Lombok to Samarinda

• Toll Road

  Ensure your driver uses the Balikpapan-Samarinda Toll Road to save significant time compared to the old provincial road.
• Shuttle Services

  Companies like Xtrans or private travel agents offer reliable shuttle services between BPN and Samarinda.
• Local Food

  Try 'Nasi Bekepor', a traditional Samarinda rice dish cooked with various spices and fish.
• Sun Protection

  The sun in East Kalimantan is intense; wear high-SPF sunscreen and a hat.
• Booking

  Use travel apps to compare flight prices to Balikpapan, as they fluctuate daily.

• Road Safety

  If hiring a private car, ensure the driver is experienced with the toll road and does not speed.
• River Safety

  When taking river boats, always check for life jackets on board before departing.
• Health

  Carry basic first-aid supplies, including rehydration salts, as pharmacies can be sparse in rural areas.
• Night Travel

  Avoid long-distance road travel between cities after dark due to limited lighting on some sections.

• Is there an airport in Samarinda?
  Yes, APT Pranoto Airport (AAP) serves Samarinda, but most flights from Lombok still route through Balikpapan.
• How long is the drive from Balikpapan to Samarinda?
  Using the toll road, the drive typically takes between 2.5 and 3 hours.
• What is the best way to travel between Balikpapan and Samarinda?
  A private car or a shared shuttle service is the most comfortable and efficient method.
• Is Samarinda a tourist destination?
  It is primarily a business hub, but it offers unique cultural experiences like river tours and traditional markets.
• Can I take a bus from Balikpapan to Samarinda?
  Yes, public buses are available from the Batu Ampar terminal in Balikpapan, though they are less comfortable than shuttles.

• From Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
• To Samarinda, Kalimantan Timur, Indonesia
• Modes

June to August, when the toll road conditions are optimal and rainfall is at its lowest.