Melawai Beach in Balikpapan is the perfect place to relax while enjoying the breathtaking sunset views.
Melawai Beach is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan. Famous for its breathtaking sunsets and unique culinary offerings, this beach provides a memorable experience for both local and international tourists.
Located strategically in the city center, Melawai Beach offers beautiful panoramas, a relaxed atmosphere, and various exciting activities that can be enjoyed by all.
Attractions at Melawai Beach
Melawai Beach has many attractions that make it a favorite destination in Balikpapan. Here are some of the main attractions of Melawai Beach:
1. Enjoying the Beautiful Sunset
Melawai Beach is known as one of the best places in Balikpapan to enjoy the sunset. Every evening, the sky changes to a golden-orange hue, creating a stunning view that reflects on the surface of the sea.
The presence of fishing boats anchored in the water adds to the beauty and romantic vibe of the scene, making it a favorite spot for couples and families to spend time together enjoying the natural wonder. It’s no surprise that many people visit just to witness this magical moment.
2. Tempting Beachside Culinary Delights
In addition to the stunning views, Melawai Beach is also known for its rich beachside cuisine. Along the beach, there are various food stalls offering a variety of delicious local dishes.
One famous snack at Melawai Beach is Pisang Gapit, served with thick and sweet brown sugar sauce, providing an unforgettable culinary experience.
In addition to Pisang Gapit, visitors can enjoy a variety of fresh seafood, such as grilled fish, squid, and crab, cooked with aromatic spices. Fresh young coconut is also a favorite drink to enjoy while relaxing by the beach.
3. Instagrammable Photo Spots
Melawai Beach is also an ideal place for photography lovers. The sunset views, fishing boats anchored on the shore, and the distant view of Pulau Babi make this beach an attractive and Instagrammable photo spot.
The exotic natural backdrop, combined with the dramatic sunset light, creates incredibly aesthetic and captivating photos.
4. Exploring Pulau Babi
One of the unique features of Melawai Beach is the nearby Pulau Babi, a small island that can be accessed when the tide is low.
Visitors can walk to Pulau Babi and explore its beauty up close. This island is often used as an additional tourist destination for those who want to explore the natural surroundings of Melawai Beach further.
Location and Access to Melawai Beach
Melawai Beach is strategically located in the center of Balikpapan, specifically on Jalan Jenderal Sudirman. Its close proximity to the city center makes it easily accessible to visitors, whether they are using private vehicles or public transportation.
From the city center, Melawai Beach is only about 3 kilometers away, and it takes about 10-15 minutes by car.
For those coming from Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan Airport, the journey to Melawai Beach takes about 15-20 minutes, making it a very practical and convenient destination.
Entrance Fee for Melawai Beach
Visiting Melawai Beach is very affordable. Visitors only need to pay an entrance fee of Rp5,000 per person. In addition, there is a parking fee of Rp2,000 for motorcycles and Rp5,000 for cars.
With such affordable fees, Melawai Beach is a perfect option for a budget-friendly and enjoyable vacation.
Fun Activities at Melawai Beach
Melawai Beach offers various activities that visitors can enjoy to fully experience the beach atmosphere. Here are some exciting activities you can enjoy at Melawai Beach:
1. Enjoying the Beautiful Sunset
Melawai Beach is one of the best locations to enjoy a sunset in Balikpapan. Every evening, visitors can see the sky change to orange and golden-red hues, reflecting beautifully on the ocean.
Many visitors come just to sit by the beach and watch this natural wonder while enjoying the peaceful and romantic atmosphere.
2. Playing in the Water and Sand
Melawai Beach has calm waters, making it a safe place for children to play in the water at 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 makes for a fun and unforgettable beach experience, especially for families with young children.
3. Savoring Local Cuisine
A visit to Melawai Beach wouldn’t be complete without trying the local delicacies of Balikpapan. Along the beach, there are many food stalls serving various dishes, from fresh seafood to snacks like Pisang Gapit.
Grilled fish, squid, crab, and young coconut ice are some of the popular dishes to enjoy while relaxing by the beach. The seaside atmosphere with a gentle breeze makes this culinary experience even more special.
Facilities at Melawai Beach
Melawai Beach is equipped with various facilities to enhance visitors’ comfort. Here are some of the available amenities:
1. Restaurants
There are many restaurants along Melawai Beach offering a variety of local and seafood dishes. Visitors can enjoy delicious meals while gazing at the beautiful sea, providing a delightful dining experience with the signature beach atmosphere.
2. Simple Accommodations
For visitors who want to spend more time at Melawai Beach, there are several simple accommodations around the beach. These budget-friendly accommodations offer sufficient comfort for those who want to stay and enjoy the beach atmosphere in the evening.
3. Prayer Room (Mushola)
To make it easier for visitors to pray, there is a mushola (prayer room) near the beach area. This facility provides adequate prayer equipment, allowing Muslim visitors to pray comfortably while at the beach.
4. Toilets and Showers
Melawai Beach also provides clean public toilet facilities that visitors can use to rinse off after playing in the water. These facilities are essential for the comfort of tourists.
5. Parking Area
Melawai Beach has a spacious parking area to accommodate visitors’ private vehicles. With the ample parking spaces available, visitors do not need to worry about parking during their visit to the beach.
Melawai Beach in Balikpapan is the perfect place to spend time with family, friends, or a partner. With stunning sunset views, delicious beachside cuisine, and various fun activities, Melawai Beach is a must-visit destination.
With its complete facilities and affordable entrance fee, Melawai Beach is an ideal choice for anyone wanting to enjoy the beauty of Balikpapan’s coast without spending a lot of money.
So, if you’re visiting Balikpapan, be sure to visit Kemala Beach and experience its beauty and fun for yourself!
