Monpera Beach in Balikpapan is the perfect recreation spot that combines beautiful beach scenery with historical heritage, offering a unique and memorable vacation experience.
Beaches have always been captivating tourist destinations, especially for those who want to enjoy the calming sea views. One popular beach destination in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, is Monpera Beach.
Besides its natural beauty, this beach also holds the significant history of the people’s struggle. Here is a complete overview of the attractions, fun activities, location, and available facilities at Monpera Beach.
History of Monpera Beach
Monpera Beach, or the People’s Struggle Monument, has a significant historical background for the people of Balikpapan. At the entrance to the beach, there are three bronze statues depicting people raising a flagpole, symbolizing the people’s struggle against colonialism.
This monument, located among the Beaches in Balikpapan, was built to commemorate the efforts of Balikpapan residents in defending the Mathilda oil well from Dutch and Japanese attacks.
In 2016, the statue collapsed and was subsequently repaired to ensure that the monument stood firmly as it does today.
Today, Monpera Beach has become a popular tourist destination, offering not only natural beauty but also reminding visitors of the valuable historical values of the past.
Attractions of Monpera Beach
Monpera Beach has various attractions that keep visitors coming back. In addition to its natural beauty, this beach offers a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere for everyone. Here are some of the main attractions of Monpera Beach:
1. Beautiful Scenic Panorama
Although Monpera Beach is not very large, its shoreline beauty is captivating. The calm sea, bright blue sky, and birds flying overhead add to the natural charm of this beach. Visitors can walk along the smooth white sand while enjoying the soothing view of the sea.
2. Stretch of White Sand
One of the main attractions of Monpera Beach is its wide stretch of white sand. The soft sand allows visitors to walk barefoot and enjoy the refreshing sensation of nature. Playing in the sand or simply sitting along the beach makes for a fun activity to pass the time.
3. Lush Garden Area
Around Monpera Beach, there is a shady garden area with green trees providing a cooling effect.
This garden area is often used by visitors to relax, gather with family, or simply take a walk. The fresh sea breeze makes the garden atmosphere even more comfortable and enjoyable.
Entrance Fee for Monpera Beach
Interestingly, Monpera Beach does not charge an entrance fee, allowing visitors to enjoy its beauty for free. However, visitors who bring private vehicles will be charged a parking fee of Rp3,000 for motorcycles and Rp5,000 for cars. With such affordable prices, Monpera Beach is an excellent choice for a budget-friendly and fun vacation.
Route to Monpera Beach
Monpera Beach is located approximately 8.3 kilometers from the center of Balikpapan. The journey to the beach takes about 23 minutes via Soekarno Hatta Road, Ahmad Yani Road, Captain Piere Tendean Road, and Sudirman Road.
Its strategic location makes the beach easily accessible by both private vehicles and public transportation.
Exciting Activities at Monpera Beach
Monpera Beach offers various exciting activities that visitors can enjoy. Some of them include:
1. Enjoying the Beach Atmosphere
Visitors can enjoy the beauty of Monpera Beach by sitting in the garden or strolling along the beach. Walking along the beach while enjoying the sea breeze and the view of gentle waves provides a calming experience.
2. Watching the Sunset
Monpera Beach is also known as one of the best locations to enjoy the sunset in Balikpapan. In the afternoon, the sky turns a reddish-orange color, creating a romantic and breathtaking view.
3. Playing in the Water
Visitors can play in the water along the shore to feel the coolness of the sea. Although the waves at this beach are generally calm, it is still recommended to be cautious while playing in the water, especially for children.
Facilities at Monpera Beach
To ensure tourists’ comfort, Monpera Beach is equipped with various facilities. Here are some of the available facilities:
1. Bathrooms and Toilets
Monpera Beach has bathroom and toilet facilities that visitors can use to rinse off after playing in the water. However, when the beach is crowded, the queue for the toilet can be quite long. Thus, adding more facilities in the future is expected to improve visitor comfort.
2. Food Stalls
Visitors who forget to bring food need not worry as there are food stalls around the beach. These stalls offer various dishes such as meatballs, gado-gado, and seafood.
Refreshing drinks like young coconut ice and mixed ice are also available, allowing visitors to enjoy meals while savoring the beach atmosphere.
3. Prayer Room
A prayer room (mushola) is available near the toilet area, allowing visitors to pray comfortably. This facility is especially important for Muslim tourists visiting the beach.
Monpera Beach in Balikpapan not only offers beautiful scenery to please the eyes but is also rich in the history of people’s struggle.
With adequate facilities, fun activities, and stunning panoramas, Monpera Beach, one of the Beaches in Balikpapan, is an ideal travel destination for both local and out-of-town tourists. So, if you’re visiting Balikpapan, be sure to take the time to enjoy the charm of Monpera Beach.
