Iskandar Airport

Iskandar Airport is not just a point on the map, but a true gateway to the heart of Borneo's wilderness, the starting point for the most thrilling expeditions into the jungle. From the very first moment, this small and welcoming aviation hub sets the mood for adventure, greeting travellers with warm tropical air and the hospitality of Central Kalimantan. Despite its modest size, the airport plays a key role in the region, connecting civilisation with the unique world of Tanjung Puting National Park. There is no hustle and bustle of giant hubs here; instead, there is a distinct feeling that your grand journey to the orangutans has already begun.

Airport Features and Advantages

As the only civilian airport in the area, Iskandar Airport possesses a number of unique characteristics that make it convenient for tourists:

• Strategic Location: The airport is located just a 15–20 minute drive from the port of Kumai. This is critical for tourists, as Kumai is where traditional boats (klotoks) depart deep into the national park.
• Authentic Design: Elements of Dayak culture—the indigenous people of the island—can be seen in the terminal's architecture and interior design. The roofs and décor resemble traditional longhouses, giving the airport a special local flavour.
• Speed of Service: Thanks to the terminal's compactness and the absence of complex corridor systems, the time from landing to exiting into the city is minimal. Baggage claim is fast, allowing you to save time for starting your excursion programme.
• Military Heritage: The airport shares its runway with an Indonesian Air Force base, which guarantees high-quality runway maintenance and enhanced security measures on the premises.

Below you will find contact information for Iskandar Airport (PKN), which may be useful when planning your journey.

• Official Website: The most up-to-date information about the airport can be found on its official website pangkalanbun-airport.co.id or on the portal of the management company, Angkasa Pura II.
• Information Desk Phone: For information regarding flights, services, and other enquiries, you can call: +62 532 21132. There is also a unified call centre for the operator Angkasa Pura II at number 138.
• Airport Address: Jalan Iskandar, Kel. Sidorejo, Kec. Arut Selatan, Kabupaten Kotawaringin Barat, Kalimantan Tengah, Indonesia.
• Email: For general questions, you can contact the Angkasa Pura II contact centre at: contact.center@angkasapura2.co.id.
• Social Media: Official news and updates from the airport management company are published on social networks, for example, on Twitter (@contactap2).
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of lost or damaged luggage, it is recommended to first contact your airline's office at the airport. For additional assistance from airport services, you can use the information desk phone.
• Passenger Support Service: To resolve issues related to your stay at the airport, please use the main information desk phone or the contact centre email.

Iskandar Airport (PKN) is located in close proximity to the city of Pangkalan Bun, so getting to or from the centre is quite effortless. The simplest and most common method is by taxi. The journey from the city centre to the terminal usually takes no more than 15–20 minutes. You can use the services of local taxi drivers or book a car via apps popular in Indonesia, such as Grab. It is recommended to agree on the fare in advance or insist on using the taximeter to avoid misunderstandings.

For budget and solo travellers with light luggage, an excellent option is an ojek — a motorcycle taxi. This is a fast and very cheap way to move around the city. Regarding public transport, local minibuses known as angkot may run to the airport. However, this method may be inconvenient for tourists due to the lack of a clear schedule and routes, so it is more suitable for experienced travellers familiar with local specifics.

Many hotels and tour operators, especially those organising excursions to the famous Tanjung Puting National Park, offer an organised transfer service. This is very convenient, as the driver will meet you at the airport with a sign and take you directly to your accommodation or boat. If you prefer independence in your movements, you might consider car rental. Often in the region, cars are rented out with a driver, which can be a comfortable solution for navigating unfamiliar terrain.

For those arriving at the airport by private or rented car, there is a parking area on the premises. It is located near the terminal and offers spaces for both short-term and long-term parking. In general, for most tourists, the optimal choice in terms of price and comfort will be a taxi or a pre-booked transfer from the hotel.

Iskandar Airport (PKN) in the city of Pangkalan Bun is a small and compact aviation hub that serves as the main gateway for travellers heading to Tanjung Puting National Park. Its structure is extremely simple, making navigation intuitive even for those visiting for the first time.

Structure and Navigation

The airport consists of one terminal, which handles both departing and arriving flights. The terminal building is small, and all key zones are within walking distance of each other. Getting lost here is practically impossible. Departure and arrival areas are located in the same building, eliminating the need for long walks or shuttles.

Departure and Arrival Zones

Upon entering the terminal, you find yourself in a general area where the check-in counters for several airlines are located. After receiving a boarding pass, passengers proceed to the security screening area, followed by a small waiting lounge with a boarding gate. The arrival zone is even simpler: after disembarking the aircraft, passengers proceed to the baggage claim hall, and then immediately to the airport exit, where taxis and tour operator representatives await them.

Processing Time and Recommendations

Thanks to the compact size and relatively low passenger traffic, all pre-flight formalities at Iskandar Airport are completed quite quickly. Flight check-in and security control usually take no more than 30-40 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport generally 1.5-2 hours before departure to avoid rushing in case of unforeseen delays. Signs are mostly in Indonesian and English, but due to the simple layout, orienting yourself is easy by simply following the flow of other passengers.

The history of Iskandar Airport (PKN) is inextricably linked with the development of the city of Pangkalan Bun and the entire Central Kalimantan region in Indonesia. Although the exact founding date of the original airfield may be vague, many runways in this region were laid down during World War II for military needs. The airport received its current name in honour of Pangeran Iskandar, a historical figure and member of the royal family of the local Kotawaringin Sultanate, highlighting its cultural significance to the local community.

