Balikpapan travel guide

Balikpapan, Indonesia

By the Travel Wiki editorial team

Balikpapan

Introduction

You will find Balikpapan situated on the east coast of Borneo as a prominent seaport city in East Kalimantan. Serving as the financial center of Kalimantan, this coastal destination offers a central hub for your travels through the region.

Before you go

Prepare for a tropical rainforest climate where you will experience consistent conditions throughout your stay. You can expect warm weather with no distinct dry season, as the region receives frequent rainfall and maintains steady temperatures all year round.

Before arriving, consider the rich history of this financial center. You will find a city shaped by its origins as a 19th-century fishing village and its subsequent transformation into an oil hub. The presence of multi-national companies in the oil industry sparked significant economic growth, drawing a diverse mix of migrants and expatriates to the area.

Getting there

You can reach Balikpapan by air at Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman International Airport, located on the coast near the city center. The airport serves frequent flights from Jakarta and commercial services from various cities across Kalimantan and Indonesia, as well as international flights from Singapore. While there is no bus service to Balikpapan, you can take a taxi from the terminal or use an angkot to reach Terminal Damai.

If you prefer to travel by land or sea, consider these options:

Getting around

You can navigate the city via a variety of transportation options, though you should note that traffic is increasing as more motorcycles appear on the roads. If you choose to use a taxi, it is best to contact a call center to arrange a pickup from your location rather than waiting on the street, as drivers typically wait for orders from their dispatchers.

For local travel, you can utilize small minibuses known as angkutan kota or angkot. These vehicles follow specific routes identified by their colors:

Keep in mind that while these minibuses have dedicated routes, they may occasionally detour based on passenger requests or skip certain sections of their path.

Where to stay

You can find a variety of star-rated accommodations situated along the coast and nestled on the hills. For those seeking a more rustic experience, you can stay in cottage or bungalow-style rooms that offer a "back to nature" feel with private garages.

Food & drink

Savor the local flavors of Balikpapan, where seafood takes center stage. You can sample a variety of dishes at the Pacifica Food Court or visit specialized establishments like Dandito and Kepiting Tambora for crabed dishes, including kepiting soka. For those seeking giant fresh crabs prepared with various sauces such as black pepper or sweet and sour, Kepiting Kenari offers a dedicated experience. If you prefer a wider selection of seafood, Bondy Restaurant sits on the main drag, while Pondok Nelayan provides a taste of a well-known style from Pontianak. For a local delicacy, try Mantau goreng with Sapi lada hitam at Straat Mantau or snack on Amplang/Kuku Macan, which are traditional fish chips.

For a more relaxed atmosphere, you can find food stalls along the waterfront near Pasar Klandasan or enjoy the vibe of simple stalls located on the old wooden jetty. If you prefer to unwind with a drink, several bars offer different settings, including those with sea views at the Borneo Sports Fishing Club. Other nearby options for your evening include Color Beat, Rende Vu, Red Square, Lamaru, SQ, and Nakhoda.

What to see and do

Explore the diverse landscapes of East Borneo by visiting Bukit Bangkirai, where you can walk across a famous canopy bridge to view the tropical rainforest from high above the ground or camp under the stars. For those interested in local wildlife, visit the (BOS) Orangutan Sanctuary and Eco Samboja Lodge to see sun bears and rescued orangutans in their natural habitat, or head to KWPLH Balikpapan to observe the conservation of the sun bear. You can also visit crocodile farms in the Teritip area or explore the urban mangrove reserve at Mangrove Margo Mulyo, which features boardwalk excursions through a sultry habitat.

Experience the coastal atmosphere by visiting various beaches, including Monpera, Kelama, and Melawai, where you can watch the sunset and observe harbor traffic. For a unique cultural experience, visit the floating villages of Kawasan Kampung Atas Air to see the fish market and witness the nearby refinery. You can also walk the Jembatan Ulin Panjang boardwalk through a mangrove habitat or enjoy the city plaza at Taman Bekapai. If you prefer active leisure, you can play sports at Merdeka Square, go bowling at Balikpapan Super Bowling, or visit the Caribbean Island Water Park.

Three days in Balikpapan

Day one, you arrive in Balikpapan and settle into the local atmosphere of East Kalimantan. You can explore the surroundings of the city to get your bearings before heading toward the nearby areas.

Day two, you travel through the region to experience more of Borneo. You can navigate the different routes and neighborhoods as you prepare for your next destination.

Day three, you enjoy the final part of your stay in Balikpapan before making your way toward other locations such as Samarinda or Bontang.

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