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Even the most urban corners of Balikpapan hide pockets of nature for those willing to walk. Green spaces like Samboja Lestari and Manggar Beach offer a breathing room between landmarks — and some of the best views you'll find anywhere in the city. Seek out quieter retreats like Derawan Islands for the calm that the busier parks can't offer.
A modern oil city on Borneo's east coast, gateway to orangutan sanctuaries, Derawan Islands, and the future new Indonesian capital.
Roamee Pro, also known as Roamee, offers a free self-guided nature walk route in Balikpapan. The audio walking tour can include stops such as Samboja Lestari — a Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation rescue center with orangutans and sun bears in forest enclosures, Manggar Beach — a long public beach on the city's eastern coast with seafood stalls, Bukit Bangkirai — a rainforest canopy walkway 58 meters above the forest floor in the Kutai area, plus hidden gems like Derawan Islands — an archipelago offshore with manta rays, sea turtles, and a lake filled with non-stinging jellyfish.
Use this page as a starting point for a Balikpapan walking tour, a free self-guided route, or the Roamee app for Balikpapan. Roamee Pro keeps the route flexible so you can follow the stops, skip ahead, or explore nearby streets at your own pace.
Balikpapan is known for nature and diving, but between the busy streets, spaces like Samboja Lestari and Manggar Beach provide a different kind of experience — calmer, greener, and more grounded than a typical sightseeing route. Quieter spots like Derawan Islands provide the kind of rest that the main attractions cannot.
Samboja Lestari is a half-day trip. Derawan Islands require a boat journey — plan at least two nights. The canopy walkway at Bukit Bangkirai is not for those with vertigo.
March through October for drier weather. Derawan diving is best April through September.
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