A Day in Balikpapan? Make Sure You Don't Miss Out on These Places

Balikpapan is a port city that is also the capital of East Kalimantan Province. So, it’s no surprise that tourist destinations and food are closely related with the coast and the sea. In addition, Balikpapan also has a very diverse culinary options that you can enjoy in many places. If your time in Balikpapan is limited to one day only, there are a number of places as well as food joints that you must try.

One-day trip must visit Balikpapan culinaries and destinations

Hunting for Balikpapan culinaries like seafood

Surrounded by the seas in the south and east, Balikpapan has abundant wealth below the sea. Therefore, don’t be surprised if you come across a lot of seafood like shrimp, sea fishes, crab, in restaurants or stalls all across Balikpapan. You can also buy seafood in the form of peyek, floss, amplang, chips, and many others.

Beach hopping!

As a port city, the coast of Balikpapan offers a number of attractive beaches. Surrounded by the Bay of Balikpapan and the Makassar Strait to the east, no wonder that this city has many beaches that you can visit. From Manggar Beach, Monpera Beach, Kemala Beach, to Melawai beach. Each beach has its own uniqueness and you don’t want to miss it.

Praying while enjoying a hint of Medina at the Balikpapan Islamic Center

Inaugurated in 2017, the Balikpapan Islamic Center or Madinatul Iman Mosque is now not only a place of worship, but also a religious tourism destination for visitors, both locals, and foreigners. Its stunning beauty is inspired by Nabawi Mosque, thus, bringing you a hint of the solemnity of the holy mosque here. The four-storey mosque that encompasses an area of 14 hectares and a 8,500 meters building is able to accommodate approximately 10,000 people. This grandeur mosque is equipped with four minarets and six umbrellas that shade the congregation praying below.

Strolling through the Margomulyo mangrove forest

The Margomulyo mangrove forest is a tourist destination that is also an education and conservation area. Besides its beautiful natural scenery, the lull of this forest makes it a home for various flora and fauna. One of the inhabitants of this mangrove is the proboscis monkey, an endemic animal to Kalimantan. If you’re lucky, you may encounter it while you’re here.

Walk along the 800 meter-long bridge and stop by to unwind in the gazebos that flank the bridge. The location is also easy to reach because it’s situated downtown, not very far from SMAN 8 Balikpapan.

Unwinding at Bekapai Park

Located on Jl. Jenderal Sudirman, Klandasan Ulu, Taman Bekapai is the icon of Balikpapan. Many locals come here to relax and unwind. The fountain refreshes the abstract bronze monument in the middle of the park. You can really feel the cool and fresh atmosphere with the many trees that surround the park, upping the serenity to your unwind time.

Tasting the luscious and filling Mantau

Mantau is one of the many culinary options of Balikpapan that you can bring home. Mantau is fried food in the shape of a bun but has no filling. However, mantau is not meant to be enjoyed by itself, but usually with a side dish of black pepper beef or crab. The way to eat it is similar to a sandwich. For delicious Mantau, visit Depot Simpang Empat, Mantau Blue Sky, or Pondok Mantau.

Traveling in Balikpapan couldn’t be more fun, right? However, visiting many places in one day can be exhausting, especially if you have to drive on your own. Not to mention for those first timers not familiar with the city. Imagine all of the time wasted looking for a place or merely looking for a parking space.

For that, the best choice when you want to get around the city would be renting a car from a car rental service, like TRAC. With experienced and defensive driving certified drivers, TRAC always looks to ensure that traveling with you is always safe and comfortable.

In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, TRAC has been committed from the start to implement health protocols for your convenience through the SMART Protocol. To reserve a car, download and install the TRACtoGo application from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and get the best deals and offers.

Need more information? Contact the TRAC Customer Assistance Center at 1500009 or email to rco.nasional@trac.astra.co.id. You can also visit one of the nearest TRAC representative offices in your city and get more detailed information.