Kalimantan Getting there & around

Getting there & away

Balikpapan’s Seppingan is the only entry point in Kalimantan where Visas on Arrival can be issued. For all other entry, whether by sea or air, you must have obtained a visa in advance.

Land

Bus

Air-con buses from Pontianak to Kuching cost 140, 000Rp to 200, 000Rp and take about 10 hours. Bookings can be made at agencies around Pontianak and at some hotels.

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Boat

Speedboats depart frequently from Nunukan in East Kalimantan to Tawau in Sabah. Buy tickets on the dock on Tarakan.

There are ferry connections from Balik­papan, Samarinda, Banjarmasin, Pontianak and Kumai to Java and Sulawesi, with both Pelni and other companies. Hitching a ride on cargo ships is also possible in many ports.

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Air

Malaysian Airlines flies between Pontianak and Kuching in Sarawak.

Balikpapan, Pontianak and Banjarmasin are the busiest airports, with connections throughout Kalimantan as well as Java and Bali. Due to turmoil in recent years, in addition to changes in government at the national and local levels, flights are in constant flux. The arrival of new airlines, coupled with fluctuating oil prices, has made competition stiff in recent years. As a rule, double check all flight times and prices with a local travel agency.

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