Bajau Indo Floating Restaurant on the Manggar River, Balikpapan: A Unique Culinary Icon in East Kalimantan

Homegrown Indonesian innovation is on show once again through a flagship product from Bajau Indo: a floating restaurant now operating in the Manggar River area of Balikpapan, East Kalimantan. The unit has become one of the main attractions at Deboekit Riverside, a fast-growing tourist destination located not far from Balikpapan city center. This floating restaurant is more than just a dining facility; it is also a symbol of pride in local maritime products with modern quality and design.

The floating restaurant is designed with a platform area of 13 x 5 meters, providing spacious and comfortable room for visitors. At this size, the unit can accommodate up to 30 people at a time. This capacity makes it ideal for a variety of activities, from family meals, community events and corporate gatherings to celebrating special moments in a setting unlike any ordinary restaurant.

One of the main highlights of this floating restaurant is a 3 x 4 meter VIP room equipped with air conditioning (AC). This room offers privacy and extra comfort for guests who want a more exclusive atmosphere. Whether for small business meetings or more intimate family occasions, the VIP room adds value and strengthens the restaurant's appeal.

The unit is also equipped with a portable toilet, an important facility that supports comfortable operations on the water. It ensures visitors can enjoy their meal without having to return to land. The restaurant's interior is designed to be both functional and attractive, with several neatly arranged dining table sets that create a relaxed yet presentable atmosphere.

On the technical side, the floating restaurant is powered by two Suzuki engines of 20 HP each, providing enough power to maneuver on the waters of the Manggar River. The engines are fitted with a steering wheel system, making operation easier, more precise and safer. The twin-engine combination not only delivers stable performance, but also improves safety when the unit is moving or repositioning.

The structural design of the floating restaurant reflects mature engineering quality. The sturdy platform provides optimal stability, so visitors remain comfortable even while on the water. This is key to creating an enjoyable dining experience without worry. Bajau Indo delivers construction that pays attention to technical detail, from the frame and flotation system to an efficient spatial layout.

Placing the unit at Deboekit Riverside was the right strategy. The area is known as a tourist spot offering beautiful river views in a calm, natural setting. Visitors can enjoy their meals while feeling the river breeze and taking in the lush surroundings. At certain times, sunset over the Manggar River is a moment the restaurant's guests eagerly look forward to.

The strength of this floating restaurant lies not only in its design and facilities, but also in the experience it offers. Unlike conventional restaurants, this unit offers the sensation of dining on the water, creating a unique and classy impression. The combination of comfort, safety and natural scenery makes it a culinary destination with high selling value in Balikpapan.

As a domestically made product, this floating restaurant shows that Indonesia's maritime industry can deliver creative solutions for the tourism sector. Bajau Indo does not only produce floating units, but also delivers concepts that can increase the appeal of tourist destinations. The floating restaurant on the Manggar River is proof that local innovation can make a real contribution to regional economic development.

As tourism grows in East Kalimantan, particularly in Balikpapan, unique facilities such as this floating restaurant have great potential to become new icons. Its strategic location, not far from the city center, makes it easily accessible to local residents and visitors from other regions. This adds value and strengthens the competitiveness of Deboekit Riverside as a destination.

With an area of 13 x 5 meters, capacity for 30 people, an air-conditioned VIP room, a portable toilet, and two 20 HP Suzuki engines with a steering wheel system, this floating restaurant is a perfect example of combining function, comfort and aesthetics. This proud Bajau Indo product is not just a place to dine, but also a symbol of innovation and progress for Indonesia's maritime industry in modern tourism.

Its presence on the Manggar River in Balikpapan is a step forward in creating a different kind of culinary experience—offering an exclusive atmosphere on the water, with high-quality technology and design made by Indonesians.