What are the safest areas to stay in Samarinda?

The safest neighbourhoods for tourists in Samarinda include Sungai Kunjang, Palaran, Samarinda Kota. These areas are popular with visitors and well-regarded for safety.

What scams should you watch for in Samarinda?

Common scams in Samarinda: Overcharging by unregistered taxi drivers (use apps or agree on fare beforehand). Distraction thefts in crowded markets or bus terminals.

Areas to Avoid in Samarinda

Q: What areas should you avoid in Samarinda?

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.

Q: Is Samarinda safe for tourists?

Samarinda is rated as "safe" for tourists. Main roads and commercial areas are generally safe, but smaller streets can become dark and deserted. Stick to well-lit, populated areas.

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|🛡️ Safe

Honest 2026 safety guide for travellers visiting Samarinda. Which areas need extra caution, common scams to watch for, and safe neighbourhoods to stay instead.

Last updated: March 2026

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Samarinda is generally Safe

1 area to be aware of · Best areas to stay: Sungai Kunjang, Palaran, Samarinda Kota

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Quick tip: Most tourist areas in Samarinda are safe. This guide covers areas locals recommend avoiding.

Areas That Need Extra Caution

These areas are not necessarily dangerous, but travellers should be more aware

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.

🛡️ Stay here instead: Sungai Kunjang

A bustling riverside area with a mix of residential, commercial, and some tourist facilities.

Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Samarinda

Now you know which areas to avoid, here are the best guided experiences to explore the city with confidence.

Guided walking tour through a European city

Samarinda Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems

Discover Samarinda on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.

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Samarinda Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites

Eat your way through Samarinda with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.

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Best of Samarinda: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions

Skip the queues and get straight into Samarinda's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.

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Day Trip from Samarinda: Scenic Excursion

Escape Samarinda for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.

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Local cultural experience and traditions

Samarinda Cultural Experience: History & Traditions

Go beyond sightseeing and connect with Samarinda's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.

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View all tours in Samarinda

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Stay Safe, Explore Confidently

Book a hotel in a safe neighbourhood or join a guided tour in Samarinda

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Stay in a safe neighbourhood

Compare hotels in Samarinda on Expedia

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Book a guided tour

Explore Samarinda safely with a local guide

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Book a Hotel in a Safe Neighbourhood

These areas are recommended by locals and popular with travellers

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Sungai Kunjang

A 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 at night.

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Palaran

A developing area, primarily residential with some newer commercial developments.

Safe for residents and visitors, but limited nightlife and fewer people around after dark.

View All Safe Neighbourhoods

General Safety Tips for Samarinda

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At Night

Main roads and commercial areas are generally safe, but smaller streets can become dark and deserted. Stick to well-lit, populated areas.

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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.

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Emergency Number

112

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Stay Connected

Save your accommodation address and emergency contacts on your phone. Download offline maps before exploring.

Common Scams to Watch For in Samarinda

1Overcharging by unregistered taxi drivers (use apps or agree on fare beforehand)
2Distraction thefts in crowded markets or bus terminals

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Travel Insurance for Samarinda

SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.

Get covered

Safe Neighborhoods to Stay Instead

These areas are popular with travellers and rated well for safety

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Sungai Kunjang

A 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 at night.

first-timersfoodiesbudget

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Palaran

A developing area, primarily residential with some newer commercial developments.

Safe for residents and visitors, but limited nightlife and fewer people around after dark.

familiesbudgetdigital nomads

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Samarinda Kota

The 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 areas.

first-timersbusiness travelersluxury

Safety in Samarinda

Safe

CautionModerateSafeVery Safe

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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.

🌙

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