The mangrove - much of this is being cut down and the land used for shrimp farms

Finding the oil...

Much of the oil in Indonesia is in the "Mahakam Delta", a swampy river area covered by mangrove plants. As you can see, the most convenient (and often the only) ways of travelling there is by helicopter and boat. The pictures here were taken on a recent journey into the area. Crocodiles live in these waters, I didn't get to see any!

If anyone is interested, tourist trips are available up the Mahakam. Probably not the best place for a honeymoon though....sorry Steve and Frances!!

Click on the pictures to see a full size photo....
Anyone see a crocodile yet?!
The Mahakam stretches anotherr 1000km. Continue along this - you end up in the Dayak lands
No traffic jams.....no roads!
View from Total accomodation, close to the oil fields
At last! OIL!!
Sunset over Balikpapan

...Back to Balikpapan

 

Here are some views of Balikpapan at its best - from a distance! These were taken from the helicopter, returning from the Mahakam.
... a bit closer ...
Coming in to land...
... nearly there!