Gusti Syamsir Alam Airport

Gusti Syamsir Alam Airport is not merely a transport hub, but a welcoming air gateway opening the path to the natural beauties of Laut Island. Unlike the noisy capital hubs, a measured and calm atmosphere reigns here, allowing travellers to begin their acquaintance with the South Kalimantan province without unnecessary stress. The compact terminal, surrounded by tropical greenery, and the hospitality of the staff create a sense of home comfort from the first minutes of arrival, turning routine procedures into an easy part of the adventure.

Among the key features and advantages of this air harbour, its phenomenal compactness stands out. Thanks to the small size of the terminal, all pre-flight formalities — from check-in to boarding — take minimal time, eliminating the need to arrive many hours before departure. The airport is located very close to the city, making transfers quick and inexpensive, allowing tourists to head to their hotel or on an excursion almost immediately after landing.

Furthermore, the approach into Gusti Syamsir Alam often gifts passengers with picturesque views of the coastline and the green hills of Laut Island. Despite its status as a regional airport, a high level of safety and cleanliness is maintained here, and simple navigation makes it convenient even for those travelling through Indonesia for the first time.

We have gathered the main contact information for Gusti Syamsir Alam Airport (KBU) for you. Please note that this is a small regional airport, so some communication channels common to large international hubs may be unavailable.

• Official Website: Currently, the airport does not have a separate official website. It is recommended to check up-to-date flight status information on the websites of airlines operating flights to Kotabaru.
• Information Desk Phone: A single general enquiry phone number can be difficult to find or may change. The most reliable way to obtain information is to visit the information desk directly in the terminal building upon arrival.
• Airport Address: Jalan Raya Stagen, Stagen, Kecamatan Pulau Laut Utara, Kabupaten Kotabaru, Kalimantan Selatan, Indonesia.
• Email: There is no specialised email address for passengers. For urgent communication, it is recommended to use other available channels or enquire in person.
• Social Media: The airport does not maintain official social media pages. News regarding schedule changes is published by the carrier airlines.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you must immediately contact your airline's Lost & Found service. Airport staff are not authorised to handle these matters.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For all questions related to your stay at the airport, you can speak to the staff at the information desk in the main terminal.

Getting to Gusti Syamsir Alam Airport (KBU) from the city centre of Kotabaru is quite simple, thanks to its close proximity. The airport is located just 10 km from the city, and a journey by car usually takes 20-30 minutes depending on road conditions. Although it is a small regional airport in Indonesia, travellers have several transport options.

Taxi and Transfer — the most reliable and comfortable way to reach the airport. You can use the services of local taxis or book a car via apps popular in Southeast Asia, such as Grab. This is the best option if you have a lot of luggage. The estimated cost of the trip will be between 60,000 and 100,000 Indonesian Rupiahs. It is strongly recommended to agree on the price with the driver in advance or use the fixed-fare option in the app. Many hotels can also assist with organising a private transfer.

Public Transport is represented mainly by route minibuses known as "angkot". This is the most budget-friendly, but also the most adventurous method. There is likely no direct route to the terminal, and you may need to transfer and walk part of the way. This option is suitable for experienced travellers with light luggage who wish to immerse themselves in local life and save money.

Car or Scooter Rental offers maximum freedom of movement. You can explore the surroundings at your own pace and easily reach the airport at the required time. To rent, you will need an international driving permit. Please note that traffic in Indonesia is on the left side, and road conditions can be unusually chaotic for foreign drivers.

For travellers with personal or rented transport, there is parking available at Gusti Syamsir Alam Airport. You can leave your car or scooter without issues while waiting for a flight.

Gusti Syamsir Alam Airport (KBU), serving the city of Kotabaru and its surroundings, is a small regional airport, which makes navigating it simple and intuitive. In fact, all infrastructure is concentrated in one passenger terminal, which handles both departing and arriving flights.

The structure of the terminal is extremely simple. Upon entering the building, you find yourself in a general hall where the check-in counters are located. After receiving a boarding pass and checking in luggage, passengers proceed to the security screening area, beyond which lies a small departure waiting lounge with a boarding gate. The arrivals area is in another part of the building and consists of a baggage claim belt and an exit to the city. Thanks to the compact size, moving between these zones takes mere minutes.

Since there is only one terminal, there is no need to transfer between buildings. All procedures — from entering the airport to boarding the aircraft — take place within a single space. Passing through check-in and security at KBU airport usually takes very little time, generally no more than 20-30 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport the standard 1.5-2 hours before departure to avoid rushing in case of unforeseen circumstances.

The main advice for navigation is simply to follow the signs, of which there are few due to the building's compactness. It is practically impossible to get lost in the small terminal. Airport staff are always ready to help and direct passengers, making the stay here comfortable and carefree.

The history of Gusti Syamsir Alam Airport (KBU), formerly known as Stagen Airport, is inextricably linked with the development of the Kotabaru region. Initially, it was a small airfield built to serve local needs and small aircraft. Its role as a key infrastructure facility grew gradually, alongside the economic development of Laut Island, where the city of Kotabaru is located.

