Melawai Beach is actually a bay which historically is the first oil drilling in Indonesia. Although as a drilling, Melawai Beach offers an alternative of beach tourist destination in Balikpapan. Here you can see the sunset clearly satisfied when viewed from Melawai Beach. The circumstances that shaped bay is also used as port and sometimes large ships carrying oil which was leaning against the main attraction for tourists. This one tourist beach is very crowded on the evening, because a lot of cafes that provide a distinctive culinary from Balikpapan.
Melawai beach is one of the most popular beaches in Balikpapan. Almost everyone in Balikpapan knows this beach. The location is on the highway of Balikpapan, so it is easy to find. Melawai Beach is located on Jenderal Sudirman street, Balikpapan city, East Kalimantan Province. Melawai Beach is not a wide beach with long white sand and you can also not dive or swim here. This beach is attractive when the sun sets. Sunset in Melawai beach is the best among all other places in Balikpapan. A clear view at the horizon without anything in front to distract.
When the tide comes, it will be almost completely flooded with only a small patch which is still visible. That patch is a coral rock. Local people call it as Tukung or Pulau Babi (Pig Island). This small island is easily reached at low water tide. But if the tide comes you will probably be trapped there for a while.
There are many small cafes, warungs and restaurants here so it is a good place to grab some food and hang out with friends. You can get both snacks or full meals here. Gapit banana is the local dish you should try. The banana is cooked on a flat pan then it is poured with sweet red sauce. So, if you are in Balikpapan, see the sunset and eat Gapit banana at Melawai Beach .The location is not very far from downtown of Balikpapan, making this beach is easy to reach. If you want to use public transport, find route 5 and 6 which will pass Melawai Beach.
