Samarinda sits astride the lower Mahakam River in East Kalimantan, with the two halves of the city linked by the Mahakam Bridge and two other crossings. It is a working river city rather than a resort town: the waterfront, the ports and the commercial streets are where most of its activity happens, and the traditional foods and woven sarung samarinda are part of daily life here.
For a visitor, the practical split is between the north and south banks of the Mahakam. The northern side holds the main commercial and administrative districts, while the southern side, Samarinda Seberang, is the older settlement and is connected to the north by the bridges. This guide covers which side and which districts to base yourself in, and what each is like for different kinds of travellers.
Best areas to stay in Samarinda
1. Samarinda Kota and Samarinda Ilir (north bank, city centre)
These central districts on the north bank are the most convenient base for a first visit. They sit close to the commercial heart of the city and give you the easiest access to the riverfront and the bridges over to Samarinda Seberang.
This suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants to be within reach of shops, banks and restaurants without long transfers. Because the city centre is on the north side, staying here keeps you on the same bank as most day-to-day services.
2. Samarinda Ulu (north bank)
Samarinda Ulu is one of the older-established districts on the north bank, formed when the original Samarinda Kota district was split. It is a broad residential and commercial area rather than a single concentrated strip.
It suits travellers who prefer a quieter base while still being on the north side of the river, within reach of the centre. Expect a spread-out area, so check how your chosen base connects to the sights you plan to see.
3. Samarinda Seberang (south bank)
Samarinda Seberang is the oldest existing district in the city and lies on the south bank of the Mahakam. It is linked to the northern half by the Mahakam Bridge, the Mahakam Ulu Bridge and the Achmad Amins Bridge.
This suits visitors who want to be on the historic side of the river and don't mind crossing a bridge to reach the northern commercial districts. The bridges make the two halves easy to move between, but plan around crossing times if your day is built around the north bank.
4. Sungai Pinang and North Samarinda (north bank)
These districts lie on the northern side of the city and were created from parts of the older northern districts. They are residential in character and sit away from the tightest part of the centre.
This suits travellers who want a calmer, more local base and are comfortable relying on the city's roads to get around. As with anywhere on the north bank, your access to the riverfront and the bridges depends on where exactly you base yourself.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Look for simple guesthouses and small independent hotels, often in the less central parts of the north bank or near the airport side of the city. Expect basic rooms and fewer on-site facilities.
- Mid-range: The widest choice sits in the central north-bank districts, where business-oriented hotels cluster near the commercial streets and banks. Rooms are comfortable and locations are convenient for the bridges and the riverfront.
- Splurge: The top end of the market is limited and concentrated in the city centre and the main commercial districts. You are paying mainly for location and space rather than for resort-style facilities.
Best area for a first visit
Base yourself in Samarinda Kota and Samarinda Ilir on the north bank. This keeps you in the commercial heart of the city, on the same side as most services, and within easy reach of the bridges to Samarinda Seberang. For a short first trip, it removes the need to plan every crossing of the Mahakam.
Frequently asked questions
Which side of the Mahakam should I stay on?
The north bank, in the central districts, is the more practical choice for most visitors because that is where the city's commercial activity is concentrated. The south bank, Samarinda Seberang, is the older side and is connected to the north by three bridges.
How do the two halves of the city connect?
The northern and southern parts of Samarinda are linked by the Mahakam Bridge, the Mahakam Ulu Bridge and the Achmad Amins Bridge, so you can move between them by road.
Is Samarinda a good base for arriving by air?
The city has an airport, Samarinda International Airport, and some accommodation is located near it. If you have an early departure, staying on that side of the city shortens your transfer.
What is Samarinda known for that I should plan around?
The city is known for its traditional food, amplang, and for sarung samarinda cloth. Its harbour is the busiest passenger port in East Kalimantan, and the river and its ports are central to how the city works.
Compare live prices for the areas above with the booking tools on this page before you decide where to base yourself.