Samarinda Itineraries. 3 Days, 1 Week, Budget Travel

Time-Based Itineraries

Pick a travel plan that fits the length of your stay, from a brief layover to an in-depth exploration.

A short layover provides a glimpse into Samarinda's main attractions.

-Hour Layover Highlights

Morning: Visit Islamic Center Samarinda Mosque.
Lunch: Enjoy Nasi Kuning Samarinda at a local warung.
Afternoon: Take a Mahakam River mini-cruise.

Longer Stay Options

From a weekend trip to an in-depth two-week exploration, here are ideas to extend your visit.

Weekend Getaway 2-3 days

A weekend trip makes for a focused exploration of Samarinda’'s best parts.

Weekend Plan

Day 1: Arrive, check-in, visit Islamic Center Mosque, riverfront dinner.
Day 2: Morning to Pampang Cultural Village (Sunday for performances), explore Pasar Pagi or Botanical Garden.
Day 3: Optional short trip to Tenggarong (Museum Mulawarman). Depart Samarinda.
GetYourGuide: Book local experiences for your weekend.

Consider exploring riverfront markets in the evening.

One-Week Comprehensive Experience

A week introduces a comprehensive dive into culture, nature, and history.

Week-Long Itinerary

Days 1-3: Samarinda exploration (Islamic Center, Mahakam River, Pampang Village, markets).
Days 4-5: 2-day Mahakam River upstream expedition.
Day 6: Day trip to Tenggarong (Museum Mulawarman).

Two-Week In-Depth Exploration

For a two-week journey, combine the one-week itinerary with regional extensions.

Extended Journey

Expanded River Journey: Extend Mahakam River trip to remote areas like Long Apari.
Kutai National Park: Multi-day trip (from Sangatta) for wildlife, orangutans, trekking.
Balikpapan & Coast: Allocate time for coastal attractions and urban centers.
IKN Nusantara: Visit nearby areas of Indonesia's new capital, if accessible.

Long-Term Stay Recommendations

For extended stays, focus on cultural immersion and engagement.

Immersion Ideas

Homestays: Seek opportunities to live with local families for cultural insights.
Language Learning: Dedicate time to learning The Official language of indonesia.
Chances To do volunteer work: Explore with conservation or community development groups.
Community Engagement: Immerse yourself in local communities for profound experiences.

Itinerary Flexibility

These suggestions serve as a framework; customize them to match your interests and pace.

Customize Your Journey

Adapt these strategies to fit your travel style and preferences.

Pace Yourself

Allow ample time for relaxation and spontaneous discoveries.

Local Insights

Consult with locals or the hotel for current recommendations and events.

Booking Tip:

For multi-day tours, especially river expeditions or national park visits, book with reputable tour operators in advance.

Interest-Based Adventures

Tailor your Samarinda itinerary to your specific passions, whether history, food, adventure, or culture.

Historical & Heritage Focus

Explore the rich history of the Kutai Sultanate and ancient Dayak cultures.

Historical Trail

Samarinda: Islamic Center Mosque, older neighborhoods of Samarinda Seberang.
Tenggarong: Museum Mulawarman, former Sultan's palace, Kutai Sultanate history.
Upstream Mahakam: Explore traditional Dayak longhouses and historical river routes.
Cultural Roots: Connect with ancient Dayak and Kutai cultures.

Food & Culinary Experiences

Indulge in the diverse flavors of East Kalimantan through street food, markets, and local restaurants.

Culinary Journey

Street Food Tours: Guided or self-guided, sampling local delicacies.
Traditional Markets: Visit Pasar Pagi for fresh ingredients, snacks, ready-to-eat treats.
Local Restaurants: Try Nasi Kuning, Pepes Ikan Patin, Amplang.
Floating Restaurants: Enjoy unique dining ambiance on the Mahakam River.

Adventure & Outdoor Activities

Embrace the natural environment with river cruises, trekking, and wildlife spotting.

Adventure Awaits

Mahakam River Cruises: Extensive cruises, including multi-day trips.
Hiking/Trekking: Options in Kutai National Park (needs planning plus local experts).
Wildlife Spotting: Tours for Pesut Mahakam (river dolphins) or orangutans in Kutai National Park.
Jungle Exploration: Discover the dense rainforest environment.

