Heads up, Balikpapan WFA crew! Plenty of outlets, but the AC and secondhand smoke are a huge gamble.
qponx
2026-03-05
Searching for a WFA spot in Balikpapan? 28 Coffee offers a tempting setup with fast WiFi and abundant outlets. While the award-winning coffee and generous, tasty meals are major draws, this review reveals it's not all perfect. The second floor suffers from poor AC and secondhand smoke, and service can be slow during peak hours. This honest guide tells you how to navigate the pros and cons to make your visit a success, ensuring you find the perfect seat.
Lately, with WFA (Work From Anywhere), I've really been needing a good spot. I heard from a friend that 28 Coffee, which came over from Yogyakarta, is a paradise for students and corporate drones, with plenty of outlets and super-fast WiFi, so I rushed over with my laptop.
The first-floor ambiance is truly Mantap, with a simple and modern style and great lighting. Any quick snap looks great[1]. Coffee is their specialty, so I had to try it. I ordered a latte, and it was indeed rich and smooth, not that perfunctory sugary water taste. You can tell the barista has some real skill[2], no wonder I heard their barista has even won awards[3]! The Toast[4] my friend ordered was also surprisingly delicious, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The main courses are super generous; one serving of Dory Butter Rice[5] and I was so full I couldn't even eat dinner. They really nailed the value for money[6].
BUT! Here comes the interesting part… I went up to the second floor to find a quiet spot, and Anjay… was the AC even on? It was so hot I felt like I was in a sauna🥵. The worst part was, I was clearly sitting in the non-smoking area, but the smell of smoke still aggressively wafted over from the next section. The experience just took a nosedive[7]. And when it gets crowded during peak hours, the staff gets a bit overwhelmed. I waited almost half an hour for my meal to arrive[8], I was starving.
Survival Guide | Honest Tips
So, for the girls who want to Nongkrong or work here, here are a few heartfelt words of advice:
- 1. Choosing a seat is an art form: Afraid of the heat and the smell of smoke? Stick to the first floor! Don't go to the second floor! Unless you want to experience a free sauna and an all-you-can-breathe secondhand smoke buffet.
- 2. A must-read for digital nomads: Almost every seat has an outlet, and the WiFi is solid[9], which is definitely a huge advantage. But if you're sensitive to ambient noise, be prepared to share decibels with student groups chatting at the next table.
- 3. Go during off-peak hours: If you want a quiet meal, don't go during peak meal times, otherwise, you'll be waiting for your food long enough to question your life choices.
- 4. Parking is a huge headache: For friends driving here, take note, the parking spots are along the roadside and are very limited[10]. It's the kind of parking where you just have to get lucky.
- Award-winning barista[1]! The latte is rich, smooth, and expertly crafted[2]—a dream for the WFA crowd.
- The Dory Butter Rice[3] portion is huge, so filling you might skip dinner. Incredible value for money[4].
- The first floor's simple, modern style and great light means every snap is a keeper[5]. Impossible to take a bad photo here.
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