Monpera Beach in Balikpapan offers captivating natural beauty while also providing a historical atmosphere, making it a unique and memorable travel destination.
Monpera Beach, short for Monument of the People’s Struggle, is one of the iconic tourist spots in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan.
This beach is the ideal place for those who want to combine the experience of enjoying natural beauty with deep historical significance.
With its stunning beach panorama and a monument reflecting the spirit of Balikpapan’s people’s struggle, Monpera Beach offers a meaningful and unforgettable vacation experience.
History of Monpera Beach: A Symbol of the People’s Struggle in Balikpapan
Monpera Beach is not only known for its beauty but also for the historical struggle that is captured in the monument on the beach.
At the entrance of the Beaches in Balikpapan, there are three bronze statues depicting the people of Balikpapan raising a flagpole. This monument was built as a symbol of the local people’s struggle to defend the Mathilda oil well from Dutch and Japanese colonial forces.
The monument was damaged in 2016 but was repaired to stand strong as a witness to history. Today, Monpera Beach is not only a recreational site but also a reminder of the importance of struggle and independence.
Main Attractions of Monpera Beach
Monpera Beach offers many attractions that make it a favorite destination in Balikpapan. In addition to its stunning natural beauty, the beach provides a relaxing experience filled with stories. Here are the main attractions of Monpera Beach:
1. Stunning Sea Panorama
Monpera Beach has a captivating coastline, even though it is not very large. The calm sea, clear blue skies, and birds flying overhead enhance the natural charm of this beach. Visitors can walk along the smooth white sand while enjoying the refreshing view of the sea.
2. Wide White Sand
Another beauty of Monpera Beach is its wide and soft stretch of white sand. Visitors can walk barefoot, feeling the soothing touch of the sand, or play in the sand with family.
This simple activity offers a relaxing experience that’s perfect for unwinding from the stresses of everyday life.
3. Shady and Comfortable Garden
Around Monpera Beach, there is a garden filled with lush trees that creates a comfortable area for relaxation. This garden is often used by families, friends, and couples who want to enjoy the beach atmosphere with the gentle sea breeze. Many visitors use this area to sit, chat, or even host small gatherings with family.
Entrance Fee and Route to Monpera Beach
Monpera Beach does not charge an entrance fee, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of the beach for free.
However, those with private vehicles will need to pay a parking fee of Rp3,000 for motorcycles and Rp5,000 for cars. With affordable parking rates, Monpera Beach is a great choice for a budget-friendly and enjoyable vacation.
To reach Monpera Beach, visitors need to travel approximately 8.3 kilometers from the city center of Balikpapan, which takes around 23 minutes.
The route includes Soekarno Hatta Road, Ahmad Yani Road, Captain Piere Tendean Road, and Sudirman Road. Its strategic location makes Monpera Beach easily accessible by both private vehicles and public transportation.
Fun Activities at Monpera Beach
In addition to enjoying the scenic views, Monpera Beach also offers various fun activities for visitors:
1. Enjoying the Beach Atmosphere
Visitors can relax in the garden or stroll along the beach while enjoying the calm sea and the soft sound of the waves. The beauty of the beach and the gentle waves create a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for relieving stress.
2. Watching the Beautiful Sunset
One of the favorite activities at Monpera Beach is watching the sunset. In the evening, the sky turns a reddish-orange, creating a beautiful and romantic scene. The sunset at Monpera Beach is a moment not to be missed, especially for those who love to enjoy natural beauty.
3. Playing in the Water by the Shore
The waves at Monpera Beach are generally calm, allowing visitors to safely play in the water near the shore. However, it is still recommended to be cautious, especially for those with children.
Available Facilities at Monpera Beach
Monpera Beach is equipped with various facilities to support the comfort of visitors. Here are some of the facilities available:
1. Bathrooms and Toilets
Monpera Beach has bathrooms and toilets for visitors to use after playing in the water. During busy times, the queues for the toilets can be quite long. Therefore, adding more facilities in the future would help improve visitor comfort.
2. Food Stalls
Visitors who forgot to bring food need not worry, as there are food stalls around Monpera Beach offering various dishes.
From meatballs, gado-gado, to seafood, there are plenty of options. Refreshing drinks such as young coconut ice, mixed ice, and other beverages are also available, so visitors can enjoy meals while relaxing on the beach.
3. Prayer Room (Mushola)
For Muslim visitors, Monpera Beach has a prayer room located near the toilet area. This facility provides a comfortable space for visitors to perform prayers during their visit.
Monpera Beach in Balikpapan is the perfect blend of natural beauty and historical value. The monument of the people’s struggle that stands at the beach serves as a reminder of the importance of patriotism, while the beautiful sea and white sand offer tranquility and refreshment.
With complete facilities, fun activities, and affordable ticket prices, Monpera Beach, one of the Beaches in Balikpapan, is an ideal tourist destination for all kinds of visitors.
So, when visiting Balikpapan, make sure to take the time to enjoy the beauty and meaningful experience of Monpera Beach.
