Top reasons to visit Samarinda
- Outdoor Adventures: Samarinda offers thrilling outdoor activities, perfect for adventure enthusiasts looking to explore the natural beauty of East Kalimantan.
- Cultural Experiences: Visit historic mosques, palaces, and museums that showcase the region's rich heritage and traditions.
- Shopping Destinations: Enjoy local flavours at bustling markets like Pasar Pagi Samarinda and modern shopping centres such as Big Mall Samarinda.
- Vibrant Nightlife: Experience the lively atmosphere of Samarinda's nightlife, with various venues to unwind and socialise.
- Diverse Accommodation: Choose from a range of lodging options, including modern hotels and charming guesthouses, catering to all types of travellers.
Find great hotels in Samarinda
Discover a range of accommodation options in Samarinda, East Kalimantan, from modern hotels to charming guesthouses. Whether you're on a business trip, seeking a relaxing spa experience, or enjoying a family holiday, you'll find suitable lodging that meets your needs. Popular choices include Ibis Samarinda and other top-rated hotels, ensuring a comfortable stay in this vibrant city.
- Aston Samarinda Hotel & Convention Center: This 4-star hotel offers a sophisticated spa-themed experience, ideal for those seeking relaxation amidst their business travels. With a guest rating of 8.2 out of 10, Aston Samarinda provides a tranquil atmosphere complemented by a full-service spa and an indoor pool. Guests can indulge in massage therapies and unwind on pool sun loungers, making it a haven for rejuvenation. The hotel's modern design and convenient amenities cater to both leisure and corporate needs, making it a versatile choice for discerning travellers.
- Mercure Samarinda: Situated in the heart of Samarinda, Mercure Samarinda is a family-friendly 4-star property that focuses on creating a welcoming environment for guests of all ages. The hotel boasts amenities tailored for children, including free cribs, highchairs, and a dedicated children's pool, ensuring a comfortable stay for families. Its prime city centre location allows easy access to local attractions, making it an excellent base for exploring the area. The warm hospitality and thoughtful services enhance the family vacation experience.
- Swiss-Belhotel Borneo Samarinda: This 3.5-star hotel strikes a balance between business and leisure, offering a spa-themed retreat ideal for corporate travellers. Swiss-Belhotel Borneo features an outdoor pool, steam room, and a full-service spa, providing an array of relaxation options. The combination of modern facilities and attentive service creates a pleasant atmosphere for both business meetings and downtime. Its strategic location in Samarinda ensures easy access to local businesses and attractions, making it a practical choice for those on the go.
Where to stay near Samarinda
Samarinda offers a delightful blend of outdoor adventures and vibrant city life, making it an ideal destination for tourists. Explore the bustling Kota Samarinda and enjoy the contemporary charm of Teras Samarinda. Just minutes from the city, you can immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of the region. As night falls, the nightlife in Samarinda comes alive, providing a unique atmosphere for an unforgettable experience.
- Tenggarong: Located 19km from Samarinda, Tenggarong is a city steeped in culture and history. Its appeal lies in its rich cultural heritage, drawing visitors year-round, with peaks in July, September, and December. The city's highlight is the historic palace, a testament to the local royal lineage, offering an insight into the region's past. Visitors can immerse themselves in cultural themed experiences, making it a delightful destination for history enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.
- Teluk Dalam: Just 16km away from Samarinda, Teluk Dalam is a charming city that also embraces a vibrant cultural scene. The traveller influx is steady, with notable peaks from July to September. The historic palace is a key attraction, reflecting the area's heritage and providing a captivating backdrop for visitors. The city offers a blend of cultural themed experiences, making it an ideal spot for those seeking to understand the local traditions while enjoying the scenic beauty of East Kalimantan.
- Lebaho Ulaq: Situated 47km from Samarinda, Lebaho Ulaq is a city that invites exploration with its unique charm and character. Although its traveller numbers are consistently steady throughout the year, the peak season occurs from July to September. Lebaho Ulaq offers a tranquil escape with a focus on local culture, making it a fantastic choice for those wanting to experience the authentic lifestyle of East Kalimantan. The city’s serene environment provides a perfect backdrop for relaxation and cultural immersion.
Things to do in Samarinda
Shopping
Samarinda offers a vibrant shopping scene with local markets like Pasar Pagi and shopping centres such as Samarinda Square. If you're up for a drive, head to Big Mall for a variety of retail options and dining experiences that showcase the local culture.
Recreation
Experience tranquility at the Grand Mulia Spa, where you can indulge in traditional Indonesian massages and rejuvenating treatments. After your spa session, explore the lush surroundings of Samarinda, taking leisurely walks along the Mahakam River to enjoy the scenic views and local culture.
Adventure
Explore the Mahakam River by taking a scenic river cruise, where you can witness the lush landscapes and local wildlife. For hiking enthusiasts, the Bukit Bangkirai Nature Reserve offers thrilling treks through dense rainforest, showcasing the region's diverse flora and fauna.
Nightlife
Samarinda's nightlife offers a vibrant scene with venues like the lively Café 88, where you can enjoy local music, and the stylish Sky Lounge, perfect for sipping cocktails under the stars. For a more relaxed vibe, check out the popular Warung Kopi, ideal for late-night coffee chats.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Samarinda
For a budget-friendly trip to Samarinda, consider visiting during the low season, from March to April or September, when accommodation prices drop. Opt for a Wednesday stay to secure the best rates. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and hotel type, such as Eco-certified options, ensuring you find affordable stays. Additionally, combining your hotel bookings with flights and activities can yield significant savings. Look out for app deals and special offers to maximise your budget while enjoying the local attractions.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Samarinda are March to April and September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February, August and November, where prices are slightly higher.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Samarinda is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay in Samarinda is Tuesday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional criteria. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring that you see the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy savings by combining your Samarinda hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
Find the best attractions in and around Samarinda
Samarinda offers a delightful blend of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences, making it an ideal destination for tourists. Visitors can explore notable attractions such as mosques, historic palaces, and museums, all reflecting the region's rich heritage. Don't miss the bustling Pasar Pagi Samarinda and the Big Mall Samarinda for shopping and local flavours, ensuring a fulfilling experience in this vibrant city.
- Samarinda Islamic Centre: This stunning mosque serves as a cultural landmark in Samarinda, showcasing exquisite architecture and intricate designs. Visitors can experience a serene atmosphere while appreciating the spiritual significance and community engagement that this site embodies.
- Kutai Palace: Located 19km from Samarinda, this historic palace offers a glimpse into the regal heritage of the Kutai Kingdom. The palace's elegant structure and lush surroundings create an inviting space for exploring traditional Indonesian culture and history.
- Keraton/Mulawarman Museum: Situated 18km from Samarinda, this museum houses a rich collection of artefacts related to the Kutai Sultanate. Visitors can delve into the region's history through captivating exhibits that highlight local customs and traditions.
Best time to go to Samarinda
The best time to visit Samarinda is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. October is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with moderate rain. January and July are its coolest month on average. At the time of July, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Samarinda
Flying into Samarinda offers two main airport options. Balikpapan (BPN-Sepinggan Intl.) is situated 90km away, with nearby hotels like the Four Points by Sheraton Balikpapan, only 483m from the airport, providing 24-hour airport shuttle services. Grand Tjokro Balikpapan, located 805m away, also offers shuttle services upon request. Samarinda (AAP-AP Tumenggung Pranoto) is closer, at 19km from the city centre, with several hotels including the Mercure Samarinda and Aston Samarinda Hotel & Convention Center, both offering shuttle services to the airport for a fee. Horison Samarinda is another option, situated 18km away, providing transportation to the airport as well.