Pekaulang (Buli)

Pekaulang Airport, also known as Buli, is not just a transport hub, but an atmospheric gateway to the wildlife of East Halmahera. Here, where the runway neighbors dense tropics, the journey turns into a real adventure from the very first minutes after landing. The modest size of the terminal and the silence, broken only by the sound of turboprop engines, instantly immerse guests in the relaxed rhythm of life in this remote Indonesian corner.

Despite its compactness and distance from the capital, Pekaulang Airport offers several advantages that make flying here convenient and memorable:

Scenic Route. Flights to Buli are usually operated by small aircraft that fly at lower altitudes than large liners. This gives passengers a unique opportunity to view the stunning landscapes of the Molucca Sea, coral reefs, and emerald islands directly from the window during descent.

Speed of Service. Thanks to low passenger traffic, all pre-flight and post-flight formalities take mere minutes. There are no long queues for check-in or baggage claim here, allowing you to save energy for further exploration of the island.

Unrivaled Accessibility. The airport is the only fast way to reach the eastern part of Halmahera. The overland route from other airports in the region can take a full day of difficult travel, while a direct flight delivers travelers to the very heart of the region comfortably and quickly.

Since Pekaulang (Buli) Airport (PGQ) is a small regional airport, finding direct contacts can be difficult. Most issues related to flights are resolved through the airlines. Below is the main available information:

• Official Website: Pekaulang (Buli) Airport does not have a separate official website. It is recommended to check all information regarding flights and schedules on the air carriers' websites.
• Information Desk Phone: There is no direct public phone number for the airport information desk. Please contact your airline to clarify flight details.
• Address: The airport is located in the settlement of Buli, East Halmahera Regency, North Maluku Province, Indonesia.
• Email and Social Media: Official social media pages or a contact email for the airport are not maintained.
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of loss or damage to luggage, you should immediately contact your airline representative at the arrival airport. It is the air carrier that bears responsibility for tracing luggage.
• Passenger Support Contacts: Passenger support regarding tickets, check-in, and special services is provided by the airlines operating flights to Maba.

Pekaulang Airport (Buli Airport, IATA: PGQ) serves as the main air gateway for the city of Maba and its surroundings in the east of Halmahera island in Indonesia. There are several ways to get there from the city centre, but it is worth noting that the infrastructure here differs from major tourist hubs. Planning transport in advance is the key to a comfortable journey.

Public transport options in the conventional sense, such as city buses, trains, or metro, are absent in this part of the island. The basis of local transport consists of motorcycle taxis (ojek) and route minibuses known as bemo. This is the most budget-friendly, but also the most adventurous way to travel. An ojek ride is suitable for solo travelers with light luggage, while a bemo may require waiting until the cabin fills up with other passengers. It is necessary to negotiate the price before the trip begins.

A more comfortable and predictable option is a taxi or private transfer. There may not be official taxi companies here, but there are always local drivers ready to take you to the airport. The most reliable method is to order a transfer through your hotel or guesthouse. This will cost more than an ojek but guarantees your timely arrival for the flight. You can also consider renting a car with a driver for the entire duration of your stay, which will ensure maximum flexibility in moving around the region.

Travel time depends heavily on your location. The airport is located in the immediate vicinity of Buli village, and a trip from there will take no more than 10-15 minutes. If you are departing from the regional administrative centre, the city of Maba, the road may take from 2 to 3 hours. For those traveling by rental car, there is a simple open parking area at the airport where vehicles can be left.

The main recommendation for travelers is to resolve the transport issue in advance. A pre-booked transfer will save you from unnecessary hassle. Always carry a sufficient amount of cash in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) to pay for the fare, as card payment is practically impossible here. If you decide to use the services of a local driver, clearly agree on the cost of the trip before it starts to avoid misunderstandings.

If flights to Buli Airport are inconvenient for you, you can consider flying to one of the neighboring, larger airports, such as Kao (62 km) or Babullah Airport in Ternate (112 km). However, note that the onward journey to Maba will require additional planning and will involve long overland and possibly sea transfers.

Pekaulang (Buli) Airport (PGQ) is a small regional airport serving primarily domestic flights. Its structure is extremely simple and designed for low passenger traffic, making navigation very easy.

The airport operates only one terminal, which is used to service all flights — both arrivals and departures. It is a compact, likely single-story building, where all key zones are within walking distance of each other. Since the airport does not have international status, there is no separation into international and domestic sectors here.

The terminal layout is intuitive. Upon entering, you immediately find yourself in the general area where check-in counters are located. After check-in, passengers proceed to a small security screening area, and then to the departure lounge, which usually consists of one common room with several rows of seats. The arrival area is just as simple: after disembarking from the aircraft, passengers enter the baggage claim hall. It is practically impossible to get lost in such a compact space.

Check-in and security procedures at Buli Airport usually proceed very quickly due to the small number of flights and passengers. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 1–1.5 hours before departure to complete all formalities without rushing.

Navigation requires no special effort. All signs, if present, will lead you along a direct and obvious route: entrance → check-in → security → waiting hall. Airport staff are always ready to help and suggest the direction. Given the size of the airport, the question of transfers between terminals is not relevant.

The history of Pekaulang (Buli) Airport (PGQ), serving the city of Maba, is inextricably linked with the development of the East Halmahera region in Indonesia. Unlike major international hubs with centuries of history, Pekaulang is a relatively modern facility, the appearance of which was dictated by practical needs — improving transport accessibility for remote areas. Exact data on the founding year and construction stages are difficult to find in public sources, which is typical for small regional airports.

