Bengkulu (Enggano Airport)

Given the isolated location and the status of a "pioneer" airport, most organizational issues are resolved through the air carrier or directly upon arrival. For communication, it is recommended to use the contacts of Susi Air, which provides regular air service to the island.

• Official Airport Website: The terminal does not have its own website. The airport is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Transportation. Please check the current schedule and flight status on the official resources of Susi Air.
• Airport Address: Jalan Raya Bandara, Desa Banjar Sari, Kecamatan Engano, Kabupaten Bengkulu Utara, Bengkulu 38387, Indonesia (Indonesia, Bengkulu Province, North Bengkulu Regency, Enggano Island, Banjar Sari Village).
• Inquiry Phone Number: There is no direct telephone number for passengers at the terminal. The airport opens only to service specific flights. Up-to-date information can be obtained from carrier representatives.
• Passenger Support Contacts: Primary support is provided by the Susi Air call center.
  WhatsApp: +62 811-211-3080
  Phone: +62 811-211-3090
• Email: A direct e-mail for the airport administration is not published. For booking and ticket inquiries, please contact: callcenter@susiair.com.
• Airport Social Media: There are no official verified accounts. Information can sometimes be found in local Enggano Island communities, but these are not official sources.
• Lost & Found Information: There is no centralized Lost & Found service. Due to the small size of the terminal, all baggage issues are resolved on the spot immediately after arrival. Please contact ground staff or pilots while they are still on the runway.

When planning a route to Enggano Airport, it is important to understand the specifics of its location. Since the air harbour is located on an isolated island, standard urban transport schemes do not work here. Logistics are divided into two stages: the flight from the "mainland" (from Sumatra) and movement directly on Enggano Island.

The main transit hub for travellers is the city of Bengkulu. It is from there, from the international Fatmawati Soekarno Airport, that small Susi Air planes depart, delivering tourists to the island.

Below are transport options directly on Enggano Island for those travelling to the airport from local villages (such as Malakoni or Apoho) for their return flight.

Public Transport

Enggano Island has a public transport system unique to such remote places — the pioneer bus (DAMRI). This is the only budget-friendly way to get from the main settlements to the airport.

• DAMRI Bus: Runs along the island's only main road, connecting Kahyapu port, villages, and the airport. The schedule is often tied to ferry arrivals and flight departures but may change without notice. The fare is symbolic (about 20,000 – 30,000 IDR), but the comfort level is basic, and air conditioning is often absent.
• Trains and Metro: There is absolutely no rail service or metro on the island.

Taxi and Transfer

There are no standard taxi services (like Bluebird) or ride-hailing apps (Grab, Gojek) on Enggano. Internet connection here is unstable, and infrastructure is weakly developed.

• Motorcycle Taxi (Ojek): The most popular and accessible mode of transport. Locals will take you to the terminal for a reasonable fee (usually 50,000 – 100,000 IDR depending on the distance). The price must be negotiated in advance.
• Homestay Transfer: This is the most reliable option. Owners of local homestays can almost always organize transport for tourists to their flight by car or motorcycle. The cost of such a service is often included in the accommodation or negotiated separately (on average 150,000 – 250,000 IDR per car).

Vehicle Rental

Renting a car on the island is extremely difficult — there are few of them, and they belong to private individuals. However, renting a motorcycle (scooter) is available almost everywhere.

• Motorcycle: Scooter rental will cost approximately 100,000 – 150,000 IDR per day. This gives full freedom of movement, but note that roads may be damaged in places, and gas stations look like kiosks selling bottles of petrol. The journey to the airport from the central village of Malakoni on a scooter will take about 30–40 minutes.

Airport Parking

There is no specialized paid parking with barriers at Enggano Airport. In front of the small terminal building, there is an open area (dirt or asphalt) where those seeing off or departing can leave their vehicles for free. There is no security in the parking lot, so leaving belongings in the vehicle is not recommended.

Useful Recommendations for Passengers

• Time Reserve: Although the airport is tiny and there are no security queues, arrive at least 1 hour before departure. Check-in and weighing of baggage (including hand luggage and passengers themselves for aircraft balancing) take time.
• Cash: There are no ATMs in the airport building, and cards are not accepted. Always have a supply of cash Rupees for transport payments.
• Weather: In case of heavy rain or wind, flights may be delayed or cancelled. Connection with the "mainland" depends on weather whims, so build buffer days into your plans if you have connecting flights in Bengkulu or Jakarta.

The infrastructure of Enggano Airport fully corresponds to its status as the "air gateway" for a small remote island. You will not find confusing corridors, travelators, or multi-level car parks here. Everything is arranged extremely simply, compactly, and intuitively, allowing travellers to feel relaxed from the first minutes of their stay.

