Where to Stay in Samarinda
Indonesia
|Pop. 831K
|3 neighbourhoods covered
|Updated March 2026
Photo: Sven Scheuermeier / Unsplash
Quick Answer: Best Area to Stay
For most visitors, Sungai Kunjang is the best neighbourhood to stay in Samarinda. A bustling riverside area with a mix of residential, commercial, and some tourist facilities. Ideal for first-timers, foodies, budget. Budget travellers can get by on IDR 250000/day.
Areas to Avoid in Samarinda
Safety rated "safe". See which areas need extra caution and where to stay instead.
Best Neighbourhoods at a Glance
| Neighbourhood | Vibe | Budget | Best For | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sungai Kunjang | A bustling riverside area with a mix of residential, commercial, and some tourist facilities. | Mid-range | first-timers, foodies | Generally safe during the day, but be mi... |
| Palaran | A developing area, primarily residential with some newer commercial developments. | Budget | families, budget | Safe for residents and visitors, but lim... |
| Samarinda Kota | The administrative and commercial heart, featuring government buildings, shopping centers, and modern amenities. | Luxury | first-timers, business travelers | Very safe during the day and night due t... |
Sungai Kunjang
Mid-rangeA bustling riverside area with a mix of residential, commercial, and some tourist facilities.
Generally safe during the day, but be mindful of petty theft in crowded markets ...
Palaran
BudgetA developing area, primarily residential with some newer commercial developments.
Safe for residents and visitors, but limited nightlife and fewer people around a...
Samarinda Kota
LuxuryThe administrative and commercial heart, featuring government buildings, shopping centers, and modern amenities.
Very safe during the day and night due to higher police presence and well-lit ar...
Top 3 Areas to Stay in Samarinda
Liveliest areas for nightlife, culture, and entertainment
Sungai Kunjang
A bustling riverside area with a mix of residential, commercial, and some tourist facilities.
Our top picks in Sungai Kunjang
Samarinda Kota
The administrative and commercial heart, featuring government buildings, shopping centers, and modern amenities.
Our top picks in Samarinda Kota
A modern hotel offering international standards and amenities in a prime location.
Book NowA large hotel complex with extensive facilities, suitable for events and comfortable stays.
Book NowWhile technically in Balikpapan, it's a benchmark for luxury in the region, Samarinda aims for similar standards.
Book NowPalaran
A developing area, primarily residential with some newer commercial developments.
Our top picks in Palaran
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Things to Do in Samarinda
Popular tours, activities, and experiences you can book in advance
πΆWalking Tour
Explore the city on foot with a local guide
π½οΈFood Tour
Taste the best local dishes and street food
πDay Trip
Discover stunning destinations just outside the city
ποΈMuseum & Culture
Skip-the-line access to top museums and galleries
πHop-on Hop-off Bus
See all the highlights from an open-top bus
β΅Boat Tour
See the city skyline from the water
π¨βπ³Cooking Class
Learn to cook authentic local recipes
πNight Tour
Experience the city after dark with a guided tour
We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.
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.
Things to Do in Samarinda
Popular tours, activities, and experiences you can book in advance
πΆWalking Tour
Explore the city on foot with a local guide
π½οΈFood Tour
Taste the best local dishes and street food
πDay Trip
Discover stunning destinations just outside the city
ποΈMuseum & Culture
Skip-the-line access to top museums and galleries
πHop-on Hop-off Bus
See all the highlights from an open-top bus
β΅Boat Tour
See the city skyline from the water
π¨βπ³Cooking Class
Learn to cook authentic local recipes
πNight Tour
Experience the city after dark with a guided tour
We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.
Top-rated Samarinda tours and activities
Skip-the-line tickets, guided walking tours, food experiences, and day trips. Reserve now, pay later; free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
We earn a small commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.
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
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.
Where to Stay in Samarinda
Compare hotel deals across the best neighbourhoods on Expedia.
Stay in Sungai Kunjang
A bustling riverside area with a mix of residential, commercial, and some tourist facilities.
Stay in Palaran
A developing area, primarily residential with some newer commercial developments.
Stay in Samarinda Kota
The administrative and commercial heart, featuring government buildings, shopping centers, and modern amenities.
We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.
Places to Stay in Samarinda
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List Your PropertySafety 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
Compare hotel deals in Samarinda
See today's prices across hundreds of hotels. Free cancellation on most bookings, so you can lock in a great rate risk-free.
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Travel Insurance for Samarinda
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.
Stay Connected in Indonesia
Skip expensive roaming. Get an eSIM for Indonesia and have data the moment you land.
Get an eSIMGetting 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.
Rent a Car in Samarinda
Compare prices from top rental companies. Free cancellation on most bookings.
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Weather & Best Time to Visit
Best months to visit: Jul, Aug, Sep
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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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