Spending 170k to be a VVIP at Samarinda Airport. The exclusive security lane is SO awesome
qponx
2026-03-05
Discover a hidden gem at Samarinda Airport! The Blue Sky lounge offers a VVIP experience for 170k IDR. Escape the crowds and enjoy private seating, a full buffet, and even barista-made pour-over coffee. The biggest game-changer? An exclusive security lane that lets you bypass the long public queues, taking you directly to your gate. It's the ultimate airport hack for a stress-free journey, making your layover feel like a first-class upgrade.
Every time I fly to an airport in a non-first-tier city like Samarinda, I mentally prepare for 'hard mode'. Crowds, long queues, nowhere to sit... But this time, a lounge called Blue Sky completely blew my mind.
Right after I got out of the car, a staff member came up to help me with my luggage and even said they could handle my check-in and baggage drop[1]. I was stunned at that moment. This service... Anjay! Is this really a less popular airport in Indonesia?
Once inside, I discovered a whole new world. The seats have partitions, offering great privacy, perfect for a corporate slave like me who needs to get some last-minute work done on my laptop. The environment is clean, and there's a dedicated VIP room, shower room, and even the smoking room is super large and spacious[2], absolutely Mantap! You can comfortably Nongkrong while waiting for your flight.
The food is also a buffet; you can grab main courses, snacks, instant noodles, and ice cream as you please. You definitely won't go hungry. What surprised me the most was that they actually have a dedicated barista making pour-over coffee[3]! Getting to drink a proper Barista Coffee at the airport maxed out my happiness level. I felt completely revived. ☕️
But to be honest, there are some minor downsides. On the day I went, I noticed a few flies buzzing around[4], which was a bit of a mood killer. I hope they can improve on that. Also, I heard from a friend that when he came, the coffee machine was broken but the price remained the same[5], which is a bit of a rip-off. Some of the buffet dishes are a bit on the salty side, and if you want the good stuff, you have to get there early, otherwise the popular items run out quickly[6].
Cheat Sheet & Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls 📝
💰 Price
Pay on the spot: 170k Indonesian Rupiah[7] per person, which includes all food, drinks, and services. Priority cardholders from certain banks can get in for free, so everyone should check with their bank before heading out.
✨ Biggest Highlight
Private security lane! No need to wait in the long public queue outside. You go through security directly from the lounge into the departure area[8]. This experience is truly worth the price, especially for friends who are in a hurry.
❤️ Thoughtful Service
The staff will proactively come over to remind you about your flight information[9]. You don't have to worry about missing your flight while playing on your phone. A blessing for the socially anxious!
🙋♀️ Who is this for?
If you have a long layover in Samarinda, or if you're a business traveler like me who can't stand queuing, don't hesitate, just go for it! The money is absolutely well spent.
- Staff handle your bags and check-in. This next-level service is a shock at a smaller airport like Samarinda [1].
- Find private seating, a VIP room, showers, and a huge smoking room. A perfect space to Nongkrong and wait for your flight [2].
- Beyond the buffet, a barista makes fresh pour-over coffee. A proper barista coffee at the airport is pure bliss [3].
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