Center Stage Sunset in Balikpapan! But I Have to Rant About a Few Things 🤮
qponx
2026-03-05
Discover Kampoeng Pasir, a massive beachside restaurant in Balikpapan with stunning sunset views over Kemala Beach. While the incredible ambiance is the main draw, don't miss the fantastic Salted Egg Yolk Prawns and Jimbaran Grilled Fish. A heads-up: other dishes can be hit-or-miss, and service might test your patience during peak hours. It’s the perfect spot for a scenic meal, but be sure to book ahead for the best sunset-viewing seats.
Bros & Sis, for real, if you come to Balikpapan in East Kalimantan and don't see the sea, you've basically wasted your trip. The place I checked out today, Kampoeng Pasir, is right on Kemala Beach, and it's so grand, the whole restaurant is big enough to host a wedding.
The moment you walk in, that white sandy beach and unbeatable sea view just hits you in the face, and the vibes are instantly maxed out. Around dusk, with the sea breeze blowing (as the Indonesians say, angin sepoi-sepoi 🍃), watching the sun slowly dip into the sea is truly super healing. Any random shot you take looks like a masterpiece.
For real, is the food actually any good?
The menu is enough to give you analysis paralysis; they have seafood, Indonesian food, Western food, and even Japanese cuisine[1]. I got straight to the point and ordered a few of the recommended dishes.
I have to give a special shout-out to the Udang Telur Asin (Salted Egg Yolk Prawns)[2]! The outside was fried to a perfect crisp, the salted egg yolk sauce coated it so evenly, and the savory flavor was just right. It wasn't greasy even down to the last bite—definitely Mantap level.
The Ikan Bakar Jimbaran (Jimbaran Grilled Fish)[3] was also good; the fish was very tender, the sauce seasoning was on point, and it had that Bali vibe.
BUT! To be honest, is every dish that amazing? Not necessarily. I feel like they put all their effort into the ambiance, and the flavor of some dishes was a bit... um... zen[4], not 'medok' (rich) enough. Plus, there's live music, which is supposed to be pretty chill, but sometimes it's so loud it drowns out the sound of the waves, which kind of ruins the mood. I just want to listen to the sea, hello![5]
Your wallet or your patience, one of them is bound to get hurt
OK, let's get real. As for the price, it's indeed a bit pricey[6], but you're paying for the atmosphere, which is understandable. But what I really want to complain about is the service! Anjay! It really depends on your luck. Sometimes the waiters seem like they're sleepwalking; they can even forget a drink order[7]. When it's crowded, it's a real test of patience. Impatient friends, be warned.
A Guide to Avoid Pitfalls, You're Welcome!
Finally, here are the key points for anyone planning to go:
- Snag a seat! Want to sit in the front-row 'throne' by the sea to watch the sunset? Promise me, you have to book in advance![8] If you just show up on a weekend, you'll most likely end up in the back row looking at the back of people's heads.
- Timing! Best time to visit: Arrive around 4 or 5 PM[9]. Staying from dusk until it gets dark is the right way to do it.
- Entrance Fee! This restaurant is inside a beach area, so you have to pay a parking fee to get in. For cars, it's 15,000 Indonesian Rupiah[10]. Don't be surprised when you get to the entrance.
- Ordering! You can't go wrong ordering the Salted Egg Yolk Prawns[11] and Grilled Fish[12] with your eyes closed. As for the other dishes... just leave it to fate, folks
- Dusk at Kampoeng Pasir: feel the sea breeze (angin sepoi-sepoi 🍃) as the sun drops into the sea. Perfect vibes & photo ops.
- Must-try: Salted Egg Yolk Prawns Udang Telur Asin. Perfectly crispy with a rich, savory, non-greasy sauce. Mantap [1]!
- Also get the Jimbaran Grilled Fish Ikan Bakar Jimbaran. Fresh, tender fish with an authentic sauce that takes you to Bali [2].
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