Number and Purpose of Terminals

The airport has one passenger terminal. It is a single-story building serving exclusively domestic light aviation flights (mainly routes from Bengkulu). The terminal operates for both departures and arrivals, and thanks to its modest size, ensures minimal time for completing all formalities.

Layout and Navigation

It is impossible to get lost at Enggano Airport. The terminal building is a single space zoned for basic operations. Navigation here is linear:

• Entrance Group: You enter the terminal directly from the access road.
• Check-in Zone: Located immediately at the entrance. Here you will find the airline counter and scales.
• Waiting Hall: A small room with seats where passengers wait to be invited for boarding.
• Boarding Gate: A door leading directly onto the apron to the aircraft.

Transfers between terminals are non-existent as the entire airport complex consists of a single structure.

Departure and Arrival Zones

Due to low passenger traffic, flows of people practically do not intersect, as the airport usually services only one aircraft at a time.

• Departure Zone: Equipped with basic amenities. There are no Duty-Free shops or business lounges. Restrooms and seating are available to passengers. It is recommended to stock up on water and snacks in advance, as the café inside may not be operating.
• Arrival Zone: There is no baggage claim area with conveyor belts here. After landing, passengers walk from the aircraft to the terminal building (a distance of just a few dozen meters). Baggage is unloaded manually by ground staff and handed to passengers either at the terminal entrance or inside the building.

Procedure Specifics

Procedures at Enggano Airport have their own specifics related to the use of small aircraft (e.g., Cessna Grand Caravan):

• Weighing: This is a mandatory procedure not only for luggage but often for the passengers themselves along with their hand luggage. This is necessary for the correct balancing of the light aircraft. Be prepared to step on the scales before check-in.
• Check-in and Security: Conducted in a calm mode. Staff check documents against lists (often paper) and conduct a visual inspection of luggage. X-ray scanners may not be used; inspection is often conducted manually.
• Processing Time: The procedure itself takes 10–15 minutes. However, the airline requires arrival at the airport in advance (at least 45–60 minutes) to prepare the flight manifest before the aircraft arrives.

Navigation Recommendations

Since the building is visible straight through, there is no need to look for signs. The main rule of navigation at Enggano Airport is to follow the instructions of the ground staff. Walking onto the runway without a command is strictly prohibited. If you have arrived, simply follow other passengers to the building; if you are departing, wait for the invitation of the airline employee who will personally escort the group to the aircraft.

The history of Enggano Airport (ENG) is a chronicle of the struggle for transport accessibility for one of Indonesia's most isolated islands. Unlike major international hubs that emerged at the dawn of aviation, this air harbour is relatively young and was created with a specific social goal: to ensure reliable connection for island residents with the provincial administrative center, Bengkulu City, and to simplify the delivery of vital cargo.

Foundation and Infrastructure Development

The active phase of airport development occurred at the beginning of the 21st century, when the Indonesian government launched the "Outer Islands" development program. A key stage in the airport's history was the period of 2013–2014. It was then that a massive reconstruction and construction of a new runway were carried out. While previously only the lightest aircraft could land here on dirt, after modernization, the airport received an asphalt runway measuring 1,600 by 30 meters.

The opening of the renovated airport was a real celebration for the islanders, as it reduced the travel time to the "mainland" from 12 hours of sea tossing to a comfortable 40–50 minutes of flight.

"Pioneer" Airport Status

An important historical milestone for Enggano was its inclusion in the state program "Penerbangan Perintis" (Pioneer Flights). This is a system of government-subsidized air transport that keeps ticket prices affordable for local residents. Without this program, commercial flights to the island would be economically unviable for airlines, and the airport could have fallen into disrepair. The history of the airport is inextricably linked with Susi Air, which has become the island's main and most reliable partner, providing regular flights on small Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft.

Modernization and Plans

In recent years (2018–2020), the Ministry of Transportation of Indonesia has repeatedly allocated budgets for maintaining and improving infrastructure. In the airport's history, there were moments when the possibility of expanding the terminal and strengthening the runway to accommodate larger turboprop aircraft like the ATR-72 was discussed. This would increase passenger traffic and develop the island's tourism potential; however, for now, the airport retains its intimate status, serving primarily light aviation.

Interesting Facts

• Strategic Importance: The airport serves one of the 92 officially recognized "outer islands" of Indonesia, giving it special status in matters of national security and territorial integrity.
• Role in Emergencies: The airport's history knows many cases where it became the only means for emergency medical evacuation of patients to Bengkulu hospitals when ferry service was interrupted due to storms in the Indian Ocean.
• Unique Landing: Thanks to the lack of dense construction and traffic, the approach to land at Enggano is considered one of the most picturesque in the region: the plane descends over dense jungles and turquoise waters, encountering virtually no obstacles.

The infrastructure of Enggano Airport (ENG) differs significantly from the standard amenities of large international hubs. You will not find glittering shop windows, food courts, or lounge zones here. The terminal is designed exclusively for basic functions: check-in and short-term waiting for departure. Travellers should prepare for spartan conditions and complete autonomy.

