Explore the best tourist attractions in Balikpapan, from Balikpapan Botanical Gardens to other amazing natural and entertainment destinations, for an adventurous vacation.
Balikpapan, a city located on the east coast of Kalimantan, offers a variety of interesting tourist destinations that are suitable for all ages.
Famous for its stunning natural beauty, Balikpapan has extraordinary natural scenery, enchanting beaches, and historical sites full of stories.
If you are looking for a fun holiday experience, full of adventure and natural beauty, Balikpapan is the right choice. Here are 10 tourist attractions in Balikpapan that you must visit for an unforgettable vacation.
1. Balikpapan Botanical Gardens
Balikpapan Botanical Garden is a very popular natural tourist destination in the city. Located in Samboja, this botanical garden offers a cool atmosphere with various types of beautiful tropical plants, some of which are rare species that can only be found in Kalimantan.
This botanical garden not only functions as a place for plant research but also a tourist spot that is suitable for families. Visitors can take a leisurely walk on the trekking path, enjoy the fresh air, or just rest in the gazebo provided.
This garden also has various interesting photo spots that are very instagrammable, making it a fun place to visit.
2. Kemala Beach
Kemala Beach is located very close to the city center of Balikpapan, making it an ideal place to relax after a busy day. With soft white sand and clear sea water, Kemala Beach offers a peaceful holiday experience.
Here, you can enjoy various activities, such as swimming, walking along the beach, or enjoying the spectacular sunset. This beach is also equipped with various facilities such as parking, food stalls, and gazebos, making it very comfortable for family vacations.
3. Lamaru Beach
Lamaru Beach is located a little further from the city center of Balikpapan, but this beach is famous for its natural and calm scenery. Surrounded by tropical forests, Lamaru Beach provides an atmosphere far from the hustle and bustle of the city.
In addition to swimming and sunbathing, you can also have a picnic or camp around the area that has been provided. The natural beauty of Lamaru Beach makes it the perfect place to enjoy the tranquility while enjoying the cool sea breeze.
4. Bangkirai Hill
Bangkirai Hill is a very popular tourist destination for nature lovers. Located in the Samboja area, Bangkirai Hill is famous for its suspension bridge which offers extraordinary views from a height.
Visitors can walk on a suspension bridge that crosses the tropical forest of Borneo, enjoying the view of the large trees and various rare flora and fauna that adorn this forest.
Bangkirai Hill also has a trekking trail that allows visitors to explore deeper into the beauty of the Kalimantan forest.
5. Melawai Beach
Melawai Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Balikpapan. With white sand and fairly calm waves, this beach is a great place for swimming or just taking a leisurely stroll.
At Melawai Beach, you can also enjoy various water activities such as jet skiing and banana boating. This beach is one of the best places to enjoy a stunning sunset view, which provides a romantic feel at dusk.
6. Bekapai Park
Bekapai Park is a city park located in the center of Balikpapan, which offers a calm and comfortable atmosphere. This park is very popular among Balikpapan residents to relax, exercise, or just enjoy the fresh air.
Bekapai Park has various facilities such as a jogging track, children’s play area, and a beautiful fish pond. With lush green trees, this park is perfect to visit after activities in the city, providing an opportunity to relax in the middle of nature.
7. Wildlife Lake
Margasatwa Lake is a lake located in the Balikpapan city forest area. Surrounded by green trees, this lake offers a calm natural atmosphere, suitable for visitors who want to enjoy the tranquility.
In addition, Wildlife Lake is also an ideal place for nature photography activities, taking a leisurely walk, or just enjoying the beautiful scenery around the lake.
There are trekking trails around the lake that allow visitors to explore more of the natural beauty of the surroundings.
8. Balikpapan Museum
Balikpapan Museum is a great place to learn about the city’s history and culture. The museum houses a wide collection of historical objects, such as traditional tools, antiques, and artifacts that depict the history of the city and its people.
Balikpapan Museum also often holds cultural and art exhibitions that provide deeper insight for visitors. If you are interested in understanding more about the history of Balikpapan and Kalimantan, this museum is the right place to visit.
9. Balikpapan Waterboom
Waterboom Balikpapan is a water amusement park that offers various exciting and fun rides for families. With a large swimming pool, water slides, and various water games, this place is perfect for a family vacation, especially for children.
Waterboom Balikpapan is also equipped with various facilities such as restaurants, parking areas, and rest areas, so you can relax after playing water. This water park provides a fun holiday experience for all family members.
10. Mangrove Forest
Balikpapan Mangrove Forest is a mangrove ecosystem area located on the coast of the city. This forest offers stunning natural beauty with tall and strong-rooted mangrove trees.
Visitors can explore this mangrove forest by walking on the paths provided or by taking a boat to see the life of the mangrove ecosystem more closely.
This mangrove forest is also an ideal place for birdwatching, as many species of birds live in this area. In addition, mangrove forests also play an important role in maintaining the balance of coastal ecosystems.
Balikpapan is a city filled with stunning and diverse natural tourist destinations. From the lush Balikpapan Botanical Gardens to the beautiful Kiram Park, the city offers a wide selection of tourist attractions that are suitable for all ages.
Whether you are looking for natural tranquility, a family vacation, or an exciting adventure, Balikpapan has everything you need for a fun vacation. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Kiram Park and experience the extraordinary natural beauty.