Aji Pangeran Tumenggung Pranoto International Airport

Welcome

Set in the North Samarinda area of Sungai Siring, Aji Pangeran Tumenggung Pranoto International Airport (AAP) surprises as a polished and design-forward regional hub. Frequent flyers and casual travelers alike highlight its clean, modern interiors and the ease with which they can move from curb to gate. This isn't your average provincial field; it's a boutique experience that offers local coffees and bright, Instagram-worthy spaces.

At a glance

As a single-terminal airport hosting carriers such as Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, and Sriwijaya Air, AAP plays a key role in connecting East Kalimantan with the rest of Indonesia. Though located in a rural area, it boasts a modern aviation facility with flights primarily serving domestic routes. Despite its modest size, the airport packs a punch with its clean design and efficient operations.

Terminals & layout

AAP operates entirely through Terminal 1, serving as both the arrival and departure point for all flights. It features a straightforward design, allowing swift movement from one end to the other. Expect limited lounge offerings, but a generally stress-free experience thanks to quick security and boarding queues that rarely back up.

Getting to and from the city

The airport's location in Sungai Siring makes travel to central Samarinda relatively long and costly. A taxi ride will set you back IDR 150,000 and take approximately 20-30 minutes, while rideshare services generally charge IDR 120,000 for similar times. Budget options include the City Bus Route 1 at IDR 20,000, albeit with a longer transit time of 45-50 minutes. The APT Pranoto Express train offers a mid-range alternative with a cost of IDR 50,000 and travel time of 30-35 minutes.

Traveller essentials

Essentials are covered by a mix of shops, ranging from the Duty Free Shop and Fashion Store to local specialties like Cenderamata Khas Kaltim. Parking options cater to all needs with prices from $15 for Remote Parking to $50 for Valet Parking. While AAP doesn’t boast a vast array of dining and shopping experiences, it remains a solid choice for a smooth and efficient transit.

Dining & shopping highlights

Dining is straightforward with four main eateries including Kantin Bandara and the much-praised Caffeine Café; the latter is noted for its Bon Presso specialty coffee. Shopping is more about picking up essentials and souvenirs, with outlets like the Minimarket Bandara and Toko Oleh-Oleh Khas Samarinda offering a range of products.

Lounges

While there's no extravagant lounge network, areas like the Ruang Tunggu Eksekutif and Working Space provide comfort. The terminal offers specific convenience zones such as the Nursery Room and Smoking Room, making it practical for families and business travelers alike.

Insider tips

• Time: Plan to arrive about an hour before your flight, unless it's a busy holiday; check-in and security are usually quick and efficient.
• Local: Skip the kiosks and grab a Bon Presso at Caffeine Café in the public area. It's a local favorite you won't find elsewhere in AAP.
• Quiet: For some serenity, head to seating zones near the gates outside peak times to enjoy a calm atmosphere, ideal for reading or light work.
• Insider: Make time for some photography as the airport's clean lines and glassy façade make for excellent terminal and airfield shots.
• Avoid: Stick to designated smoking areas as the staff actively monitors for violations; lighting up elsewhere might bring unwanted attention.
• Money: Check fares from both AAP and Balikpapan's Sepinggan Airport; flexibility might save you money as AAP often offers cheaper domestic flights but with less frequency.
• Insider: The airport’s cleanliness is a point of pride, evidenced by frequent Instagram posts from the operators; take advantage of this for an extra hygienic stop.