Restaurants, Cafés, and Shops

There are no catering outlets or shops inside the terminal itself. There are not even vending machines with water or snacks.

• Dining: It is strongly recommended to arrange food and drinks in advance. Buy water and snacks in the village before leaving for the airport. Sometimes local residents open temporary stalls (warung) near the terminal entrance where you can buy sachet coffee, instant noodles, or biscuits, but you should not rely on this as their schedule is unpredictable.
• Shopping and Duty-Free: There are no duty-free shops or souvenir stalls at the airport. All purchases, including souvenirs from Enggano Island, must be made in the settlements of Malakoni or Apoho before arrival at the airport.

Financial Services and Communication

This is one of the most critical points for preparing for a trip to Enggano.

• Banks and Currency Exchange: There are no bank branches, currency exchange points, and most importantly, no ATMs at the airport. Card payment terminals are also absent. Be sure to carry a sufficient supply of cash Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) in small denominations to pay for transport and possible fees.
• Wi-Fi and Charging Stations: Public Wi-Fi is not provided in the terminal. Mobile internet on the island works unstably (primarily Telkomsel), and the signal in the runway area may drop. There are no specialized gadget charging stands; power outlets in the waiting room are extremely scarce and may be occupied or non-functional. We recommend fully charging phones before departure and bringing a power bank.

Comfort and Business Services

The airport is not oriented towards business travellers or VIP clients.

• Waiting Halls: There is a single general waiting hall in the terminal. It is equipped with simple metal or plastic seats. Air conditioning is natural (open windows/doors) or via simple fans.
• VIP Lounges and Business Centers: Separate lounges, meeting rooms, or business services (printing, fax) are not provided.

Medical and Special Needs

The level of service is limited to the basic capabilities of a small building.

• Medical Services: There is no medical post or pharmacy in the airport building. For minor injuries, staff may have a standard vehicle first aid kit. In case of serious health problems, help can only be obtained at medical centers (Puskesmas) in the island's villages.
• Passengers with Children: There are no mother and child rooms or changing tables. Given this, parents with infants should bring everything necessary (water, food, hygiene products) and be ready to change diapers in field conditions.
• Passengers with Reduced Mobility: The terminal building is single-story and at ground level, which facilitates access for people in wheelchairs (no stairs or thresholds). However, there is no specialized equipment (ambulifts) for boarding the aircraft. Boarding is carried out with the help of ground staff and the crew, who assist passengers up the small stairs of the Cessna aircraft.

Hotels and Accommodation

There are no hotels on the airport territory or within immediate walking distance. The airport is surrounded by forest and plantations.

• Nearest Accommodation: The island's tourism infrastructure is concentrated in the villages of Malakoni, Apoho, and Kahyapu, which are a 30–40 minute drive from the airport. There, travellers can stay in simple guesthouses (homestays) run by local families. It is better to book accommodation in advance via phone calls, as online aggregators practically do not work on the island.

The gastronomic experience at Enggano Airport (ENG) is entirely dictated by its remoteness and modest scale. Passengers accustomed to food courts and coffee shop chains should adjust their expectations: this is a "pioneer" airport where dining infrastructure is kept to a minimum or is non-existent.

Restaurants and Cafés in the Terminal

Inside the single passenger terminal, there are no permanent cafés, restaurants, or bars. The building is divided into a check-in area and a small waiting room, and no space for a full-fledged food outlet is provided. Vending machines with chocolate or drinks are also absent.

• Departure Zone (Airside): After passing check-in and passport control (ID check), you enter a sterile zone where it is impossible to buy food or water.
• Public Zone (Landside): The only chance to grab a bite at the airport is improvised trading spots on the street before the terminal entrance.

Street Stalls (Warung)

Periodically, local residents open small temporary stalls, known in Indonesia as "warung", in the parking lot in front of the airport building. Their operation is not guaranteed and depends entirely on the flight schedule and weather. If a flight is cancelled, vendors usually do not show up.

Menu and Local Specialities

The assortment in such street spots is extremely limited and consists of long-shelf-life products or simple instant dishes:

• Pop Mie: The most popular "dish" — instant cup noodles. The seller will fill it with boiling water from a thermos.
• Gorengan: Batter-fried snacks (bananas, tofu, tempeh, or bakwan — vegetable fritters). This is perhaps the only "fresh" dish you might find if you are lucky.
• Drinks: "3 in 1" instant coffee (Kopi sachet), sweet bottled iced tea, mineral water.
• Coconuts: Sometimes you can buy a fresh young coconut, which will be chopped open right in front of you — this is the best way to quench thirst in the tropics.

Dietary Information

Given the scarcity of choice, adhering to a strict diet directly at the airport is difficult.

