Top reasons to visit Kemala Beach
- Stunning Coastal Views: Kemala Beach boasts breathtaking views of the coastline, perfect for relaxation and photography.
- Water Sports: Engage in various water activities, from jet skiing to banana boat rides, making your beach visit exhilarating.
- Local Cuisine: Delight in the vibrant local food scene, offering fresh seafood and traditional dishes to savour.
- Varied Accommodations: Choose from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious beach resorts, catering to all traveller preferences.
- Cultural Exploration: Discover local mosques and cultural sites nearby, enriching your experience of Balikpapan's heritage.
Find great hotels near Kemala Beach
Discover an array of accommodation options at Kemala Beach, Balikpapan, ranging from hotels to guesthouses. Whether you seek a family-friendly retreat, a business-friendly environment, or a relaxing spa experience, Kemala Beach offers diverse choices to suit your needs. Notable options include the Kemala Hotel and the Kemala Beach Resort, ensuring a delightful stay amidst the stunning coastal scenery.
- Novotel Balikpapan: Novotel Balikpapan is a charming 4-star hotel located a mere mile from Kemala Beach, ideal for families seeking a beachside getaway. This property boasts direct access to the beach, allowing guests to enjoy the sun and sand with ease. Families are particularly catered for, with amenities such as a children's pool, free cribs, and an arcade game room ensuring fun for the little ones. The hotel also provides a breakfast option for children, along with essential services like a first aid kit. Novotel Balikpapan offers a welcoming atmosphere for those looking to create lasting family memories during their stay.
- Swiss-Belhotel Balikpapan: With a notable guest rating of 8.2 out of 10, Swiss-Belhotel Balikpapan is another distinguished 4-star lodging option, situated 3km from Kemala Beach. This hotel is particularly tailored for business travellers, featuring modern meeting facilities and a professional environment. Guests can enjoy well-appointed rooms with contemporary décor and amenities that cater to business needs, making it an excellent choice for those combining work with leisure. The location provides convenient access to local business districts, making it a practical option for those visiting Balikpapan for work-related purposes.
- Golden Tulip Balikpapan Hotel & Suites: Offering a unique blend of family-friendly and spa-themed experiences, Golden Tulip Balikpapan Hotel & Suites is a 3.5-star establishment located 3km from Kemala Beach. This hotel allows pets, making it a suitable choice for travellers who wish to bring their furry companions along. Families will appreciate the children’s pool and shared playground, while adults can indulge in a full-service spa offering various treatments, including in-room massages. The hotel’s combination of leisure and relaxation facilities ensures a well-rounded vacation experience.
Where to stay near Kemala Beach
Kemala Beach offers a delightful coastal experience, where budget-friendly accommodations are just steps away from the sandy shores. This picturesque beach destination is perfect for sunbathing and water activities, while nearby beach resorts provide a touch of luxury for those seeking relaxation. Explore the vibrant neighbourhood, indulge in local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the laid-back atmosphere that defines this charming area of Balikpapan, making it an ideal getaway for every traveller.
- Balikpapan: Balikpapan is a vibrant city that serves as a gateway to Kemala Beach, offering a blend of urban and coastal experiences. With a steady flow of travellers year-round, it is particularly bustling during the peak months of June to July and December. Visitors flock here for family outings, business engagements, and city explorations. The city is home to modern shopping centres and malls, making it a perfect spot for retail therapy. Notable attractions include the scenic beach, a bustling tourist precinct, and the dock port, where you can observe local maritime activities and enjoy fresh seafood.
- Sepinggan: Situated approximately 11km from Kemala Beach, Sepinggan is a quaint village that offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city life of Balikpapan. This locale is frequented by travellers seeking business experiences and family-friendly activities. The village sees its peak visitor numbers in May and from July to August, making it an ideal time to explore its charming shopping centres. Sepinggan's close proximity to Balikpapan allows for easy access to urban amenities while still enjoying a more relaxed, village atmosphere.
