Aji Pangeran Tumenggung Pranoto International Airport

Bandar Udara Aji Pangeran Tumenggung Pranoto lies 10 kilometres north of Samarinda's city centre, replacing the cramped Temindung Airport that once served the East Kalimantan capital from within the urban grid. Opened in 2018, the new facility reflects the region's rapid growth, handling domestic flights from Jakarta, Surabaya, Balikpapan, and other Indonesian cities, with occasional international charter traffic. The terminal is compact but modern, designed to process passengers efficiently without the congestion of larger Indonesian hubs. For travellers heading to Samarinda or connecting to the wider Kalimantan region, this airport now provides the primary air access point, with road links that avoid the traffic bottlenecks of the old city-centre location.

Getting There

The airport is located in Samarinda Utara district, about 10 kilometres from the city centre. By car, the journey takes 20 to 30 minutes via Jalan Ahmad Yani and Jalan Pangeran Suryanata. The road is in good condition, though during peak hours congestion can add 10 to 15 minutes. Taxis are available at the arrivals curb, with fixed fares to the city centre of around 100,000 Indonesian rupiah. Ride-hailing services such as Grab and Gojek also operate extensively; a trip to the central business district costs roughly 70,000 to 90,000 rupiah. Some hotels in Samarinda offer shuttle services – check with your accommodation in advance. Public minibuses (angkot) serve the airport area but require a transfer to reach central Samarinda. For those driving, the airport has several parking options. A paid parking lot sits directly in front of the terminal, with rates starting at 5,000 rupiah per hour. There is also a free multi-storey car park a short walk away, as well as free on-street parking along the access road. Valet parking is offered for an additional fee, typically 20,000 rupiah per day.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal is a single two-storey building. Departures are on the upper level, arrivals on the ground floor. The check-in hall features counters for all major airlines serving Samarinda: Lion Air, Batik Air, Citilink, Garuda Indonesia, and Wings Air. Self-check-in kiosks are available for some carriers. Security screening is quick, with two lines operating during peak times. The departure lounge is spacious and air-conditioned, with seating arranged near the gates. Wi-Fi is free throughout the terminal; connect to the network "APT Pranoto Airport" – no password required. Charging stations are available near some seating areas. For families, a nursing room with a changing table is located near the main restrooms. Wheelchair users will find accessible entrances, toilets, and parking spaces. Baggage storage is available at the information desk on the arrivals level for a daily fee of about 50,000 rupiah. The terminal has clean toilets with baby-changing facilities. During the busiest times – Monday through Thursday around 11 am – the check-in area can become busy, but queues rarely exceed 15 minutes. There are no hotels inside the terminal, but a small prayer room (musholla) is provided.

Bandar Udara Aji Pangeran Tumenggung Pranoto and Samarinda City

Samarinda is the capital of East Kalimantan, a city of over 800,000 people straddling the Mahakam River. The city's economy is driven by coal mining, oil palm plantations, and timber – industries that attract business travellers and workers from across Indonesia. But Samarinda also holds cultural and natural attractions worth exploring. The Mahakam River itself is a lifeline: river cruises pass floating markets, traditional Dayak longhouses, and proboscis monkey habitats in the delta. On land, the Samarinda Islamic Center (Masjid Baitul Muttaqien) is one of Southeast Asia's largest mosques, with a striking gold dome and a capacity of 20,000 worshippers. For a glimpse of indigenous Dayak culture, the Pampang Cultural Village, 20 kilometres north of the city, hosts traditional dance performances and sells handwoven crafts. The city's food scene blends Malay, Javanese, and Dayak influences – try the local specialty "soto banjar" (a chicken soup) or "mie sop" (noodle soup) from street stalls. The airport plays a crucial role in connecting Samarinda to the rest of Indonesia and, increasingly, to international destinations. It handles around 2 million passengers annually, with flights to Jakarta, Surabaya, Balikpapan, Makassar, and Yogyakarta. For travellers passing through, the airport is a gateway not just to a city but to the vast interior of Borneo – a region of rainforests, rivers, and communities that remain off the beaten path. The new airport has spurred development along the northern corridor, with hotels and businesses springing up near the terminal, making it easier than ever to use Samarinda as a base for exploring East Kalimantan.

Practical Information

The airport is open daily from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM, corresponding to scheduled flight times. It is not open 24 hours. Contact the airport on +62 811-551-944 or visit aptpairport.id for flight schedules and service updates. Taxis at the airport charge a flat rate; agree on the fare before boarding. For a more reliable experience, book through a ride-hailing app. The free multi-storey car park fills up quickly during busy periods – arrive at least an hour early if driving. Wi-Fi is free but can be slow during peak hours; consider downloading maps and documents before arriving. If you have a long layover, the baggage storage service lets you explore the city without heavy luggage. One concrete piece of advice: if flying out on a weekday morning, especially around 11 am, allow an extra 30 minutes for check-in and security – the airport is busiest then, and queues can form despite the efficient layout.