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Balikpapan

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Balikpapan

As an oil and mining industry spot, Balikpapan has a higher economic growth compared to Samarinda, the capital city of East Kalimantan. Popularly known as a stopover before heading to explore Derawan Island’s underwater beauty, Balikpapan has plenty of exciting tourist attractions worth visiting. First, there is the Wain River Protection Forest, known as the home to various birds, fishes, crabs, and orangutans. There is also Manggar Segarsari Beach, coastal tourism spot in East Balikpapan regency. Don't forget to stop by at the Agrotourism Park, where exotic tropical plants and open-air picnic spots are easy to find.

Get to Know Balikpapan

Take a tour of this destination's highlights

Travel Tips for Balikpapan

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Balikpapan

A guide to Balikpapan's local transportation

Taxi

Angkot Mikrolet

Motorcycle Taxi

DAMRI

Car Rental

Use a taxi if you want to get around Balikpapan in comfort. But for the right fare, make sure the taxi driver turns on the meter. If you are used to using online taxis, they are also available in Balikpapan. However, don't ride during rush hour as the fare can be more expensive than a conventional taxi meter.

Practical Tips for Balikpapan

Things to prepare and best way to visit

What are the transportation modes available for travel to Balikpapan?

Balikpapan, which is located on Borneo Island, is surely very far from other islands in Indonesia. To arrive at Balikpapan, the most common transportation that is used is a plane. Nowadays, many airlines have provided the flight route of Jakarta-Balikpapan. Other than planes, you can also take a ship. However, the traveling time to reach Balikpapan surely becomes longer. You can arrive in Balikpapan in a few days. However, the advantage is you can enjoy the sea view during the trip.

From the Airport to the hotel, what transportation can I use?

From the international Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan Airport or Sepinggan Airport, you can take taxis that are available at the airport. Another way is to rent a car. Before you arrive at the airport, you should have ordered first. Nowadays, many car rentals can be ordered online. So, you don't have to feel confused and hassle anymore.

What are the beach attractions recommended to visit in Balikpapan?

Balikpapan includes a city that is near the sea. So, it is very easy to find beach attractions around it. Some recommended beaches for you to visit are Sepinggan beach, AURI Sepinggan beach, Batu beach, Monpera beach, Manggar Segara Sari beach, Lamaru beach, Kemal beach, and Melawai beach.

What are tourist attractions besides beaches in Balikpapan?

Besides going to the beach, you can visit some other tourist attractions in Balikpapan. Because Balikpapan has many interesting tourist spots. They are Caribbean Island Water Park, Wana Wisata Balikpapan, Balikpapan Mangrove forest, Kebun Raya Balikpapan, Cermin Lamaru Lake, Alpa Hill, Baitul Muttaqien Mosque, Lerong Garden Bay, Jungle Water World, Pinang Seribu Waterfall, Tanah Merah Waterfall, Kumala Island, Samboja Pine Forest, Creative Park Tenggarong, Ladang Budaya Tenggarong, Mulawarman Museum, Jam Bentong, Tata Surya Park, and Blue Hill.

What are typical Balikpapan menus recommended to taste?

Balikpapan has various kinds of special dishes, whether cake or main course. The most favorite dishes in Balikpapan are processed crab, such as crab with black pepper sauce, crab with oyster sauce, and crab with Padang sauce. Some other typical Balikpapan menus recommended for you to try are Mantau bread, Bingka Kentang, Grilled Seafood Rice, Pisang Gapit, Bubur Gunting, Onde-onde Ubi Ungu, Salome (typical Balikpapan meatball), Grilled Squid Satay, Green Noodle, and Lidah Sapi Cake.