Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
AROUND BALIKPAPAN
There's a potpourri of sights around Balikpapan that make for an interesting full-day trip, but given transport, navig-
ation, and reservation requirements, it is best to use a local tour guide. Indra (
Click here
)
will take two to three
people to the following for 1,500,000Rp, including car, lunch, boat and admission fees:
KWPLH Sun Bear Sanctuary
(
http://en.beruangmadu.org
)
Home to several sun bears in their natural habitat.
Catch the morning feeding at 9am (another is at 3pm).
Hanging Bridge
(Bukit Bankirai)
Walk a rope bridge through the forest canopy, around 50m above ground, and en-
joy great views.
Black River
Canoe the mangrove forest of Balikpapan Bay in search of proboscis monkeys and bird life.
Samboja Lestari
( 0542-702 3600;
www.orangutan.ord.id
)
Research centre focused on orangutan reintroduc-
tion, sun-bear protection, and reforestation.
Penangkaran Buaya Crocodile Farm
This commercial venture won't win any ecotourism awards, but harbours
some real brutes. There's a nice longhouse next door.
Beach House Restaurant
The perfect end to the day.
Eating
SEAFOOD
Ocean's Resto $
( 739 439; Ruko Bandar; mains from 18,000Rp; noon-3pm, 6-10pm)
The anchor
restaurant on the Ruko Bandar, this ocean-side seafood classic, with a reef's worth of iced
fish to choose from, is always popular, both inside and out (so think about reserving). The
tiny open-air curry house, upstairs and to the right before you enter, is a good place for ap-
petisers.
SEAFOOD
Sky Bar/Sky Grill $$
(Jl ARS Muhammad, Hotel Gran Senyiur; mains from 55,000Rp; 3-11pm)
The Gran
Senyiur Hotel has an awesome rooftop, combining glass-walled alfresco dining (mains
