MONPERA : People's Monument in Balikpapan

Monpera (Monumen Perjuangan Rakyat) is used to be one of local tourists’ destinations of Balikpapan; it was well managed, clean, and very attractive especially at evening, open for public with lots of food stall lining up along the beach shore, haven for drag queen and late night prostitution, plenty shows and fireworks were held here before; however, today, Monumen (as people in Balikpapan would refer it as) even though it still is considered as one of Balikpapan’ landmark, is no longer active, it is kind of dirty and abandoned, not really open for public, and just looking sad. The water fountain is no longer running, no food stalls available no more, no children laughter or family togetherness can longer be seen here as it was before which I have no idea why and it is such a shame.

Located in downtown, along Jalan Jenderal Sudirman, right in front of the monument is the central office of the army station of Balikpapan. Although it is somewhat abandoned, you still go inside the monument area as there is always a pole or two of the gates that are opened illegally by people and the entrance gate even though most of the times is closed, pedestrians can still walk inside; you still can find the grand statue symbolizing the Indonesians in old days kicking the invaders (the Japanese and the Dutch).

No commentsRead more

Oil Refinery Balikpapan

Balikpapan is one amongst the quite a few of important oil cities in Indonesia, thus, it is only make sense that when you are in Balikpapan, you will see plenty oil refineries; however, all of them are located at one area, which is in Jalan Minyak (it means oil road, literally). More than 12 years ago, when there weren’t any bombing threats or any other threats whatsoever, the refinery area was not even lined with sharp metal wire as Balikpapan was (and still is) a pretty safe city which mainly because the residents obviously understand how important it is to be safe and sound as there are like more than 30 giant refineries in their city. Since old days again, youngsters would take the opportunity to have illegal racing around the area and as years grew, Pertamina, the oil company, for that reason started to place the metal wire for safety purposes.

Jalan Minyak was also lovers’ “destination”; usually, in the evening to mid-morning especially on week-ends, it is a common view to find lovers on motorbikes around the area. Jalan Minyak is an attractive place to hang out at in the evening; the Obor Pertamina (the fairly tall torch) is on continuously day and night which is another thing to look at besides the refineries.

Today, even though bombing threats are already calmed in Indonesia, Pertamina decided to close Jalan Minyak for public which is sad because now people could not really see the “Little Hong Kong” area as what Jalan Minyak with its oil refineries were known as. People would also need to drive round to reach the Semayang Port and/or RS Pertamina (hospital); however, if you cross Balikpapan to Penajam, you still could see Jalan Minyak with its glamour lights at night, the Little Hong Kong of Balikpapan.

No commentsRead more

Pulau Babi (The Island of Boars)

 Literally, if Pulau Babi is translated to English, this island would mean the Island of Boars, however, there aren’t any wild boars to be seen on this not-so big island. In the time of drought, local people are able to go by foot to reach this island as the river would usually in low tide condition; however, when the tide is up, you need to go by boat to be able to reach the island. There are lots of pretty cute purplish crabs can be found on this island and the rocks surrounding are pretty unique; and more uniquely is that sometimes you can find local people (mostly girls *wink*)bathing nearby the rocks! Nobody lives on this island actually; it is more to lovers’ island to enjoy the sunset; however, when it is really humid, the view looking further to the sea is just so horrible! You could almost see nothing, believe me.

No commentsRead more