Where to Stay in Samarinda
Best WiFi, coworking spaces, and long-stay neighborhoods
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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Neighbourhood Comparison for Digital Nomads
| Neighbourhood | Budget | Vibe | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
#1Palaran | Budget | A developing area, primarily residential with some newer commercial developments. | familiesbudget |
Sungai Kunjang | Mid-range | A bustling riverside area with a mix of residential, commercial, and some tourist facilities. | first-timersfoodies |
Samarinda Kota | Luxury | The administrative and commercial heart, featuring government buildings, shopping centers, and modern amenities. | first-timersbusiness travelers |
Find co-working friendly hotels in Samarinda
Hotels with fast WiFi and work spaces
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Tips for Digital Nomads in Samarinda
Test WiFi Before Committing
Use Speedtest.net at your accommodation before booking a long stay. Cafes in Samarinda vary widely in connection quality.
Try a Day Pass First
Most coworking spaces offer day passes. Test a few before committing to a monthly membership.
Cafe Etiquette
Buy something every 1 to 2 hours if working from a cafe. Lunch hours are usually not the best time to camp with a laptop.
Pack a Power Strip
Outlets can be scarce in cafes. A small travel power strip lets you share one socket between your laptop and phone.
Join a local experience in Samarinda
Meet locals and explore the city
Best Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads
Ranked by relevance for digital nomads visiting Samarinda
Palaran
BudgetA developing area, primarily residential with some newer commercial developments.
- +Quieter than the city center
- +More affordable prices for accommodation and food
- +Good for experiencing local life away from tourist crowds
- -Further from the main tourist attractions
- -Public transport can be less frequent
Sungai Kunjang
Mid-rangeA bustling riverside area with a mix of residential, commercial, and some tourist facilities.
- +Good access to local food stalls and restaurants
- +Relatively central for accessing different parts of the city
- +Affordable accommodation options
- -Can be noisy and crowded
- -Limited high-end amenities
Samarinda Kota
LuxuryThe administrative and commercial heart, featuring government buildings, shopping centers, and modern amenities.
- +Convenient access to shopping and dining
- +Good infrastructure and modern facilities
- +Likely to find more international-standard services
- -Can be more expensive
- -Less authentic local experience compared to other areas
WiFi & Remote Work in Samarinda
Quality
good
Avg Speed
15-30 Mbps in cafes and hotels
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.
Daily Budget (Budget)
IDR 250000/day
Hidden Gems in Samarinda
Lesser-known spots the locals love
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.
Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Samarinda
Settle in faster with tours that help you discover neighbourhoods, food spots, and local culture.
Samarinda Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems
Get oriented fast in Samarinda with a walking tour that shows you the layout, the best neighbourhoods, and the spots worth returning to on your own.
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Samarinda Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites
Find your go-to lunch spots in Samarinda. A food tour is the quickest way to discover affordable, delicious meals near your co-working space.
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Best of Samarinda: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions
Tick off Samarinda's headline sights in one efficient trip. Skip-the-line access means you spend less time queuing and more time exploring.
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Day Trip from Samarinda: Scenic Excursion
Take a break from the laptop and explore outside Samarinda for the day. Everything is organised so you just have to show up and enjoy.
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Samarinda Cultural Experience: History & Traditions
Cooking classes, craft workshops, and cultural experiences that make Samarinda feel like more than just a temporary base. Perfect for weekends.
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1 area to be cautious about
Read our full safety guide for Samarinda
Digital Nomads in Samarinda: FAQ
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