After Indonesia gained independence, the military airfield was converted into a civil facility, primarily serving local transport and administrative needs. The airport received a real impetus for development with the growing popularity of Tanjung Puting National Park, a world-famous orangutan rehabilitation centre. Iskandar Airport became the main gateway for thousands of tourists and researchers striving to reach this unique reserve.

To cope with the growing passenger traffic, the airport has undergone significant modernisation in recent decades. Work was carried out to expand and strengthen the runway, allowing it to accommodate larger aircraft such as the Boeing 737. The culmination of this process was the construction of a new, more spacious, and modern passenger terminal, which replaced the old, modest building and significantly improved the level of comfort for travellers.

In recent history, the airport played an unforeseen but critically important role on the international stage. In late 2014 and early 2015, following the tragedy of Indonesia AirAsia flight QZ8501, Iskandar Airport became the main operational centre for search and rescue and recovery operations. It was here that aircraft debris was brought and the actions of numerous international teams were coordinated, demonstrating the strategic importance of this air harbour.

Today, Iskandar Airport is not just a transport hub, but a symbol of how a modest airfield can turn into a vital bridge connecting a remote corner of the wilderness with the rest of the world. Its history reflects the path from a military facility to a key element in the development of eco-tourism and the preservation of Indonesia's unique natural heritage.

Iskandar Airport (PKN) in the city of Pangkalan Bun offers passengers all the necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its compact size, the airport provides a basic level of amenities so that your journey begins and ends without unnecessary hassle.

Within the terminal, you will find several cafés and small eateries where you can have a snack before departure, trying local Indonesian cuisine or simply having a coffee. There are also shops selling souvenirs, travel essentials, and press. For comfortable waiting, general lounges are provided, and for certain categories of passengers, premium lounges may be available.

For those for whom staying connected is important, the airport provides access to free Wi-Fi. In the waiting areas, you can find stations for charging mobile devices. If you need to handle financial matters, ATMs and currency exchange points are at your service, although it is recommended to have some local currency with you in advance.

The airport is equipped for the needs of various categories of passengers. There is a medical point for first aid. For travellers with small children, nursing rooms are provided. Passengers with reduced mobility can count on staff assistance and the presence of ramps for convenient movement around the terminal. There are no specialised business centres or conference rooms at the airport, but nearby hotels can provide such services.

Iskandar Airport (PKN) in Pangkalan Bun is a small regional aviation hub, so the choice of establishments here is quite modest, but quite sufficient for a snack before departure. Most cafés and eateries are located in the main public area of the airport, before security control (landside).

Instead of chain restaurants, here you will find several cosy local cafés (warungs) offering simple and hearty Indonesian dishes. This is a wonderful opportunity to try authentic food at an affordable price. We recommend looking out for classic hits such as Nasi Goreng (fried rice with condiments) and Mie Goreng (fried noodles). You can also find soups, for example, Soto.

If you are short on time, you can quickly drink a cup of aromatic local coffee or tea and grab some fresh pastries or local cakes (`kue`). For a more substantial meal, it is better to choose one of the hot dishes. Regarding dietary preferences, virtually all food in Indonesia is Halal. Vegetarians can have rice with stewed vegetables (`cap cai`) prepared, but finding specialised vegan or gluten-free options will be difficult. It is best to check the ingredients with the staff.

Prices in Iskandar Airport establishments are very reasonable. Keep in mind that café opening hours are tied to the flight schedule, and they may be closed late in the evening or at night. In the "airside" zone, after passing security, the choice of food and drinks is usually very limited or non-existent, so it is better to refresh yourself in advance in the main terminal hall.

To ensure your journey through Iskandar Airport goes as smoothly as possible, take advantage of our tips. This is a small but important transport hub serving as the gateway to Tanjung Puting National Park, so preparation will help avoid unnecessary hassle.

Arrival Time: For domestic flights within Indonesia, we recommend arriving at the airport approximately 1.5-2 hours before departure. Although the airport in Pangkalan Bun is not as large as those in the capital, this time will be sufficient to calmly go through all formalities without rushing.

Check-in and Security: Check-in and screening procedures here usually go faster than in major hubs. To speed up the process, complete online check-in in advance if your airline offers this option, and have your passport and boarding pass ready. This is especially relevant during peak hours.

Seat Selection: If you want to enjoy breathtaking views of the Borneo jungles during takeoff or landing, choose a window seat. An aisle seat is suitable for those who value the ability to stand up freely and be among the first to exit the aircraft upon arrival.

Hand Luggage: As in most airports around the world, strict rules apply to carrying liquids here: all containers must be no more than 100 ml in volume and packed in a single transparent bag. It is forbidden to carry sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances in hand luggage.

Transit Passengers: Iskandar Airport is rarely used as a transit hub. If you have a self-transfer planned, ensure there is enough time between flights. Most likely, you will have to collect your luggage and check in again for the next flight.

Customs Control: Since most flights arrive from other Indonesian cities, customs control is only undergone by passengers of international charter flights. In this case, standard rules apply: it is necessary to declare goods exceeding established limits.

Saving Time and Money: To save money, book a taxi or transfer from the airport in advance. Prices for food and drinks at the airport may be higher than in the city, so take a light snack and an empty water bottle with you, which can be filled after passing security.

Flight Delays: In case of a flight delay, contact your airline representatives for information. Given the modest size of the airport, waiting facilities may be limited. We recommend having a book, headphones, or a charged power bank with you to pass the time.