Tarakan Ferries

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

Tarakan is accessible via multiple transportation options, with Juwata International Airport connecting the island to major Indonesian cities like Jakarta and Balikpapan. From mainland Kalimantan, regular ferry services operate from Nunukan and Tanjung Selor, with journeys taking approximately 2-3 hours depending on sea conditions. Public transport connections from the ferry terminal to the city center include readily available taxis and motorized rickshaws (bentor). If arriving by private vehicle, the ferry terminal offers secure parking facilities, though space can be limited during peak travel periods.

Nestled off the eastern coast of Borneo, Tarakan is an island city with a rich trading heritage and strategic importance. This bustling port city offers travelers a fascinating blend of Indonesian culture, wartime history, and natural attractions. As you step off the ferry, you'll be greeted by a compact yet vibrant urban center surrounded by mangrove forests and waterways that have shaped life here for centuries.

Tarakan enjoys a tropical climate with relatively consistent temperatures year-round, though rainfall patterns vary significantly. The driest months from May to September offer the most reliable weather for exploring the city and its surroundings. June through August provides optimal conditions for outdoor activities and mangrove tours with clearer skies and calmer seas for ferry crossings. The annual Iraw Tengkayu Festival in October celebrates the city's founding and showcases local culture with parades and performances. Note that ferry services maintain consistent schedules throughout the year, but booking ahead is recommended during Indonesian holiday periods when locals travel in greater numbers.

Tarakan serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring North Kalimantan's coastal treasures. The Derawan Archipelago, reachable via a connecting ferry from Tarakan (approximately 4-5 hours), offers world-class diving among manta rays and sea turtles across its collection of pristine islands. Nunukan Island, just a 2-hour ferry ride away, attracts visitors with its beaches and cultural diversity where Malaysian and Indonesian influences blend seamlessly. The mangrove forests of Bulungan can be reached within 3 hours by ferry, offering wildlife enthusiasts chances to spot proboscis monkeys and other endemic species. The journey itself provides spectacular views of Borneo's coastline, with dolphins occasionally accompanying vessels.

The Proboscis Monkey Conservation Area offers an unforgettable chance to observe these endemic primates in their natural mangrove habitat, best visited during morning or late afternoon hours. History enthusiasts shouldn't miss the WWII Memorial Park and Museum, which commemorates the island's significant role during Pacific battles with preserved bunkers and artillery. Seafood lovers will delight in the fresh catches at Gusher Market, where local specialties like kepiting soka (soft-shell crab) and various prawn dishes showcase Tarakan's maritime bounty. The waterfront district comes alive in the evenings with food stalls serving regional delicacies and offers perfect sunset views across the Celebes Sea. For a deeper cultural experience, explore the traditional stilt houses in the coastal Kampung Nelayan fishing village just a short ride from the ferry terminal.

Before tourism, Tarakan was known as the 'Oil City' due to its significant petroleum reserves discovered in 1896, with some historic drilling equipment still visible today. The island's name derives from the indigenous Tidung language, meaning 'a place where fish are abundant' – a nod to its enduring importance as a fishing hub. During WWII, Tarakan was the site of the first major Allied landing in Borneo, with the battle for control of its airfield and oil facilities lasting several weeks in May 1945. The city is home to a unique floating mosque, Masjid Al Mukarramah, built on stilts over water that appears to float during high tide.