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Samboja Lestari
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…
©Sergiy Borakovskyy/EyeEm/Getty Images
Balikpapan
Although not as populous as the capital Samarinda, Balikpapan is Kalimantan's only truly cosmopolitan metropolis thanks to a long history of oil money. It's still seen largely as a stepping stone to Samarinda, Derawan or Banjarmasin, but a night in Balikpapan's club scene will give you a whole new perspective on Borneo.
For the most part the city is vibrant, with several enormous shopping plazas and some decent beaches. Midrange to high-end hotels with reasonable rates abound, and a social scene exists in the form of restaurants, hotel bars, live-music venues and the odd nightclub.
Overall the city makes a fine weekend break and a great place to begin or end more adventurous travels.
Explore Balikpapan
- SSamboja Lestari
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…
- KKWPLH Sun Bear Conservation Center
This informative sun bear conservation centre is surprisingly straight to the point about the heartbreaking plight of all of Kalimantan's animals. Seven…
- RRuko Bandar
This waterfront development is unique in Kalimantan and offers everything you need for a night out, including above-par restaurants, live music, lounge…
- BBukit Bangkirai
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…
- SSungai Wain Protection Forest
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…
- KKemala Beach
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…
- MMasjid Agung At-Taqwa
An impressive sight, this mosque is adorned with a complex sheath of Islamic geometrical patterns, and is lit up in multicoloured splendour at night.
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Balikpapan.
See
Samboja Lestari
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…
See
KWPLH Sun Bear Conservation Center
This informative sun bear conservation centre is surprisingly straight to the point about the heartbreaking plight of all of Kalimantan's animals. Seven…
See
Ruko Bandar
This waterfront development is unique in Kalimantan and offers everything you need for a night out, including above-par restaurants, live music, lounge…
See
Bukit Bangkirai
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…
See
Sungai Wain Protection Forest
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…
See
Kemala Beach
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…
See
Masjid Agung At-Taqwa
An impressive sight, this mosque is adorned with a complex sheath of Islamic geometrical patterns, and is lit up in multicoloured splendour at night.
Guidebooks
Learn more about Balikpapan
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