population: 0.79 million

extension: 361.37 square kilometers

Museums

If you're in Balikpapan and interested in visiting museums, one place to check out is the Museum of Balikpapan. It's located in the city center and features exhibits about the city's history, culture, and natural resources. If you're looking for other museums in the area, you might also want to consider the Mulawarman Museum in Samarinda, which has displays on traditional Dayak culture and artifacts from the ancient Kutai kingdom.

Food

Some of the most recommended, popular, and typical dishes to eat in Balikpapan, Indonesia include:

1. Nasi Goreng Kambing - Fried rice with goat meat
2. Sate Kalimantan - Grilled skewers of beef or chicken served with peanut sauce and rice cakes
3. Gado-gado - Salad made with boiled vegetables, tofu, egg, and peanut sauce
4. Ayam Bakar - Grilled or roasted chicken marinated in a spicy soy sauce
5. Mie Balap - Stir-fried noodles with vegetables, meat, and a savory sauce
6. Soto Banjar - A soup made with chicken, rice noodles, and a flavorful broth
7. Martabak Manis - Sweet pancakes filled with chocolate, cheese, or peanuts
8. Es Teler - A dessert made with shaved ice, coconut milk, fruit, and condensed milk.

These dishes are all well-loved by locals and visitors alike and offer a taste of the unique flavors and culinary traditions of Balikpapan and Kalimantan.

Activities

Sure, here are some fun activities that local people enjoy in Balikpapan:

1. Visit Manggar Beach and enjoy water sports like jet skiing, banana boating, or parasailing.
2. Take a hike up to Bukit Bangkirai, a nature preserve with trails through the rainforest and a canopy bridge high in the treetops.
3. Go shopping at Pasar Baru Balikpapan, a bustling market where you can find everything from fresh produce to traditional crafts.
4. Attend a cultural performance at the Taman Bekapai Cultural Park, which hosts music, dance, and theater events throughout the year.
5. Try the local cuisine at the downtown food stalls or visit one of the seafood restaurants along the coast for a taste of Balikpapan's fresh seafood.