The main stimulus for the creation and development of the airport was economic activity in the region, particularly the work of industrial enterprises. The airport was built to ensure fast and reliable connection with other parts of the country, facilitating the transport of personnel and cargo, and making the region more accessible for business and administrative trips. Its history is not so much a series of high-profile events as the planned development of infrastructure aimed at supporting and growing the local economy.

Throughout its existence, the airport has undergone necessary modernizations to meet safety standards and service aircraft performing local flights, such as ATR turboprops. Significant historical events, records, or achievements that could attract the attention of the general public have not been recorded in its biography. Its main role has always been utilitarian — to serve as a reliable air gateway for the residents and workers of East Halmahera.

An interesting fact from the "history" of the airport lies in its key role as a vital artery for an isolated region. Before its appearance, communication with the island was possible primarily by sea, which took a lot of time and depended heavily on weather conditions. Thus, Pekaulang Airport became a symbol of a new era of accessibility and integration of this part of Indonesia into the country's general transport network.

Pekaulang (Buli) Airport (PGQ) is a small regional airport serving Halmahera Island. The level of comfort and range of services here correspond to its size, so passengers should prepare for their journey in advance and not expect the infrastructure of a major international hub.

Dining and Shopping: The choice of catering establishments and retail outlets on the airport territory is extremely limited. Typically, you can find small kiosks or local stalls (warungs) here, selling basic snacks, water, soft drinks, and possibly simple Indonesian dishes. There are no duty-free shops or branded boutiques here.

Waiting Areas and Facilities: The airport has a general waiting hall for all passengers. Specialized VIP halls or business lounges are absent. Free Wi-Fi is generally not provided, so it is better to rely on mobile internet. The number of power outlets for charging devices may be limited, so it is strongly recommended to carry a fully charged power bank.

Financial and Medical Services: There are no bank branches or currency exchange points at the airport. All financial operations, including exchanging money, should be done in advance in larger cities. The presence of an ATM is not guaranteed. Medical assistance is limited to a basic first aid point, so you should carry a personal first aid kit with necessary medications.

Additional Services: Special rooms for mothers and children, as well as play areas, are usually absent. Passengers with reduced mobility are recommended to contact the airline well in advance of the flight to organize necessary assistance upon arrival and departure. There are no hotels directly in the airport building; accommodation options should be sought in the nearest town of Buli.

When planning a departure from Pekaulang (Buli) Airport (PGQ), it is important to consider that this is a small regional airport with a basic set of services. Dining options here are very limited and not comparable to the selection in major international hubs, so it is better to prepare for this in advance.

In the airport's single terminal, you will most likely find one or two small kiosks or modest cafes (in Indonesia they are called "warungs"). The assortment in such places usually includes bottled water, soft drinks, instant coffee and tea, as well as packaged snacks like chips, biscuits, and possibly instant noodles. This is a good option for a quick snack before boarding the flight.

It is unlikely you will be able to try real local cuisine of North Maluku at the airport itself. For a full lunch or dinner, we strongly recommend eating at one of the establishments in the town of Buli before arriving at the airport. This way you can experience authentic Indonesian cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere.

For passengers with specific dietary needs (vegetarianism, veganism, gluten-free diet), finding suitable dishes at the airport will be practically impossible. The most reliable solution is to bring food with you. Most products in this region are Halal by default, however, there are no specialized certified establishments in the airport.

All food points are located in the public area before security control (landside) and are available for both departing passengers and those meeting them. Their opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule, and prices for drinks and snacks are generally very affordable.

Traveling through Pekaulang (Buli) Airport in the city of Maba will be easier if you prepare in advance. Despite its small size, the basic rules and recommendations for air passengers remain relevant. To avoid rushing, arrive at the airport at least 1.5-2 hours before the departure of your domestic flight. Many airlines operating in Indonesia offer online check-in, which allows you to save time. Keep your passport or ID card and your ticket (in electronic or printed form) ready to quickly pass all formalities.

Passing security control usually does not take much time in small airports, but the rules for carrying hand luggage are standard. All liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers with a volume of no more than 100 ml and packed in one transparent resealable bag. Large electronics, such as laptops and tablets, will likely need to be removed from the bag and placed in a separate tray for scanning. Ensure that there are no prohibited items in your hand luggage: sharp objects, flammable substances, and other dangerous goods.

When choosing a seat on the plane, think about your preferences. A seat by the window will give you unforgettable views of the picturesque islands of Indonesia during takeoff and landing — this is a great opportunity to take beautiful photos. A seat by the aisle will provide more legroom and allow you to stand up without disturbing neighbors. On some short flights on small aircraft, seat selection may be limited or absent altogether.

If you have a connecting flight, check with the airline in advance whether you will need to collect your luggage and check it in again. Typically, on domestic flights within the same airline, luggage is checked through to the final destination. Customs control is passed at the first airport of arrival in the country. If you are flying to Maba from another Indonesian city, there will be no further customs procedures.

To save money, book flight tickets in advance, especially during the peak tourist season. Travel light to avoid paying for excess baggage. In a small airport, the choice of food and drinks may be limited, and prices inflated, so take an empty water bottle with you (it can be filled after security) and light snacks.

In case of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative. Remain calm and clearly find out about your rights: depending on the length of the delay, you may be provided with drinks, meals, or even hotel accommodation. Keep your phone charged to monitor flight status updates, and keep all receipts for unforeseen expenses — they may be needed to receive compensation.