Balikpapan, East Borneo

Balikpapan is the second largest city in East Kalimantan. Located in a small bay in the Makassar Strait, a distance of approximately 115 km from the capital of East Kalimantan, Samarinda. Balikpapan is a major center of oil, mining and timber industries. The city is sometimes called the Main Gate of Borneo. It has one international airport, Sepinggan; several ports, such as Semayang and Somber, and one port of the oil industry and international port in Kariangau. Additionally, Balikpapan, also known as the city rich, clean, and one of the safest cities in Indonesia. Surrounded by bays and straits, the city also has the potential for business, such as trade and tourism. Many diverse people live in the city of Balikpapan, such as: Dayak, Bugis, Javanese, and many other immigrant tribes.

Balikpapan City

Balikpapan City Night View

Balikpapan City View

Balikpapan City View

Some Tourism Spots Around the City
 
MONPERA (Monumen Perjuangan Rakyat)
This monument is located in the city center, exactly at Jl. General Sudirman, in front of Kodam VI Tanjung Pura Headquarters. The monument depicts the struggle and courage of the people in fighting the invaders.

Melawai Beach
This beach is located on Jl. Jend. Sudirman, near the Island Tukung, where the traders sell a variety of delicious dishes and beverages with a relatively cheap price. Visitors can relax, dine on the mat, while enjoying the sound of waves and see the ships sail, and which is anchored in the port of unloading Semayang sea. The beach is open starting at 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m..

Beach Manggar Segarasari
Beach which has an area 13 000 square meters has a crystal clear sea water, small waves and ripples of white sand. A great place for those who want to play, sailing, or playing beach volleyball. This place is open to the public starting at 06:00 to 18:00, can be reached by private or public transport. This beach is located in Manggardan barnacles, with a distance of 9 km from the airport Sepinggan or 22 km from the city center of Balikpapan.

KM.23 Agrotourism
This park, established on December 17, 1997 by former Vice President Tri Sutrisno. By area of 100 hectares, is located on Jl. Soekarno Hatta Km. 23. In this park visitors can enjoy various kinds of tropical fruit, or picnic area with facilities including: "Long Houses" (Lamin), who opened with Dayak ornaments, camping places with natural scenery and Play Ground. This place is open to the public every day and can be visited by using two-wheel vehicles mapun four wheels, there are also the public transportation bus route No. 8 with a tariff of Rp. 2500,-

Lamin (Long House)

Sungai Wain Protected Forest

Sungai Wain Forest is one set by the Government as a protected forests with total area of 10.025 hectares. This forest is split by the 18.300 m long River with clear water, named Wain. on both sides of the river there is a dense mangrove forest. Animal habitats contained in the Sungai Wain Protected Forest are fish, crabs, birds, monkeys, orangutans and many others. This river is also used as a source of clean water for housing and the existing oil refinery at Balikpapan.