Quick Answer
The fastest and most convenient route from Derawan Islands to Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Airport (BPN) in Balikpapan is: take a speed boat from Derawan Island to Berau (Tanjung Redeb) — about 1 hour — then a taxi to Kalimarau Airport (BEJ) — 30 minutes — followed by a 50-minute flight to BPN. Total door-to-door time: 5–6 hours. Total cost: 800,000–1,800,000 IDR (55–125 USD). Key transit points: Berau码头, Kalimarau Airport (BEJ).
Best for: Most travelers who want the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability. Cheapest option: Boat + bus via Berau (350,000–600,000 IDR / 25–42 USD) but takes 14–17 hours.
Route 1: Speed Boat + Flight via Berau — The Recommended Option
This is the fastest and most popular way to reach Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Airport from the Derawan Islands. It combines a short boat ride with a quick domestic flight. Total time from your resort in Derawan to the BPN departure gate is typically 5–6 hours.
Step-by-Step Breakdown
- Derawan Island → Berau (Tanjung Redeb) by Speed Boat
Speed boats depart from Derawan Island jetty to Berau's Tanjung Redeb port. Duration: 1–1.5 hours. Cost: 100,000–150,000 IDR per person (7–10 USD). Boats run from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM, with more frequent departures in high season (June–September). Book your ticket at least one day in advance at the Derawan port office. - Berau Port → Kalimarau Airport (BEJ) by Taxi
From Tanjung Redeb port, take a taxi or ride-hailing (GoCar / Grab) to Kalimarau Airport. Duration: 20–30 minutes. Cost: 100,000–200,000 IDR (7–14 USD). Fixed-price taxis are available at the port taxi counter. - Kalimarau Airport (BEJ) → Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Airport (BPN) by Flight
Several airlines operate this route. Flight time: 50 minutes. Price range: 500,000–1,500,000 IDR (35–105 USD) one-way, depending on airline and booking time.
Flight Options from BEJ to BPN
| Airline | Daily Flights | Typical Price (IDR) | Typical Price (USD) | Baggage Allowance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wings Air | 2–3 | 500,000–800,000 | 35–55 | 20 kg checked, 7 kg carry-on |
| Lion Air | 2–4 | 600,000–1,200,000 | 42–84 | 20 kg checked, 7 kg carry-on |
| Batik Air | 1–2 | 700,000–1,500,000 | 49–105 | 20 kg checked, 7 kg carry-on |
Source: Lion Air Group schedule data and Batik Air route network. Prices are indicative and vary by season.
Key Advantages of This Route
- Speed: Only 5–6 hours total — the fastest option available.
- Reliability: Flights BEJ–BPN operate daily with multiple frequencies.
- Convenience: Clear step-by-step transfers with minimal waiting.
- Scenic: The speed boat ride offers beautiful views of the Derawan archipelago.
Important Tips for This Route
- Book your BEJ→BPN flight at least 3–7 days in advance, especially during July–August and Christmas holidays.
- Arrive at BEJ airport 1.5 hours before departure — the terminal is small but security screening can be slow.
- If your flight is early morning (7:00–8:00 AM), consider staying overnight in Berau town rather than risking an early boat from Derawan.
- Speed boats may be cancelled in rough weather (November–March rainy season). Always have a backup plan.
Route 2: Boat + Land Transport via Samarinda — The Scenic Alternative
This route is less common but offers a different experience — traveling via Samarinda, the capital of East Kalimantan. It works well if you want to visit Samarinda city or if Berau flights are fully booked. Total time: 8–12 hours. Total cost: 400,000–800,000 IDR (28–55 USD).
Step-by-Step Breakdown
- Derawan Island → Samarinda by Public Boat
Public boats (slow ferry) run from Derawan to Samarinda's Sungai Kunjang port. Duration: 6–8 hours. Cost: 100,000–200,000 IDR (7–14 USD). Departures are irregular — typically 1–2 times daily, usually in the early morning (5:00–6:00 AM). This is a basic wooden ferry with limited seating and no air conditioning. - Samarinda Port → Balikpapan Airport (BPN) by Taxi / Ride-hailing
From Sungai Kunjang port, take a taxi or Grab car directly to Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Airport. Duration: 1.5–2 hours (approximately 100 km). Cost: 300,000–500,000 IDR (21–35 USD) for a private car. Shared minibuses (travel) are available for 150,000–200,000 IDR (10–14 USD) per person.
