Struggling to find all three Banandium Gems in Donkey Kong Bananza’s Pop Party challenge (SL102)? Here’s a complete guide to every balloon and banana in Lagoon Layer Challenge Course 3.
Welcome to the Pop Party (AKA Kong Gets Wild)
If you’ve just rolled into Sublayer 102 (SL102) in Donkey Kong Bananza, congratulations — you’ve unlocked the chaotic playground that is Challenge Course 3, also known as Kong Bananza: Pop Party.
This course is part obstacle course, part balloon-popping carnival, and fully bananas. There are five balloons to smash and three Banandium Gems (bananas) to grab — and one of them is sneakier than a VoidCo intern with a laser drill.
Let’s break it all down.
How to Find the Pop Party Challenge Room
- Head to SL102 in the Lagoon Layer.
- After dropping in, follow the main path.
- Look left to find a sealed challenge door.
- Use L + R to transform into Kong Bananza form and bust it open.
Regular DK can’t open it — only transformed Kong gets in.
Once inside, the Pop Party begins. Your mission: find 5 balloons, and you’ll earn the first Banandium Gem. But we’re here for all three, so let’s pop and climb our way through.
All Balloon Locations in Pop Party Challenge Course 3
You’ll need to destroy five balloons. Use ground slams (Sonar power) to help spot hidden goodies.
Balloon #1 – Start Strong
- Right at the beginning of the course.
- Near the fast-travel fish buddy just vibin’ nearby.
Balloon #2 – Stone Enemy, Right Side
- A few steps ahead.
- Turn right to see a stone enemy with a balloon chilling on top of it.
Balloon #3 – In the Corner
- Find another stone enemy lurking in the far corner of the map.
- Balloon’s on its noggin.
Balloon #4 – Near the Spinner
- Opposite side of the room.
- Look for a spinning mechanism.
- In the adjacent room, another stone dude is hosting a balloon party.
Balloon #5 – Beneath the Spinner
- Same spinner from #4.
- Dig underneath it (slam or break through) to reveal a hidden chamber with the last balloon.
Once all 5 are popped, the first Banandium Gem spawns near the entrance.
All Banandium Gem Locations in Pop Party Challenge
Banana #1 – Completion Reward
- Earned after popping all 5 balloons.
- Spawns near the entry/exit of the challenge room.
- Don’t miss it on the way out!
Banana #2 – On the Roof
- Climb the central structure inside the challenge room.
- Break some walls and parkour your way to the top.
- Banana is just chilling on the roof like it’s a rooftop bar.
Use Kong Bananza form for easier climbing and reach.
Banana #3 – Hung From the Ceiling
- This one’s the sneaky one.
- Carefully move your camera up — yeah, look straight at the ceiling.
- You’ll spot a banana hanging underneath a platform.
- Climb a nearby wall, hang from the ledge, and reach for it.
Most players miss this one. If you didn’t look up, it didn’t exist. Classic DK level design move.
Pop Party Checklist
| ✅ Task | Location |
| Balloon #1 | Near the fast travel fish at start |
| Balloon #2 | Right side – on a stone enemy |
| Balloon #3 | Corner of the course – another stone enemy |
| Balloon #4 | Near spinner – stone enemy in side room |
| Balloon #5 | Dig below spinner to find last one |
| Banana #1 | Pops after all 5 balloons are destroyed |
| Banana #2 | On top of the central structure |
| Banana #3 | Hanging from ceiling – climb nearby wall to grab it |
Tips for Popping & Platforming Like a Pro
- Use Sonar ground slams often — they help you spot objects, enemies, and secrets.
- Stay in Kong Bananza form the whole time — the extra strength and mobility make platforming smoother.
- ️♂️ Always look up — DK Bananza loves hiding things above eye level.
- You can re-enter the course if you miss a banana. Just retransform and pop back in.
Pop, Climb, Collect, Repeat
Pop Party might sound like a chill minigame, but if you’re aiming for that sweet 100% completion or just need every skill point possible, this challenge is a must-do.
With three Banandium Gems hiding across rooftops, balloon rooms, and even the ceiling, it’s the perfect combo of chaos and clever design. So grab your Kong Form, get poppin’, and don’t leave until you’ve claimed all three bananas like the gem-hungry legend you are.
Also check:
Donkey Kong Bananza: How to Respec Skills (And Where to Find Every Elder)
Thorny Hill Speed Surf Guide: How to Get All Bananas in DK Bananza’s Second Hilltop Challenge
Peekabruiser Boss Guide – How to Win the First Major Fight in Donkey Kong Bananza
