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Data Source: Safety, crime, and quality metrics are sourced from Numbeo, a crowd-sourced global database of reported data.
All scores are relative comparisons on a 0-100 scale, where 50 = global average. Higher scores mean better than average, lower scores mean worse than average.
Balikpapan serves as a pragmatic, industrial hub for professionals drawn to East Kalimantan’s energy and resource sectors. Unlike the chaotic sprawl of Jakarta, it offers a more structured, manageable lifestyle with a reliable sense of safety and decent healthcare access. It is a city where life revolves around work-driven stability rather than high-octane leisure.
While you will find a comfortable standard of living and functional local transport, the city’s appeal is strictly functional. It lacks the diverse cultural amenities and cosmopolitan social scenes found in larger Indonesian metros. If you prioritize career proximity to major regional projects over a vibrant nightlife or endless shopping, Balikpapan is a solid, low-friction base.
Population
445,905
Area
47 km²
Density
9,475 per km²
Founded
-
Language
Indonesian
Distance to Coast
3 km
Districts & Neighborhoods in Balikpapan
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Climate & Weather in Balikpapan
Balikpapan has a tropical rainforest climate (Köppen Af) with hot temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. Rain falls in every month, with wetter conditions typically from December to March and somewhat lower rainfall from June to October, but there is no true dry season. The city’s average temperatures stay close to 26–28°C year-round, consistent with its equatorial coastal setting.
Summer Average
28°C
Winter Average
27°C
Climate Type
Tropical Rainforest
Rainy Days
190
Sunny Days
120
Humidity
76%
Spring
March - May
27-29°C
Weather remains hot and humid, with frequent rain showers and mostly overcast skies. Temperatures change little from month to month, and afternoon thunderstorms are common.
High rainfall
Summer
June - August
26-28°C
This period is slightly drier than the wettest months, but rainfall still occurs regularly. Skies can be a bit clearer at times, though humidity remains high.
Moderate rainfall
Autumn
September - November
27-29°C
Temperatures stay warm and conditions become wetter again toward November. Rainfall increases from the relatively drier early part of the season.
High rainfall
Winter
December - February
26-28°C
This is the wetter part of the year, with frequent rain and persistently humid conditions. Daytime heat remains steady despite heavier cloud cover and rainfall.
Very High rainfall
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Air Quality
Balikpapan
Advantages
Balikpapan
Abundant parks and green spaces
Rich cultural heritage sites
Coastal tropical lifestyle
Growing business opportunities
Affordable cost of living
Disadvantages
Balikpapan
No universities locally
Limited coworking spaces
Few cultural attractions
Air quality concerns
Limited entertainment options
Safety & Security in Balikpapan
Overall Safety Score
Includes resilience and environmental factors
Good
71
/100
Indonesia Avg
58
Oceania Avg
55
Worldwide Avg
57
Crime & Safety Metrics
Thermometer compares Balikpapan to Indonesia averages using different marker styles.Compare:
Balikpapan
Indonesia Average
Safety Index
0510
Good
Safety from Crime
0510
Safe
Safe Alone (Day)
0510
Excellent
Safe Alone (Night)
0510
Good
Safety from Violent Crime
0510
Safe
Safety from Property Crime
0510
Moderate
Environmental & Natural Hazard Risks
Resilience Score: N/A
Data Currently Under Investigation
Environmental risk assessments are being researched. The indicators below show what data will be available soon.
