Tarakan
Largest city in North Kalimantan, Indonesia
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.
Read more on Wikipedia →- Population
- 198,133
- Coordinates
- 3.313, 117.592
- Timezone
- Asia/Makassar
- Elevation
- 0 m
Overview of Tarakan
Located in Indonesia, Tarakan is best described as a mid-sized city. Population figures land around 198,133. Being northern-hemisphere, the best months shift accordingly. So plan the length of your visit accordingly. Visitors mostly come here for nature, water sports and culture.
Things to do in Tarakan
Nature in Tarakan
(8)Our data lists Beaches, Forest, Gardens, Lakes and Mountains as nature options here. In all, 8 activities are recorded in this category. The list follows Tarakan's own activity tags.
Water Sports in Tarakan
(3)Tarakan records Diving, Scuba Diving and Swimming under water sports. These entries mirror the activity data we hold for Tarakan. Small in number, simple to combine into one outing.
Culture in Tarakan
(1)Tarakan records Docks under culture. These entries mirror the activity data we hold for Tarakan. A short list, but an easy way to shape a day.
More to do in Tarakan
(1)Our data lists Secret as other activities options here. Easy to slot into a wider itinerary. The list follows Tarakan's own activity tags.
Best time to visit Tarakan
Target June to September if the water is the point of the trip. Nature days work best across April to June and September to October.
Getting there & around
Arrive via the nearest transport hub in Indonesia; once there, walking covers most of Tarakan. The local time zone is Asia/Makassar.
Similar destinations
Places near Tarakan that share the same kinds of activities.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Tarakan known for?
- Tarakan is mainly a destination for nature, water sports and culture, set in Indonesia with around 198,133 inhabitants.
- What can you do in Tarakan?
- You can plan around Beaches, Forest, Gardens, Lakes and Mountains in Tarakan. Each is tagged in our dataset rather than guessed at.
- When is the best time to visit Tarakan?
- Target June to September if the water is the point of the trip. Nature days work best across April to June and September to October.
- Where is Tarakan located?
- Administratively, Tarakan sits in Indonesia — handy when you group several destinations into one trip.
Personal notes
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