Quick Answer
There is no direct route from Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Airport (BPN) in Samarinda to Derawan Islands. The only realistic way is a combination of a domestic flight and a speedboat. The best and most common route is to fly from BPN to Kalimarau Airport (BEJ) in Berau (1-1.5 hours), then take a pre-arranged speedboat from Berau's Tanjung Redeb port to Derawan Island (30-45 mins). Total travel time is 4-6 hours and costs between $150 - $300+ USD per person, depending on flight prices and boat arrangements.
By Plane (The Recommended & Fastest Method)
Flying is the most efficient and popular way to reach the gateway to Derawan Islands. You'll take a short domestic flight to a coastal airport, followed by a speedboat transfer.
Why it's the best choice: It saves immense time (days vs. hours), is more comfortable, and is the standard route taken by nearly all tourists and travel packages.
Step-by-Step: The Flight + Speedboat Route
The journey involves two critical legs:
- Flight from BPN to Kalimarau Airport (BEJ), Berau:
- Airlines: Primarily served by Citilink and Sriwijaya Air. Schedules vary; typically 1-2 flights daily.
- Flight Duration: Approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Key Consideration: Flight schedules to Berau are limited. You must coordinate your international arrival at BPN with the domestic departure to BEJ, which may require an overnight stay in Samarinda.
- Transfer from BEJ to Derawan by Speedboat:
- Arrival at BEJ: The airport is small. Your pre-arranged driver or hotel representative will meet you.
- Road Transfer: A 20-30 minute drive from BEJ to the harbor at Tanjung Redeb or Tanjung Batu.
- Speedboat Ride: The final leg is a 30-45 minute speedboat ride to Derawan Island. Boats must be booked in advance.
Booking & Costs (Flight + Boat Package)
Most travelers book this as a package through their Derawan resort or a local tour operator. A typical package includes:
- Airport pick-up at BEJ
- Car transfer to the harbor
- Return speedboat transfers to Derawan
Alternative Airports: Tarakan (TRK)
Some travelers fly from BPN to Tarakan Airport (TRK), then take a longer ferry/speedboat to Derawan. This is generally less recommended as the sea journey from Tarakan is longer (2-3+ hours) and more susceptible to weather.
| Gateway Airport | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berau (BEJ) | Closest to Derawan; shortest boat ride (30-45 min); standard tourist route. | Limited flights; requires careful schedule planning. | First-time visitors, time-conscious travelers, package tours. |
| Tarakan (TRK) | More flight options from major Indonesian cities. | Much longer & rougher boat journey (2-3+ hrs); less direct. | Travelers already in North Kalimantan or with flexible itineraries. |
By Bus & Car (The Overland + Sea Journey)
This is a long, multi-stage overland journey followed by a sea crossing. It is significantly cheaper than flying but takes 2-3 days. It's an adventure for budget backpackers with ample time.
The Detailed Route & Steps
- Samarinda (BPN) to Berau by Bus/Minivan:
- Duration: 12-16 hours on winding, sometimes rough roads.
- Vehicle: Public buses or shared minivans (“travel”).
- Cost: IDR 200,000 - 350,000 (approx. $13 - $23).
- Departure: From Samarinda's bus terminals (e.g., Sungai Kunjang). Overnight buses are available.
- Berau (Tanjung Redeb) to Derawan by Public Boat:
- Duration: 2-3 hours on a slower public boat ("kapal biasa").
- Schedule: Often only once daily, usually in the morning. Highly dependent on weather and passenger load.
- Cost: IDR 100,000 - 150,000 (approx. $6 - $10).
Critical Considerations
- Time & Comfort: This is a strenuous journey. The bus ride is long and can be uncomfortable.
- Uncertainty: Public boat schedules are not fixed. You may get stuck in Berau waiting for a boat.
- Not Recommended for Short Trips: If your total vacation is under a week, this route consumes too much time.
By Taxi / Private Car Charter
You can charter a private car from Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Airport all the way to the port in Berau (Tanjung Redeb). This is the most expensive overland option but offers door-to-door convenience.
- Distance: Approximately 350 - 400 km.
- Duration: 8 - 10 hours drive, depending on road conditions.
- Estimated Cost: IDR 2,500,000 - 4,500,000 (approx. $160 - $290) for the entire car.
- Who Should Consider This?
- Groups of 3-4 people where the cost can be shared.
- Families with lots of luggage.
- Travelers arriving late at night who miss the last flight to Berau and don't want to stay in Samarinda.
