Oval Guest House

It's one of the cheapest budget guest houses in Balikpapan, and the low price can really help backpackers. It's a useful place to sleep or stay in transit, with street food nearby. There's a laundry service and snack bar in the lobby. You can rent a room for a daily stay or as an exclusive boarding house (kost exclusive). There's no free breakfast, but you can buy food nearby or order through GO-JEK. The guest house admin is very good and friendly, and responds within minutes if you ask for help by WhatsApp, phone, or SMS. Rooms are small, around 12 sqm, with AC, an indoor bathroom with a shower and sit closet, a queen or king spring bed, a 32 inch LCD TV, a wastafel with mirror, and a cabinet. Towels, blankets, and aminities are provided. Some rooms don't get sunlight because they have no window, and the location near the mosque can be a little noisy at adzan prayer time. The laundry quality is poor and needs improvement. Cleaning also needs work: room readiness, clean sheets, blankets, and towels, dust on the bed and floor, and leaking A/C were all issues. I hope better quality and service will make this a better choice for travellers in Balikpapan. Book a day or two ahead, and choose a room with an outside window.