- Penajam: Located about 37km from Kemala Beach, Penajam is a city known for its beautiful beaches that attract those looking to unwind by the sea. Although visitor numbers remain consistent throughout the year, peak periods occur in May and from July to August. Penajam offers a more laid-back vibe compared to Balikpapan, with its stunning coastal landscapes providing the perfect backdrop for relaxation and leisure. The local beaches are ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the natural beauty of East Kalimantan.
Things to do in Kemala Beach
Shopping
At Kemala Beach, you can enjoy local stalls offering handicrafts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, visit Balikpapan Plaza, where you can find various shops and dining options, or explore Plaza Mitra, known for its selection of clothing and accessories.
Recreation
At Kemala Beach, indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment at local wellness centres, where traditional Indonesian therapies soothe the mind and body. Afterward, enjoy beach yoga sessions at sunrise, followed by leisurely strolls along the sandy shore, immersing yourself in the tranquil atmosphere of the coastline.
Adventure
Explore the serene beauty of Kemala Beach, where you can enjoy water sports like jet skiing and banana boating. Take a leisurely stroll along the shore, or relax under swaying palm trees while sampling local delicacies from nearby food stalls.
Nightlife
At Kemala Beach, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at the beachfront bars offering cocktails and live music. Stroll along the promenade, where you can find local food stalls and dance to the rhythms from nearby venues, immersing yourself in the lively energy of the night.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Kemala Beach
To save money on your trip to Kemala Beach, consider visiting during the cheaper months of March or September to October, with Fridays being the least expensive days to stay. Avoid peak season from May to July. Utilise Expedia to compare hotel prices, filter by budget, and explore package deals that combine flights and accommodation for additional savings. Look out for Balikpapan beach vacation deals and discount hotels to further reduce costs. Enjoy free activities at the beach to make the most of your visit without overspending.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Kemala Beach 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 around Kemala Beach is Friday. The most expensive day to stay around Kemala Beach is Wednesday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, including your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you prefer. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can make considerable savings by combining your Kemala Beach hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
Find the best attractions near Kemala Beach
Kemala Beach in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, offers a delightful blend of stunning beach views and cultural attractions. Visitors can explore the beautiful coastline, vibrant local culture, and nearby mosques, making it an ideal destination for those seeking relaxation and a taste of city life. Whether you're lounging on the beach or discovering cultural sites, Kemala Beach promises a memorable experience for all travellers.
- BSB Beach: Located 5km from Kemala Beach, BSB Beach offers a relaxed atmosphere with its serene beach vibes. It's an ideal spot for sunbathing and enjoying the gentle waves, making it a lovely escape for beach lovers.
- Manggar Sari Beach: A family-oriented beach situated 21km away, Manggar Sari Beach is perfect for creating memorable moments with loved ones. Its calm waters are suitable for children, ensuring a fun day out for families seeking leisure and recreation.
- Masjid Agung At-Taqwa: Just 2km from Kemala Beach, this mosque is a cultural gem, showcasing exquisite architecture and providing insights into local Islamic traditions. Visitors can appreciate its serene atmosphere and learn about the vibrant culture of the region.
Best time to go to Kemala Beach
The best time to visit Kemala Beach is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. May is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with moderate rain. January and July are its coolest month on average. At the time of July, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Kemala Beach
Accessing Kemala Beach in Balikpapan is convenient via two major airports. Balikpapan's Sepinggan International Airport (BPN) is located a mere 10km away, with excellent hotel options such as the Four Points by Sheraton Balikpapan, just 483m from the airport, and Grand Tjokro Balikpapan, 805m away, both offering airport shuttle services. Alternatively, Samarinda's AP Tumenggung Pranoto Airport (AAP) is 113km distant, with nearby hotels like Mercure Samarinda and Aston Samarinda Hotel & Convention Center, both approximately 18km away, providing various transportation options. This makes reaching the stunning Kemala Beach both easy and enjoyable for visitors from the Philippines.