Find hotels in Balikpapan from £8

Top reasons to visit Balikpapan

• Beautiful Beaches: Balikpapan boasts stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters, perfect for relaxation and water activities.
• Vibrant Shopping Centres: Enjoy a shopping spree at popular destinations like Mall Balikpapan Baru and Plaza Balikpapan Mall.
• Cultural Experiences: Immerse yourself in local traditions at the Balikpapan Cultural Festival and explore impressive mosques.
• Family-Friendly Activities: Engage in fun adventures at Balikpapan Adventure, suitable for all ages.
• Convenient Accommodations: Choose from a range of hotels, including the well-regarded Ibis Balikpapan, catering to both families and business travellers.

Find great hotels in Balikpapan

Explore a range of excellent hotel accommodations in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, tailored for both business travellers and families. From luxurious stays to charming guesthouses, you're sure to find the ideal lodging to suit your needs. Notable options include the well-regarded Ibis Balikpapan, providing a comfortable and convenient base for your Indonesian adventure. Discover the perfect spot to unwind and experience the vibrant culture of Balikpapan.

• Novotel Balikpapan: A 4-star hotel renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere, Novotel Balikpapan is situated right on the beach, offering guests a stunning coastal experience. Ideal for families seeking a relaxing vacation, this hotel features a variety of amenities for children, including a dedicated children's pool and an arcade game room. Parents will appreciate the availability of free cribs and breakfast options tailored for younger guests. With its vibrant atmosphere and direct beach access, Novotel Balikpapan promises a memorable stay for families.
• Swiss-Belhotel Balikpapan: With a guest rating of 8.2 out of 10, Swiss-Belhotel Balikpapan is a sophisticated 4-star accommodation perfect for business travellers. Located in the heart of Balikpapan, this hotel offers a blend of comfort and convenience. Guests can enjoy well-appointed rooms, modern meeting facilities, and a professional atmosphere conducive to work. The hotel's focus on business travel ensures that guests have all the necessary amenities for a productive stay, making it a top choice for corporate visits.
• Platinum Balikpapan Hotel & Convention Hall: Rated an impressive 9.0 out of 10, Platinum Balikpapan Hotel & Convention Hall is a 4-star property that excels in providing a spa-themed experience for both leisure and business travellers. This hotel features a full-service spa with a sauna, outdoor pool, and massage services, ensuring ultimate relaxation. Its convention facilities make it suitable for events and meetings, while the serene environment allows guests to unwind after a busy day. Platinum Balikpapan effortlessly combines luxury with business needs for a truly exceptional stay.

Where to stay in and around Balikpapan

Balikpapan, located in East Kalimantan, is a vibrant city perfect for family, business, and cultural getaways. Visitors can explore its bustling markets, beautiful beaches, and rich traditions, making it an ideal destination for various travel purposes. Don't miss the chance to experience local festivities that showcase the city's unique charm and warm hospitality, ensuring a memorable stay in this enchanting part of Indonesia.

• Sepaku: Located 38.6km from Balikpapan, Sepaku is a vibrant city where visitors can immerse themselves in both cultural and urban experiences. The city attracts travellers year-round, with peak visitor numbers in May and from July to August. Here, you can explore modern educational institutions and bustling shopping centres, making it an ideal destination for those interested in business or city-themed activities. The contemporary atmosphere is complemented by local amenities that cater to various interests, ensuring a fulfilling travel experience.
• Sepinggan: Nestled within the Balikpapan area, Sepinggan is a charming village that offers a blend of city and family-oriented experiences. Like its neighbours, it sees a rise in visitors during the peak months of May and July to August. This quaint locale is particularly popular for its shopping centres and malls, providing ample opportunities for retail therapy. Whether you're visiting for business or leisure, Sepinggan’s friendly atmosphere and convenient access to Balikpapan make it a pleasant stop on your journey.
• Penajam: Just 38.6km from Balikpapan, Penajam is a coastal city renowned for its stunning beaches. Visitors flock here in the warmer months, particularly from May and July to August, to enjoy the sun and surf. The area is perfect for beach lovers seeking relaxation and scenic beauty. With its picturesque coastline and local attractions, Penajam invites you to unwind and experience the natural splendour of East Kalimantan, making it an essential part of your travel itinerary.

