Marek The city
“Welcome to the oil city, Balikpapan“. These are the words with which the chief of the cabin crew greets passengers on the plane landing in Balikpapan. This large city is located in the southeast of the island of Borneo. The basis of the economy of this area are offshore production platforms, constantly pumping barrels of crude oil. This is the source of Indonesia‘s economic success.
Orangutans and Dayaks
If you want to go deep into Borneo, this is a great starting point. You can rent a car and go on your own, or buy a trip from one of the numerous local travel agencies. What is worth seeing here are the places dedicated to saving orangutans. This species is endangered on the island due to massive deforestation. Don‘t expect to be able to hold a sweet, red–haired cuddly toy in your arms. In places where they take good care of these primates, they make sure that they do not have contact with humans. They guarantee them near–natural living conditions, hoping that one day they will be able to return to a completely natural life.
You can also, or rather should, visit one of the villages of the Dayaks. But don‘t focus on the locals, dressed in fancy outfits. They are very attractive to tourists, but they do not reflect real jungle life. If you don‘t have a few days for a longer trip into the island, just when you have feasted your eyes on the view of the Dajki dressed in folk costumes, move as far away from the central square as possible. You have a chance to see real life. And don‘t be afraid, the locals are very friendly.
And on the way, stop at one of the numerous crocodile farms. Remember, they don‘t like to be petted. Also watch out for elephants, the local ones have a permanent blues. Only good reflexes saved me from being hit with the trumpet.
Novotel
We stayed for a few days at the Novotel hotel. The hotel has a swimming pool and very professional service. It‘s just a bit annoying that the staff tries to do everything for me. I can‘t even press the elevator button myself. Each time the doorman does it for me. Running up by surprise from an unexpected direction does not help. Silent stealth also doesn‘t work. The doorman is vigilant and every time before I can run up, the elevator door is already open for me. Fortunately, at least in my hotel room, I can take care of myself.
Today we were hit by a heavy downpour. Now I know why there are such high curbs on the streets. They ensure that the water from the rushing streams into which the streets turn does not flood the sidewalks and houses located in large numbers along the street.
Below are a few more photos. Remember to click on the heart if you liked it. By the way, you can also share this post on your social media. I also invite you to leave comments.
We stayed for a few days at the Novotel hotel. The hotel has a swimming pool and very professional service. It‘s just a bit annoying that the staff tries to do everything for me. I can‘t even press the elevator button myself. Each time the doorman does it for me. Running up by surprise from an unexpected direction does not help. Silent stealth also doesn‘t work. The doorman is vigilant and every time before I can run up, the elevator door is already open for me. Fortunately, at least in my hotel room, I can take care of myself.
Today we were hit by a heavy downpour. Now I know why there are such high curbs on the streets. They ensure that the water from the rushing streams into which the streets turn does not flood the sidewalks and houses located in large numbers along the street.
Below are a few more photos. Remember to click on the heart if you liked it. By the way, you can also share this post on your social media. I also invite you to leave comments.