Flight to Palangkaraya (PKY)

Palangkaraya, also written Palangka Raya, is the capital of Central Kalimantan, the Indonesian province that covers a large slice of southern Borneo. Laid out along the Kahayan River and surrounded by peat-swamp forest, it is a young, spacious city and the gateway to some of the island's most important orangutan habitats. People book flights to Palangkaraya for government and business trips, to visit family, and increasingly to explore Dayak culture and the wild rivers of Sebangau National Park.

About the airport serving Palangkaraya

The city is served by Tjilik Riwut Airport (PKY), named after Tjilik Riwut, a Dayak independence fighter and national hero who later served as governor of the province. It is a domestic airport, with routes linking the city to Jakarta and other major Indonesian cities.

Location

Tjilik Riwut Airport lies within Palangkaraya itself, a short drive from the centre and the Bundaran Besar roundabout. Because the city is compact and the roads are wide, reaching most areas from the airport is quick outside rush hours.

Terminals

Passengers use a single terminal building for all flights. It has the usual check-in counters and a small selection of food and shops, so it is quick to move through, though it is best not to rely on it for a big meal or much souvenir shopping.

Getting to and from Tjilik Riwut Airport

There is no rail link, so most arrivals take an airport taxi or book a car through a ride-hailing app. Hotels and guesthouses in town can often arrange a pick-up, and car rental with a driver is popular for visitors planning trips out to the national park or along the Trans-Kalimantan road.

Direct and connecting flights to Palangkaraya

There are no international routes into Palangkaraya, so travellers from Malaysia connect through an Indonesian hub. Jakarta is the most common choice, and the Jakarta to Palangkaraya flight is the city's main link. Surabaya and other Indonesian cities also have routes at various times. When you search, turn on the Direct filter for the domestic leg to see which cities fly straight to Tjilik Riwut.

If you are starting in Kuala Lumpur, compare a single itinerary that includes both legs with booking them separately. One ticket usually protects the connection if the first flight runs late, and it keeps your baggage allowance consistent from start to finish.

When to fly to Palangkaraya

Palangkaraya has an equatorial climate: hot, humid and green all year. Rain is heaviest from roughly November to April, when rivers swell and forest trails can flood. The middle of the year is drier and generally better for boat trips, but late in the dry season peat fires in Kalimantan can cause haze, so check air-quality updates before you travel.

Domestic flights fill up fastest around Lebaran, Christmas and the Indonesian school holidays, when many people fly home to Central Kalimantan. For travellers from Malaysia, Hari Raya and school breaks add demand to the connecting flights through Jakarta. The charts on this page show which months and weekdays usually have more room on flights to Palangkaraya.

Popular places in Palangkaraya

Sebangau National Park

South of the city, this vast protected peat-swamp forest shelters one of the largest wild orangutan populations in Borneo. Guided boat trips along blackwater rivers are the best way in, and sightings of hornbills and gibbons are possible.

Nyaru Menteng orangutan rehabilitation centre

Outside Palangkaraya on the road towards Tangkiling, this centre cares for orphaned and rescued orangutans before releasing them into the wild. Visitor access is limited and changes over time, so arrange any visit through the centre or a licensed local guide.

Kahayan Bridge and riverfront

The long red Kahayan Bridge is the city's landmark. Along the riverbank nearby, the Soekarno monument recalls the first president's visit to lay the foundation of the new provincial capital, and evenings bring food stalls and river views.

Balanga Museum

The provincial museum displays Dayak ceremonial objects, traditional weapons, basketry and the large jars known as balanga that gave it its name. It is a good introduction before visiting a longhouse.

Bukit Tangkiling

North-west of the city, this rocky hill rises unexpectedly from the flat forest. A short climb leads to views over Palangkaraya and the surrounding green canopy, and the surrounding area is protected as a nature reserve.

Where to stay in Palangkaraya

The city centre around Bundaran Besar and the streets leading off it, such as Jalan Yos Sudarso and Jalan Ahmad Yani, has the widest range of lodgings, restaurants and shops. Staying near the Kahayan riverfront puts you close to the bridge and the evening food stalls. Visitors heading to Sebangau often choose guesthouses on the southern side of town or arrange river lodges through their tour operator.

Food to try in Palangkaraya

Juhu singkah

A Dayak soup made with young rattan shoots, often cooked with river fish and a sour, slightly bitter broth. It is a true taste of Central Kalimantan.

Wadi

Fish or pork preserved with salt and roasted rice until it becomes pungent and tangy, then fried with chilli and eaten with plain rice.

Kalumpe

Pounded cassava leaves cooked with garlic, shallots and sometimes smoked fish, a simple green side dish found on many local tables.

Grilled river fish

Freshwater fish such as patin and jelawat from the Kahayan are grilled over coals or cooked in spicy sauces, and riverside restaurants are the best place to try them.

Ready to see Borneo's peat forests for yourself? Search flights to Palangkaraya on Traveloka, compare connections through Jakarta and set a Price Alert so you know when fares change.