One of the most significant events in the airport's history occurred in 2011, when it was officially renamed. The air harbour received the name Gusti Syamsir Alam — a respected local figure who served as the regent (head) of the Kotabaru district. This step was taken to immortalise his contribution to the development of the region and to emphasise the airport's cultural identity.

Over the past decades, Gusti Syamsir Alam Airport has undergone several stages of modernisation. The main efforts were directed towards expanding the infrastructure to accommodate more modern and larger aircraft, such as the turboprop ATR 72. As part of the reconstruction, work was carried out to extend the runway and update the passenger terminal, which helped improve flight safety and passenger comfort.

Although the airport does not set records for passenger traffic on a national scale, its importance to the local community is immense. It serves as a vital transport artery connecting the island region with major Indonesian cities, primarily Banjarmasin. The history of the airport is a clear example of how the development of a small air harbour contributes to the integration and economic growth of remote territories.

Gusti Syamsir Alam Airport (KBU) in Kotabaru is a small regional air terminal providing passengers with a basic set of services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its modest size, there is everything necessary here for travellers setting off to explore South Kalimantan.

To satisfy hunger and do some shopping, the terminal features small cafes and eateries where you can order local dishes, drink coffee, and purchase refreshments. There are also kiosks with daily necessities and souvenirs where you can buy something to remember your trip by. The selection of establishments and shops is limited but sufficient for a short wait.

The airport has a general waiting hall. Specialised VIP halls or business class lounges are generally absent. Free Wi-Fi is available to all passengers, allowing you to stay connected. Charging stations for mobile devices can be found in the waiting areas, though their number may be limited, so it is recommended to carry a portable power bank.

Financial services are represented by ATMs from several local banks where cash can be withdrawn. Currency exchange points are rare in small airports, so it is better to exchange money in the city beforehand. A medical point is located within the terminal, ready to provide first aid if necessary.

For passengers with children, there is a mother and child room where you can look after your baby in a quiet environment. The airport is also equipped with basic facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including ramps and specially equipped toilets. To obtain assistance with moving around the terminal, it is recommended to contact your airline representative in advance.

There are no hotels directly on the airport grounds. The nearest accommodation options are located in the city of Kotabaru, which can be reached by taxi. Specialised business centres or conference rooms are also not provided at the airport; for business meetings, it is better to use the infrastructure of hotels in the city.

Gusti Syamsir Alam Airport (KBU) in Kotabaru offers passengers a basic but sufficient choice of establishments for a snack or a full meal. Dining options here are mainly concentrated in the main terminal building and are focused on local Indonesian cuisine, giving travellers an excellent opportunity to experience regional flavours.

Most cafes and small restaurants (warung) are located in the public area (landside), before passing security control. Here you can find establishments offering hearty dishes such as Nasi Goreng (fried rice), Mie Goreng (fried noodles), and various types of soups. This is the best choice for those who have time for a full lunch or dinner. Prices here are generally affordable and geared towards locals.

Small kiosks and coffee shops are suitable for a quick snack. You can buy pastries, sandwiches, as well as hot and cold drinks, including traditional Indonesian coffee. A few such points may also be located in the sterile area (airside), after passport control, but their assortment is usually more limited.

Regarding special dietary needs, finding certified Halal dishes in Indonesia is effortless, as it is the standard. Vegetarians should look for dishes based on rice and vegetables, asking for them to be prepared without meat. However, specialised vegan or gluten-free menus are unlikely to be found at the airport. Opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule, so they are open during the day but may be closed late at night.

To ensure your journey through Gusti Syamsir Alam Airport goes as smoothly and comfortably as possible, take advantage of our tips. This small airport mainly serves domestic flights, making it quite simple to navigate.

Arrival Time: We recommend arriving at the airport at least 1.5-2 hours before your flight departure. Although the airport in the city of Kotabaru is not as large and busy as international hubs, this time will be sufficient to check in, drop off luggage, and pass security without rushing.

Check-in and Security: To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides such an option. Security screening procedures are standard, but queues here are usually shorter. Be ready to present your boarding pass and identification.

Seat Selection: When flying into or out of Indonesia, especially over the islands, the views from the window can be breathtaking. Choose a window seat for the best photos. If comfort and the ability to stand up easily are important to you, your choice is an aisle seat.

Hand Luggage: Standard rules apply here: liquids in containers no larger than 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. All sharp and cutting objects must be checked in. Pay special attention to power banks — they can only be carried in hand luggage, and the capacity must be clearly indicated on them.

Connecting Passengers: Gusti Syamsir Alam Airport is rarely used for long layovers. If you have a transfer planned, verify with the airline in advance whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage. Infrastructure for transit passengers is limited, so please be prepared for this.

Customs Control: Since this is a domestic airport, there is no customs control for flights within the country. You will only pass through it upon your first entry into Indonesia via one of the international airports, for example, in Jakarta or Bali.

Saving Time and Money: To avoid overpaying, buy drinks and snacks in the city beforehand. The choice of cafes at the airport is limited, and prices may be higher than average. Online check-in will also help save precious minutes.

What to do in Case of Delay: In the event of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative for information. They are obliged to provide you with up-to-date data and, depending on the length of the delay, offer drinks, meals, or accommodation. Keep all receipts for unforeseen expenses for potential compensation.