- Those with extreme motion sickness who cannot tolerate small planes.
Important: This only gets you to the harbor in Berau. You must still arrange the speedboat transfer to Derawan separately, which should be coordinated with your driver or booked in advance.
Tickets & Cost Comparison: How to Choose
Here’s a data-driven comparison to help you decide. Costs are approximate per person and can vary based on season, booking time, and negotiation.
| Method | Total Travel Time | Estimated Cost (One-Way) | Key Steps / Transfers | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plane + Speedboat (via BEJ) | 4 - 6 hours | $150 - $300+ | Flight BPN→BEJ (1h), Car (30m), Speedboat (45m) | Most travelers, time-efficient, comfort-seekers |
| Bus + Public Boat | 2 - 3 days | $20 - $35 | Bus (12-16h), Overnight in Berau, Public Boat (2-3h) | Budget backpackers, adventure travelers with unlimited time |
| Private Car + Speedboat | 9 - 11 hours | $200 - $350+ (for group) | Private Car (8-10h), Speedboat (45m) | Small groups, families, those avoiding flights |
Final Verdict
- For 95% of Tourists: The Flight to Berau (BEJ) + pre-booked speedboat is the clear, recommended choice. It's fast and reliable.
- For Extreme Budget Travelers: The Bus + Public Boat route is viable if you have 2-3 extra days to spare.
- Avoid attempting to combine random taxis and unplanned boats; always book the speedboat transfer in advance.
Traveler Experience & Essential Tips
Beyond the schedules and prices, here’s the real-world advice you need for a smooth journey.
1. Coordination is King
Book your Derawan accommodation FIRST. Reputable homestays and resorts have the most reliable networks for arranging speedboat transfers from Berau. They will coordinate the pick-up from BEJ airport or the Berau harbor for you.
2. Flight Schedule Strategy
International flights often arrive at BPN in the afternoon. The last flight to Berau (BEJ) usually departs by early afternoon. Therefore, you will likely need to spend one night in Samarinda near the airport. Book a hotel in advance for this stopover. Ibis Styles Samarinda is a convenient, reliable option.
3. Pack Smart for the Boat
The speedboat ride can be wet and bumpy.
- Use dry bags for electronics and important documents.
- Wear sunscreen and a hat; the sun is intense on the water.
- Pack light; luggage space on small boats is limited.
4. Cash is Essential
ATMs are scarce in Berau harbor and non-existent on Derawan. Withdraw sufficient Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) in Samarinda or at BPN airport to cover boat fees, incidental expenses, and your stay on the islands.
5. Weather Contingency
Boat transfers, especially public ones, are highly dependent on weather and sea conditions. During the rainy season (Nov-Mar), trips can be delayed or canceled. Build buffer days into your itinerary if possible.
FAQs: Getting from Sultan Aji Airport to Derawan Islands
Is there a direct flight from Sultan Aji Airport to Derawan Islands?
No. Derawan Islands do not have an airport. You must fly to a nearby coastal airport (Berau/BEJ is best) and then take a boat.
What is the cheapest way to get to Derawan from BPN?
The absolute cheapest way is by public bus from Samarinda to Berau, followed by the public slow boat to Derawan. This costs around $20-35 but takes 2-3 days.
What is the fastest way to get to Derawan from BPN?
The fastest way is the domestic flight to Kalimarau Airport (BEJ) in Berau followed by an immediate pre-arranged speedboat transfer. Total door-to-door time can be as little as 4-5 hours.
Can I travel from BPN to Derawan at night?
Not practically. Flights to Berau do not operate at night. You could take an overnight bus to Berau, but you would arrive in the morning and then need to wait for a daytime boat. It's better to stay overnight in Samarinda and start fresh in the morning.
Is it easy to travel to Derawan with children?
The flight + speedboat route is manageable with children. Book a private speedboat for more control and comfort. The long bus+boat journey is not recommended for young children due to its length and discomfort.
Do I need to book the speedboat in advance?
Absolutely yes. Do not arrive in Berau without a confirmed boat transfer. Book it through your Derawan island accommodation for the most reliable service.
What's included in a typical "speedboat transfer" package from Berau?
A standard package includes: (1) Pick-up from BEJ airport or your hotel in Berau, (2) Transport to the harbor, and (3) The return speedboat journey to your island resort (e.g., Derawan, Maratua). Meals and national park fees are usually extra.
What is the best time of year to make this journey?
The dry season (April - October) offers the calmest seas and most reliable boat schedules. During the rainy season, trips are more likely to be delayed by weather.