Samarinda

Samarinda is the capital of East Kalimantan, located on the banks of the Mahakam River about 50 km inland from the Makassar Strait. With a population of over 800,000, it is the largest city in East Kalimantan and the province's administrative, educational, and commercial centre. The city has grown rapidly due to the coal, oil, and palm oil industries that drive the regional economy.

The name Samarinda comes from the Buginese word "samarenda" meaning "equally low" — a reference to the wooden houses built at the same height to avoid flooding. The city's history as a trading port began in the 17th century when Buginese and Banjarese traders established settlements along the Mahakam. Today, Samarinda is a sprawling, traffic-heavy city with a vibrant waterfront, a lively culinary scene, and easy access to the natural attractions of East Kalimantan.

The Mahakam River defines the city — its 8 km-long Mahakam Bridge (Jembatan Mahakam) is the city's most recognisable landmark. The river is busy with ferries, cargo boats, and traditional pinisi schooners carrying goods between the coast and the interior.

The climate is tropical with temperatures of 24–33°C. Rain falls year-round, with December–February the wettest period. June–September is relatively drier.

By Plane

Aji Pangeran Tumenggung Pranoto Airport (AAP) serves Samarinda, about 35 km north of the city centre. It has flights from Balikpapan, Jakarta, Surabaya, and Makassar. A taxi to the city centre costs approximately Rp 150,000–200,000. Many travellers fly into Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Airport (BPN) in Balikpapan (110 km, 2.5 hours by road) and take a shuttle bus (Rp 350,000, multiple departures daily).

By Car / Road

The Trans-Kalimantan highway connects Samarinda with Balikpapan (110 km, 2.5 hours), Bontang (3 hours), and Sangatta (4 hours). Shuttle buses run frequently between Samarinda and Balikpapan. The road is paved and in good condition.

Angkot minibuses serve most city routes (Rp 5,000–8,000). Metered taxis and ride-hailing apps (Gojek, Grab) are widely available. The city centre along the Mahakam River is walkable but traffic can be heavy. Ojek and becak are available for short trips.

• Mahakam River Waterfront: The riverfront promenade — especially lively in the evening with food stalls and families.

• Mahakam Bridge (Jembatan Mahakam): The iconic 8 km bridge spanning the Mahakam — best viewed from the riverbank at sunset.

• Islamic Centre Samarinda: One of the largest mosques in Southeast Asia, with a striking golden dome and riverside location.

• Museum Mulawarman: In nearby Tenggarong (30 minutes) — the former Sultan's palace, now a museum of Kutai history.

• Lamin Dayak Traditional Longhouse: A cultural park showcasing Dayak architecture and traditions.

• Pasar Pagi (Morning Market): Busy traditional market for fresh produce, snacks, and local crafts.

• Mahakam River Cruise: Sunset boat trips along the Mahakam — the best way to see the city from the water.

• Mahakam River Expedition: Multi-day river journeys upstream to Dayak villages and Kutai National Park.

• Culinary Tour: Samarinda is famous for its food — try amplang (fish crackers), kerupuk kuku macan (tiger claw crackers), and traditional Dayak dishes.

• Day Trip to Tenggarong: 30 km downstream — visit the Museum Mulawarman and the former Kutai Sultanate palace.

• Shopping at Samarinda Central Plaza: The largest shopping mall in East Kalimantan.

Samarinda is a food destination in its own right:

• Amplang: Fish crackers flavoured with shrimp or other seafood.
• Pepes Ikan: Fish steamed in banana leaf with spices.
• Nasi Kuning Samarinda: Yellow rice with a local twist.
• Sate Payung: Satay served under a parasol — a Samarinda street food institution.
• RM Pantai Mas: Riverfront restaurant for seafood with Mahakam views.
• Jembatan Mahakam Night Food Stalls: Dozens of carts serving sate, nasi goreng, and local specialities.

Bottled water is standard. Es teh manis (sweet iced tea) and es jeruk (iced orange juice) are the most common drinks. Fresh coconut water and fruit juices are widely available.

• Budget: Hotel Citra Graha (Rp 200,000–300,000/night), hotels near the bus terminal.
• Mid-range: Hotel Grand Victoria Samarinda (Rp 350,000–600,000/night), Fugo Hotel (Rp 300,000–500,000/night).
• Upscale: Mercure Samarinda (Rp 500,000–900,000/night), Harris Hotel Samarinda (Rp 400,000–700,000/night).

• Amplang: Crunchy fish crackers — Samarinda's most famous souvenir.
• Sarung Samarinda: Traditional handwoven sarongs with gold thread.
• Dayak Handicrafts: Beadwork, woven baskets, and wood carvings.
• Samarinda Central Plaza: Modern shopping for fashion, electronics, and souvenirs.

• Tenggarong: 30 km downstream — the former Kutai sultanate capital with Museum Mulawarman.
• Balikpapan: 110 km southwest — the oil city with airport and beaches.
• Kutai National Park: 150 km northeast — orangutan sanctuary accessible via Bontang.
• Samarinda Seberang: The area across the Mahakam Bridge — traditional villages and the Islamic Centre.
• Mahakam River: Journey upriver to Dayak longhouses and wilderness areas.