Balikpapan's travel guide

Balikpapan is the most modern city in East Kalimantan. There are many ways to get there. The easiest yet most expensive way is to go by plane. Garuda Indonesia serves at least 3 flights directly to Balikpapan’s airport, Sepinggan, in a day. Silk Air, which flies from Singapore, also has a flight to Balikpapan. But, there’re only a few in a week. The other way is to go by ship that takes more time (3 days journey) but won’t cost too much.

This exotic city has many hotels that vary in price, depends on the rate of the hotel. But the best hotel in town is probably the Blue Sky Hotel (a 4-star hotel), which located in the west side of the city, 25 minutes drive from Sepinggan Airport. It has a nice swimming pool and restaurant that serves many kind of food, from Western to Chinese. There’s only one thing that you must try while you’re there— their deer meat that is eaten together with a special bread. This hotel’s restaurant is the only place in Balikpapan that cooks this delicious dish.

Being famous for its timber, mining and petroleum export products, this small but attractive city surprisingly hides many beauties that can’t be missed. To make your journey even easier, you’ll need to rent a car while you’re here as many interesting places are mainly located far away from the city centre. But if you still want to go by bus or the other public transportations that are available, you have to be extra careful so that you won’t be tricked by the locals.

The first place you need to visit is the Crocodile Farm. Here you can see many species of crocodiles, from the adorable ones to the terrifying ones. If you’re hungry, you should try eating crocodiles’ visceral organ such as kidney, liver, etc. that’s served here. It’s a common thing for local people, especially men, to drink Tankur Buaya which is made from crocodiles’ testicular. They believe that this drink has the same effect as Viagra.

The next place you have to see is the Dayak Village at Tenggarong. It’ll take you 3 hours to get there by car. In this village live the original people from Kalimantan, the Dayaks. We recommend hiring a local tourist guide because Dayak people don’t speak Indonesian or even English. They have their own local language. If you come here in a group and if you’re lucky enough, they may perform their unique traditional dance to welcome you.

Don’t forget to pay a visit to the BOS (Orangutans Sanctuary and Eco Lodge). It’s a one hour journey by car from the city centre. This national park allows us to see Orangutans and Sun Bears in their natural habitat. You can also experience the wildlife in the jungle. In order to do that, you should take your outdoor equipments with you (walking boots, spare clothes, insect repellent, etc.).
 
So, make sure you visit Balikpapan for your next holiday. You won't be regret. x)

by : Santy & Fransisca