Balikpapan, Indonesia
A gateway to Kalimantan, this regional airport features a variety of shops.
9 features verified at Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan International Airport
Typical foot-traffic by hour, sourced from Google. Live conditions may differ.
Busiest on Mondays around 11 am — usually as busy as it gets.
Beautifully decorated, elevating local art and culture, I love the green and the nature preservation theme, clean, spacious, modern feel, available drinking water, and such a nice view of the waterfront. A breath of fresh air for travelers.
Yesterday, my mother and I have arrived at this airport from Malaysia , we accidentally put in our All Indonesia's data online wrong & it was amended. Suddenly, a bunch of ladies started to be very noisy , started asking us ridiculous questions. We were then brought inside a room where the ladies, did a full body check as in, absolutely "dehumanizing" and invasive procedures where one of them was patting her hand in my private part & my chest area. This district lack "technological" devices such as scanners & maybe "investigative skills". It has already been proven we were here out of the reasons we gave but they still suspected us for smuggling which is ridiculous. Absolute third world district, all international visitors this is one of the risks of visiting an underdeveloped district. Absolutely disappointing security. Profiling identities failure , common sense failure and lacks intelligence. I will never return to this district. One of the officers even asked, "Why Balikpapan? Why Makassar( place I have been to) why not ? So you're not helping boosting your country's tourism? Ridiculous security checking. International visitors, please take note .
SAMS Airport feels like home, my place to return. Simple, cozy, and always welcoming whenever I travel back.
Balikpapan Airport is a well-organized and efficient airport. It's easy to navigate, with clear signs and helpful staff who make the check-in and security process hassle-free. The facilities are clean and modern, and there are comfortable seating areas to relax while waiting for flights. The airport offers a good selection of food and beverage outlets, making it convenient for travelers to grab a quick bite or a coffee. Transportation options to and from the airport are also easily accessible. Overall, a pleasant and smooth experience - definitely a great gateway to explore Balikpapan and the surrounding areas!
Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan International Airport (IATA: BPN) is the primary air gateway to Balikpapan and the surrounding region of East Kalimantan on the island of Borneo. Named after a former sultan of Kutai Kartanegara, the airport handles both domestic and international flights, serving as a key transport hub for the oil, gas, and mining industries that dominate the local economy. It also plays an increasingly important role as the nearest major airport to Indonesia’s planned new capital, Nusantara, located about 45 minutes to an hour’s drive north of the city. The airport sees a mix of business travellers, workers in the resource sectors, and tourists heading to Borneo’s rainforests and wildlife reserves.
The airport is situated on the southeastern coast of Balikpapan, approximately 5 kilometres from the city centre. Its address is Jalan Marsma Iswahyudi, Gunung Bahagia, Balikpapan Selatan. Reaching the airport is straightforward by road. Taxis and ride-hailing services are widely available from the city and other parts of East Kalimantan. The journey from downtown Balikpapan typically takes 15–30 minutes, depending on traffic. For those driving, the airport is accessible via Jalan Soekarno-Hatta and Jalan Sultan Hasanuddin. Parking is available in paid lots, including a multi-storey car park adjacent to the terminal. There is no direct train or bus link, but local angkot (minibuses) and airport shuttle services connect with key points in the city. For passengers heading to Nusantara, car hire or pre-arranged transport is recommended.
Sepinggan Airport offers a range of facilities to ensure a comfortable experience for passengers. The terminal is wheelchair accessible, with designated parking spaces, entrance ramps, and accessible toilets equipped with grab bars. Changing tables are available in restrooms for families with infants. Baggage storage services allow travellers to store luggage securely for a fee. The airport provides clean public toilets throughout the terminal. For those with reduced mobility, wheelchair assistance is available upon request—passengers should notify their airline in advance.
Dining and shopping options include local and international fast-food outlets, coffee shops, and convenience stores selling snacks, drinks, and travel essentials. There are also souvenir shops offering regional handicrafts and batik. Free Wi-Fi is available in the terminal, though connection speeds may vary. Charging stations can be found near seating areas. The airport does not have a dedicated lounge, but some airline lounges are accessible to eligible passengers. Currency exchange and ATMs are located in the arrival and departure halls. For those needing to stay connected, a post office and mobile phone service counters are present.
Balikpapan is a bustling port city on the eastern coast of Borneo, known for its deep-water harbour and as a centre for the oil and gas industry. The city’s economy revolves around refining and export, with global companies such as Pertamina and Chevron maintaining operations. The surrounding province of East Kalimantan is rich in natural resources, including coal, timber, and palm oil. Beyond industry, the region is a gateway to some of Borneo’s most spectacular natural attractions: the Kutai National Park (home to proboscis monkeys and orangutans), the Mahakam River, and the highlands of the Muller Range. Ecotourism is growing, with visitors drawn to rainforest trekking, river cruises, and wildlife spotting. The airport’s proximity to Nusantara, the future administrative capital of Indonesia, is reshaping its role as a logistical and transit hub.
The airport operates daily, though it may not be open 24 hours—passengers should confirm their flight times and plan arrival accordingly. Peak travel times are around 11:00 and 12:00 noon, so expect longer queues at check-in and security during these hours. For inquiries, the airport can be contacted by phone at +62 542 766886. The official website provides flight schedules, terminal maps, and service information: https://www.sepinggan-airport.com/id#. It is advisable to check the website for any operational changes or special announcements before travelling.
When departing, arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. The security screening process is standard, and liquids must be in containers of 100ml or less. International passengers should ensure they have all necessary travel documents, as immigration checks can be thorough. Overall, Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan International Airport is a functional and efficient entry point to one of Indonesia’s most resource-rich and ecologically important regions.
Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan International Airport
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Wikipedia
More about Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan International Airport
Wikipedia
More about Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan International Airport
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