat aircraft, seating is extremely limited and should be booked weeks in advance.
A vital connection tip for ground transportation is that the 'connection' continues by water; there are no public taxis or rental cars at the terminal. You must pre-arrange a motorized longboat transfer through a local contact to reach the nearby settlements of Long Pahangai or Long Bagun along the Mahakam River. The airport terminal is a basic, functional building with minimal amenities; there is no public Wi-Fi, food service, or international ATM. It is mandatory to be completely self-sufficient, carrying ample Indonesian Rupiah in cash, as electronic payments are not possible in the deep interior.
The 1,600-meter runway was upgraded in 2015, but flights remain highly sensitive to the tropical rainforest weather; sudden afternoon thunderstorms and low cloud cover can cause multi-day delays. Always build significant flexibility into your return itinerary to Samarinda. Lastly, pack all gear in waterproof, soft-sided bags, as items will be exposed to the elements during the transition between the aircraft and open river boats.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
A. A. Bere Tallo Airport (ABU), with ICAO code WATA, serves the city of Atambua on Timor island in Indonesia. This domestic airport underwent significant upgrades in 2013, expanding its terminal facilities to accommodate growing passenger demand. The airport operates from a single terminal building designed for efficient processing of domestic arrivals and departures, with check-in, security, and boarding areas kept close together.
The terminal provides basic but useful amenities for regional travelers. While there are no premium lounges, comfortable seating areas are available for passengers awaiting departures. The airport handles scheduled flights from carriers such as Susi Air, TransNusa, and Wings Air, with Kupang remaining the most important connection point.
Security procedures at ABU follow Indonesian national rules for regional airports, including screening of carry-on bags, checked luggage, and passengers. Because the airport handles moderate traffic, wait times are generally short and the overall experience is usually straightforward. ABU serves domestic traffic only, so immigration and customs formalities for international trips are handled at larger Indonesian airports.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through A. A. Bere Tallo Airport involves navigating East Nusa Tenggara's regional aviation network from this strategic border location 36 kilometers from the Mota'ain crossing to East Timor, where the airport serves primarily domestic Indonesian routes after its 2013 name change from Haliwen Airport. Wings Air provides the most frequent service with flights IW1955 at 10:50 and IW1954 at 13:45 daily to Kupang using regional aircraft, while Susi Air continues operations started in 2010 with Cessna Caravan 208 aircraft seating 12 passengers, supplemented by TransNusa regional services connecting this remote border region to Indonesia's domestic network.
Domestic connections through El Tari International Airport in Kupang enable access to Lion Air Group's extensive Indonesian network including Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport, while Garuda Indonesia and Wings Air provide onward connectivity to secondary cities throughout the archipelago. International connections require routing through major Indonesian hubs, particularly Jakarta or Bali, where passengers can access international carriers serving Asia-Pacific destinations, making careful coordination essential for travelers continuing beyond Indonesia's borders from this remote eastern outpost.
Ground transportation from the airport located 4 kilometers northeast of Atambua city center relies primarily on ojek motorcycle taxis costing 15,000-20,000 IDR with prices subject to negotiation, while bemo public minibuses provide budget-friendly alternatives following specific color-coded routes through the city's hilly terrain. The airport's strategic border location makes it a crucial gateway for overland travelers continuing to East Timor via the Mota'ain border crossing 36 kilometers away, accessible by mikrolet minivans for 10,000-15,000 IDR or ojek services ranging up to 200,000 IDR for the 75-kilometer journey. Inter-city bus connections from Atambua serve Kupang (289 kilometers), Soe (179 kilometers), and Kefamenanu (87 kilometers), providing essential ground transportation links when flight schedules don't align, while the airport's location in Indonesia's easternmost domestic aviation network requires flexibility for weather-related delays affecting small aircraft operations serving this mountainous border region of Timor island.
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