Kalimarau Airport

Kalimarau Airport is a modern and welcoming gateway that opens the path to the natural treasures of East Kalimantan. The terminal, which has received numerous national awards, immediately sets travellers in the mood to encounter the region's unique ecosystem. The building's interiors are designed using ethnic motifs, and the decor often recalls the main symbol of these parts — the sea turtles inhabiting the famous Derawan Islands.

Airport Features and Advantages:

Kalimarau is rightfully considered one of the most comfortable Class I regional airports in Indonesia. It is renowned for its high standards of sanitation and order, for which it has repeatedly received the prestigious Bandara Sehat (Healthy Airport) award from the country's Ministry of Health and Ministry of Transportation.

Key advantages include:

• Thoughtful Design: The terminal building looks modern and stylish. The interior design actively utilises a marine life theme, reminding passengers of the proximity to diving resorts, creating a unique atmosphere even before reaching the coast.
• Technical Equipment: For the convenience of boarding and disembarking, the airport is equipped with telescopic aerobridges, which is not found in all airports of this scale. A modern baggage handling system is also in operation here.
• Comfort and Cleanliness: Travellers consistently note the impeccable cleanliness in the waiting lounges and washrooms. A comfortable temperature is maintained within the terminal thanks to a powerful air conditioning system.
• Inclusive Environment: The terminal infrastructure is fully adapted for people of determination (people with disabilities), including special lifts, ramps, and tactile navigation.

Below you will find contact information for Kalimarau Airport (BEJ). We recommend checking the accuracy of data before your trip, especially flight schedules, on airline websites.

• Official Website: There is no specialised website for the airport. The most up-to-date information on flight status is best checked on the websites of airlines flying to Berau. General information may also be available on the Directorate General of Civil Aviation of Indonesia portal.
• Information Desk Phone: You can contact the airport at +62 554 2029345.
• Airport Address: Jalan Poros Bandara, Teluk Bayur, Kabupaten Berau, Kalimantan Timur, Indonesia.
• Email: A public email address for general enquiries is not provided. It is recommended to use the telephone for communication.
• Social Media: News and updates can be followed on the airport's official Instagram page: @upbu.kalimarau_bej.
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues regarding lost or damaged luggage, please contact your airline's representative directly at Kalimarau Airport. Airport staff do not handle luggage tracing.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general information and assistance, you may use the main airport information desk phone number.

Getting to Kalimarau Airport (BEJ) from the city of Berau is straightforward, as it is located just 10-15 kilometres from the centre. The main modes of transport are by road, as a developed public transport system is absent in this area.

Taxis and Online Services. This is the most popular and convenient way to reach the airport. You can use local taxi services or book a car via mobile apps popular in Indonesia, such as Gojek or Grab. The journey from the city centre usually takes about 20–30 minutes depending on traffic conditions. The fare is quite affordable, but it is recommended to clarify the price in advance or ensure the driver uses the meter. You can also book a private transfer from your hotel, which will be slightly more expensive but ensures maximum comfort.

Car Rental. If you plan to actively explore the East Kalimantan region, renting a car can be an excellent solution. Many companies offer the option to collect a car in the city and return it directly at the airport before departure. This gives complete freedom of movement. There is a car park near the Kalimarau terminal where you can leave a vehicle for both short and long periods. Please take into account local traffic conditions, which can be somewhat chaotic.

Public Transport. There are no direct bus or train routes connecting the city to the airport. Theoretically, one could use local minivans (known as "angkot"), but this is an extremely inconvenient option for tourists with luggage. Routes and schedules can be unpredictable, so to arrive on time for your flight, it is better to choose a taxi or a rental car.

Kalimarau Airport (BEJ) is a modern and compact aviation hub serving the Berau region. Its infrastructure is simple and intuitive, making the stay here comfortable for all categories of travellers.

The airport operates one passenger terminal, which handles both domestic and international charter flights. Since all operations are concentrated in a single building, passengers do not need to worry about transfers between terminals — they simply do not exist. The terminal layout is very logical: arrival and departure zones are clearly separated for passenger convenience. Navigation is simplified by clear signs in Indonesian and English.

The departure zone is located in the main part of the terminal and includes airline check-in counters, a security checkpoint, and a small but cosy waiting lounge with boarding gates. The arrival zone is separate and equipped with a baggage reclaim belt. Due to the airport's small size, the path from the aircraft steps to the terminal exit takes minimal time.

Passing through all pre-flight formalities usually causes no difficulties. Check-in and security screening typically take no more than 30–40 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 1.5–2 hours before your flight's departure to check in luggage and go through all procedures without rushing.

The main recommendation for navigation is to follow the standard signs. Immediately upon arrival at the airport, check the information screens to find your check-in counter number. Due to the compactness of the terminal, getting lost here is practically impossible, and the entire journey from the entrance to the gate can easily be done on foot in a few minutes.

The history of Kalimarau Airport is a story of rapid development and transformation, reflecting the growth of the region's tourism potential. The modern airport, as travellers know it today, is relatively new. It was built to replace the old and much smaller Batu-Batu airfield, which could no longer cope with the increasing passenger flow and could not accommodate modern aircraft.

A key moment in the history of the air gateway to Berau was the opening of the new terminal and runway. Construction was completed, and the airport was inaugurated in October 2012. The main goal of this large-scale project was to stimulate economic growth and, crucially, to simplify access to world-famous tourist gems such as the Derawan Islands. This event turned the region into one of the key destinations for diving and eco-tourism in Indonesia.

