Balikpapan - Discovering Indonesia

Travelling to Balikpapan

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Balikpapan, a pretty good destination in Indonesia (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Balikpapan and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Balikpapan, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Indonesia, here's everything to know about Balikpapan for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Balikpapan

Balikpapan is a city located on the eastern coast of the island of Borneo in Indonesia. It is the second-largest city in the province of East Kalimantan and a major seaport and industrial center. Balikpapan is known for its oil and gas industry, as well as its beautiful beaches and natural attractions, such as mangrove forests and wildlife reserves. The city has a tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity throughout the year and is a popular destination for outdoor activities, including diving, snorkeling, and hiking. Balikpapan is also home to a range of amenities, including shopping malls, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

What to visit in Balikpapan

Sure, below are some of the tourist attractions in Balikpapan, Indonesia along with some info: 1. Manggar Beach: This is a beautiful beach in Balikpapan with crystal-clear waters and white sands. It's a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and unwinding. You can also rent a boat to explore the nearby islands.
2. Kemala Beach: Another beautiful beach in Balikpapan, Kemala Beach is famous for its stunning sunrise view. You can also enjoy various water activities such as surfing, snorkeling, or jet-skiing.
3. Bangkirai Hill Nature Tourism Park: This park is located about 50 km from Balikpapan and covers an area of 1,625 hectares. It's a perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the serene natural surroundings. You can go trekking, bird watching, or even visit the canopy bridge.
4. Crocodile Farm Samboja: This farm is home to thousands of crocodiles and it's a unique experience to visit and see them up close. You can tour the facilities and even see the baby crocodiles at the hatchery.
5. Tugu Adipura: This iconic monument is located in downtown Balikpapan and represents the city's dedication to environmental conservation. You can take some photos here and learn about the history behind the monument.
6. Pasar Senggol Balikpapan Night Market: This bustling night market is a great place to experience local Indonesian cuisine and culture. You can find various street vendors selling tasty snacks, souvenirs, and traditional handicrafts.
These are just a few of the many attractions in Balikpapan, Indonesia. There are plenty of other exciting places to explore as well!
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Indonesia, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.

When to go on holiday to Balikpapan

The best time to visit Balikpapan is between May and October, during the dry season. The weather during this period is generally sunny and warm, with lower humidity and occasional rain showers. The temperatures are typically between 25-30°Celsius (77-86°Fahrenheit), making it a great time to enjoy outdoor activities such as snorkeling, surfing, and hiking. However, it can get crowded during the peak season, so you may have to make your bookings in advance.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Balikpapan

There are several ways to get to Balikpapan, Indonesia: 1. By air: The easiest way to get to Balikpapan is by air. Balikpapan has an international airport, Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Airport. You can catch a flight from Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya, or other major cities in Indonesia.
2. By sea: Balikpapan is also accessible by sea. You can take a ferry or speedboat from nearby ports such as Samarinda or Tarakan. 3. By land: If you are traveling from other parts of Borneo Island, you can take a bus or car to Balikpapan. There are several bus companies that operate regular services to Balikpapan from major cities such as Samarinda and Banjarmasin.
I recommend checking for flight schedules and booking your transportation in advance to save time and ensure availability.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Balikpapan, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Balikpapan

Sure, here are some typical foods of Balikpapan, Indonesia along with a short description: 1. Ayam Penyet: a dish of smashed chicken served with steamed rice, tempeh, tofu, and sambal (spicy chili paste).
2. Nasi Campur: a plate of mixed rice served with various dishes such as vegetables, fish, beef, chicken, and sambal.
3. Gado-gado: a salad made of various vegetables such as cabbage, cucumber, bean sprouts, and fried tofu served with a peanut sauce dressing.
4. Martabak Manis: a sweet pancake filled with chocolate and cheese or peanut butter and sugar.
5. Soto Banjar: a soup made of chicken, beef, or innards with rice cakes, vegetables, and spices.
6. Nasi Goreng: fried rice served with vegetables, egg, chicken, or shrimp.
7. Es Dawet: a sweet dessert made of coconut milk, palm sugar, and rice flour with green jelly.
8. Sate Kambing: grilled skewered goat meat served with peanut sauce or sambal.
9. Bakso: meatballs served in a hot broth with noodles and vegetables.
10. Ikan Tenggiri: grilled or fried mackerel served with rice and vegetables.
You can find general info about typical foods in Indonesia here.

