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SUB destination photo
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SUBBPN

Our Recommendation
8.2

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a superior view of the iconic Suramadu Bridge upon departure and provides an excellent vantage point for the intricate Balikpapan Bay and the new capital city region (IKN) during the approach.

Left Side Highlights
8.2
🚢

Tanjung Perak Port

Witness the massive scale of Indonesia's second-largest seaport immediately after departing Surabaya.

🌉

Suramadu Bridge

Get a clear view of the 5.4-kilometer bridge connecting Java and Madura as the plane gains altitude.

🏝️

Madura Coastline

Observe the unique salt pans and rural landscapes of the western tip of Madura Island.

🌊

Balikpapan Bay

View the lush mangrove forests and the contrasting industrial activities lining the deep-water bay.

🏗️

Nusantara (IKN) Proximity

In clear weather, catch glimpses of the Penajam Paser Utara region where the new capital is being built.

Choose the left side for morning flights (typically departing before 10:00 AM) to avoid the harsh equatorial sun glare. During the descent into Balikpapan, keep your camera ready for the dramatic transition from the blue Java Sea to the verdant Borneo coastline and the winding rivers of the bay.

Right Side Highlights
7.5
🌋

East Java Volcanoes

On very clear days, look back to spot the distant silhouettes of Mt. Bromo and Mt. Semeru shortly after takeoff.

🏖️

Madura Interior

A full-length view of the northern coast of Madura Island and its traditional fishing settlements.

⛴️

Java Sea Transit

Spot numerous coal barges and tankers navigating one of the world's busiest maritime corridors.

🏭

Pertamina Refinery

A close-up view of the massive oil refinery complex that dominates Balikpapan's southern coast on final approach.

🏙️

Balikpapan Cityscape

See the hilly urban sprawl of the 'Oil City' as the plane lines up for the runway at Sepinggan.

The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to keep the sun behind you. The most impressive sight is the Pertamina refinery complex just before landing; if flying at dusk, the facility's lights create a spectacular industrial landscape. Monitor the weather as haze from Java can sometimes obscure the mountain views.

Top Activities in Balikpapan
Route Information

Distance: 818 km (508 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 22 min

Departure: SUB (-7.379829883575439, 112.78700256347656)

Arrival: BPN (-1.2682700157200002, 116.893997192)

Route Type: Domestic

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