Balikpapan is known as the oil city but as a matter of fact, Balikpapan is not only a city for oil business but also for tourism. A lot of people say Balikpapan is a unique city; though small, you can find a lot of things here just as a big city. This city had a lot history, especially during the period of Dutch colony in Indonesia.
The first oil wells in Balikpapan were managed by a trade partnership named De Bataafsche Petroleum Masatshappij, or often called BPM from Holland. Potential large oil well was discovered by Jacobus Hubertus Manten (1833-1920). BPM development is funded by investor Sir Marcus Samuel (1853-1927). Year 2017 is the 120 years anniversary of Balikpapan.
And now I, your Kalimantan Tour Guide, today, have a client from Holland at this unique moment. We are enjoying a 2-day tour in Balikpapan. She is Jaime, and this pretty girl decided to come by herself from Holland. She is taking her trip for 5 weeks in Indonesia. Her father is originally from Java island, so definitely she has an Indonesian blood and background.
In the beginning, I escorted her to the famous place in Samboja Lodge, the Orangutan Rehabilitation Center. We enjoyed a very good time there, from seeing the cute baby orangutan on the man-made island, till a thrilling visit to the Sun Bear Sanctuary. We met Patrick, the guy from France, who devoted some time for volunteering at Samboja Lodge.
Patrick, also a scientist, allowed us to help him to repair some facilities in the Sun Bear Sanctuary. Jaime and I are very happy to help him, especially for the Sun Bear, which is one of the most protected animals in Indonesia and also the Balikpapan mascot.
Rest of the day, we spent at the Mangrove Teritip, which is facing the sea and is the last place that we visited for a spectacular afternoon sunset while sailing on a canoe at the Mangrove Center. The place is very extraordinary, but Jaime is very excited. We also found a big fruit of mangrove and saw a lot of Proboscis monkeys.
The second day is Balikpapan anniversary -10 February. I promised to Jaime, that I will take her to Merdeka Field. Every year our local government holds this ceremony. We saw a lot of entertainment from the locals alongwith modern dance, which is performed by students of Balikpapan.
One of the sweetest moment was when I introduced Jaime to our Mayor Mr. Rizal Effendi. It was definitely the highlight of Balikpapan tour, to meet the First Man of Balikpapan Government.
Rest of the day, we visit some interesting areas in Balikpapan such as the local market at Kebun Sayur, which is selling a lot of handmade handicrafts. Another place is Dahor Heritage Balikpapan which show some old pictures about Balikpapan. I could tell Jaime that we had a lot of history related to the Dutch people.
We then ended the Balikpapan tour with a visit to Balikpapan Water Village, a local village built on the water. Jaime was very happy as she totally enjoyed the city tour with me.
