Balikpapan Hotels

Top reasons to visit Balikpapan

• Stunning Beaches: Balikpapan boasts picturesque beaches perfect for relaxation and water activities.
• Cultural Festivals: Experience the vibrant Balikpapan Cultural Festival, showcasing local traditions and arts.
• Shopping Opportunities: Enjoy shopping at Balikpapan Baru Mall and Plaza Balikpapan for a variety of goods.
• Nature Reserves: Explore nearby nature reserves for a glimpse of the region's rich biodiversity.
• Diverse Accommodations: Choose from a range of hotels and guesthouses to suit all budgets and preferences.

Find great hotels in Balikpapan

Explore a range of accommodation options in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, from comfortable hotels to charming guesthouses. Whether you're on a business trip or a family holiday, you'll find amenities that cater to your needs, including spa facilities and business services. Discover your ideal stay in Balikpapan, with popular choices such as Ibis Balikpapan, ensuring a memorable experience in this vibrant destination.

• Novotel Balikpapan: This 4-star hotel offers a delightful blend of family-friendly and romantic experiences, perfect for those seeking relaxation by the beach. Guests appreciate the direct beach access and a range of amenities tailored for children, including a dedicated pool, arcade game room, and complimentary cribs. For couples, the hotel provides romance packages and 24-hour room service for an intimate dining experience. The wellness offerings, featuring outdoor pools and a selection of spa treatments such as body scrubs and aromatherapy, enhance the romantic atmosphere while catering to relaxation needs.
• Swiss-Belhotel Balikpapan: Renowned for its business-friendly environment, this 4-star hotel boasts a commendable guest rating of 8.2 out of 10. Situated conveniently in Balikpapan, it serves as an ideal base for business travellers. The hotel features modern amenities including spacious meeting rooms and high-speed internet access, ensuring productivity does not falter during your stay. Guests can enjoy a comfortable atmosphere, making it suitable for both work-related trips and short leisure breaks in the city.
• Grand Jatra Hotel Balikpapan: This 4-star establishment is tailored for those who appreciate a spa-themed getaway alongside business travel. With an extensive range of facilities, including an onsite spa, poolside bar, and various massage treatments, the hotel provides a serene escape. Accessible pools and advance notice services for massages cater to relaxation seekers, making it an appealing choice for visitors looking to unwind after a busy day. Its strategic location in Balikpapan complements both business and leisure pursuits, ensuring a well-rounded stay.

Where to stay in and around Balikpapan

Balikpapan, nestled on the eastern coast of Kalimantan, offers a delightful blend of city and beach experiences, making it perfect for families and business travellers alike. Explore its rich culture, vibrant neighbourhoods, and picturesque coastline. Don't miss the chance to indulge in local festivities and discover the city's unique charm. With budget-friendly options and a variety of activities, your visit to Balikpapan promises to be a memorable adventure.

• Sepaku: Sepaku is a burgeoning city located 39km from Balikpapan, offering a unique blend of urban charm and cultural experiences. Although visitor numbers fluctuate throughout the year, peaks are observed in May and during the July to August period. Travellers flock to Sepaku for its “city themed” and “culture themed” experiences, as well as business opportunities. Notable activities include visiting modern educational institutions and shopping at local centres and malls. The presence of a prominent college adds to the city’s vibrant atmosphere, making it an intriguing destination for both education and leisure.
• Sepinggan: Nestled within the Balikpapan area, Sepinggan is a quaint village that attracts a steady stream of visitors year-round, particularly peaking from May to August. Travellers are drawn to Sepinggan for its “business themed” and “family” experiences, with a variety of shopping centres and malls available for retail therapy. The village offers a warm, community-oriented atmosphere, perfect for those looking to engage in local culture while enjoying the conveniences of urban life.
• Penajam: Located 39km from Balikpapan, Penajam is a city renowned for its stunning beaches, making it a prime destination for sun-seekers and nature lovers. The flow of visitors remains relatively stable throughout the year, with a noticeable increase during the peak months of May and July to August. The city's coastal attractions provide opportunities for relaxation and recreation, ensuring that beach enthusiasts can fully enjoy the natural beauty and serene environment that Penajam has to offer.

