Destinations

Balikpapan is a major port city, and the gateway to East Kalimantan. Despite being the headquarters for international oil companies operating out of eastern Kalimantan, the city is surprisingly small, clean, and free of traffic, with clear blue skies, and little in the way of nightlife. The people are a mix of cultures, with many transmigrants from Java and Sulawesi mingling with the local Dayak people. For travelers seeking the ultimate tropical experience, Derawan Island, off East Kalimantan's coast, offers pristine white beaches, excellent snorkeling and diving, and glimpses of exotic animals such as sea cows and huge green turtles.