Samarinda City is the capital of the province of East Kalimantan, Indonesia and the largest city in the entire island of Kalimantan with a population of 812,597 people. Samarinda has an area of ​​718 km² with the geographical conditions of the hilly area with a height varying from 10 to 200 meters above sea level. Samarinda city is divided by the Mahakam River and is a gateway to the interior of East Kalimantan through the river, land and air routes. Samarinda, which is known as a city as it used to be, was once one of the regions of the Sultanate of Kutai Kartanegara ing Martadipura. In the 13th century AD, before the name Samarinda was known, there were already villages in six locations.

Airports in Samarinda

Aji Pangeran Tumenggung Pranoto International Airport

Aji Pangeran Tumenggung Pranoto International Airport is an airport in the city of Samarinda, East Kalimantan. The airport, which is located in the Siring River region, operates on May 24, 2018, and was inaugurated by East Kalimantan Governor Awang Faroek Ishak to replace the previous airport, namely Temindung Airport which has been unable to be developed. The name of the airport is taken from the first Governor of East Kalimantan, APT Pranoto. Although there is no written evidence and acknowledgement that this airport is international, verbally there has been an agreement between East Kalimantan Governor Awang Faroek Ishak with the Ministry of Transportation regarding the status of this airport as an international airport. Pranoto APT Airport itself has an area of ​​13 hectares, consisting of facilities in the form of administrative buildings, runways, aprons, taxiways and hangar.

How to Get Cheap Flights to Samarinda

Traveloka is a travel search engine that makes it easy for travellers to find the cheapest flights to Samarinda. All you need to do is key in the information in the search box, and the application will recommend the best trip according to your budget. It compares flight prices across some trusted airlines to help you to get the best possible deal. Use Traveloka’s price alert feature to be notified of flights in your desired price range to get the best flight price to Samarinda.

When is the Best Time to Fly to Samarinda?

The peak and busiest times of Samarinda are in May followed by August and July. Hotel prices, as well as flight tickets, will be more expensive than any other months. However, you can still get great deals if you book a flight or accommodation ticket earlier. The lesser month with travellers is in December. You can get cheap flight tickets and hotels if you are visiting Samarinda that month.

The warm months in Samarinda are in October, September and November. However, the warmest months among all is in September where the temperature can be as high as 33.2 during day time while the temperature can be around 24.7 °C during night time.

You can plan a visit to Samarinda to celebrate the Eidul Fitri that celebrated by locals in the month of Syawal according to the Islamic calendar.

What are the Top 3 Things to Do in Samarinda?

Kumala Island – This tourist spot is not exactly located in Samarinda. However, Kumala Island is located not far from Samarinda with only 27 kilometres from Samarinda City. Kumala Island was formed due to the Mahakam River silt or scientifically called a delta. If you look closely, this island has an inverted boat-like shape. As one of the tourist destinations, Kumala Island has a recreation park with approximately 10 games that you can try such as a jet coaster, karts, cable car, carousel and mini-train to circle the island while enjoying the view.

Pinang Waterfall – This waterfall is located in North Sempaja Village, North Samarinda. Unique shapes of the steps make this waterfall can be climbed. You can visit this waterfall when it is not the rainy season so that the flowing current of the waterfall is not too fast so it is relatively safe.

Beras Basah Island – Another recommended tourist spot is Beras Basah Island. Like Kumala Island, this island is not located right in Samarinda but promises extraordinary natural beauty. To reach Beras Basah Island, you will need a three hours ride.