Called a "Reading Cafe" but has zero books? What's the deal with this Balikpapan spot?
qponx
2026-03-05
Don't be fooled by the name—Balikpapan's Cafe Baca has zero books! Instead, discover a hidden urban forest perfect for disconnecting from the digital world. This completely outdoor spot offers a lush, green escape with a fantastic, intimate vibe, especially at night. It's designed for genuine conversation, with no Wi-Fi or power outlets to distract you. Just be sure to bring your friends, your chatty spirit, and a whole lot of mosquito repellent for the ultimate chill-out session.
I went there because of the name Cafe Baca (Reading Cafe), originally looking for a quiet place to read for a bit, but... Anjay! I almost thought I was in the wrong place, there wasn't a single! book! in! the! shop![1] 🤣
But I gotta say, once I sat down, it really grew on me.
An "Anti-Rat Race" Forest in the City
This place is practically a little hidden forest in the heart of Balikpapan, surrounded 360 degrees by greenery, and you can barely hear the hustle and bustle of the traffic outside. It's already pleasant during the day, but when the lights come on at night, the whole place becomes remang-remang (an Indonesian term for that dim, intimate vibe), and the atmosphere is maxed out[2], perfect for Nongkrong and chatting with friends.
I ordered a Piccolo[3], and it was pretty good, with a rich and fragrant coffee flavor. My friend who doesn't drink coffee ordered an Oreo Milkshake and said it was Mantap. I heard their Kopi Susu Tubruk is a lifesaver for all-nighters, so I'll have to try it next time. As for the food, it's pretty standard, mostly fried snacks. Don't expect a full meal, but it's just enough to fill a small hole in your stomach.
Hold On, You Need to Know These Downsides
While the vibe is really Chill, the downsides are also quite obvious. First off, for those of you thinking of WFC (Work From Cafe) here, you can forget about it. No Wi-Fi and no power outlets[4], it's purely a place that forces you to put down your phone and actually socialize.
Secondly, the price. Some people find it cheap, but I've seen comments saying it might be a bit pricey for students[5]. Despite the downsides, it's a high-scorer with 4.6 stars on Google[6], so it seems everyone is paying for the atmosphere.
Lastly! And most importantly! Because it's completely outdoors, there are SO many mosquitoes! Also, those sensitive to secondhand smoke should be cautious, as this is an open smoking area[7].
Quick Guide: My Cafe-Hopping Tips
To sum it up, let me highlight the key points for those who want to go!
In short, don't treat it as a bookstore or a workplace. Think of it as a secret base where you and your friends can truly Chill face-to-face, and your experience will be out of this world! 🤙
- ✅ Best Time to Go: Highly recommend going at night! The weather is cooler, the vibe is better, and it's more photogenic.
- Must-Brings: Mosquito repellent! Mosquito repellent! Mosquito repellent! Important things must be said three times!
- ☕️ Ordering Tip: If you don't like it too sweet, remember to tell the staff "kurang gula" (less sugar) when ordering coffee.
- 🎯 Target Audience: Suitable for just chatting, zoning out, and small gatherings with friends. If you want to study or work, just steer clear.
- Instantly escape the city into a tiny forest, wrapped in greenery with a dim, remang-remang vibe [1].
- Coffee fans, grab the rich Piccolo. Not a coffee person? The Oreo Milkshake is equally Mantap [2].
- A bookstore with not a single book? Yep. The point is to ditch your phone and just Nongkrong with friends [3].
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