Situated on the sublime island of Borneo, the port of Balikpapan is one of the fastest growing cities in Indonesia. Although lesser known than some of Indonesia’s more famous tourist destinations, it has a growing reputation for its shopping, beaches and laidback culture, as well as for being one of Indonesia’s cleanest cities. Among the other things to do in Balikpapan, the city offers you the chance to explore the island’s nature reserves, which boast a broad blend of Borneo’s unique biodiversity and wildlife.
Areas & Neighbourhoods in Balikpapan
Plaza Balikpapan — Located along the coastline, Balikpapan is home to several top of the range shopping malls. Plaza Balikpapan is the most well known of these and is central to the retail district. You’ll find everything here from household names to quirky Indonesian staples.
Margomulyo Mangrove Forest —Balikpapan’s greatest hidden gem, it’s hard to believe that the Margomulyo Mangrove forest is situated 15 minutes by car from the centre of town. Clean, serene and offering respite from the busier central districts, the forest also has plenty of wildlife, including mudskippers, a type of walking fish. Mind your step!
Manggar Beach — Balikpapan’s most popular beach, Manggar Beach offers white sands, clear waters and palm-leaf huts under which to shelter from the sun. Quintessentially Indonesian, the beach’s central location ensures it is never far from the amenities you need for a day of relaxation.
Balikpapan Botanical Garden — Opened in 2014, Balikpapan Botanical Garden was created to give the local wildlife a safe haven in which to reside. Covering more than a square mile, it is the largest park in Balikpapan and is home to local bears and orangutans, so be sure to bring your camera along.
Things to See in Balikpapan
The Verse Monument, Balikpapan’s most notable landmark, is an impressive creation standing proud in the city centre. Marked by its giant golden discs and surrounding park of palm trees, it is the city’s most iconic sight. Meanwhile, the Margomulyo Mangrove Forest offers more than just a peaceful amble. A top spot for some wildlife photography, its wooden walkway is designed to take visitors through the most beautiful parts of the forest, without having to set foot outside the city limits.
Things to Do in Balikpapan
Balikpapan is perhaps best known as a launch pad for nature lovers, who come to Borneo from all over the world to see the rare creatures that live here. Nearby you’ll find the Sun Bears Conservation Centre, which offers the chance to see southeast Asia’s resident bears up close. Also close by is Samboja Lodge orangutan sanctuary, which houses monkeys whose homes have been destroyed by deforestation. For something completely different, the bright splash of the market at Pasar Inpres Kebun Sayur is a great place for those looking to pick up a souvenir in more authentic surrounds than the commercial plaza. Pick up a Batik shirt, beaded necklace or some beautiful semi-precious stones and you’ll forever have something to remind you of your visit to Balikpapan.