Where to Stay in Samarinda
Indonesia
|Pop. 831K
|3 neighborhoods covered
Samarinda at a Glance
8 categories
Top Tips for Samarinda
Things to know before you go
Local Tip
Try 'Nasi Goreng Kampung' from a street vendor for an authentic and affordable meal.
Getting Around
Be prepared to hail Angkots and state your destination clearly; drivers may not always go the full route if it's not busy.
Watch Out For
Overcharging by unregistered taxi drivers (use apps or agree on fare beforehand)
Solo Female Travel
Samarinda is generally safe for solo female travelers. Standard precautions like avoiding walking alone late at night in poorly lit areas and being aware of your surroundings are recommended.
Hidden Gems in Samarinda
Lesser-known spots the locals love
Taman Samarendah
FREEThis sprawling urban park is a favorite among locals for evening strolls and family gatherings. It features beautiful landscaping, fountains, and ample space for recreation.
Kampung Ketupat
Experience authentic East Kalimantan cuisine at this cluster of eateries specializing in ketupat, a rice cake dish. It's a vibrant spot where locals go for a delicious and affordable meal.
Museum Samarinda
Discover the rich history and cultural heritage of Samarinda and East Kalimantan at this local museum. It houses artifacts and exhibits that offer a glimpse into the region's past.
Jembatan Mahakam
FREEWhile a functional bridge, the Mahakam Bridge offers a surprisingly scenic viewpoint, especially at sunset. Locals often gather here to enjoy the river breeze and the city lights reflecting on the water.
Pasar Pagi
FREEImmerse yourself in the daily life of Samarinda at this bustling traditional market. You'll find a wide array of fresh produce, local snacks, and everyday goods, offering a true taste of local commerce.
Taman Cerdas
FREEA popular spot for families and fitness enthusiasts, Taman Cerdas is a well-maintained park with playgrounds, jogging tracks, and open green spaces. It's a refreshing escape from the city bustle.
What It Costs in Samarinda
Daily budget per person in IDR
π‘One of the cheapest destinations worldwide
IDR 250000/day
IDR 600000/day
IDR 1500000/day
Where to Stay in Samarinda
Honest neighborhood guide: where to stay and where to avoid
Best for
Walk to
- Mahakam Riverfront15 min
- Samarinda Central Market25 min
Pros
- +Good access to local food stalls and restaurants
- +Relatively central for accessing different parts of the city
- +Affordable accommodation options
Cons
- -Can be noisy and crowded
- -Limited high-end amenities
Top stays in Sungai Kunjang
Hotel Mesra
$$A well-established hotel with comfortable rooms and decent facilities.
Hotel Bumi Senyiur
$$Offers good service and amenities, a reliable choice for business and leisure travelers.
Grand Sawit Hotel
$$Known for its spacious rooms and convenient location.
Best for
Walk to
- Palaran Sports Complex20 min
Pros
- +Quieter than the city center
- +More affordable prices for accommodation and food
- +Good for experiencing local life away from tourist crowds
Cons
- -Further from the main tourist attractions
- -Public transport can be less frequent
Best for
Walk to
- Plaza Mulia10 min
- Segiri Market20 min
- East Kalimantan Regional Office5 min
Pros
- +Convenient access to shopping and dining
- +Good infrastructure and modern facilities
- +Likely to find more international-standard services
Cons
- -Can be more expensive
- -Less authentic local experience compared to other areas
Top stays in Samarinda Kota
Mercure Samarinda
$$$A modern hotel offering international standards and amenities in a prime location.
Aston Samarinda Hotel & Convention Center
$$$A large hotel complex with extensive facilities, suitable for events and comfortable stays.
Novotel Balikpapan
$$$While technically in Balikpapan, it's a benchmark for luxury in the region, Samarinda aims for similar standards.
Areas to be cautious
- Very remote riverside villages outside the main city limits: Lack of tourist infrastructure, limited access, and potential for misunderstanding local customs can make these areas challenging for unprepared tourists.
Insider tip: Try 'Nasi Goreng Kampung' from a street vendor for an authentic and affordable meal.
Safety in Samarinda
SafeSolo Female Travel
Samarinda is generally safe for solo female travelers. Standard precautions like avoiding walking alone late at night in poorly lit areas and being aware of your surroundings are recommended.
At Night
Main roads and commercial areas are generally safe, but smaller streets can become dark and deserted. Stick to well-lit, populated areas.
Emergency
112
Common Scams to Watch For
- 1Overcharging by unregistered taxi drivers (use apps or agree on fare beforehand)
- 2Distraction thefts in crowded markets or bus terminals
Getting Around Samarinda
Transport, connectivity, and costs
βοΈ
Airport to City
Samarinda does not have its own airport; the nearest major airport is Balikpapan (BPN). From Balikpapan Airport to Samarinda (approx. 2-3 hours), options include airport taxi (around 400,000-600,000 IDR) or shared shuttle vans (Damri or other companies, around 100,000-150,000 IDR per person).
π«
Day Pass
Not applicable for Angkot; individual rides are paid. Day passes are not a common concept.
Single: Angkot rides typically cost 5,000-10,000 IDR depending on the distance.
πΆ
Walkability
Good TransitGrab, Gojek
πΆ
WiFi
Good15-30 Mbps in cafes and hotels
Public Transport
Angkot (minivans) are the primary public transport, operating on fixed routes. Taxis and ride-sharing apps are also available.
Ride-share
GoJek and Grab are widely available for car and motorbike rides. Expect to pay around 15,000-30,000 IDR for short to medium rides within the city.
Transport Tip
Be prepared to hail Angkots and state your destination clearly; drivers may not always go the full route if it's not busy.
WiFi & Remote Work
Free WiFi
Shopping malls (Plaza Mulia, Big Mall), many cafes and restaurants, and hotels.
Coworking
Limited dedicated coworking spaces. Some cafes offer a conducive environment for short work sessions.
Hotels & Accommodation in Samarinda
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Who Is Samarinda Best For?
Matched recommendations for different traveller types
First-time Visitors to Samarinda
Offers a good balance of local flavor, essential amenities, and proximity to the riverfront for initial exploration.
Budget Backpackers
Provides the most affordable accommodation and food options, allowing for longer stays on a limited budget.
Business Travelers
Features modern hotels and is close to administrative and commercial centers, offering convenience and higher service standards.
Families on a Budget
Offers more space for less money and a quieter environment, suitable for family living.
About Samarinda
Samarinda (Indonesian pronunciation: [samaΛrΙͺnda]) is the capital city of the Indonesian province of East Kalimantan. It is situated on the riverbanks of the Mahakam, and both parts are connected by Mahakam Bridge, Mahakam Ulu Bridge, and Achmad Amins Bridge. It holds title of the seventh largest Indonesian city by area, with a total area of around 718 km2 (277 sq mi).
Frequently Asked Questions About Samarinda
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Samarinda Guides by Traveller Type
Tailored neighborhood picks for how you travel