Tarakan is an island city off the east coast of Kalimantan, co-extensive with the island itself and the only city in North Kalimantan province. It is compact enough that wherever you base yourself, you are never far from the rest of the city, and the districts that make up the city are the natural way to think about where to sleep.
For a visitor, the practical question is which district to use as a base: the central district, where much of the civic and commercial life sits, or the western district, which has its own institutions and its own character. This guide covers the areas the sources identify, what kind of traveller each suits, and how the accommodation tiers generally break down. It does not recommend individual properties.
Best areas to stay in Tarakan
1. Central Tarakan
Central Tarakan is the city's civic and commercial heart. The main government hospital, Tarakan Regional Hospital, is here, as is the Al-Ma'arif Grand Mosque, one of the city's largest. If you want to be in the middle of things and within easy reach of services, shops and the city's main institutions, this is the most practical base.
It suits first-time visitors and business travellers in particular, since the central location keeps you close to the city's main facilities. Accommodation here ranges from long-established city hotels to newer, more polished options.
2. West Tarakan
West Tarakan is a separate district on the western side of the island, home to the navy hospital and its own local centre. It is a quieter, more residential base than the centre, and it suits travellers who prefer to stay away from the busiest part of the city while remaining within the same small island.
Because the city boundaries cover the whole island, including a couple of small islands off the coast of Tarakan Barat District, the west side gives you access to the coast and a different pace from the centre. You will still be able to reach the central district without difficulty.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Older, simpler city hotels with basic rooms, often the cheapest option and reasonable in price. Expect dated interiors and few frills.
- Mid-range: Long-established hotels that have been renovated or refreshed, with more comfortable rooms and central locations. This is the broad middle of the market in Tarakan.
- Splurge: The more polished city hotels, including the properties favoured by business travellers, with a higher standard of finish and service than the older establishments.
Best area for a first visit
Central Tarakan is the best base for a first visit. It puts you in the middle of the city, close to the main hospital, the grand mosque and the civic and commercial life of Tarakan, which makes it the easiest area to orient yourself from. For a short first trip, the convenience of a central location outweighs the quieter appeal of the west side.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tarakan small enough to stay anywhere on the island?
Yes. The city boundaries are co-extensive with the island, so the built-up area is compact and you are never far from the centre wherever you base yourself. The choice between districts is more about atmosphere and convenience than distance.
Which part of Tarakan is best for business travellers?
Central Tarakan. It is the city's commercial and civic core, and the hotels favoured by business travellers are centrally located.
Where should I stay if I want a quieter base?
West Tarakan. It is a separate district with its own institutions and a more residential feel, away from the busiest part of the city.
What kinds of accommodation can I expect in Tarakan?
The city has a mix of older, budget-friendly hotels, renovated mid-range establishments and more polished city hotels. Several of the older properties date back decades and have been refurbished to varying degrees.
Compare live prices for the areas above with the booking tools on this page before you decide.