The fascinating tourist destinations in Balikpapan offer exciting places you must visit for an unforgettable holiday.
Balikpapan, known as the “Oil City,” is one of the largest cities in East Kalimantan with extraordinary tourist charm. Apart from its well-known oil industry, Balikpapan is also rich in breathtaking natural beauty and historical significance.
From exotic beaches perfect for relaxation to protected forests filled with unique flora and fauna, Balikpapan offers a wide variety of unforgettable holiday experiences.
If you’re planning to visit this city, here are the 10 best tourist destinations you should explore during your holiday.
1. Kemala Beach
Kemala Beach, located in the city center of Balikpapan, is one of the most popular beach destinations. With its smooth and wide white sand, this beach offers a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for family or friends vacations.
Visitors can enjoy various activities such as jet skiing, banana boating, or simply relaxing while enjoying the beautiful sea view at one of the popular Beaches in Balikpapan.
Additionally, there are many restaurants around the beach serving traditional Balikpapan cuisine, offering the perfect dining experience after enjoying the beach’s beauty.
2. Sepinggan Beach
Sepinggan Beach is one of the famous beaches in Balikpapan, located on Sepinggan Raya Street. This beach is known for its stunning sunsets and beautiful orange sky panorama. If you visit in the morning or evening, the view at this beach will be spectacular.
Furthermore, this beach also offers various water sports activities, making it perfect for visitors looking for more active pursuits during their holiday. The shady trees around the beach provide a comfortable spot for relaxation, making it the ideal choice for a peaceful holiday.
3. Bangkirai Hill
For those wanting to explore nature, Bangkirai Hill is the perfect destination. Located about 1.5 hours from the city center, this hill offers an exciting experience of walking on a canopy bridge suspended high above the tropical forest.
Bangkirai Hill is also suitable for adventurers who enjoy trekking. The captivating natural beauty with tall trees and fresh air makes this place one of the best nature destinations in Balikpapan.
4. Melawai Beach
Melawai Beach, located on Semayang Port Street, Balikpapan, offers a more natural and quieter beach atmosphere. Here, you can enjoy tranquility and a soothing sea view. This beach is also historically significant as it was the site of the first oil drilling in Indonesia. In the afternoon, Melawai Beach offers a stunning sunset view.
Around the beach, there are cafes where you can enjoy fresh seafood, making it an ideal spot for a longer holiday.
5. Bekapai Park
For visitors wanting to enjoy fresh air in the city center, Bekapai Park is the perfect place to relax. This park features a wide green area, complete with various facilities such as gazebos, jogging tracks, and dining areas.
Bekapai Park is a favorite spot for locals to picnic or simply unwind. With its tranquil atmosphere and green natural views, this park is a great place to spend some quality time with family.
6. Manggar Segarasari Beach
Manggar Segarasari Beach is a popular destination, especially during weekends and holidays. Located in Manggar Baru, East Balikpapan, this beach offers beautiful sea views and various fun activities such as beach volleyball, boating, and water sports like jetskiing, banana boats, and speed boats.
The beach also offers many facilities like food stalls selling local cuisine, making it the perfect spot for family vacations or friends.
7. Balikpapan Botanical Garden
Located in the Sungai Wain Protected Forest, the Balikpapan Botanical Garden is a nature-based tourist destination that showcases the beauty of Borneo’s flora.
Opened in 2014, this garden is not only for recreation but also serves as a tropical plant conservation area. The garden includes running and biking tracks, allowing visitors to enjoy fresh air while exercising.
With a variety of endemic plants from Borneo, this botanical garden is an excellent destination for nature lovers and educational purposes.
8. Lamaru Beach
Lamaru Beach is the perfect choice for those looking for a peaceful and quiet spot. Located in East Balikpapan, this beach is surrounded by pine trees, offering a cool and serene atmosphere.
The soft sand and soothing sea views make Lamaru Beach an ideal destination for family vacations. With affordable entrance fees, this beach is a perfect choice for a relaxing and calming holiday.
9. Balikpapan Islamic Center
The Balikpapan Islamic Center is a place of worship that also serves as a religious tourist attraction in the city.
This magnificent mosque is designed to resemble the Nabawi Mosque in Medina. In addition to being a place of prayer, the mosque is a popular tourist spot with many beautiful photo opportunities.
The Islamic Center of Balikpapan is a symbol of the city’s pride, and its peaceful atmosphere makes it a perfect place to rest and reflect amidst the city’s hustle and bustle.
10. Margasari Water Village
The Margasari Water Village is a unique village located on Sepaku Laut Street, Balikpapan Baru. This village is built on water, offering a different experience from other tourist attractions in Balikpapan.
As you stroll through this village, visitors are treated to views of floating houses lining the water.
The village also provides an interesting attraction for those wanting to observe the lives of local people who live above the water, offering a unique insight into their culture and lifestyle.
Balikpapan offers a variety of tourist destinations suitable for different types of travelers. From stunning beaches to nature tours that refresh, every part of the city has its own charm.
So, if you’re planning a fun vacation, be sure to visit these best tourist spots, including the Beaches in Singkawang, and enjoy its rich natural beauty and culture.