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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.