Indonesia
Balikpapan → Palu (Pantoloan)
Pelni’s KM Lambelu sails between Balikpapan and Palu (Pantoloan) (some sailings call at other ports on the way); the trip takes about 13h – 2 days 10h. Pantoloan is the port for Palu, the capital of Central Sulawesi.
Balikpapan to Palu (Pantoloan) ferry at a glance
The ferry from Balikpapan to Palu (Pantoloan) takes About 13h – 2 days 10h across the Makassar Strait, operated by Pelni. It is a foot-passenger service; vehicles are not carried. Typical frequency: 3 Pelni sailings from Balikpapan between 5 November and 2 December 2026.
Crossing times and frequencies are typical figures and vary by season. Confirm the current timetable with the operator or booking partner before you travel. Route facts last reviewed 2026-10-27.
Sources: pelni.co.id · pelni.co.id · How we verify
Return crossing: Palu (Pantoloan) to Balikpapan
Pelni also sails Palu (Pantoloan) to Balikpapan, taking About 13h – 2 days 10h. Palu (Pantoloan) to Balikpapan: 7 Nov 14:00 (KM Lambelu), 15 Nov 03:00 (KM Lambelu), 21 Nov 14:00 (KM Lambelu); about 13h – 2 days 11h, from Rp 154,000 economy.
Balikpapan to Palu (Pantoloan) ferry timetable & sailing pattern
3 sailings in four weeks on Pelni
Published departure times
- From Balikpapan: 6 Nov 23:00 (KM Lambelu), 12 Nov 15:00 (KM Lambelu), 20 Nov 23:00 (KM Lambelu)
Return: Palu (Pantoloan) to Balikpapan: 7 Nov 14:00 (KM Lambelu), 15 Nov 03:00 (KM Lambelu), 21 Nov 14:00 (KM Lambelu); about 13h – 2 days 11h, from Rp 154,000 economy.
Timetables change by season and date. Check exact departures for your travel date on the official timetable.
Official Pelni timetable →Check prices & book on Pelni →Source: Pelni ticket search (5 Nov – 2 Dec 2026). Verified 2026-10-27.
Maritime Crossing Route Map
Interactive sea passage between Balikpapan and Palu (Pantoloan)
Ready to cross from Balikpapan to Palu (Pantoloan)?
Book your crossing with Pelni: live fares, availability and sailing times.
Operators on This Route
| Operator | Crossing Time | Vessels |
|---|---|---|
| Pelni | About 13h – 2 days 10h | KM Lambelu |
Route Features
Vehicles
Foot passengers only
Foot Passengers
Walk-on passengers welcome
Pets
No pet facilities
Distance
186 nautical miles
Getting There & Onward Transport
- Some sailings call at other ports on the way; Pelni’s ticket search lists every call
- Pantoloan is the port for Palu, the capital of Central Sulawesi.
Tips for the Balikpapan to Palu (Pantoloan) Crossing
- Pelni sells tickets on its website and app; the ticket search shows each ship’s calls, dates and cabin classes. Liners keep long multi-port rotations, so dates move from month to month.
- Pelni timetables are published two to four weeks ahead; check the exact date before planning onward travel. Times are local, and eastern Indonesia is one or two hours ahead of Jakarta.