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BPN → BEJ
Which side of the plane to sit from Sultan Aji Muhamad Sulaiman Airport (Balikpapan) to Kalimarau Airport (Tanjung Redep-Borneo Island)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides a superior vantage point for viewing the vast Makassar Strait and the world-renowned Sangkulirang-Mangkalihat Karst mountains, offering a rare look at prehistoric limestone landscapes.
Makassar Strait
Expansive views of the turquoise waters separating Borneo from Sulawesi, often dotted with traditional fishing vessels.
Sangkulirang-Mangkalihat Karst
Dramatic views of ancient limestone cliffs and jagged mountain peaks that rise sharply from the coastal jungle floor.
Coastal Mangrove Belts
Intricate networks of mangrove forests and tidal channels where the rainforest meets the Celebes Sea.
Berau River Delta
The complex river delta system near the destination, featuring numerous small islands and sediment-rich waterways.
Choose a mid-afternoon flight to avoid direct sunlight from the east. Keep your camera ready about 25-30 minutes into the flight for the best views of the Karst formations. On clear days, you may see the distant outlines of the Derawan Islands archipelago just before the final descent.
Balikpapan Bay
Aerial views of the massive Balang Island Bridge and the busy port activity of Balikpapan shortly after takeoff.
Borneo Rainforest
Endless stretches of tropical canopy, showcasing the dense, green heart of the world's third-largest island.
Resource Landscapes
Visible open-pit coal mines and large-scale plantations that define the economic landscape of East Kalimantan.
Tanjung Redeb Town
A clear view of the urban sprawl of the Berau Regency capital as the plane descends into Kalimarau.
Opt for an early morning flight (07:00-09:00) to have the sun behind you, illuminating the deep greens of the jungle without glare. Watch for the winding Mahakam River tributaries in the distance. During the dry season (August-October), be aware that haze from land clearing can sometimes obscure long-distance inland views.
Distance: 385 km (239 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 39 min
Departure: BPN (-1.2682700157200002, 116.893997192)
Arrival: BEJ (2.1555, 117.431999)
Route Type: Domestic
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