Comparison: Samarinda Route vs. Berau Route
| Factor | Samarinda Route | Berau Route |
|---|---|---|
| Total time | 8–12 hours | 5–6 hours |
| Total cost | 400,000–800,000 IDR (28–55 USD) | 800,000–1,800,000 IDR (55–125 USD) |
| Boat comfort | Basic, no AC | Speed boat, AC, comfortable |
| Scenery | River views along Mahakam River | Open sea, archipelago views |
| Reliability | Irregular boat schedule | Daily flights, reliable |
Data based on Indonesia Ferry schedules and local transport operator reports.
Who Should Choose This Route?
- Travelers who want to visit Samarinda city or the Mahakam River region.
- Budget travelers who can tolerate a longer, more basic boat ride.
- Backup option when Berau flights are sold out (common in peak season).
Important Tips
- The boat from Derawan to Samarinda departs very early — be at the jetty by 5:00 AM.
- Bring snacks, water, and a cushion — the wooden benches are hard.
- From Samarinda to BPN, book a Grab car for the most predictable price.
Route 3: Boat + Bus via Berau — The Budget Option
If you're traveling on a tight budget and have plenty of time, this is the cheapest way to reach Balikpapan Airport. It combines a short boat ride with a long-distance bus journey across East Kalimantan. Total time: 14–17 hours. Total cost: 350,000–600,000 IDR (25–42 USD).
Step-by-Step Breakdown
- Derawan Island → Berau (Tanjung Redeb) by Public Boat
Take a public boat (slow) from Derawan to Berau. Duration: 2–3 hours. Cost: 50,000–100,000 IDR (3.5–7 USD). Departures: 6:00–8:00 AM usually. - Berau → Balikpapan by Bus
From Berau bus terminal (Terminal Tanjung Redeb), board a bus to Balikpapan. Duration: 12–15 hours. Cost: 200,000–350,000 IDR (14–25 USD). Buses depart at 7:00–8:00 AM and also have a night departure around 6:00 PM (arriving in Balikpapan next morning). - Balikpapan Bus Terminal → BPN Airport by Taxi
From Balikpapan's bus terminal (Terminal Batu Ampar), take a taxi to the airport. Duration: 20–30 minutes. Cost: 50,000–100,000 IDR (3.5–7 USD).
Bus Details: Berau to Balikpapan
| Bus Operator | Type | Departures | Price (IDR) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Damri | Economy AC | 7:00 AM, 6:00 PM | 200,000–250,000 | 14–17 |
| Kramat Djati | Executive AC | 7:30 AM | 300,000–350,000 | 21–25 |
| Local minibus (travel) | Shared van | 8:00 AM | 250,000–300,000 | 17–21 |
Source: Damri bus route information and local agent reports from Tanjung Redeb terminal.
Who Should Choose This Route?
- Backpackers with flexible schedules and limited budget.
- Travelers who enjoy overland journeys and want to see rural East Kalimantan.
- Groups who can split costs and don't mind long hours on the road.
Important Tips
- The night bus (6:00 PM departure) saves you a night of accommodation but arrives in Balikpapan around 6:00–8:00 AM.
- Road conditions on the Berau–Balikpapan route are mixed — expect some rough patches, especially in the rainy season.
- Bring a travel pillow, earplugs, and an eye mask for the bus journey.
- Bus stations in Berau and Balikpapan can be chaotic — keep your valuables secure.
Private Speedboat / Charter — The Premium Option
For travelers who want the ultimate flexibility and privacy, chartering a private speedboat from Derawan Islands directly to Balikpapan is possible — but it comes at a very high cost. This option is rarely used due to the distance and expense, but it can make sense for large groups, VIP travelers, or urgent situations.
Private Speedboat Direct: Derawan → Balikpapan
- Duration: 4–5 hours (direct, open sea).
- Cost: 5,000,000–10,000,000 IDR (350–700 USD) for the entire boat (capacity 6–10 passengers).
- Availability: Very limited — must be booked at least 1 week in advance through specialized operators in Berau or Derawan.
