Is there a direct road from Penajam to Tarakan?

No, there is no continuous road connection due to the dense jungle and river terrain.

How do I get from Penajam to Balikpapan?

Take a speedboat from the Penajam port to the Balikpapan harbor, which takes about 20 minutes.

Which airline flies to Tarakan?

Lion Air, Batik Air, and Citilink operate regular flights to Juwata Airport.

Are there hotels near the port in Tarakan?

Yes, several budget and mid-range hotels are located within walking distance of Malundung Port.

What is the best way to travel between islands?

Speedboats and Pelni ships are the primary modes of inter-island transport in North Kalimantan.

Penajam

Tarakan

Flight Ship

Penajam to Tarakan

Updated: 28 May 2026

To reach Tarakan from Penajam, you must first cross the Balikpapan Bay to reach Balikpapan city. From Balikpapan, the most efficient route is a direct flight from SAMS Sepinggan International Airport to Juwata International Airport. Alternatively, you can take a Pelni ship from Semayang Port in Balikpapan to Tarakan. The journey covers approximately 600 km across the Kalimantan coastline. Expect a total travel time of 5 to 8 hours depending on your connection. This route connects the industrial hub of East Kalimantan with the trade gateway of North Kalimantan.

Total Distance: Driving distance 650 km, straight-line air distance 580 km.

Fastest Way

Direct flight from Balikpapan, taking 90 minutes in the air plus airport transit time.

Cheapest Way

Pelni ship, costing approximately IDR 450,000, though it requires a full day of travel.

Compare Penajam to Tarakan Routes

	Flight Direct	Ship Direct
Duration	1 hour 30 mins	24 hours
Avg Price	IDR 1,200,000 - 2,500,000	IDR 450,000 - 700,000
Operator	Lion Air	Pelni
Route	SAMS Sepinggan (BPN) to Juwata (TRK)	Semayang Port to Malundung Port
Tip	Book your ticket at least two weeks in advance to secure lower fares.	Bring your own food and water as onboard options are limited.

Travel Tips

Cross-Bay Transit
Use the speedboats from Penajam to Balikpapan port, which run every 15 minutes.
Airport Transfer
Use official airport taxis at SAMS Sepinggan to avoid overcharging by freelance drivers.
Currency
Carry sufficient cash as many smaller shops in Tarakan do not accept digital payments.
Packing
Pack light, breathable clothing due to the high humidity in both Penajam and Tarakan.
Connectivity
Telkomsel provides the most reliable mobile data coverage across this route.

Safety Tips

Sea Safety
Always check weather reports before boarding ferries, especially during the monsoon season.
Valuables
Keep your passport and wallet in a secure money belt while navigating busy ports.
Health
Carry mosquito repellent as malaria is present in some forested areas of Kalimantan.
Emergency
Save the local police emergency number 110 in your phone before starting your journey.