Family-Friendly Itinerary

Plan a trip that delights all ages with parks, boat trips, and cultural performances.

Family Fun

Parks: Visit Taman Lampion and Taman Cerdas for engaging children's activities.
River Trip: Take a short, enjoyable boat trip on the Mahakam River.
Cultural Performance: Visit Pampang Ethnic Village, especially on Sundays.
Indoor Activities: Shopping malls offer play zones and cinemas.

Art & Architecture Emphasis

Appreciate the visual splendor from grand mosques to traditional Dayak longhouses.

Architectural Gems

Islamic Center Samarinda Mosque: Admire its stunning plus majestic architecture.
Dayak Architecture: Watch traditional Dayak styles at Pampang Cultural Village.
Urban Development: Note the blend of modern and developing areas in Samarinda.
Local Crafts: Explore the artistry in Sarung Samarinda weaving.

Spiritual & Wellness Journey

Find tranquility and understanding through holy sites and peaceful relaxation.

Peaceful Retreat

Religious Sites: Visit mosques and temples to understand diverse spiritual practices.
Spa Relaxation: Indulge in relaxation at hotel spas for personal well-being.
Riverfront Strolls: Enjoy peaceful walks along the Mahakam Riverfront for tranquility.
Cultural Contemplation: Reflect on local traditions and their significance.

Tailoring Your Trip:

These itineraries are flexible. Adjust activities based on your energy levels and interests to ensure a memorable visit.

Planning by Budget & Season

Plan your Samarinda trip according to your comfort with money level and the subtle seasonal differences.

Backpacker's Guide

Experience Samarinda authentically and affordably with these budget-friendly tips.

Budget Travel

Accommodation: Stay in guesthouses or budget hotels.
Food: Eat street food and at local eateries for inexpensive, authentic meals.
Transport: Use Angkot, Gojek/GrabBike (motorcycle) for cheapest rides.
Activities: Focus on free or low-cost attractions like mosques, markets, riverfront walks.

For a river trip, consider a basic public Mahakam River boat instead of a private charter to save costs.

Mid-Range Traveler's Itinerary

Balance comfort and local experiences without overspending.

Comfortable Travel

Accommodation: Stay in 3-star hotels with good amenities.
Food: Enjoy a mix of local eateries and comfortable mid-range restaurants.
Transport: Use Gojek/GrabCar or Blue Bird taxis for convenient travel.
Activities: Include entrance fees to Pampang Cultural Village and a private Mahakam River tour.

Luxury & Value Travel

Whether you seek opulence or smart savings, Samarinda accommodates various budget levels.

Luxury Experience Plan

Accommodation: 4-5 star hotels with luxury services.
Dining: Hotel restaurants or upscale local establishments.
Transport: Hire a private car with driver for personalized travel.

Value-Focused Recommendations

Shoulder Seasons: Travel for better deals on flights and accommodation.
Advance Booking: Secure potential discounts on flights and hotels.
Balance Activities: Mix must-see attractions having complimentary activities.

Seasonal Travel Insights

Samarinda's equatorial climate influences activities across the year.

Climate & Activities

May-October (Drier): Better for extended outdoor activities, river trips, jungle excursions.
November-April (Wetter): Less crowded, potential lower prices, but more frequent rainfall.
Festivals: Experience local parties during religious holidays; be aware of closures.
Rainy Season Tips: Embrace indoor attractions, cozy cafes, lush landscapes.

Off-Season Exploration

Traveling during the off-season has its own advantages.

Low Season Benefits

Embrace the Rain: Discover beauty in refreshed landscapes and less crowded spots.
Hotel Promotions: Look for discounts often available in the slower season.
Local Engagement: Fewer tourists may mean more authentic interactions.
Holiday Awareness: Check for major religious holidays, which can still be busy.

Important Travel Considerations

Haze Impact

During dry spells (June-October), haze from forest and peat fires may alter atmospheric quality.

Peak Season

Expect higher prices and crowds during major religious holidays and peak travel seasons.

Travel Flexibility

Maintain flexibility with your plans due to potential weather or event changes.

Seasonal Planning:

Monitor local news for any advisories, especially regarding air purity during the drier season. Adjust outdoor activities based on weather conditions.

Samarinda Itineraries