Things to do in Balikpapan

Balikpapan offers a delightful mix of activities for families and business travellers alike. Visitors can enjoy a shopping spree at Mall Balikpapan Baru, explore the Balikpapan Adventure, and immerse themselves in the local culture at the Balikpapan Cultural Festival. With its vibrant shopping centres and unique attractions, Balikpapan is an excellent destination for those seeking a lively city-themed vacation.

Shopping

In Balikpapan, explore the lively Balikpapan Superblock for a variety of shops and eateries. If you're up for a drive, visit the more expansive Plaza Balikpapan, offering a mix of local and international brands for your souvenir shopping.

Recreation

Experience serenity at the Grand Jatra Hotel’s spa, where soothing treatments await. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Manggar Segara Sari Beach offers sunbathing and water sports, providing a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure amidst stunning coastal scenery.

Adventure

Explore the pristine Borneo rainforest at the Bukit Bangkirai Eco-Tourism Area, where you can trek through lush greenery and experience the canopy bridge. Alternatively, head to the beautiful Mangrove Forest to kayak and observe diverse wildlife in its natural habitat.

Nightlife

Experience Balikpapan's vibrant nightlife at the lively Café 88 for a mix of local flavours and music. For a more laid-back atmosphere, unwind at the popular Sky Lounge, where you can enjoy stunning views and refreshing cocktails under the stars.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Balikpapan

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Balikpapan are March to April and October, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and November, where prices are slightly higher.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Balikpapan is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay in Balikpapan is Wednesday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To discover the best prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You could save some money by combining your hotel booking in Balikpapan with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in Balikpapan

Balikpapan offers a delightful blend of family-friendly and business-themed experiences, making it an ideal vacation spot. Visitors can explore beautiful beaches, urban parks, and impressive mosques, with attractions like Balikpapan City Hall, Plaza Balikpapan Mall, and Balikpapan Ocean Square enhancing the cultural experience. This vibrant city provides easy access to its top attractions, ensuring a memorable stay for all travellers.

• Kemala Beach: Enjoy a relaxing day at Kemala Beach, where you can soak up the sun, take leisurely strolls along the shore, and immerse yourself in the vibrant beach vibes. The picturesque view is perfect for unwinding and enjoying the natural beauty of Balikpapan.
• Masjid Agung At-Taqwa: This magnificent mosque showcases stunning architecture and offers a glimpse into the local culture. It’s a serene place for reflection and appreciation of Islamic heritage, making it a significant cultural landmark in the area.
• Bekapai Garden: A delightful urban park ideal for families, Bekapai Garden provides a scenic outdoor space for picnics, leisurely walks, and playful activities. Its vibrant atmosphere makes it a perfect spot to enjoy some quality time in the city.

Best time to go to Balikpapan

The best time to visit Balikpapan can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Balikpapan falls in May, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with moderate rain. The coolest average temperature in Balikpapan falls in January and July. July has slightly high visitor numbers and mostly cloudy weather.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	80.1°F (26.7°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
February	80.2°F (26.8°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
March	80.4°F (26.9°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
April	80.8°F (27.1°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
May	81.5°F (27.5°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly High
June	80.6°F (27.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly High
July	80.1°F (26.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Average
August	80.4°F (26.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
September	80.8°F (27.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	81.3°F (27.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
November	81.0°F (27.2°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
December	80.6°F (27.0°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Average

The nearest major airports for your trip to Balikpapan

When visiting Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, the primary airport is Balikpapan (BPN-Sepinggan Intl.), situated 6.4km from the city centre. Nearby, Four Points by Sheraton Balikpapan, a 4-star hotel, is conveniently located 483m away, offering accessible transport services to the airport. Another excellent option is Grand Tjokro Balikpapan, 805m from the airport, providing various shuttle services. Additionally, Platinum Balikpapan Hotel & Convention Hall lies 6.4km away. For those considering Samarinda (AAP-AP Tumenggung Pranoto), located 106.2km from Balikpapan, hotels like Aston Samarinda and Mercure Samarinda, both about 11-19.3km from the airport, offer 24-hour shuttle services.