
Weekend Getaways Near Major Cities in Balikpapan, Indonesia
1. Derawan Island
A tropical paradise with pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs for snorkeling and diving.
- Marine Biodiversity: Home to a variety of marine life, including green turtles, dolphins, and manta rays.
- Remote Location: Located off the east coast of Borneo, it offers a peaceful escape from city life.
- Accessibility: Easily reachable by speedboat from Berau, a city close to Balikpapan.
2. Tanjung Redeb
An eco-tourism village with traditional Kutai Batu Tribe culture and unique proboscis monkey sightings.
- Cultural Immersion: Experience the traditional lifestyle of the Kutai Batu Tribe.
- Wildlife Observation: Spot the rare and distinctive proboscis monkeys in their natural habitat.
- Eco-Friendly Tourism: The village is committed to sustainable tourism practices.
3. Sangkulirang Strait Bridge
The world's longest twin-arched bridge, offering stunning views of the strait and surrounding islands.
- Engineering Marvel: An impressive feat of modern engineering and architecture.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers breathtaking panoramas of the Sangkulirang Strait and its islands.
- Accessibility: Conveniently located near Balikpapan, making it an easy weekend destination.
4. Balikpapan Bay National Park
A marine park with diverse marine life and opportunities for snorkeling and diving.
- Marine Biodiversity: Home to a rich array of marine species, including sea turtles and various coral reefs.
- Conservation Efforts: The park actively promotes conservation efforts for its diverse marine ecosystem.
- Accessibility: Located off the coast of Balikpapan, making it easily accessible for weekend trips.
5. Samboja Lestari Orangutan Sanctuary
A rehabilitation and conservation center for orangutans, offering guided tours and educational programs.
- Wildlife Conservation: Dedicated to the rehabilitation and protection of orangutans.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs about orangutan conservation.
- Guided Tours: Provides guided tours to view the orangutans in their natural habitat.
6. Tarakan City
A bustling city with a rich history and a gateway to the beautiful Bangkirai Forest.
- Historical Significance: Home to several historical sites, including World War II relics.
- Accessibility: Easily reachable by ferry from Balikpapan.
- Bangkirai Forest: Offers tours to explore the unique Bangkirai Forest and its wildlife.
7. Nunukan Regency
A region rich in culture, with traditional markets, longhouses, and natural hot springs.
- Cultural Experiences: Offers unique cultural experiences, such as visiting traditional longhouses.
- Natural Hot Springs: Features natural hot springs for relaxation and rejuvenation.
- Accessibility: Located near the border with Malaysia, making it easily accessible from Balikpapan.
8. Samamisia Eco-Resort
An eco-resort set in a lush rainforest, offering jungle treks and wildlife spotting.
- Jungle Trekking: Offers guided jungle treks for exploring the rainforest.
- Wildlife Spotting: Provides opportunities to spot wildlife, such as orangutans and proboscis monkeys.
- Sustainable Tourism: Committed to sustainable tourism practices for minimal impact on the environment.
9. Kutai National Park
A vast national park with diverse wildlife, including the endangered Bornean orangutan.
- Wildlife Conservation: Dedicated to the conservation of its diverse wildlife, especially the orangutan.
- Guided Tours: Provides guided tours to view the park's rich wildlife.
- Accessibility: Located near Balikpapan, making it a convenient weekend destination.
10. Bontang City
A modern city with unique geological formations, such as the Bontang Cliffs.
- Geological Wonders: Features unique geological formations, like the Bontang Cliffs.
- City Life: Offers modern city amenities for a comfortable stay.
- Accessibility: Easily reachable from Balikpapan by road.
11. Mangkalihat National Park
A vast national park with diverse wildlife and opportunities for trekking and birdwatching.
- Wildlife Observation: Offers the opportunity to observe diverse wildlife, such as orangutans and hornbills.
- Trekking: Provides guided treks for exploring the park's vast wilderness.
- Birdwatching: Features a rich avifauna, making it ideal for birdwatchers.
12. Balikpapan Zoo
A zoological park with various species, including Sumatran tigers and orangutans.
- Wildlife Conservation: Dedicated to the conservation of various wildlife species.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs about wildlife and conservation.
- Recreational Activities: Provides recreational activities for families and groups.
13. Balikpapan Turtle Island
A turtle conservation center where visitors can witness sea turtle hatchlings.
- Turtle Conservation: Dedicated to the conservation of sea turtles.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs about sea turtle conservation.
- Witnessing Hatchlings: Visitors can witness sea turtle hatchlings making their way to the ocean.
14. Muara Teka Beach
A serene beach with clear waters and opportunities for swimming and sunbathing.
- Relaxation: Offers a peaceful environment for relaxation.
- Swimming and Sunbathing: Ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and beach activities.
- Accessibility: Located near Balikpapan, making it an easy weekend destination.
15. Bakun Reserve
A rainforest reserve with diverse wildlife and opportunities for jungle trekking.
- Jungle Trekking: Offers guided jungle treks for exploring the rainforest.
- Wildlife Spotting: Provides opportunities to spot diverse wildlife, such as orangutans and proboscis monkeys.
- Sustainable Tourism: Committed to sustainable tourism practices for minimal impact on the environment.