Is Balikpapan an expensive destination for tourists?

Compared to other destinations in Indonesia, Balikpapan can be considered as a relatively expensive destination for tourists. Prices for accommodation, food, and excursions tend to be higher than in many other cities in Indonesia. However, it is still possible to find affordable options for budget travelers. It is always recommended to do research on the specific costs of accommodation, transportation, and food beforehand to plan and stick to a budget.

Where to find accomodation in Balikpapan

If you are planning to visit Balikpapan, here are some of the best areas to find accommodation: 1. Balikpapan Baru: This is a popular area among tourists as it has many hotels, resorts, and homestays. It's also close to malls and restaurants.
2. Klandasan: Klandasan is another area that's popular with tourists, as it's close to the waterfront and has many hotels and restaurants.
3. Sepinggan: Sepinggan is a convenient area to stay in if you're arriving at or departing from the Balikpapan International Airport, as it's located nearby. There are also many hotels and guesthouses in this area.
4. Manggar: Manggar is a coastal area of Balikpapan that's known for its beautiful beaches and seafood restaurants. There are a few resorts and guesthouses in this area if you're looking for a more relaxing getaway.
Overall, Balikpapan Baru and Klandasan are good choices if you want to be close to the city's amenities, while Sepinggan is a good option if you're only staying in Balikpapan for a brief period of time and need to be close to the airport.
You can check hotel prices at Balikpapan here:
Booking.com

Is Balikpapan a safe destination for tourists?

Balikpapan is generally considered a safe place for tourists. However, like any city, it is important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety. Make sure to keep an eye on your belongings and avoid displaying valuable items in public. Stay in well-lit and populated areas, especially at night. It is also recommended to stay up to date on any local safety and security alerts. Overall, with proper precautions, Balikpapan can be a wonderful destination for tourists.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Indonesia here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Balikpapan.

What type of travelers will enjoy Balikpapan the most?

Balikpapan, Indonesia offers a diverse range of experiences and activities suitable for different types of travelers. Couples may enjoy the romantic and serene atmosphere of Balikpapan's beaches, such as Kemala Beach or Melawai Beach. They can also opt for a luxurious spa treatment or enjoy sunset views at the Bangkirai Hill Nature Tourism Park. Young people looking for fun can explore Balikpapan's vibrant nightlife scene, with its wide range of bars, clubs, and restaurants. They can also engage in adventurous activities like trekking, hiking, and snorkeling, offered by numerous tour operators in the area. Families can enjoy spending quality time at attractions such as the Samboja Lestari Orangutan Sanctuary, where they can learn about conservation efforts and see these intelligent creatures up close. Families can also enjoy themed parks like Kumala Island or Dolphin Bay Water Park. Overall, Balikpapan has something to offer for everyone, making it a perfect destination for couples, young people, and families looking for an exciting travel experience.

How to get around Balikpapan

In Balikpapan, you can use various modes of transportation to move around the city, such as taxis, motorcycles for hire (known as ojek), public buses, and car rentals. However, the most common modes of transportation in Balikpapan are taxis and ojek, which are readily available and affordable. If you prefer a more private and convenient mode of transportation, you can rent a car or hire a driver.

What to see around Balikpapan

There are several nice places to visit in a day trip from Balikpapan. Here are some of the top recommendations: 1. Samarinda: This city is located about 2 hours from Balikpapan and is known for its cultural attractions, including the Islamic Center of Samarinda and the Mulawarman Museum.
2. Manggar: This small coastal town is about 1.5 hours from Balikpapan and is a great place to enjoy fresh seafood and relax on the beach.
3. Tenggarong: Tenggarong is the capital of the Kutai Kartanegara Regency and is famous for its beautiful palace, Tenggarong Seberang.
4. Kutai National Park: Located about 2.5 hours from Balikpapan, this national park is home to diverse wildlife, including orangutans, sun bears, and proboscis monkeys.
5. Tanjung Isuy: This secluded beach is located about 3 hours from Balikpapan and is perfect for a day trip if you want to get away from the crowds.
For every travel information about Indonesia you can click here.

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