Tjilik Riwut Airport

Tjilik Riwut Airport (PKY) lies 16 kilometres east of Palangka Raya city centre, serving as the primary air gateway to Central Kalimantan on the island of Borneo. Named after a Dayak pilot and former governor, the airport handles domestic flights from major Indonesian cities including Jakarta, Surabaya, and Banjarmasin. With a single runway and a compact terminal, it processes a steady flow of passengers—mostly government workers, business travellers, and tourists heading inland to explore Borneo’s rainforest. The airport is not open 24 hours; flights and terminal operations are concentrated during daylight hours, with the busiest period around midday from Monday to Thursday. Understanding the airport’s layout and limitations makes for a smoother journey in this humid equatorial setting, where sudden downpours are a daily possibility.

Getting There

From Palangka Raya city centre, the journey to Tjilik Riwut Airport takes about 20 to 30 minutes by car or taxi, depending on traffic. The route follows Jalan Tjilik Riwut, a main road that runs eastward out of the city, passing through mixed residential and commercial areas before reaching the airport precinct. Official taxis operate from a rank at the terminal and cost a fixed rate of around 150,000 to 200,000 Indonesian rupiah (approximately 10 to 14 US dollars) for the trip into town. Ride-hailing apps like Gojek and Grab are also available, though they may not always have drivers waiting at the airport – it is wise to book in advance from the city. For those driving, the airport has a paid parking lot with a capacity of several hundred vehicles, charging a daily fee of roughly 5,000 to 10,000 rupiah per hour. Public minibuses (angkot) serve the route irregularly and are not recommended for travellers with luggage. The road is generally well paved, but during the rainy season (October to April) some sections can become congested with trucks and motorbikes, so allow a few extra minutes.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at Tjilik Riwut Airport is a single‑storey building that handles both arrivals and departures on the same level. Entering from the car park, passengers first encounter the check‑in area: a row of counters operated by airlines such as Lion Air, Batik Air, and Garuda Indonesia. Baggage storage is available at a small counter near the entrance, charging about 20,000 rupiah per item per day – useful for travellers who want to explore Palangka Raya without their bags. Security screening follows, consisting of a metal detector and x‑ray machine; staff are thorough but efficient. The departure lounge is an open hall with plastic seating, a few shops selling snacks and souvenirs, and toilets that are clean but basic. A wheelchair‑accessible entrance, car park, and toilet are confirmed facilities, and there is a changing table in the accessible restroom. Food options are limited: one or two small kiosks offer packaged snacks, instant noodles, and coffee; there is no full‑service restaurant. The atmosphere is functional rather than inviting – concrete floors, fluorescent lighting, and the constant hum of air conditioning. Passengers should bring their own water and snacks, as what is on offer is overpriced. Boarding is announced over a PA system and passengers walk across the tarmac to the aircraft. Arrival area is similarly compact, with a conveyor belt for luggage and a taxi stand immediately outside.

Tjilik Riwut Airport (PKY) and Palangka Raya City

Palangka Raya is the capital of Central Kalimantan, a province that covers a vast swath of Borneo’s interior. The city was founded in 1957 as part of Indonesia’s transmigration program, designed to move people from densely populated Java to less developed islands. Today, it sits on the banks of the Kahayan River, one of the largest rivers in Central Kalimantan. The river is the lifeblood of the region: local Dayak communities use it for transport, fishing, and daily life. A riverside promenade (Jalan Kahayan) features a large statue of a hornbill, the symbol of the Dayak people, and a park where families gather in the evenings. The city itself is laid out in a grid pattern, with wide avenues lined with government offices, hotels, and modest restaurants. The population is around 300,000, a mix of Dayaks (the indigenous inhabitants), Javanese transmigrants, Banjarese from South Kalimantan, and Chinese Indonesians. Palangka Raya is not a typical tourist destination, but it serves as a launchpad for exploring the surrounding rainforest and peat swamps. The main attraction is Sebangau National Park, a peat swamp forest accessible by boat from the city. The park is home to proboscis monkeys, gibbons, and one of the largest populations of Bornean orangutans in the wild. Visitors can take guided boat trips along blackwater rivers to see wildlife and learn about the endemic species. Another significant site is the Museum Balanga, which houses an impressive collection of Dayak artefacts including skulls (a remnant of headhunting traditions), ceremonial masks, and textiles. The museum also explains the history of the region and the impact of logging and palm oil plantations. For those interested in architecture, the provincial government office complex features a striking blue dome and extensive gardens. The local cuisine is worth sampling: typical dishes include ikan haruan (snakehead fish) cooked in various ways, and sayur asam (sour vegetable soup). Street food stalls along Jalan Yos Sudarso offer grilled fish and satay. Understanding the city’s role as a gateway to the interior explains why most airport users are either passing through on business or heading to the national parks. Palangka Raya itself is best experienced as a base for river and forest excursions, with a day or two to absorb its calm, provincial atmosphere.

Practical Information

Tjilik Riwut Airport is open daily from approximately 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM local time, corresponding to the operational hours of its scheduled flights. The busiest times, based on flight schedules, are Monday to Thursday around midday (12 PM to 1 PM), when multiple departures to Jakarta and Surabaya are concentrated. For specific flight information, visit the official website at https://tjilikriwut-airport.co.id/. The airport does not have a published telephone number for passenger inquiries; most information is available on the website or through your airline. There is no hotel inside the terminal, but several budget and mid‑range hotels are located along Jalan Tjilik Riwut, about 10‑15 minutes from the airport. ATMs are available inside the terminal, but they may run out of cash on busy days – bring enough rupiah for taxis and snacks. The airport is wheelchair accessible with ramps and accessible toilets, but the parking lot is not enclosed, so assistance may be needed during rain. Wi‑Fi is not reliably available; download offline maps and entertainment before arriving. One concrete piece of advice: because the terminal lacks a proper restaurant and the security queue can build up during the midday rush, arrive at least 90 minutes before departure with your own water, snacks, and a printed or digital boarding pass to minimise stress.