Balikpapan is a city located in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. With a population of 701,066 people, Balikpapan represents 22% of the total indigenous population of East Kalimantan. Known as the “Oil City,” Balikpapan is considered the most expensive city to live in throughout Indonesia. The city’s nickname is derived from its prominent oil industry. Despite this association, Balikpapan offers an entertaining tourism experience. Situated on the southeastern coast of East Kalimantan, the city faces the Makassar Strait. The tourist attractions in Balikpapan are well-supported by infrastructure. In addition to flights from various airlines, Balikpapan offers numerous high-end hotels that provide top-class service. There are also affordable hotel options available throughout the city. The most crowded and popular tourist destinations in Balikpapan are Kemala Beach and Manggar Beach. For nature enthusiasts, the best place to visit is the Sungai Wain Protected Forest, a highly natural tropical forest that is home to a variety of rare flora and fauna. For a unique experience, visitors can go to the Teritip Crocodile Farm to observe and feed the crocodiles. Here are several other tourist spots in Balikpapan that you can explore: 1. Margomulyo Mangrove Forest This city forest is located near the city center of Balikpapan. Inside the forest, an 800-meter wooden bridge serves as a means for visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the mangrove forest. The Margomulyo Mangrove Forest is known for its birdwatching tower, where visitors can observe various species of birds. If you want to see proboscis monkeys, come in the early morning or during sunset. Entrance to this tourist spot in Balikpapan is free, but visitors are required to maintain cleanliness by not littering and not taking any property or souvenir from the location. 2. Kemala Beach (Polda Beach) Kemala Beach is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Balikpapan, especially on weekends and holidays. Located in the southern part of Balikpapan’s city center, precisely around Jalan Jendral Sudirman, this beach is also known as Polda Beach. The beach area offers a range of restaurants where visitors can enjoy a variety of Indonesian and European cuisines while overlooking the beautiful sea panorama. Besides swimming, visitors can relax, have a conversation, and enjoy the white and clean sandy beach. Activities such as riding banana boats and jet skis are available with additional fees. Entrance tickets to Kemala Beach cost Rp 500 per person, while fees for two-wheelers and four-wheelers are Rp 1,000 and Rp 2,000, respectively. 3. Monpera This monument symbolizes the bravery of the people of Balikpapan in their efforts to defend Indonesian independence. Located in the city center of Balikpapan, precisely in Jalan Jenderal Sudirman, in front of the headquarters of Makodam VI Tanjung Pura. The monument is surrounded by a well-arranged park with a background of white sandy beach. The lower level of the monument features a small museum and an open stage where traditional performances are often held for special events. Entrance fees are Rp 1,000 for two-wheelers and Rp 2,000 for four-wheelers. 4. Caribbean Island Waterpark This is the largest water park in Eastern Indonesia, providing a variety of exciting water rides. Located on Jalan Kol. Syarifuddin Yoes II (Ring Road II) Balikpapan, Caribbean Island Waterpark is a favorite family destination in the city. Children can enjoy various water rides while parents relax in the wooden huts or even join in the fun by jumping into the swimming pool. Other activities at this tourist spot include watching water shows and riding the flying fox. Entrance tickets cost Rp 45,000 per person for adults and Rp 25,000 per person for students. On weekends, the ticket price is the same for all age groups, which is Rp 60,000 per person. 5. Lamaru Beach Lamaru Beach offers a peaceful atmosphere for those who prefer a less crowded place to relax. The pine trees along the beach provide a serene environment, complemented by the beautiful sea view. This beach area is usually crowded on weekends and holidays. Facilities such as warungs (small food stalls), toilets, and parking spaces are available. Visitors can also try riding a boat or bicycle along the beach. Entrance tickets to Lamaru Beach cost Rp 2,000 per person, with vehicle parking fees of Rp 2,500 for two-wheelers, Rp 5,000 for four-wheelers, and Rp 15,000 for buses. 6. Sungai Wain Protected Forest This untouched tropical forest spanning 10,000 hectares is a sanctuary for several rare species of animals and plants, including orangutans, sun bears, proboscis monkeys, and the endemic Jahe Balikpapan plant. Located at KM 23 Jalan Balikpapan – Samarinda, the forest offers four different tour packages that cater to different group sizes. The tour options include an ecological tour, a botanic garden tour, a mangrove forest tour, and a Selok Puda tour. Professional guides are available to assist visitors in exploring the protected forest. 7. Teritip Crocodile Farm This crocodile conservation center in East Kalimantan is home to around 1,450 crocodiles, including the endangered freshwater and sunda gharial species. The crocodile farm has been operating since 1991 on a 5-hectare site. The most exciting activity at this location is feeding the crocodiles, for which visitors must purchase live chickens at Rp 10,000 per chicken. Visitors can
