Samarinda City Guide

Local dishes like Amplang and Sate Payau are popular. International options exist mainly in malls. Vegetarian options are moderate. Some street food and restaurants stay open late.

Nightlife is modest with karaoke bars, lounges, and a few pubs. No major club scene.

Coffee culture is growing with many local cafes and some specialty roasters.

Tips are not required. A service charge is often added in restaurants. It’s common to round up taxi fares.

Buy SIM cards at malls or official shops. Main providers are Telkomsel, XL Axiata, and Indosat. Registration with ID/passport is required. eSIMs are limited.

Main roads and commercial areas are fairly clean. Side streets and markets are less tidy.

Some pharmacies and many minimarts like Indomaret and Alfamart are open 24/7. Night clinics are rare. Street food often available late.

Supermarkets like Hypermart, Giant, and Lotte Mart offer international goods. Traditional markets provide fresh local produce. Markets and shops mostly open 9 AM to 10 PM. Bargaining is normal only in traditional markets.

Card payments work in big supermarkets and malls. Small shops and markets mostly take cash. E-wallets like GoPay and OVO are common.

ATMs are easy to find near banks and malls. Main banks include Mandiri, BCA, BRI, and BNI. International cards may be charged about IDR 25,000 per withdrawal.

Local schools teach mainly in Bahasa Indonesia. International schools are rare but some private schools offer English classes.

There is very little digital nomad presence or co-living options.

Parks like Taman Tepian Mahakam and the botanical garden offer good green space and shade.

Good running spots in parks like Taman Tepian Mahakam. Air quality varies with seasonal haze.

Several gyms are available including hotel fitness centers and local gyms.

Some tennis courts in sports complexes and private clubs.

Padel tennis is not available or common here.

A few yoga studios exist but options and English instruction are limited.

Dojo and classes for Karate, Taekwondo, and Pencak Silat are available. BJJ and Muay Thai are limited.

No skiing available in this tropical region.

Limited water sports on the Mahakam River, but rentals and tours are rare.

Samarinda is inland with no surfing spots.

No diving sites near Samarinda.

Public hospitals have limited English; private clinics may be better. Important hospitals include RSUD Abdul Wahab Sjahranie and RS Hermina. Pharmacies are common, some open 24/7.

Tap water isn’t safe to drink directly. Use bottled or boiled water.

Playgrounds and kid-friendly cafes are available, mostly in malls and public parks. Attractions include Mahakam Lampion Garden and the Islamic Center Mosque.

Acceptance is low due to conservative culture. Safe spaces are limited.

Some accommodations allow pets. Vet services exist. Pet parks are rare.