- Suitability: Only recommended for groups of 6+ where the per-person cost becomes comparable to flights.
Private Taxi / Car Charter: Berau → Balikpapan (Overland)
If you prefer not to take the bus, you can charter a private car from Berau to Balikpapan.
- Duration: 10–12 hours (one-way, with driver).
- Cost: 1,500,000–2,500,000 IDR (105–175 USD) including fuel and driver.
- Best for: Families with children, travelers with lots of luggage, or those who want to stop along the way.
- Booking: Arrange through your hotel in Berau or via local travel agencies like Berau Travel Services.
Comparison: Private Options vs. Standard Routes
| Option | Time | Cost (IDR) | Cost (USD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private speedboat direct | 4–5 h | 5,000,000–10,000,000 | 350–700 | Large groups, VIP |
| Private car Berau→BPN | 10–12 h | 1,500,000–2,500,000 | 105–175 | Families, heavy luggage |
| Speed boat + flight (Route 1) | 5–6 h | 800,000–1,800,000 | 55–125 | Most travelers |
Private charter prices provided by Derawan Island tour operators and local boat captains.
Cost & Time Comparison: All Routes at a Glance
This table summarizes every possible way to travel from Derawan Islands to Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Airport (BPN). Use it to quickly compare options and choose what fits your budget and schedule.
| Route | Total Time | Total Cost (IDR) | Total Cost (USD) | Transfers | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ★ Route 1: Speed boat + flight (via Berau) | 5–6 h | 800,000–1,800,000 | 55–125 | 2 (boat→taxi→plane) | Most travelers — best balance |
| Route 2: Boat + taxi (via Samarinda) | 8–12 h | 400,000–800,000 | 28–55 | 2 | Budget + scenic |
| Route 3: Boat + bus (via Berau) | 14–17 h | 350,000–600,000 | 25–42 | 3 | Cheapest option |
| Private speedboat direct | 4–5 h | 5,000,000–10,000,000 | 350–700 | 0 (direct) | VIP, large groups |
| Private car Berau→BPN (overland) | 10–12 h | 1,500,000–2,500,000 | 105–175 | 1 | Families, comfort |
Where to Book Tickets
- Flights BEJ→BPN: Book via Traveloka, Tiket.com, or airline websites (Lion Air, Batik Air).
- Speed boat Derawan→Berau: Purchase at Derawan Island port ticket office (cash only).
- Bus Berau→Balikpapan: Tickets available at Terminal Tanjung Redeb or via RedBus Indonesia.
- Private charters: Contact Derawan Island Tours or your hotel concierge.
Prices checked as of March 2025. Always verify current rates before booking.
Travel Tips & Practical Advice
Real-world advice from seasoned travelers to make your journey from Derawan Islands to Balikpapan Airport smoother, cheaper, and less stressful.
1. Luggage & Diving Gear
- Soft bags are best: Speed boats have limited dry storage — hard suitcases are difficult to accommodate. Use a duffel bag or backpack.
- Diving equipment: If you've been diving in Derawan, consider using a luggage forwarding service (e.g., JNE or Tiki) to send heavy gear from Berau to Balikpapan. Cost: about 100,000–200,000 IDR (7–14 USD) for a 20 kg bag.
- Airline weight limits: Wings Air and Lion Air allow 20 kg checked baggage. Excess baggage costs 30,000–50,000 IDR per kg — pay at the airport counter.
2. Timing & Seasonal Factors
- High season (June–September): Book flights and boats at least 1–2 weeks in advance. Prices are 20–40% higher.
- Rainy season (November–March): Speed boats may be cancelled due to rough seas. Always have a backup plan (e.g., an extra night in Berau).
- Best departure time: Aim to leave Derawan by 7:00–8:00 AM to catch the morning flight from BEJ to BPN.
3. Booking & Connectivity
- Mobile signal: Telkomsel and XL have coverage in Derawan village but signal is weak on the water. Download offline maps and booking confirmations before leaving.
- Cash is king: Boat tickets and local taxis in Berau require cash (IDR). ATMs are available in Tanjung Redeb town but not on Derawan Island.
- Flight booking: Use Indonesian platforms like Traveloka or Tiket.com for the best domestic fares. International credit cards are accepted.
