Cost of Living in Balikpapan
How much does it cost to visit Balikpapan? Daily budgets, accommodation costs, and real price examples for 2026.
Photo: Joshua Earle / Unsplash
Daily Budget Breakdown
Budget
Hostels, street food, free attractions
IDR 300000
per day
Weekly: IDR 2100000
Monthly: IDR 9000000
Examples
- 🏨Dorm bed at Homestay BalikpapanIDR 100000
- 🍽️Nasi Goreng and Teh Botol at a local warungIDR 50000
- 🚌Several trips on local angkot (minibus)IDR 50000
- 🎟️Visit Pantai Lamaru and relax on the beachIDR 0
- 🎟️Explore the Taman Bekantan (Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary)IDR 20000
- 🎟️Walk around Ewalk BSB City MallIDR 0
- 🍽️Enjoy Satay and fresh juice at a street food stallIDR 80000
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, restaurants, guided tours
IDR 700000
per day
Weekly: IDR 4900000
Monthly: IDR 21000000
Examples
- 🏨Standard room at Hotel Neo BalikpapanIDR 300000
- 🍽️Lunch of Ikan Bakar (grilled fish) at RM Sari LautIDR 100000
- 🚌Several GoCar rides for convenienceIDR 150000
- 🎟️Visit the Monumen Perjuangan RakyatIDR 0
- 🎟️Explore the Balikpapan Ocean ParkIDR 50000
- 🍽️Dinner of Mie Goreng and Kopi at Warung Kopi PurnamaIDR 100000
- 🎟️Souvenir shopping at Pasar Kebun SayurIDR 0
- 🍽️Snacks and coffee at a cafe in Ewalk BSB CityIDR 0
Luxury
5-star hotels, fine dining, private tours
IDR 1500000
per day
Weekly: IDR 10500000
Monthly: IDR 45000000
Examples
- 🏨Deluxe room at Novotel BalikpapanIDR 800000
- 🍽️Seafood feast at Restoran Golden Prawn 555IDR 400000
- 🚌Private car with driver for the dayIDR 300000
- 🎟️Spa treatment at the hotelIDR 200000
- 🎟️Visit the Grand Mosque of BalikpapanIDR 0
- 🍽️Fine dining dinner at The SkyIDR 100000
Cost by Category
accommodation
Rp 150,000 - Rp 500,000
food
Rp 100,000 - Rp 250,000
Transport
Rp 50,000 - Rp 100,000
activities
Rp 50,000 - Rp 150,000
Cost by Neighbourhood
| Neighbourhood | Budget Level | vs City Centre | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Business District | Luxury | average | business travelers, first-timers |
| Pantai Melawai | Mid-range | slightly below average | couples, families |
| Sepinggan | Budget | low | first-timers, budget |
Money-Saving Tips for Balikpapan
🏨 Accommodation
- Stay in budget neighbourhoods outside the tourist centre
- Book apartments for longer stays (weekly discounts)
- Travel in shoulder season for lower hotel rates
- Compare prices across multiple booking platforms
🍽️ Food & Drink
- Eat where locals eat, away from tourist hotspots
- Try street food and market stalls for cheap eats
- Buy lunch specials instead of evening meals
- Cook some meals if your accommodation has a kitchen
🚌 Transport
- Buy multi-day transit passes for unlimited travel
- Walk between nearby attractions to save fares
- Use public transport over taxis where possible
- Book airport transfers in advance for fixed prices
🎟️ Activities
- Take free walking tours (tip-based)
- Look for free museum days or discounted hours
- Book tours and activities online for lower prices
- Explore parks, markets, and neighbourhoods on foot
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FAQ: Balikpapan Costs
How much does it cost to visit Balikpapan?
Budget travellers can visit Balikpapan for around IDR 300000/day (IDR 2100000/week). Mid-range travellers should budget IDR 700000/day, while luxury travel costs around IDR 1500000/day.
Is Balikpapan expensive?
Balikpapan is on the expensive side. Budget travellers need at least IDR 300000/day. Consider staying in budget neighbourhoods and eating at local spots to save.
How much should I budget per day in Balikpapan?
For a comfortable mid-range experience in Balikpapan, budget IDR 700000/day. This covers a decent hotel, meals at sit-down restaurants, public transport, and a couple of activities.
What is the cheapest way to visit Balikpapan?
Budget travellers in Balikpapan can get by on IDR 300000/day by staying in hostels or budget hotels, eating street food and local restaurants, using public transport, and choosing free walking tours and public attractions.