8 Best Things To Do In Samarinda, Indonesia

1. Mahakam River

The city of Samarinda is situated on the banks of the Mahakam River, also referred to as Sungai Mahakam. The river flows from the district of Long Apari in the Borneo highlands to its mouth at the Makassar Strait. The Mahakam Bridge crosses the Mahakam River and connects the river banks of Samarinda, Indonesia. The bridge was built in 1987. You can take a trip to this river, visit the Dayak (local tribe) longhouse and even stay overnight at a family home.

2. Pampang Cultural Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Pampang is a Dayak Cultural Park and in this area you will have the chance to see and interact with the Dayak Kenyah tribe as Pampang is a cultural tourist area of the tribe. It is located approximately 20 km (12.4 mi) from Samarinda. Every year, this village conducts a Pampang cultural festival.

During a trip to the village, visitors can watch performances of Dayak culture and dance, which go for approximately 2 hours. In addition to this, visitors can also directly learn about the Dayak people’s lives. After the show, you can also take pictures with the people of the village. If you are interested in learning about other tribes and cultures, this is one activity you must do.

Pampang Cultural Park

Address: Jln. Pampang, Samarinda 75117, Indonesia

3. Islamic Centre

The Islamic Center of Samarinda is a mosque located in Lerong Ulu Bay village, Samarinda City. This is the second largest mosque in Southeast Asia after the Istiqlal Mosque. With the foreground of the Mahakam riverbank, this mosque has a tower and a huge dome that stands upright. This mosque building has as many as 7 towers, with the main tower as high as 99 meters (328 ft).

Islamic Centre, Samarinda

Address: Jl. Slamet Riyadi No.1, Tlk. Lerong Ulu, Sungai Kunjang, Kota Samarinda, Kalimantan Timur 75243, Indonesia

4. Shopping at Citra Niaga

This is a daily market that contains several souvenir shops selling batik sarongs and Dayak carvings. Here you can also find food stalls serving amplang (famous crunchy fishy puffs) and standard Indonesian fare. The complex is open everyday from 8 am until 9 pm.

Citra Niaga

Address: Pertokoan Citra Niaga, Jalan Niaga Utara, Samarinda Kota, Pelabuhan, Kalimantan Timur 75112, Indonesia

5. Tanah Merah Waterfall

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The location of Tanah Merah Waterfall is about 14 km (8.6 mi) from Samarinda downtown, in Purwosari Orchard, in the north Samarinda district. Tanah Merah Waterfall is still a popular and favorite destination for the people of Samarinda, and you will see the place get crowded during weekends and public holidays.

To get to Tanah Merah Waterfall is quite difficult, because the access road is still being repaired by the local government. The ticket for admission is 5,000 IDR per person (approximately USD 0.4), for children is 2,000 IDR (approximately USD 0.2). Parking charges for motorcycles and cars are about 2,000 IDR (approximately USD 0.2). The facilities offered include bathrooms, seats and benches, a swimming pool, fishing pond, public hall, a gazebo for a break, and a play area.

Tanah Merah Waterfall

Address: Jl. Muara Badak, Tanah Merah, Samarinda Utara, Kota Samarinda, Kalimantan Timur 75116, Indonesia

Website: Tanah Merah Waterfall

6. Berambai Waterfall

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Similar to the Tanah Merah Waterfall, the Berambai Waterfall is also a favorite spot among locals. It’s a beautiful place to find some tranquility or even snap some photos. Enjoy the gushing water and relax!

7. Weaving Village

As the name suggests, this is a local weaver’s village. You can catch a glimpse of the villagers making fabrics using the traditional machines. You can also buy some of the traditional fabrics from the weavers themselves. The prices are relatively reasonable compared to the gift shops. It might be a bit confusing to find this place, so if you are coming from Samarinda city, go toward Samarinda Seberang. Take a left turn after the bridge and keep going straight till you find the huge welcome sign!

8. Samarinda City Centre

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

There are a lot of things you can see and do around the Samarinda City Centre. Here you have the traditional markets, the Mahakam River and the bridge to see. You will also find plenty of great places to eat and the chance to do some souvenir shopping!

Samarinda City Centre

Address: Jalan Pangeran Hidayatullah, Pelabuhan, Samarinda Kota, Samarinda City, East Kalimantan 75112, Indonesia

Samarinda - away from the ordinary

Experience life on the road less travelled. Enjoy some time with the Dayaks and their simplistic living, soak in the beauty of nature and visit some cultural sites. Enjoy your time in Samarinda!