Indonesia
Balikpapan → Tarakan
Pelni’s KM Bukit Siguntang and KM Lambelu sail between Balikpapan and Tarakan (some sailings call at other ports on the way); the trip takes about 1 day – 1 day 10h. Tarakan is an island city in North Kalimantan, near the Malaysian border.
Balikpapan to Tarakan ferry at a glance
The ferry from Balikpapan to Tarakan takes About 1 day – 1 day 10h across the Celebes Sea, operated by Pelni. It is a foot-passenger service; vehicles are not carried. Typical frequency: 4 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: Tarakan to Balikpapan
Pelni also sails Tarakan to Balikpapan, taking About 1 day – 1 day 10h. Tarakan to Balikpapan: 8 Nov 13:00 (KM Lambelu), 12 Nov 09:00 (KM Bukit Siguntang), 13 Nov 19:00 (KM Lambelu), 22 Nov 13:00 (KM Lambelu); about 1 day 12h – 1 day 21h, from Rp 408,500 economy.
Balikpapan to Tarakan ferry timetable & sailing pattern
About weekly on Pelni
Published departure times
- From Balikpapan: 6 Nov 23:00 (KM Lambelu), 11 Nov 06:00 (KM Bukit Siguntang), 12 Nov 15:00 (KM Lambelu), 20 Nov 23:00 (KM Lambelu)
Return: Tarakan to Balikpapan: 8 Nov 13:00 (KM Lambelu), 12 Nov 09:00 (KM Bukit Siguntang), 13 Nov 19:00 (KM Lambelu), 22 Nov 13:00 (KM Lambelu); about 1 day 12h – 1 day 21h, from Rp 408,500 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 Tarakan
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Operators on This Route
| Operator | Crossing Time | Vessels |
|---|---|---|
| Pelni | About 1 day – 1 day 10h | KM Bukit Siguntang, KM Lambelu |
Route Features
Vehicles
Foot passengers only
Foot Passengers
Walk-on passengers welcome
Pets
No pet facilities
Distance
278 nautical miles
Getting There & Onward Transport
- Some sailings call at other ports on the way; Pelni’s ticket search lists every call
- Tarakan is an island city in North Kalimantan, near the Malaysian border.
Tips for the Balikpapan to Tarakan 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.