Balikpapan: The Jewel of East Borneo

• HelloHalo
  [ha-loh]
• GoodbyeSelamat tinggal
  [se-la-mat ting-gal]
• YesYa
  [ya]
• NoTidak
  [tee-dak]
• Please/You're welcomeSilakan
  [si-la-kan]
• Thank youTerima kasih
  [te-ri-ma ka-sih]
• Excuse me/SorryMaaf
  [ma-af]
• How are you?Apa kabar?
  [a-pa ka-bar]
• Fine. And you?Baik. Bagaimana denganmu?
  [ba-ik. ba-gai-ma-na den-gan-mu]
• Do you speak English?Apakah anda bisa berbicara bahasa Inggris?
  [a-pa-kah an-da bi-sa ber-bi-tsa ba-ha-sa Ing-gris]
• I don't understandSaya tidak mengerti
  [sa-ya tee-dak men-ger-ti]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseSaya ingin melihat menu, mohon
  [sa-ya in-gin me-li-hat me-nu, mo-hon]
• I don't eat meatSaya tidak makan daging
  [sa-ya tee-dak ma-kan da-ging]
• Cheers!Selamat minum!
  [se-la-mat mi-num]
• I would like to pay, pleaseSaya ingin membayar, mohon
  [sa-ya in-gin mem-ba-yar, mo-hon]

• Help!Tolong!
  [to-long]
• Go away!Pergi!
  [per-gi]
• Call the Police!Panggil polisi!
  [pang-gil po-li-si]
• Call a doctor!Panggil dokter!
  [pang-gil dok-ter]
• I'm lostSaya tersesat
  [sa-ya ter-se-sat]
• I'm illSaya sakit
  [sa-ya sa-kit]

• I'd like to buy...Saya ingin membeli...
  [sa-ya in-gin mem-be-li]
• I'm just lookingSaya hanya melihat-lihat
  [sa-ya han-ya me-li-hat-li-hat]
• How much is it?Berapa harganya?
  [be-ra-pa har-ga-nya]
• That's too expensiveItu terlalu mahal
  [i-tu ter-la-lu ma-hal]
• Can you lower the price?Bisa kurangi harganya?
  [bi-sa kur-an-gi har-ga-nya]

• What time is it?Sekarang jam berapa?
  [se-ka-rang jam be-ra-pa]
• It's one o'clockPukul satu
  [pu-kul sa-tu]
• Half past (10)Setengah (sepuluh)
  [se-ten-gah (se-pu-luh)]
• MorningPagi
  [pa-gi]
• AfternoonSore
  [so-re]
• EveningMalam
  [ma-lam]
• YesterdayKemarin
  [ke-ma-rin]
• TodayHari ini
  [ha-ri i-ni]
• TomorrowBesok
  [be-sok]
• 1Satu
  [sa-tu]
• 2Dua
  [du-a]
• 3Tiga
  [ti-ga]
• 4Empat
  [em-pat]
• 5Lima
  [li-ma]
• 6Enam
  [e-nam]
• 7Tujuh
  [tu-juh]
• 8Delapan
  [de-la-pan]
• 9Sembilan
  [sem-bi-lan]
• 10Sepuluh
  [se-pu-luh]

• Where's a/the...?Dimana ada...
  [di-ma-na a-da]
• What's the address?Apa alamatnya?
  [a-pa a-la-mat-nya]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Bisa tunjukkan saya (di peta)?
  [bi-sa tun-juk-kan sa-ya (di pe-ta)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kapan yang berikutnya (bis)?
  [ka-pan yang be-ru-ti-nya (bis)]
• A ticket (to ....)Tiket (ke ....)
  [ti-ket (ke)]

Long before Balikpapan became an industrial hub, it was home to indigenous tribes such as the Kutai and the Dayak. These tribes lived in harmony with nature, relying on the lush forests and bountiful seas for their sustenance. The Kutai in particular were known to have established one of the oldest Hindu kingdoms in Indonesia, which left an indelible mark on the cultural and spiritual landscape of the region.

