Things To Do
in Samarinda
Samarinda sits along the Mahakam River as East Kalimantan’s capital and a doorway to Borneo’s riverine life. The city blends Banjar and Dayak influences with growing urban development, sizzling seafood markets, and a laid-back waterfront vibe. Its skyline centers on the impressive Islamic Center and modern plazas that glow at sunset.
Rich in markets, mosques, and hillside viewpoints, Samarinda offers a warm, approachable introduction to Kalimantan’s culture and nature.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Islamic Center of Samarinda, an architectural marvel that showcases intricate designs and stunning domes. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a nearby café, savoring local delicacies such as nasi goreng or soto. As you stroll through the historic streets, take in the vibrant atmosphere and cultural significance of the area.
After a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, head to the Samarinda Museum to learn about the rich history and heritage of East Kalimantan. Explore the exhibits featuring artifacts, traditional crafts, and photographs that tell the story of the region. Spend the afternoon walking along the Mahakam River, where you can enjoy the view of boats and the bustling life along the waterfront.
As the sun sets, find a cozy spot along the river to enjoy a traditional Indonesian dinner, with options like grilled fish or rendang. Engage with the locals and perhaps catch a traditional dance performance that may be taking place near the riverfront. End the evening with a peaceful walk, taking in the shimmering lights reflecting off the water.
Begin your day at the Pasar Pagi market, where the vibrant colors and aromas of fresh produce, spices, and local snacks awaken your senses. Interact with friendly vendors while sampling local fruits like rambutan and salak, which are unique to the region. Capture the lively atmosphere as you browse through stalls filled with handicrafts and traditional textiles.
After exploring the market, enjoy lunch at a local warung, where you can indulge in authentic Indonesian dishes made with fresh ingredients. Post-lunch, visit the nearby Taman Citra Niaga, a park that embodies the spirit of the local community. Here, you can relax and enjoy the lush surroundings while engaging with local artists showcasing their crafts.
As evening approaches, head to a nearby café to sip on traditional beverages like kopi tubruk or teh poci. Take time to reflect on your day while watching the locals go about their evening routines. For dinner, consider trying the famous seafood of Samarinda at a waterfront restaurant, enjoying the cool breeze and sounds of the river.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| 🥤Street food snack | $1-3 |
| 🛏️Mid-range hotel (per night) | $25-60 |
| 🚕Local transport (short ride) | $2-5 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $1-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Friendly locals and a welcoming riverfront atmosphere
- Excellent seafood and Banjar-influenced cuisine
- Accessible nature trips and easy day trips to forests and parks
- Limited nightlife compared with major cities
- Humidity and heat can be tiring for some visitors
- Traffic can be congested during peak hours and market days
- "Selamat pagi" - Good morning
- "Terima kasih" - Thank you
- "Tolong" - Please / Help
- "Berapa harganya?" - How much is this?
- "Dimana kamar mandi?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Maaf" - Sorry / Excuse me
- "Bisa berbahasa Inggris?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Samarinda
Visit one of these nice places.
A striking mosque complex with tall minarets and reflective pools, ideal for architectural and sunset shots.
Waterfront views, boats, and golden hour reflections perfect for long exposure and street photography.
Historic wooden houses and narrow streets offering a glimpse of traditional Kalimantan life.
A vantage point for cityscapes, river scenes, and sunset silhouettes over Samarinda.
Food in Samarinda
Samarinda Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A fragrant chicken soup with spices, lime, and herbs served with rice and fried shallots.
Must-Try!
Fermented fish with rice, a tangy, savory staple from East Kalimantan.
Spiced fish soup with herbs and coconut milk, reflecting Banjar palates.
Crispy fish crackers and snacks popular as street food and gifts.
Fresh river fish grilled with a spicy-sweet sambal; best enjoyed with rice.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling morning market offering fresh seafood, fruit, vegetables, and ready-to-eat bites.
Evening stalls along the riverfront with grilled snacks, fried foods, and local sweets.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly, especially when visiting mosques or religious sites; remove hats and shoes where required.
Greet with a friendly 'Selamat' or 'Assalamualaikum' for Muslims; use the right hand for giving/receiving; avoid public displays of affection in formal settings.
Ask permission before photographing people, particularly in traditional or day-to-day settings; respect private spaces.
Safety
Tipping in Samarinda
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for good service; round up the bill or leave 5-10% in cafes, restaurants, and with tour guides.
Cash in IDR is widely accepted; many establishments also accept debit/credit cards, especially larger restaurants and hotels. Digital wallets are increasingly common in urban areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Typically sunny and warm with low rainfall; ideal for outdoor explorations and river activities, but humidity remains high.
Frequent tropical rains and higher humidity; plan indoor or flexible outdoor activities and carry rain gear.
Samarinda at Night
Hiking in Samarinda
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forest trails suitable for guided treks; possible wildlife viewing and birding in a protected natural setting.
Canopy walkway and forest trails offering elevated views; a feasible day trip from Samarinda for hikers.
Short hikes or walks with vantage points overlooking the Mahakam River and surrounding landscapes.
Airports
How to reach Samarinda by plane.
Samarinda’s main airport handling domestic and some international flights; convenient for arrivals and departures to East Kalimantan.
Major international and domestic gateway about a few hours away by road; often used for longer trips within Kalimantan and beyond.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Historically the core populations, contributing rich cultural traditions and languages.
Contribute to urban growth and diverse cuisines and professions.
Adds to market activity, food variety, and local businesses.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Indonesia, with local pickup games and community clubs.
A common pastime in gyms and clubs, popular for casual play and competitions.
River and coastal fishing are part of everyday life; hobbyists and visitors join locals on Mekong-like waterways (Mahakam) for sport and tradition.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Samarinda.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Choose vegetable-heavy nasi goreng, tempe/tahu dishes, and tofu-based curries; ask for no fish sauce or meat broth in soups; clarify ingredients when a dish seems fishy or contains seafood stock.