Swiss-Belhotel Tarakan

Tarakan is an island and co-extensively the sole city within the Indonesian province of North Kalimantan. The island city is the largest urban area in North Kalimantan population-wise and is located in northern Borneo, midway along the coast of the province. The city boundaries are co-extensive with the island. Once a major oil-producing region during the colonial period, Tarakan had great strategic importance during the Pacific War and was among the first Japanese targets early in the conflict. It is the sole city within the Indonesian province of North Kalimantan. According to Statistics Indonesia, the city had a population of 193,370 at the 2010 Census and 242,786 inhabitants at the 2020 Census; the official estimate as at mid 2024 was 255,310.

Located in the northern part of Borneo Island, Tarakan is a small yet vibrant city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and nature. As the largest city in the Indonesian province of North Kalimantan, Tarakan boasts a rich history that dates back to the early 17th century when it was a Dutch trading post.

If YOU are a history buff, make sure to visit the World War II Memorial Park, which commemorates the battle of Tarakan between Allied forces and the Japanese Imperial Army. The park features a museum, a monument, and a cemetery that serves as the final resting place for hundreds of soldiers who lost their lives during the conflict.