Samarinda

Samarinda is the capital of East Kalimantan, on the eastern part of the island of Borneo, 60 km from the Makassar Strait.

By plane


Buses from the airport are cheap ($3) and convenient but slower. One company runs buses from the airport: Damri. Buses travel across Samarinda Botanical Garden (Taman Borneo), one of the largest botanical garden in East Borneo.

Two bus routes run into town from the airport. The most useful for most visitors is Route 2, which runs down Bhayangkara Road to Sungai Kunjang Station. This takes 90 minutes, running every hour 06:00-17:00, fare $3.

Taxis that are available: GrabAirport taxi, Yellow taxis (Aerocab), White taxis (Angkasa), Kilat taxi, Red taxis (Sentra), and Blue taxis (Primkopau)

Do not take illegal taxis, as they charge much more and are not licensed.

The airport has a cafe near Indomaret serving traditional Samarinda Roti Durian with distinctive Melak (West Kutai) durian flavour, and Samarinda fish cracker snacks (amplang).

By bus
There are many buses from Balikpapan. The journey takes 2 hours and costs Rp45,000 (non AC) & Rp55,000 (with AC).

Eat
Buy traditional and other food in market, or amplang (fish crackers) in Surianata next to Islamic Centre.
 * The Muster Station Cafe. Address is No 27 Jalan Pangeran Hidayatuuah. About a 5-minute walk from the Samarinda Central Plaza. Good wifi. Has a food menu.
 * Barbershop Cafe. Near the junction of Jalan Mulawarman and Nahkoda streets. There is a yellow sign pointing the way. About a 3-minute walk from the Samarinda Central Plaza. A small off the main street cafe with Western-style coffee choices, plus a simple menu and wifi.
 * The Muster Station Cafe. Address is No 27 Jalan Pangeran Hidayatuuah. About a 5-minute walk from the Samarinda Central Plaza. Good wifi. Has a food menu.
 * Barbershop Cafe. Near the junction of Jalan Mulawarman and Nahkoda streets. There is a yellow sign pointing the way. About a 3-minute walk from the Samarinda Central Plaza. A small off the main street cafe with Western-style coffee choices, plus a simple menu and wifi.

Go next

 * Derawan, a common short-term destination for locals that is 1.5 hours away by plane (Susi Air). It is one of the world richest areas in marine biodiversity.


 * By bus to Balikpapan


 * By private boat to Pare Pare