• Halal: Enggano, like most of Indonesia, adheres to Halal standards. All products (noodles, snacks) sold by locals are Halal by default.
• Vegetarians and Vegans: Fried bananas (pisang goreng) or fresh fruits/coconuts will suit, but check if the same oil was used to fry fish or chicken.
• Gluten-Free: Finding guaranteed gluten-free food in the kiosks is impossible. It is recommended to have your own supply of food.

Average Price Range

Prices in such stalls are very democratic and oriented towards locals rather than tourists. Payment is accepted only in cash (Indonesian Rupiah).

• Coffee or tea: 5,000 – 10,000 IDR.
• Instant noodles: 10,000 – 15,000 IDR.
• Fried snacks: 2,000 – 5,000 IDR per piece.

Opening Hours

Street vendors (if they arrive) start working about an hour before the plane arrives and pack up immediately after the departing aircraft takes off. On days when there are no flights, the airport territory is empty.

Recommendations for Passengers

• For a Full Meal: Eat a hearty meal at your homestay or in the villages of Malakoni and Apoho before leaving for the airport. There you can find simple cafés (Rumah Makan) serving rice, fish, and vegetables. You will not be able to have lunch at the airport itself.
• For a Quick Snack: Bring bread, fruit, biscuits, and definitely a bottle of water from the village. Relying on street kiosks may not work out, especially if you arrive too early or late.

Travelling through Enggano Airport is a unique experience that resembles an expedition from the last century more than a standard flight. To ensure your visit runs smoothly and leaves only pleasant memories, we have prepared a series of practical tips considering the specifics of this remote air harbour.

Arrival Time and Check-in

Despite the tiny size of the terminal, where it is just a few steps from the entrance to the runway, arrive at the airport at least 60 minutes before departure. This is critically important for two reasons:

• Weighing: This is the most important part of the procedure. Not only luggage is weighed, but also every passenger with hand luggage. Pilots need to accurately calculate the center of gravity of the small Cessna aircraft for a safe takeoff. Please treat this with understanding.
• Manual Processing: Boarding manifests are often filled out by hand. If you are late, the pilots may have already closed the documents and started preparing for takeoff, and you simply will not be allowed on board, even if the plane is still on the ground.

Luggage and Hand Luggage

Strict restrictions apply in light aviation, differing from the rules of major airlines. The main limiting factor here is weight, not the volume of liquids.

• Type of Bags: We strongly recommend using soft backpacks or sports bags instead of rigid suitcases on wheels. The luggage compartment in light aircraft has a non-standard shape, and a rigid suitcase may simply not fit.
• Weight Limit: Usually, the free baggage allowance on Susi Air flights is 10 kg. You will have to pay extra for excess weight, but if the plane is fully loaded, excess baggage may not be accepted at all.
• Prohibited Items: Security rules are standard (weapons, explosives are prohibited), but special emphasis is placed on nature conservation. It is categorically forbidden to take corals, rare shells, living creatures, or plants from the island. You may be asked to open your bag for visual inspection.

Choosing a Seat on the Plane

Tickets for flights from Enggano usually do not indicate specific seats. Boarding is carried out on a "free seating" principle or as directed by the pilot for proper weight distribution.

• Best Views: The flight takes place at a low altitude, so views will be breathtaking from any side. However, if there is a choice, sit on the right side in the direction of travel — often it is from this side that the best view of the island's coastline and coral reefs opens up during takeoff.
• Photography: Keep your camera or phone handy in advance. Standing up and retrieving items from the overhead bin during flight in a small plane is prohibited and unsafe.

Connections and Transfers

Air service to Enggano Island depends heavily on weather conditions over the Indian Ocean. Flights are often delayed or postponed to the next day due to strong winds or heavy rains.

• Time Buffer: Never plan a departure from Bengkulu to Jakarta or other cities on the day of arrival from Enggano Island with a short gap. Leave a buffer of at least 4–6 hours, or better yet — plan an overnight stay in Bengkulu. This will save your nerves and money in case of a flight delay from the island.

Tips for Economy and Comfort

• Cash: This is the most important tip. There are no ATMs at the airport. Bring enough cash Rupees to pay for excess baggage or urgent motorcycle taxi hire if your transfer does not arrive.
• Food and Water: Buy water and a snack in the village before leaving. If the flight is delayed, there may be no food at the airport.
• Restroom: Use the restroom before check-in. There is no toilet on board Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft, and the flight lasts about 45–50 minutes.

What to Do in Case of Delay

Delays here are part of the experience. Since there is no Wi-Fi at the airport and mobile internet works intermittently, download e-books, music, or movies to your phone in advance. Be sure to carry a fully charged power bank (in hand luggage!), as there are few power outlets in the waiting room and they may not work. Remain calm: airport staff do everything possible, but arguing with the weather in this region is useless.