Bontang Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

Most travelers reach Bontang via Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Airport in Balikpapan, followed by a 4-hour drive along the East Kalimantan coastal road. Regular bus services connect from Samarinda (2 hours) and Balikpapan (4 hours), with taxis and ride-sharing services readily available at both locations. For those arriving by private vehicle, the ferry terminal offers secured parking facilities with daily rates. Public transportation within Bontang includes angkot (small vans) and ojek (motorcycle taxis) that can take you from the city center to the ferry terminal in approximately 20 minutes.

Nestled on the eastern coast of Kalimantan, Indonesia, Bontang presents an intriguing blend of industrial prowess and natural beauty. This coastal city has transformed from a small fishing village into a significant port known for its liquefied natural gas production while maintaining connections to the lush rainforests of Borneo. As a ferry destination, Bontang serves as a gateway to explore both the marine treasures of the Makassar Strait and the cultural richness of East Kalimantan.

Bontang experiences a tropical climate with relatively consistent temperatures year-round, hovering between 25-32°C (77-90°F). The dry season from May to September offers the most reliable weather for ferry travel, with calmer seas and clearer skies ideal for island excursions. October to April brings the rainy season, with December and January seeing the heaviest rainfall that occasionally affects ferry schedules. Consider visiting during June or July to coincide with local maritime celebrations, when the harbor comes alive with decorated boats and seafood festivals. April and May offer an excellent compromise of good weather and fewer tourists before the peak holiday season begins.

Bontang serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring East Kalimantan's coastal treasures. Regular ferry services connect to Derawan Islands (4-5 hours), where world-class diving sites and pristine beaches await nature enthusiasts. The Sangalaki Island marine reserve, reachable in around 5 hours, offers unforgettable encounters with manta rays and sea turtles in crystal-clear waters. For a shorter journey, Beras Basah Island can be reached in just 90 minutes, perfect for day-trippers seeking white sandy beaches and snorkeling opportunities. The scenic ferry route to Maratua Island navigates through small archipelagos, offering breathtaking views of untouched tropical islets along the 6-hour journey.

Bontang Kuala, the city's famous stilt village extending into the sea, offers a fascinating glimpse into traditional maritime life where visitors can sample freshly caught seafood at floating restaurants. Nature lovers should explore Bontang Mangrove Park with its elevated wooden walkways winding through lush coastal forests, home to macaques and exotic birds. The Equator Monument provides a unique photo opportunity at one of the few accessible places where the equatorial line crosses land in Indonesia. For culinary adventures, try local specialties like kepiting soka (soft-shell crab) and nasi tumpang (rice with spiced vegetables) at the Bontang Night Market, where vendors set up along the waterfront each evening. Don't miss the Bontang LNG Exhibition Center, which offers insight into the industry that transformed this once-small fishing village.

Bontang holds the distinction of being home to one of the world's largest liquefied natural gas plants, producing enough energy to power several countries in the Asia-Pacific region. The city's name derives from the local Kutai language, meaning 'star' or 'light on the horizon,' historically serving as a navigational reference for seafarers in the Makassar Strait. Bontang Kuala stilt village contains over 7,000 structures built entirely over water, with residents using small boats instead of cars for daily transportation. The waters surrounding Bontang harbor more than 460 species of coral, making it one of Indonesia's most biodiverse marine environments outside the famous Coral Triangle.