Melawai Beach in Balikpapan offers an unforgettable experience with its stunning sunsets and captivating ocean views.
Melawai Beach is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan. Known as the best spot to enjoy the beauty of the sunset and taste local cuisine, this beach has become a favorite for both tourists and locals.
Strategically located in the city center, Melawai Beach offers natural beauty, a romantic atmosphere, and a variety of exciting activities for visitors of all ages.
Attractions of Melawai Beach
Melawai Beach has many attractions that make it special in the eyes of tourists. Here are some of the main highlights of Melawai Beach:
1. Stunning Sunset Views
One of the main reasons Melawai Beach is always crowded with visitors is its beautiful sunset views. Every evening, the sky above Melawai Beach transforms into golden-orange hues, creating a breathtaking scene.
This view is further enhanced by fishing boats anchored in the sea, adding to the romantic atmosphere perfect for enjoying with family or a partner. It’s no wonder that many people come just to witness this natural wonder.
2. Beachside Culinary Delights
In addition to enjoying its natural beauty, Melawai Beach is also famous for its beachside cuisine. Along the beach, there are various food stalls offering traditional Balikpapan dishes, such as Pisang Gapit.
Pisang Gapit is a traditional snack served with thick and sweet brown sugar sauce. Visitors can also enjoy fresh seafood dishes like grilled fish, squid, and crab, all cooked with aromatic spices. Don’t forget to try refreshing drinks like young coconut ice to enjoy while relaxing on the beach.
3. Instagrammable Photo Spots
Melawai Beach offers many attractive and Instagrammable photo spots. The sunset view, fishing boats anchored on the shore, and the distant view of Pulau Babi make this beach the perfect spot for photos. Its exotic natural beauty provides the ideal backdrop for capturing beautiful moments during your vacation.
4. Exploring Pulau Babi
One of the unique features of Melawai Beach is the nearby Pulau Babi, a small island located not far from the beach. This island can be accessed when the tide is low, allowing visitors to walk across to the island. Pulau Babi is a favorite destination for those wanting to explore the surroundings of Melawai Beach further.
Location and Access to Melawai Beach
Melawai Beach is located in the city center of Balikpapan, precisely on Jalan Jenderal Sudirman. Its strategic location makes this beach very easy to reach for both local visitors and newcomers.
The beach is just about 3 kilometers from the city center and can be reached in around 10-15 minutes by vehicle. For visitors coming from Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan Airport, the trip to Melawai Beach takes about 15-20 minutes by car.
Entrance Fee for Melawai Beach
Visiting Melawai Beach is very affordable. Visitors only need to pay an entrance fee of Rp5,000 per person. Additionally, there is a parking fee of Rp2,000 for motorcycles and Rp5,000 for cars.
With such an affordable price, Melawai Beach is a perfect choice for an enjoyable and budget-friendly vacation.
Fun Activities at Melawai Beach
Melawai Beach offers a variety of exciting activities that visitors can enjoy. Here are some fun things you can do at this beach:
1. Enjoying the Beach’s Beauty
Visitors can relax in the garden or stroll along the beach while enjoying the calming ocean view. The beauty of the beach and the gentle sound of the waves create a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for unwinding.
2. Watching the Beautiful Sunset
One of the favorite activities at Melawai Beach is watching the sunset. In the evening, the sky turns a beautiful golden-orange, reflecting on the surface of the ocean, creating an enchanting view. The sunset at Melawai Beach is a moment not to be missed, especially for nature lovers.
3. Playing in the Water and Sand
Melawai Beach has calm waters, making it safe for children to play by the shore. Visitors can also bring sand toys to build sandcastles or engage in other fun activities with family.
Playing in the soft white sand offers a delightful vacation experience, especially for families with young children.
Facilities at Melawai Beach
Melawai Beach is equipped with various facilities to enhance visitors’ comfort. Here are some of the available facilities:
1. Restaurants
Along Melawai Beach, there are many food stalls offering various local and seafood dishes. Visitors can enjoy delicious meals while taking in the beautiful ocean view. The atmosphere of dining by the beach with a gentle breeze makes the culinary experience even more enjoyable.
2. Simple Accommodations
For visitors who want to enjoy the beach atmosphere longer, there are several simple accommodations around Melawai Beach. These accommodations offer sufficient comfort at affordable prices, making them suitable for tourists who wish to stay near the beach.
3. Prayer Room (Mushola)
To make it easier for visitors to pray, a mushola (prayer room) is available near the toilet area. This facility provides adequate prayer equipment, allowing Muslim visitors to pray comfortably while at the beach.
4. Toilets and Showers
Melawai Beach is also equipped with clean public toilet facilities. Visitors can use the showers to rinse off after playing in the water.
5. Parking Area
Melawai Beach has a spacious parking area to accommodate visitors’ private vehicles. With the available parking spaces, visitors do not have to worry about parking during their visit to the beach.
Melawai Beach in Balikpapan is a tourist destination that offers both natural beauty and an exciting culinary experience.
With its stunning sunset views, delicious beachside cuisine, and various fun activities, Melawai Beach is the ideal place to spend time with family, friends, or a partner.
Its complete facilities and affordable entrance fee make it an ideal beach destination for anyone looking to enjoy the beauty of Balikpapan’s coastline without spending a fortune.
So, if you’re visiting Balikpapan, don’t miss the chance to enjoy the beauty and excitement of Kemala Beach!
