Location: Balikpapan
Top Things to do in Balikpapan
Countries
What to do and see in Balikpapan, Kalimantan: The Best Things to do Good for Big Groups
Balikpapan is a seaport city on the east coast of the island of Borneo, in the Indonesian province of East Kalimantan. Two harbors, Semayang and Kariangau (a ferry harbour), and Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Airport are the main transportation ports to the city. The city has a population of 701,066, making it the second-largest city in East Kalimantan, after Samarinda.
Restaurants in Balikpapan
1. Kalimantan Tour Guide
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 41 reviews
Kalimantan Tour Guide provide adventure, wildlife and culture tour for Borneo Island, Indonesia. Your request will be handled by the REAL FIRST HAND experienced tour guide from the very beginning. With taking tour with us you also contribute and help the environment and adding income for local people especially some locals who concern to our nature and wildlife.
2. Mangrove Center Graha indah
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By BonneQQ - Bali, Indonesia
What an amazing experience, explored the mangroves on the boat and met some of the most inspirational heroes who have worked hard in educating the local and the world about how important mangroves are for us and the planet. We met Pak Agus and his friends. Wow...I am super impressed to his substantial knowledge about Mangroves in general and how genuine he is in trying to protect the mangroves here. These guys are super heroes...feel really grateful to meet them and hearing their stories ???????? We saw a few proboscis monkeys out and about.
3. Sun Bear Education and Conservation Center
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 119 reviews
Kawasan Wisata Pendidikan Lingkungan Hidup (KWPLH), which translates to Environmental Education and Recreation facility, or colloquially also known as the Sun Bear Center, is an environmental education facility located 23 km north of Balikpapan in East Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo. In 2002, the Sun Bear was proposed as the mascot of Balikpapan, fuelled by the first research project on wild sun bears carried out in the field in the Sungai Wain Protection Forest located without Balikpapan City boundaries. Since 2004, the City Government has collaborated with private donors and wildlife experts to develop the sun bear education center, the centerpiece of which is a 1.3 ha natural enclosure housing 7 sun bears that can never be released into the wild. This is enclosure is widely recognized as one of the best of its kind in Asia, and increasing numbers of tourists (70,000 in 2013), domestic and foreign, can see the mascot of Balikpapan in a natural environment. In 2008, a Sun Bear information exhibit, the largest and most comprehensive of its kind in Asia, was opened at the Centre, followed by an education exhibit focusing on Domestic animal care versus Wildlife not suitable as pets. In 2014 a new exhibit focusing on the rich Endemic Flora and Fauna of Borneo was opened. Plans are under way to develop further exhibits with environmental themes, such as the different ecosystems and their functions from mountains to the sea in Borneo. The Centre has also developed a rescue facility for stray and abandoned cats and dogs, also providing the public with information on pet care. In addition, over the years, attractive gardens and outward bound facilities have been developed, and visitor numbers have increased steadily. The majority of visitors are local schoolchildren, community groups and families wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a few hours. To date the site developments have largely been funded through donations, while the basic running costs have been funded by the city government. The site currently employs 41 staff, 80% of whom are from local communities.
Reviewed By SonnyRoyal - Gold Coast, Australia
If ever passing through Balikpapan, East Kalimantan I recommend you to experience this Sun Bear Education & Conservation Centre (KWPLH) that's set on quite a large property outside of the city limits. The first and only education centre in the whole of Kalimantan! A great spot for a weekend picnic with family or friends and an opportunity to learn more about Balikpapan's mascot - the sun bear. The naturalised enclosure for the sun bears have raised boardwalks around most of the area that allows viewing from above, especially during feeding time which is always a great opportunity for photos. The guides that work at the centre are very enthusiastic, passionate, and articulate with educating the general public about the sun bears and the conservation issues that they face. Lots of effort has gone into the environmental education exhibits throughout the property on; sun bears, endemic flora and fauna of Borneo, and domestic animals. There is also a small vet clinic and adoption centre for domestic animals that are being looked after on the property also. An important initiative to educate the public about being responsible pet owners. An insightful experience!
4. Bangkirai Hill Nature Tourism
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 142 reviews
Reviewed By Departure38044496765 - Samarinda, Indonesia
Located in the rain forest of Borneo. Close to Balikpapan, Kalimantan Timur, Indonesia. Representative of rain forest of Borneo that almost extinct. You can explore this places just 1 hour from Balikpapan.
5. Lamaru Beach
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 125 reviews
Reviewed By 410ulrichm - Medebach, Germany
Very nice beach. The water is ok and the beach started from a nice forest. The entry is a little bit to expensive.
6. Melawai Beach
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By euniceo731
I have lived in Balikpapan my entire life and compared to other cities I've been to, Balikpapan is the most comfortable city to live in and visit. Balikpapan City is one of the cleanest cities in Indonesia; it has received 19 Adipura Awards and 4 Adipura Kencana Awards, these to cities that receive Adipura Awards for three consecutive years. Adipura is an award for cities in Indonesia that are successful in urban environmental management and city cleanliness. Based on Indonesian Most Liveable City Index which measured 27 indicators for every two years, Balikpapan is the best city for living in 2013 and toppled Yogyakarta as the best in 2011 and 2009. Balikpapan mainly maintained city management aspects and environmental wellbeing. These prove that Balikpapan is a pleasant and conducive city. Balikpapan is not a large metropolitan city like Jakarta and Surabaya. But I consider Balikpapan as a hidden gem for tourists; it is a hot spot for nature tourism. It has many natural and wildlife areas that you can visit, ranging from a mangrove forest to a sun bear conservation center. Not to mention, Balikpapan is a coastal city, you can find many beaches here. Try visiting Melawai Beach, the most popular beach among local citizens. You can eat lots of good food while enjoying the calming ambiance of the beach. So, if you are a true nature lover, or if you are looking for a comfortable destination to visit, you should come and visit Balikpapan.
TAGS
