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BPN destination photo

BTHBPN

Our Recommendation
8.8

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a superior vantage point for the iconic Barelang Bridge network at takeoff and provides the most dramatic views of the Balikpapan city skyline and its bustling bay upon arrival.

Right Side Highlights
8.8
🌉

Barelang Bridges

A stunning view of the chain of six bridges connecting the islands of Batam, Rempang, and Galang immediately after departure.

💎

Lingga Archipelago

A cluster of turquoise islands and coral reefs scattered across the Java Sea south of the Riau Islands.

🌊

Java Sea Transit

Observe traditional 'bagang' fishing platforms dotted across the blue waters during the mid-flight cruise.

🪵

Barito River Mouth

The massive estuary near Banjarmasin where huge coal barges are frequently visible from high altitude.

🏙️

Balikpapan Skyline

Unrivaled views of the 'Oil City' coastal developments and the Pertamina refinery complex during the final descent.

The right side is ideal for late afternoon flights to witness the sunset over the Java Sea. Watch for the Barelang Bridges within the first 5 minutes of takeoff. On the approach to BPN, this side typically faces the city and the bay, offering better urban photography opportunities than the left side.

Left Side Highlights
8.2
🏝️

Bintan Island

Aerial views of high-end resorts and the crystal-clear waters surrounding the neighboring Bintan island shortly after takeoff.

🚢

Singapore Strait

In the distance to the north, you can often see the world's busiest shipping lanes filled with hundreds of cargo vessels.

🌳

Kalimantan Rainforest

Deep green views of the vast Borneo interior, showcasing the dense canopy and primary tropical forests.

🐍

Meandering Rivers

Intricate, snake-like river systems cutting through the Kalimantan landscape as the flight moves inland.

🏗️

Mahakam Delta

The complex network of waterways and swamps near the mouth of the Mahakam River as you approach East Kalimantan.

Sit on this side for morning flights to avoid the harsh tropical sun glare. Keep your camera ready about 20 minutes before landing to capture the scale of Kalimantan's massive river systems. Visibility is best during the dry season (June to September) when haze from agricultural burning is minimal.

Top Activities in Balikpapan
Route Information

Distance: 1,445 km (898 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 56 min

Departure: BTH (1.12102997303, 104.119003296)

Arrival: BPN (-1.2682700157200002, 116.893997192)

Route Type: Domestic

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