Loading map...
SRG → BPN
Which side of the plane to sit from Achmad Yani Airport (Semarang) to Sultan Aji Muhamad Sulaiman Airport (Balikpapan)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior view of the Balikpapan city skyline and the massive Pertamina refinery complex during the descent into SAMS Sepinggan Airport, alongside views of the Semarang coastline upon departure.
Search flights from SRG to BPN
Semarang Cityscape
Excellent views of the provincial capital of Central Java and its bustling harbor during initial climb.
Java Sea Shipping Lanes
Spot numerous cargo ships and traditional wooden 'pinisi' boats traversing the busy maritime route.
Kalimantan Shoreline
Dense mangrove forests and winding river estuaries as the plane crosses the coastline into East Kalimantan.
Pertamina Refinery
One of Indonesia's largest oil refineries, featuring a massive network of pipes and storage tanks near the runway.
Balikpapan Skyline
A dramatic view of the city's high-rises and coastal development during the final seconds of the approach.
The right side is highly recommended for the approach into Balikpapan (BPN). Most landings happen toward the east, placing the city and the iconic refinery directly outside your window. For morning flights, this side remains in the shade, providing cooler cabin temperatures and glare-free photography of the coastal scenery.
Book Hotels in Balikpapan
Mount Muria
A dormant volcano on the northern coast of Java, often visible shortly after takeoff from Semarang.
Karimunjawa Archipelago
A chain of stunning coral islands in the Java Sea, visible if the flight path tracks slightly westward.
Makassar Strait
Expansive views of the deep blue waters separating Java and Kalimantan during the cruise phase.
Balikpapan Bay
Deep water bay views featuring numerous coal barges and tankers anchored offshore.
Nusantara (IKN) Direction
Distant views toward the northwest where the new Indonesian capital city is currently under construction.
Sit on the left if you are flying in the late afternoon to catch a potential sunset over the Java Sea. It is also the better side for spotting the remote Karimunjawa islands during the mid-flight cruise. Be aware that the sun will be direct and quite bright on this side during evening northbound flights.
Get eSIMs for Indonesia
Get eSIMs for IndonesiaDistance: 962 km (598 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 36 min
Departure: SRG (-6.97273, 110.375)
Arrival: BPN (-1.2682700157200002, 116.893997192)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.