Balikpapan's modern history began with the discovery of oil in the late 19th century. In 1897, a Dutch company, Koninklijke Nederlandsche Petroleum Maatschappij, struck oil near the village of Balikpapan. This discovery transformed the quiet fishing village into a bustling town almost overnight. The oil industry attracted workers and investors from around the world, laying the foundation for the city’s economic boom.

During World War II, Balikpapan was a strategic target due to its valuable oil resources. In 1942, Japanese forces occupied the city, making it a crucial base for their operations. The occupation lasted until 1945, when Allied forces launched a massive assault to reclaim Balikpapan. The fierce Battle of Balikpapan was one of the last major engagements of the Pacific War, resulting in significant destruction but ultimately leading to the city's liberation.

After Indonesia gained independence in 1945, Balikpapan continued to thrive due to its oil reserves. The city saw significant infrastructural development, including the establishment of modern roads, schools, and hospitals. The oil industry remained the backbone of Balikpapan's economy, attracting multinational corporations and skilled labor from across the globe. This period also saw the integration of various cultures, enriching the city's social fabric.

In recent decades, Balikpapan has faced challenges related to environmental sustainability. The rapid industrialization led to deforestation and pollution, prompting local authorities and NGOs to initiate conservation efforts. Notable projects include the preservation of the Sungai Wain Protection Forest and the establishment of the Balikpapan Bay Conservation Area. These initiatives aim to balance economic growth with the preservation of the region's unique biodiversity.

Balikpapan is not only an industrial city but also a cultural hub. The city hosts various festivals that celebrate its rich heritage and diverse population. Events like the Erau Kutai Festival and the Balikpapan Fair showcase traditional dances, music, and crafts, drawing both locals and tourists. These cultural festivities provide a glimpse into the city’s vibrant traditions and serve as a testament to its multicultural identity.

As the global demand for oil fluctuates, Balikpapan has been working towards economic diversification. The city is investing in sectors like tourism, technology, and education to reduce its dependency on oil. The development of the Kariangau Industrial Estate and the expansion of Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan International Airport are part of these efforts. Balikpapan aims to become a balanced, sustainable city with a robust economy and a high quality of life for its residents.

Balikpapan is accessible via Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan International Airport (BPN), which serves both domestic and international flights. Major airlines such as Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, and Batik Air operate routes to Balikpapan from cities like Jakarta, Surabaya, and Singapore. From the airport, taxis and ride-hailing services are available to take you to your accommodation.

Within Balikpapan, public transportation options include angkot (minivans), buses, and taxis. Angkots are the most common and affordable way to get around, but they can be crowded. Taxis are more comfortable and can be hailed on the street or via ride-hailing apps like Gojek and Grab. For a more flexible option, you can rent a car or motorbike. Be aware that traffic can be heavy during peak hours.

The official currency in Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it's advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are widely available, including at the airport and in shopping centers. Make sure to notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with card usage.

Balikpapan is generally considered safe for tourists, but it's always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and be cautious of your belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, keeping an eye on your valuables and staying aware of your surroundings is recommended.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available throughout Balikpapan. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. Major hospitals include Siloam Hospitals Balikpapan and Pertamina Hospital Balikpapan.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your shoulders and knees when entering places of worship. Public Transport: Do be polite and allow elderly passengers to sit. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a slight nod. Using 'Selamat' followed by the time of day (e.g., Selamat Pagi for good morning) is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and be open to food offerings. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Balikpapan like a local, visit the Kebun Sayur Traditional Market for unique souvenirs and local crafts. Engage with locals; they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss the chance to visit Mangrove Center Graha Indah and take a boat tour to see the proboscis monkeys. For a unique dining experience, try the seafood at the Lamaru Beach area, where you can enjoy fresh catches right by the seaside.