Bring home the flavors and uniqueness of Balikpapan’s signature souvenirs—perfect for your beloved family.
Balikpapan, a strategic city in East Kalimantan, is long known as the “Oil City.” However, its appeal extends beyond its oil industry.
The city’s rich culture, traditional cuisine, and variety of local souvenirs make Balikpapan a special destination for tourists. Here are ten must-buy souvenirs that beautifully blend traditional beauty with a modern touch.
1. Balikpapan Songket: Graceful Cultural Heritage
Balikpapan’s songket fabric is renowned for its mesmerizing patterns and vibrant colors. This fabric has become a symbol of local culture and is highly sought after by domestic and international tourists alike.
To find the best prices and selection, visit Pasar Inpres Kebun Sayur. Beyond its beauty, songket carries a deep historical significance.
2. Purple Sweet Potato Onde-Onde: A Unique and Delicious Snack
Onde-onde is a well-loved traditional snack, but Balikpapan’s version stands out as it’s made with purple sweet potato. With fillings like mung bean, chocolate, and cheese, these onde-onde, a beloved example of Balikpapan Specialties, are a delightful treat.
Visit Rumah Kue Brownies on Jalan Jenderal Sudirman to get them. Affordable and delicious, they’re a perfect souvenir.
3. Balikpapan Mantau: Soft Bread with a Flavorful Sauce
Balikpapan’s mantau bread offers a unique taste experience. It’s typically served with black pepper meat sauce, creating a delectable combination.
You can find mantau in various souvenir shops, priced between IDR 60,000 and 100,000 per box. Convenient to carry and delicious anytime!
4. Balikpapan Batik: Captivating Iconic Motifs
Balikpapan batik stands out with its unique motifs inspired by local nature and culture, such as honey bears, mangroves, and crabs.
This batik is a meaningful keepsake or a special gift. Available in various designs and materials, Balikpapan batik is both beautiful and culturally significant.
5. Dayak Tribe Souvenirs: Unique Details in Every Item
For art and culture enthusiasts, souvenirs from the Dayak tribe, such as the Mandau (traditional weapon), miniature traditional houses, bracelets, and keychains, are perfect choices. Each souvenir is not only visually appealing but also rich in traditional stories and values.
6. Crab Floss and Chips: Authentic Seafood Flavor
As a coastal city, Balikpapan offers unique products like crab floss and chips. These delicious and long-lasting treats make practical souvenirs to take home. Popular spots like Dandito and Kenari are great places to buy these items.
7. Amplang Fish Crackers: Balikpapan’s Savory Delight
Amplang from Balikpapan is different from ordinary crackers because it uses pipih fish, resulting in a richer savory flavor. Its soft texture makes it a perfect snack or meal complement. Amplang is widely available in souvenir shops throughout Balikpapan.
8. Pisang Gapit: Nostalgic Traditional Flavor
Pisang Gapit is a simple yet flavorful traditional snack. Made from grilled kepok bananas served with a sweet and savory palm sugar sauce, it offers a distinctive taste.
The name “gapit” refers to the cooking method where the bananas are clamped in special tools while grilled. This snack combines traditional taste and nostalgic memories.
9. Precious Stones: Timeless Beauty
Balikpapan’s precious stones are a favorite among tourists, whether for personal collections or as gifts. These stones are often crafted into accessories such as rings, bracelets, or keychains.
With excellent quality and competitive prices, Balikpapan’s precious stones are a small investment with great aesthetic value.
10. Decorative Mandau: A Memorable Symbol of Tradition
The Mandau, a traditional weapon of the Dayak tribe, is now widely sold as decorative pieces. These miniature versions are often adorned with intricate carvings, making them a unique and historically rich souvenir. Prices vary depending on complexity, but all offer captivating aesthetics and storytelling.
Visiting Balikpapan isn’t complete without bringing home its signature souvenirs. From elegant songket to light snacks like amplang and pisang gapit, each souvenir reflects the uniqueness and cultural richness of East Kalimantan Specialties.
Don’t miss the chance to shop for these treasures when visiting Balikpapan. Not only will they enrich your travel experience, but they’ll also serve as wonderful reminders of the beauty of the “Oil City.”
