Tjilik Riwut Airport

Overview

Beringin Airport (also known as Ex Beringin Airport) is a small regional airport serving North Barito Regency in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. It connects the remote regency capital, Muara Teweh, to larger urban centres in Kalimantan such as Palangkaraya and Banjarmasin. The airport is operated by the Indonesian Ministry of Transportation and primarily handles domestic flights on a limited schedule. It is not open every day, and services are typically provided by smaller regional carriers using turboprop aircraft. For locals, the airport is a vital link to the outside world, reducing travel time that would otherwise require hours by road or river. For travellers, it offers access to one of Borneo’s less-visited regions, where dense rainforest and the massive Barito River define the landscape.

Location & Access

Beringin Airport is located in Muara Teweh, the capital of North Barito Regency. The airport sits just a few kilometres from the town centre, making it relatively easy to reach by road. Muara Teweh lies on the Barito River, approximately 300 kilometres northeast of Palangkaraya, the provincial capital of Central Kalimantan. The nearest major city with a larger airport is Palangkaraya (PKY), or alternatively Banjarmarin (BDJ) in South Kalimantan, about 400 kilometres by road.

Getting to the airport from Muara Teweh usually involves a short taxi or ojek (motorcycle taxi) ride. From outside the region, most visitors arrive by road from Palangkaraya or via the river. The main road connecting the area is Trans-Kalimantan Highway, though conditions vary, especially during the rainy season. There is no direct public bus service to the airport, so arranging private transport is advisable. For those arriving by river, the airport is a short drive from the Muara Teweh port.

Facilities

As a small regional airport, Beringin Airport has minimal facilities. The terminal consists of a basic check-in area and a waiting room with limited seating. There are no confirmed food outlets, shops, or lounges. Passengers should bring their own snacks and drinks, especially if facing delays. The airport does not have a dedicated business lounge, and Wi-Fi is not publicly available. Basic restrooms are present, but amenities like ATMs or currency exchange are also lacking. Travelers are advised to arrange all essentials before arriving. The airport’s remote nature means that what is available can change, so confirming with the airline or checking the official website before travel is wise.

About the Region

North Barito Regency lies in the heart of Central Kalimantan, a province that covers a large part of the Indonesian side of Borneo. The region is dominated by the Barito River, one of the longest rivers in Borneo, which serves as a major transportation artery for people and goods. The surrounding landscape is a mix of tropical rainforest, peat swamps, and plantation areas, with some of the most extensive remaining lowland forests in Kalimantan.

The area is home to indigenous Dayak communities, known for their traditional longhouses and intricate beadwork and woodcarvings. Visitors come to North Barito primarily for off-the-beaten-path ecotourism—exploring the rainforest, birdwatching, and taking river trips on the Barito to observe proboscis monkeys and, occasionally, orangutans. The regency is also known for its natural resources, including coal, gold, and palm oil, which drive the local economy. Muara Teweh itself is a small, laid-back town where life moves at the pace of the river. The airport provides an essential entry point for those wishing to explore this remote corner of Borneo without a multi-day river journey.

Practical Information

• Airport Code: Not publicly listed (small regional code)
• Address: Beringin Airport, Muara Teweh, North Barito Regency, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia
• Phone: +62 519 21350
• Website: http://hubud.dephub.go.id/?en/bandara/detail/207
• Hours: Not open daily; schedule varies. Check with the airline for current flight times.
• Parking: Limited outdoor parking available.

Given the limited operating days, it is essential to confirm your flight’s schedule well in advance. The airport phone number connects to the local office, which can provide basic information. The official website, managed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (Hubud), lists route and schedule details when available. For any specific needs, contacting the airline directly is recommended. Beringin Airport is a functional gateway to a remarkable region—prepare accordingly and you will be rewarded with an authentic Bornean experience.