How far is Samarinda from Balikpapan?

It is approximately 120 km, taking about 3 hours by car.

Is there an airport in Samarinda?

Yes, APT Pranoto Airport (AAP) serves the city.

What is the best time to visit Samarinda?

The dry season from May to September is ideal.

Can I see Dayak culture in Samarinda?

Yes, the Pampang Cultural Village is the best place for this.

Is the Mahakam River safe for tourists?

Yes, with reputable tour operators, it is a safe and popular activity.

Samarinda

Flight Driving

Pujut to Samarinda

Updated: 28 May 2026

To reach Samarinda from Pujut, you must first fly to East Kalimantan. The most common route is flying into Balikpapan (BPN) and then taking a 3-hour drive to Samarinda. Alternatively, you can fly directly into APT Pranoto Airport (AAP) in Samarinda if a connection is available. Samarinda is the provincial capital and sits along the Mahakam River. The journey involves a mix of air travel and road transport through the hilly terrain of East Kalimantan.

Total Distance: Air distance 1,000 km; road distance from Balikpapan 120 km.

Fastest Way

Direct flight to APT Pranoto Airport (if available) takes 6 hours total.

Cheapest Way

Flying to Balikpapan and taking a shared shuttle to Samarinda.

Compare Pujut to Samarinda Routes

	Flight Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	8 hours	3 hours
Avg Price	1.8 million - 3.5 million IDR	200,000 - 400,000 IDR
Operator	Lion Air or Batik Air	Travel Shuttle Services
Route	LOP to AAP via CGK	Balikpapan-Samarinda Highway
Tip	Check if your flight lands at APT Pranoto (AAP) to save on the drive from Balikpapan.	Use a reputable shuttle service like 'Gelora' for the Balikpapan-Samarinda leg.

Travel Tips

Shuttle
Book your shuttle from Balikpapan airport to Samarinda in advance.
River Safety
Always wear a life jacket if taking small boats on the Mahakam River.
Language
Basic Indonesian phrases will be very helpful in local markets.
Cash
Carry small denominations of cash for local transport and food.
Connectivity
Telkomsel provides the best signal coverage in East Kalimantan.

Safety Tips

Road Travel
The road between Balikpapan and Samarinda can be winding; take motion sickness medication if needed.
Sun Protection
The sun is intense; use sunscreen and hats.
Water
Avoid tap water; use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth.
Emergency
Save the number of your hotel and local police station.