No, there are no passenger trains in East Kalimantan.

How long is the toll road?

The Balikpapan-Samarinda toll road is approximately 97 km long.

Can I fly to Samarinda?

Yes, APT Pranoto Airport serves Samarinda, but flights are limited compared to Balikpapan.

Costs are moderate, with the flight being the largest expense.

What is the best way to move around?

Use ride-hailing apps like Grab or Gojek for city transport.

Gili Trawangan

Samarinda

Flight

Gili Trawangan to Samarinda

Updated: 28 May 2026

To reach Samarinda from Gili Trawangan, you must first fly to Balikpapan's Sepinggan Airport. From Balikpapan, you can take a 3-hour drive via the Balikpapan-Samarinda Toll Road. This highway has significantly reduced travel time between the two cities. The total distance covered is approximately 1,350 km. Samarinda is the capital of East Kalimantan and serves as a gateway to the Mahakam River.

Total Distance: Driving distance 140 km (Balikpapan to Samarinda); Air distance 1,200 km.

Fastest Way

Flight to Balikpapan followed by a private taxi via the toll road.

Cheapest Way

Flight to Balikpapan followed by a shared travel shuttle to Samarinda.

Compare Gili Trawangan to Samarinda Routes

Flight

Connecting

Duration

11 hours

Avg Price

2,000,000 - 4,000,000 IDR

Operator

Lion Air, Batik Air

Route

Gili Trawangan - Bangsal - LOP - BPN - Samarinda Toll Road

The toll road is the fastest way to reach Samarinda from Balikpapan airport.

Travel Tips

Toll Road
Ensure your driver uses the Balikpapan-Samarinda Toll Road for a faster, smoother journey.
Shuttle Services
Use reputable shuttle companies like X-Trans or local travel agents for the Balikpapan-Samarinda leg.
Cash
Carry small denominations of cash for toll payments and local snacks.
Language
Basic Indonesian phrases will help you navigate local transport hubs effectively.
Timing
Avoid traveling during peak Friday afternoon hours to skip potential traffic near Samarinda city center.

Safety Tips

Road Safety
Always wear your seatbelt, even in the back seat of taxis.
Water Safety
Do not drink tap water; stick to bottled or filtered water.
Night Travel
Avoid long-distance road travel between cities at night if possible.
Documentation
Keep a digital copy of your ID and travel documents on your phone.