Free Photos of Balikpapan (Borneo)

Balikpapan City, located in East Kalimantan, is one of the largest cities on the island of Borneo in Indonesia. One of the interesting facts about Balikpapan is that it is known as the "Oil City" due to its prominent role in the oil industry, with Pertamina, Indonesia's state-owned oil company, having its headquarters here. In 1897, oil was first discovered in this area by a Dutch geologist and since then, the city has become an important center of oil production in Indonesia. Apart from the oil industry, Balikpapan also has a rich history and cultural heritage. The Museum Balikpapan is a great place to explore the history and culture of the city. The museum consists of several galleries showcasing different aspects of the city's history including the Dutch colonial era, traditional cultures, natural resources, and local art. The collection includes ancient artifacts, traditional textiles, puppets, and old photographs. Another interesting fact is that the city is home to several beautiful beaches, such as Kemala Beach and Lamaru Beach. One can enjoy water activities and take a dip in the crystal-clear sea water, or just relax and enjoy the stunning scenery. For those who are interested in nature and wildlife, Samboja Lestari is an orangutan sanctuary located about 40 kilometers from Balikpapan. It is a rehabilitation center where orangutans are trained to live in their natural habitat, and visitors can see them in their semi-wild state. Additionally, Balikpapan is famous for its seafood. It is widely available in the city and considered a must-try for travelers. There are also various street food markets that offer local delicacies such as mie keriting (curly noodles), sate bandeng (grilled milkfish), and pisang goreng (fried banana).