The modernisation was comprehensive: a new runway 2,250 metres long allowed for the accommodation of larger liners, such as the Boeing 737, which significantly expanded flight geography. However, the most memorable feature of the new airport became its design. The terminal building features a unique roof, the shape of which is inspired by the shell of a giant sea turtle. This is not just an architectural decision, but a tribute to the rich marine fauna of the region, symbolised by turtles.

Since its opening, Kalimarau Airport has repeatedly received recognition at the national level. The Ministry of Transportation of Indonesia has several times awarded it the title of one of the best airports in its category for high quality of service and infrastructure. Today, Kalimarau Airport is not just a transport hub, but a modern and hospitable entrance ticket to the amazing world of Borneo's wildlife.

Kalimarau Airport (BEJ), serving the city of Berau and acting as the gateway to the famous Derawan Islands, provides passengers with the necessary set of services for a comfortable journey. Despite its compact size, the terminal is designed so that waiting for a flight is as convenient as possible.

Before departure, you can refresh yourself in one of the cafes or small restaurants offering both local Indonesian dishes and familiar snacks and drinks. The airport also has several shops where you can purchase souvenirs, essentials, and gifts for loved ones. For those seeking a quieter environment, more comfortable waiting lounges are available.

To stay connected, take advantage of the free Wi-Fi available throughout the terminal. The waiting halls also have power sockets and special stations for charging mobile phones and other gadgets. If you need to withdraw cash, ATMs are installed in the airport. However, currency exchange services may be limited, so it is recommended to arrange this in advance.

The airport is equipped for the needs of all passengers. For travellers with children, there is a nursing room where you can care for your baby in a calm environment. For passengers with reduced mobility, a barrier-free environment has been created, including ramps and specially equipped washrooms. A medical post is also in operation on the premises for first aid.

There are no hotels directly within the airport building, but many accommodation options are located in the city of Berau, which is a few minutes' drive away. Specialised business centres and conference rooms are not provided in the airport; however, for business travellers, quiet zones in the waiting lounges can serve as a suitable place for work.

Kalimarau Airport (BEJ) in the city of Berau is a small regional air station, so the choice of dining establishments here is quite modest, but it allows you to get acquainted with the basics of local cuisine. The main food outlets are concentrated in the public area before security control (landside), while in the departure zone (airside), opportunities for a snack are more limited.

In the main hall of the airport, accessible to all visitors, you will find several small cafes and Indonesian-style eateries (warung). Here you can have a full lunch before checking in for your flight. The menu usually features popular dishes of Indonesia: Nasi Goreng (fried rice with additions), Mie Goreng (fried noodles), various types of soups, such as Soto (aromatic broth with chicken or meat), as well as simple chicken and fish dishes with rice. This is the best option for those who have time for a leisurely meal.

After passing through screening, in the departure lounge, the choice is reduced to one or two small kiosks or cafes. They are ideal for a quick snack. Here you can buy freshly brewed Indonesian coffee, tea, soft drinks, as well as packaged snacks, sandwiches, or local pastries. This is a convenient option to grab something to take on the plane or to have a snack right before boarding.

Prices in Kalimarau Airport establishments are considered moderate, although slightly higher than in the city. The majority of dishes offered are Halal, which aligns with local traditions. Vegetarians can find dishes based on rice and vegetables, as well as tofu or tempeh, though specialised vegan or gluten-free menus are generally not available. The opening hours of cafes and kiosks depend directly on the flight schedule, and they usually close after the last aircraft departs.

To ensure your journey through Kalimarau Airport in the city of Berau is as comfortable as possible, follow these tips. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before the departure of domestic flights. This time is usually sufficient to calmly go through all procedures, even if small queues arise.

To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides such an option. This will allow you to head straight to the baggage drop-off counter or, if you are travelling light, directly to the security checkpoint. Keep your passport and boarding pass to hand. The security screening procedure is standard, but be prepared for rules to be strictly enforced in small airports.

When choosing a seat on a plane departing from Berau, prefer a window seat. You may be treated to breathtaking views of the jungles and rivers of Borneo island. If convenience is more important to you, choose an aisle seat — this way you can stand up freely without disturbing neighbours and be one of the first to disembark after landing.

Hand luggage regulations in Indonesia comply with international standards. Liquids can be carried in containers of no more than 100 ml each, packed in a transparent bag. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited. Always check the weight and size limits for hand luggage on your airline's website, as regional carriers may have stricter rules.

Kalimarau Airport is not a major transit hub, so be especially careful when planning connections. If you are flying with different airlines, you will likely have to collect your luggage and check it in again for the next flight. Allow at least 3 hours for the transfer to avoid rushing and unpleasant surprises.

When departing on domestic flights from Berau, there is no need to go through customs control. It is relevant only for international flights. If you are arriving in Indonesia from another country, be prepared to fill out a customs declaration and present luggage for inspection if required. Familiarise yourself in advance with the list of goods subject to declaration or prohibited for import.

To save money, pack light snacks and an empty water bottle that can be filled after passing security. Pre-book a transfer from the airport to your hotel — this is often better value than using taxi services on the spot. Travelling light will help avoid surcharges for excess baggage.

In case of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative for information and instructions. The airport is small, so the choice of entertainment and cafes is limited. In this case, it is useful to have a book, a charged power bank, and movies or music downloaded to your device to make the waiting time pass more comfortably.