Kemala Beach

Balikpapan


A cleanish beach lined with a few cafes and restaurants, and a laid-back vibe. If you need a break from the jungle (urban or natural), this is your best local option. Although it gets hot at midday, you probably won't want to swim in the polluted waters with oil tankers sitting offshore.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Balikpapan attractions

1. Masjid Agung At-Taqwa

0.81 MILES

An impressive sight, this mosque is adorned with a complex sheath of Islamic geometrical patterns, and is lit up in multicoloured splendour at night.

2. Ruko Bandar

1.15 MILES

This waterfront development is unique in Kalimantan and offers everything you need for a night out, including above-par restaurants, live music, lounge…

3. Sungai Wain Protection Forest

10.98 MILES

In the mid-'90s, 82 orang-utans were released in this protected primary lowland forest, but fires and illegal logging have taken their toll. Get a 6am…

4. KWPLH Sun Bear Conservation Center

13.39 MILES

This informative sun bear conservation centre is surprisingly straight to the point about the heartbreaking plight of all of Kalimantan's animals. Seven…

5. Bukit Bangkirai

18.84 MILES

Standing 30m up on the canopy bridge among old-growth dipterocarp trees offers an impressive view and an adrenaline shot, but it's hard not to feel sad…

6. Samboja Lestari

20.76 MILES

A Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation project, Samboja Lestari houses more than 150 orang-utans on a series of islands, along with a separate sun bear…