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TRK → BPN
Which side of the plane to sit from Juwata Airport (Taraken) to Sultan Aji Muhamad Sulaiman Airport (Balikpapan)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior view of Borneo's iconic geography, including the intricate Mahakam River delta, dense tropical rainforests, and the urban layout of Samarinda.
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Tarakan Island
A full aerial perspective of the island city immediately following takeoff from Juwata.
Kalimantan Rainforest
Vast stretches of dense tropical canopy and protected forest reserves.
River Meanders
The dramatic, winding paths of the Kayan and Mahakam rivers snaking through the terrain.
Open-Pit Mines
Visually striking large-scale coal mining operations that characterize the regional economy.
Samarinda City
An excellent view of the East Kalimantan capital and its iconic bridges over the Mahakam.
Mahakam Delta
The complex, fan-shaped network of distributaries where the river meets the sea.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to avoid the western sun glare. Keep your camera ready about 30-40 minutes into the flight for the Mahakam Delta, which is one of the most significant geographic features in Indonesia. During the dry season (August to October), be aware that agricultural haze can sometimes reduce visibility of the forest floor.
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Makassar Strait
Expansive views of the deep blue waters separating Borneo from Sulawesi.
Derawan Archipelago
Distant glimpses of coral atolls and turquoise lagoons near the Berau coastline.
Offshore Platforms
Numerous oil and gas drilling rigs dotting the coastal waters of East Kalimantan.
Balikpapan Bay
The busy maritime approach filled with tankers and cargo ships entering the refinery port.
Choose the left side for morning flights to enjoy the sunrise over the sea without the harsh glare. It provides a better view of the maritime industrial activity and the vastness of the Celebes Sea as you track southward along the coast.
Get eSIMs for Indonesia
Get eSIMs for IndonesiaDistance: 516 km (321 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 52 min
Departure: TRK (3.326667, 117.569444)
Arrival: BPN (-1.2682700157200002, 116.893997192)
Route Type: Domestic
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