How to get to Berau

When planning how to get to Berau, you are charting a course to one of the most picturesque corners of East Kalimantan, which serves as the main gateway to the underwater wonders of the Derawan Archipelago. Accessing this region of Indonesia is possible through various methods, most commonly by combining convenient domestic flights with ground transport. Whether you choose to travel to Berau by plane or utilize buses and cars to move between neighboring cities, the journey promises to be enriching and comfortable.

The primary aerial gateway for travelers is Kalimarau Airport (BEJ), which receives regular domestic flights. This modern terminal ensures convenient connections with the archipelago’s key transport hubs, making the region accessible to guests from all corners of the globe.

The airport terminal is located in close proximity to the city of Berau, allowing for minimal transfer time upon arrival. If tickets for direct flights are unavailable, experienced tourists sometimes choose a route via neighboring Tarakan; however, a direct flight remains the optimal way to begin your acquaintance with Indonesia in this part of the island.

Reaching Berau by train is not possible, as there is no passenger railway service in this part of Indonesia. The city does not have a train station, and the complex terrain makes the laying of tracks difficult, so trains do not operate here.

Even in neighboring major cities, such as Tarakan, railways are unavailable. To plan their route, tourists are better advised to utilize the extensive network of domestic airlines or overland vehicle transport.

Bus services and private transfers are an affordable way to reach Berau for those already on the island of Kalimantan. Often, tourists arriving in the region via neighboring major transport hubs choose a combined route: a short speedboat crossing to the mainland followed by a journey by car or minibus.

For enthusiasts of long-distance travel, there are routes from the Malaysian border side. The journey from border towns can take a significant amount of time and requires endurance, but it is an excellent chance to witness lush tropical forests and colourful settlements on the way deep into Indonesia.

Traveling by car to Berau is an excellent way to see the wild nature of Kalimantan, though one must consider the geographical features of the region. If you plan to arrive from the direction of the city of Tarakan, it is important to remember that it is located on an island. There is no direct land connection: first, you face a crossing by speedboat or ferry to Tanjung Selor (the capital of North Kalimantan). From there, the automotive part of the route begins, which will take about 3–4 hours along a winding but scenic road.

For those considering a trip from the Malaysian part of the island, for example, from the city of Tawau, the route will be a true expedition. The distance here is significantly shorter than transcontinental crossings, yet the road requires thorough preparation. The path runs through border crossings and the territories of North Kalimantan (via Malinau). The road surface on this section can be unpredictable, occasionally turning into dirt tracks, so using a 4x4 vehicle is strongly recommended for such a trip.

In general, a road trip across East Kalimantan requires experience driving in tropical conditions. Many tourists prefer to rent a car along with a local driver: this allows you to avoid navigation difficulties and enjoy views of the tropical rainforests without unnecessary stress.

A trip to Berau is an exciting immersion into the authentic atmosphere of East Kalimantan. To ensure your journey through Indonesia is as comfortable and surprise-free as possible, we have prepared a list of important recommendations to help you prepare for local specifics.

1. Clothing and Climate. The weather here is equatorial, hot, and humid year-round. Bring light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics (cotton, linen). Be sure to pack a raincoat or a compact umbrella, as tropical downpours can start suddenly. Sun protection, including a hat and sunglasses, is essential.
2. Transport within the city. Public transport is not highly developed and can be confusing for tourists. The most convenient method of movement is renting a car with a driver or using motorcycle taxis (ojek). If you are confident driving two-wheeled vehicles, you can rent a scooter, but please remain vigilant on the roads.
3. Financial matters. The local currency is the Indonesian Rupiah. In the city centre (Tanjung Redeb), there are ATMs and banks where you can withdraw cash. However, if you plan to head further to the islands of the Derawan Archipelago, be sure to stock up on cash in advance: there are no ATMs on the islands, and cards are rarely accepted.
4. Health and Hygiene. Never drink tap water; use only bottled water, even for brushing your teeth. Since the region is tropical, do not forget to bring high-quality mosquito repellents and assemble a small first-aid kit with stomach remedies and antiseptics.
5. Language Barrier. The main language of communication is Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia). English may be spoken by staff at hotels and diving centres, but explaining yourself in ordinary shops or markets will be difficult. We recommend downloading an offline translator on your phone.
6. Culture and Etiquette. The local population predominantly practices Islam, sharing values familiar to many visitors from the Gulf. Try to dress modestly when visiting the city and villages, covering shoulders and knees. It is customary to greet people, pass money, or eat only with the right hand, as the left is considered "unclean."
7. What to avoid. Do not raise your voice or display aggression in disputable situations — in Indonesian culture, this is considered a loss of face and is extremely impolite. Also, avoid discussing political topics and strictly observe local laws, especially those concerning narcotic substances.
8. Logistics to the islands. If your main goal is diving on the islands, remember that boats from Berau (Tanjung Batu port) usually depart in the first half of the day. Plan your arrival flight to have a time buffer, or book a transit overnight stay in the city.

By following these simple tips, you can avoid everyday inconveniences and focus on the main thing — the incredible nature and hospitality of this unique corner of the planet. Have a pleasant and safe journey!