Things to do in Balikpapan

Shopping

In Balikpapan, visit Balikpapan Superblock for a variety of shops and eateries. If you're up for a drive, explore Plaza Balikpapan, which offers a wider selection of brands and a vibrant atmosphere for shopping and dining experiences.

Recreation

In Balikpapan, the Grand Jatra Hotel offers a serene wellness centre with relaxing spa treatments and soothing massages, set against a tranquil backdrop. Nearby, the Ocean View Resort features yoga sessions and wellness programmes, allowing guests to rejuvenate while enjoying stunning views of the coastline.

Adventure

Explore the pristine beaches of Balikpapan, where you can enjoy water sports like jet skiing and snorkelling in crystal-clear waters. For nature enthusiasts, visit the Margomulyo Mangrove Park, offering serene walks through lush mangroves and a chance to spot diverse wildlife.

Nightlife

Explore the lively atmosphere at the Rattan Lounge, where you can enjoy cocktails and a vibrant crowd. For a more casual vibe, head to the Balikpapan Sports and Entertainment Centre, featuring karaoke and local bands that keep the energy high into the night.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Balikpapan

To save money on your trip to Balikpapan, consider travelling during the off-peak months of March and September to October, when prices are lower. Fridays are the cheapest days to stay, while Wednesdays tend to be the most expensive. Use Expedia's search tool to find the best hotel deals by filtering prices from lowest to highest, and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Exploring the city on foot can also help cut down on transport costs while allowing you to enjoy free activities along the way.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Balikpapan are March and September to October, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Balikpapan is Friday. The most expensive day to stay in Balikpapan is Wednesday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. To uncover the most economical prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Balikpapan hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in Balikpapan

Balikpapan, a delightful destination for family and business trips, offers a blend of beach, cultural, and city experiences. Visitors can explore stunning beaches, mosques, and nature reserves, while also enjoying shopping at Balikpapan Plaza and Plaza Balikpapan. The area is rich in attractions, ensuring a memorable experience for tourists seeking both leisure and cultural immersion in this vibrant city.

• Kemala Beach: Located within Balikpapan, Kemala Beach offers a vibrant beach atmosphere, ideal for relaxation and enjoying the sun. The gentle waves and soft sands create a tranquil setting, perfect for unwinding or indulging in leisurely beach activities.
• Manggar Sari Beach: A family-friendly destination, Manggar Sari Beach is also situated within Balikpapan. With its safe swimming areas and serene environment, it caters to families seeking a pleasant day out, featuring picnic spots and opportunities for children to play.
• BSB Beach: Also within Balikpapan, BSB Beach boasts a lively beach vibe that attracts both locals and visitors. Its picturesque scenery and inviting waters provide a fantastic backdrop for beachgoers looking to engage in various water sports or simply enjoy the views.

Best time to go to Balikpapan

The best time to visit Balikpapan can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Balikpapan falls in May, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with moderate rain. The coolest average temperature in Balikpapan falls in January and July. July has slightly high visitor numbers and mostly cloudy weather.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	80.1°F (26.7°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
February	80.2°F (26.8°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
March	80.4°F (26.9°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
April	80.8°F (27.1°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
May	81.5°F (27.5°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly High
June	80.6°F (27.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly High
July	80.1°F (26.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Average
August	80.4°F (26.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
September	80.8°F (27.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	81.3°F (27.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
November	81.0°F (27.2°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
December	80.6°F (27.0°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Average

The nearest major airports for your trip to Balikpapan

Flying into Balikpapan offers two major airport options. Sepinggan International Airport (BPN) is located 6km from the city and has excellent hotel choices nearby, such as Four Points by Sheraton and Grand Tjokro Balikpapan, both offering convenient transportation services. Alternatively, AAP-AP Tumenggung Pranoto Airport in Samarinda is 106km away, with notable hotels like Mercure Samarinda and Aston Samarinda Hotel & Convention Center providing shuttle services to the airport. While BPN is much closer to Balikpapan's attractions, Samarinda can also serve as a viable entry point for visitors seeking a broader experience in East Kalimantan.