4. Health & Comfort
- Seasickness: The speed boat ride can be choppy, especially in the afternoon. Take motion sickness medication 30 minutes before departure.
- Stay hydrated: Bring at least 1 liter of water per person for the boat and bus journeys.
- Mosquito protection: Derawan and Berau are in a malaria-risk area. Use DEET repellent and consider prophylaxis if advised by your doctor.
5. Case Study: A Typical Journey
"I left my resort on Maratua Island at 6:30 AM by speed boat, arrived in Berau at 8:00 AM, took a taxi to BEJ airport by 8:30 AM, and caught the 9:45 AM Wings Air flight to Balikpapan. I was at the BPN departure gate by 10:45 AM — total 4 hours 15 minutes. Cost: 120,000 IDR boat + 150,000 IDR taxi + 620,000 IDR flight = 890,000 IDR (62 USD)." — Sarah L., March 2025
Source: TripAdvisor Derawan forum.
FAQs: Derawan Islands to Balikpapan Airport
1. Is there a direct flight from Derawan Islands to Balikpapan Airport?
No, there is no direct flight. Derawan Islands has no airport. You must take a boat to a nearby town with an airport — either Berau (Kalimarau Airport, BEJ) or Samarinda (Samarinda International Airport, AAP) — and then fly or travel overland to Balikpapan. The most common route is boat to Berau, then flight to BPN.
2. What is the fastest way to get from Derawan Islands to Balikpapan Airport?
The fastest route is speed boat from Derawan Island to Berau (Tanjung Redeb) — about 1 hour — then taxi to Kalimarau Airport (BEJ) — 30 minutes — followed by a 50-minute flight to BPN. Total door-to-door time is approximately 5–6 hours, costing around 800,000–1,800,000 IDR (55–125 USD).
3. How much does it cost to travel from Derawan Islands to Balikpapan Airport?
Costs vary significantly by route: 1) Boat+flight via Berau: 800,000–1,800,000 IDR (55–125 USD). 2) Boat+bus via Berau: 350,000–600,000 IDR (25–42 USD). 3) Boat+taxi via Samarinda: 400,000–800,000 IDR (28–55 USD). 4) Private speedboat direct: 5,000,000–10,000,000 IDR (350–700 USD).
4. Can I travel from Derawan Islands to Balikpapan by bus?
Yes, but it requires a combination. Take a boat from Derawan to Berau (1–2 hours), then board a bus from Berau to Balikpapan. The bus journey takes 12–15 hours and costs 200,000–350,000 IDR (14–25 USD). Total trip time is 14–17 hours. This is the cheapest option but very time-consuming.
5. What is the cheapest way to get from Derawan Islands to Balikpapan Airport?
The cheapest way is boat from Derawan to Berau (80,000–150,000 IDR) followed by a bus from Berau to Balikpapan (200,000–350,000 IDR). Total cost: 350,000–600,000 IDR (25–42 USD). Travel time: 14–17 hours. Buses depart from Berau bus terminal near Tanjung Redeb.
6. How long does it take to get from Derawan Islands to Balikpapan Airport?
Travel time depends on your chosen route: 1) Speed boat + flight via Berau: 5–6 hours. 2) Boat + land transport via Samarinda: 8–12 hours. 3) Boat + bus via Berau: 14–17 hours. 4) Private speedboat direct: 4–5 hours (but very expensive and rarely available).
7. Is it better to fly from Berau or from Samarinda to Balikpapan?
Flying from Berau (BEJ) is better for most travelers. The flight from BEJ to BPN is only 50 minutes, and the boat from Derawan to Berau is just 1 hour. Flying from Samarinda (AAP) requires a 6–8 hour boat trip from Derawan to Samarinda first, then a 30-minute flight to BPN. Berau is faster and more convenient.
8. What should I know about luggage when traveling from Derawan Islands to Balikpapan?
Speed boats to Berau have limited luggage space — pack soft bags instead of hard suitcases. If you have diving gear, consider using a luggage forwarding service (like Tiki or JNE) from Berau to Balikpapan. Airlines flying BEJ–BPN have strict weight limits (usually 20 kg checked, 7 kg carry-on). Excess baggage costs 30,000–50,000 IDR per kg.