► Nature and History
If you mention the name of Derawan, it is indelibly linked with the main transit town of Balikpapan. Before or after exploring Derawan Islands, take your time to taste the richness of this ‘Oil City’. Balikpapan’s history started when the Dutch colonials discovered oil fields around the city. Oil experts from the Netherlands encouraged expansion into Balikpapan for the sake of working oil. Now, you can visit the Balikpapan historical sites in the area around the Mathilda Oil Well, in the Gulf of Balikpapan. Oil drilling began in 1897, by Netherlands Indie’s partner. In the House of Cultural Heritage of Dahor at Jalan Dahor III, West Balikpapan, you can read the complete history of Balikpapan including the discovery of oil fields and the war against the colonials, to the expansion of citizens of Bugis, Banjar, Dayak, Paser, Java and Kutai to Balikpapan.
Not far from Balikpapan, lies Bukit Bangkirai Natural Park. It is a forest conservation area of Borneo, in which there are canopy bridges and suspension bridges between trees. Interestingly, these bridges are laid on the top of trees at an approximate height of 30 to 40 meters from the ground. In Bukit Bangkirai, there are also several cottages that you can rent to enjoy the atmosphere of the jungle of Borneo. Meanwhile, around Melawai beach, there is Mount Dubs, a hill that you can visit to see a stunning view of the city.
Approximately 1 hour flight to Kalimarau airport in Tanjung Redeb, you will find the gem of Borneo, The ‘Derawan Islands’. These islands are a marine area which has become one of the leading destinations nationwide. Derawan’s underwater paradise has been recognized by national and foreign divers for long time. Today, many non-diver tourists visit just to explore the coast and its islands like Sangalaki Island, Maratua Island, Kakaban Island,Gosong Island and others. In Kakaban, there is an ancient lake that contains millions of stingless jellyfish allowing you to swim amongst them without discomfort. Meanwhile, Maratua Island brings the atmosphere of Maldive style resort, surrounded by white sand beaches and a crystal-blue sea. On this island, you can snorkel with dozens of wild green turtles at Turtle Point. Ask your guide to take you to Haji Mangku Cave where you will find a natural pool of crystal clear water. Stay at Maratua Paradise Resort and select a water villa which where all the rooms are built above the sea. The green turtle, blue sea and the sunset are all on the doorstep of your room.
Derawan Island is also the “capital” of the islands presenting its fishing villages as well as a variety of simple cottages that you can rent. Some hotels are also available here, such as Lapauta, Derawan Dive Resort and Derawan Beach Hotel. They offer a view from the room directly toward the sea. Ask your guide to accompany you snorkeling around the island where coral reefs and marine life are ready for you to enjoy.
► Family Fun
Why not invite family to stay overnight at cottages in the Natural Park of Bukit Bangkirai. Around the cottage, there are outbound rides and camping. The manager provides the amenities and you are free to choose the rides as you wish. Take your kids and family to the Carribean Waterpark in Balikpapan Housing Regency, which provides complete water rides. If you want to introduce your children and families t the bears, invite them to see the captive bears in the Educational Environment in Jalan Soekarno Hatta KM. 23 on the way to Samarinda.
You may also invite children to see the baby turtles in captivity on Sangalaki Island, Derawan. Educational tours like this are perfect to educate children to love nature and ecosystems.
► Dine & Shop
Balikpapan is well-known for its delicious crab, which have been legendary for a long time. Try to come to RM. Dandito and RM. Kepiting Kenari on Jalan Marsma Iswahyudi which is not far from Sepinggan International Airport. Order crab with black paper sauce or crab with Padang sauce, guaranteed, it is delicious. Meanwhile, Depot Miki on Jalan Akhmad Yani serves breakfast items like Soto Banjar, Nasi Sop ( Rice with chicken soup), Lontong Banjar and of course Yellow Rice a la Banjar. Here, you can also order Manado porridge, Mantau with chicken and beef, and also a cup of milky coffee. In the Derawan Islands, you have to taste grilled Grouper fish and Red Snapper fish in Lapauta Restaurant. Or order sea shells in RM. Dira on the other side of the island. In Lapauta and Derawan Beach you can also enjoy lobster, prices range from Rp300.000 to Rp1.500.000.
For those who love shopping, come to Kebun Sayur Market in Balikpapan. There are many varieties of fabrics and original souvenirs from Kalimantan sold in this place such as the a local stone, typical of Kalimantan. You can also buy a unique fabric that called Tenun Balikpapan at Batik Tenun Vi in Balikpapan Superblock. Do not hesitate to bargain the price. For those who like lifestyle, Balikpapan Superblock is the right choice. There are plenty of cafes, restaurants, boutiques, fitness centres and hotels.
