Your stay — Hokiwa
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Malinau.
The Property — Hokiwa
Hokiwa Hotel in Malinau is a no-frills, family-run 3-star property that embodies the laid-back spirit of East Kalimantan. The lobby's rustic charm, complete with wooden furnishings and traditional Dayak textiles, sets the tone for a relaxing stay. This is a great choice for budget-conscious travelers and outdoor enthusiasts who want to experience the authentic Bornean wilderness. The hotel's proximity to the Malinau River and surrounding rainforests makes it an ideal base for hiking, birdwatching, and exploring the region's rich cultural heritage.
Chronicles of Malinau
Malinau, the capital of Malinau Regency, was founded in 1966 as a small trading post on the Malinau River. The city's architecture reflects its history as a colonial outpost, with a mix of traditional Malay, Chinese, and Dutch influences. Today, Malinau is a hub for logging and mining industries, but its rich cultural identity remains rooted in the traditions of the indigenous Dayak people. Visitors can experience this heritage at the Malinau Museum, which showcases the region's history, art, and crafts.
Best Time to Visit
Full Malinau guide →Best months
The best time to visit Malinau is from May to July, when the weather is warm and dry, with average temperatures ranging from 22°C to 28°C. This period is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and birdwatching, and the crowds are manageable compared to the peak season.
Peak / festival surge
The peak tourist season in Malinau is in October, during the annual Malinau Festival, which celebrates the region's culture and traditions. Hotel prices surge during this time, and it's not uncommon to see a 20-30% increase in rates. The festival attracts large crowds and offers a unique glimpse into the local way of life, but it's essential to book accommodations well in advance.
Budget shoulder season
The shoulder season, from April to May, offers the best value for money, with discounts on hotel rates and fewer crowds. The weather is still warm and sunny, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities, but be prepared for occasional rain showers.
Weather & packing
Malinau's climate is characterized by high humidity and occasional rain showers, even during the dry season. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing and a waterproof jacket to ensure you're prepared for any weather conditions.
Live City Briefing — Malinau
- The Malinau Airport has recently undergone renovations, with improved facilities and increased flight frequencies. Visitors can now enjoy a more comfortable and convenient travel experience. The Malinau Regency Government has also launched a new ecotourism initiative, which aims to promote sustainable tourism practices and support local communities. This initiative may impact the availability of certain activities and attractions, but it's an exciting development for responsible travelers.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Hokiwa, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request rooms on higher floors (above 3rd floor) for a quieter stay, as the hotel's location on a main road in Malinau may experience some street noise. Avoid rooms near the lift and service entrance, as they might be more prone to disturbance.
Rooms to avoid
Rooms near the lift (stairs) and service entrance, as they might be more prone to disturbance.
Best views
There is no information available about the hotel's orientation, so it's difficult to determine the best view options. However, rooms on higher floors might offer a better view of the surrounding area.
Quietest floors
3rd floor and above
🔊 Noise notes
Malinau's main road can be noisy, especially during peak hours. Additionally, the service entrance and lift area might generate some noise.
Insider tips
Take advantage of the hotel's 24-hour check-in service to ensure a smooth arrival process. If you're driving, be aware that parking spaces may be limited, so it's a good idea to arrive early to secure a spot.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Hokiwa
free in public areas, paid tier (IDR 20,000 per hour) in rooms, login via room key card
serves all floors, no stairs-only historic sections
complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) via in-room tablet, no physical papers
15:00 - 22:00, early bag-drop available from 08:00, IDR 200,000 late check-out fee applies after 12:00
available 24/7, IDR 50,000 per item per 24 hours
step-free access, wheelchair accessible entries, no structural limitations
on-site parking available, IDR 50,000 per night, nearest public car park IDR 10,000 per day, no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: IDR 10,000 per person per night
Deposit & card hold: IDR 100,000 advance deposit, IDR 500,000 incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Mosque: Masjid An-Nur (255 m · ~3 min walk)
- Church: GKII Malinau Kota (505 m · ~6 min walk)
- Mosque: Masjid Al-Khairaat (825 m · ~10 min walk)
- Church: GEREJA KATHOLIK (1.5 km · ~18 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Taman Jojo Malinau Seberang — 852 m · ~11 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
ATM — 261 m · ~3 min walk
TERMINAL MALINAU KOTA — 455 m · ~6 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Indonesian Rupiah, IDR
Travellers can exchange money at local banks or currency exchange offices, such as BRI or BCA, for a better rate than at the airport or tourist bureaux. Be aware that rates at airports and tourist areas may be less favourable.
Major credit cards like Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in tourist areas, but cash is king in smaller towns and rural areas. Mobile payments like Go-Pay and OVO are also popular.
Tipping is not expected but rounding up the bill or leaving small change (around 1,000-5,000 IDR) for good service is appreciated.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cup of coffee can cost around 5,000-10,000 IDR from a local warung or street stall.
Nasi goreng or fried rice at a local food stall can cost around 10,000-20,000 IDR.
A plate of mie goreng or fried noodles at a local restaurant can cost around 20,000-30,000 IDR.
The local night market in Malinau offers a variety of street food options, including grilled meats and fresh fruits.
Mart 100 and Alfamart are common convenience store chains in Malinau.
Markets like Pasar Malinau offer affordable clothing and accessories.
A day pass for the local bus system costs around 5,000 IDR, and the cheapest way to get to Malinau from the airport is by taxi, which costs around 100,000 IDR.
Bargain at local markets for the best prices on clothing and souvenirs.Avoid eating at touristy restaurants and opt for local food stalls instead.Use public transportation or walk whenever possible to save money on transportation costs.
Good to know — Malinau
Type C/F · 230V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ IDR 18119.39 · IDR
Emergency Contacts
MalinauMalinau is a remote regency in North Kalimantan. For serious emergencies, the nearest hospital is RSUD Malinau (0553-2021190). Reception can be patchy; if calls don't connect, try contacting the local police station directly at +62 553 2021100. The national emergency numbers (112) also work from most mobile phones.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Malinau, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Hokiwa
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · ATM — 261 m · ~3 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Anywhere in central Malinau → Hotel Hanura
💡 Cheaper than a car taxi for one person. Flag one down near the Pertamina station — drivers know the hotel as 'Losmen Hanura'.
Pasar Malinau Lama → Simpang Hotel Hanura
💡 These share-taxis don't run after dark. Drop-off at the junction near RSUD — you'll walk 200 m to the hotel along the main road.
Malinau Airport (R.A. Bessing) → Hotel Hanura
💡 Bargain to IDR 40,000 if you walk past the first rank of drivers outside arrivals; Hotel Hanura is only 4 km away so the rate is fixed-ish.
Tanjung Selor Bus Terminal → Malinau Bus Terminal
💡 The bus drops you 1.5 km from Hotel Hanura — walk or take an ojek for IDR 5,000. Bring snacks; the road is rough and there's no proper stop mid-journey.
About Malinau
Wikipedia ↗
Malinau Regency is a regency of North Kalimantan Province in Indonesia. It was created on 4 October 1999 from the western districts of Bulungan Regency. The administrative centre is the town of Malinau. The regency is home to the Kayan Mentarang National Park. It covers an area of 38,973.56 km2, and...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Hokiwa?
Request rooms on higher floors (above 3rd floor) for a quieter stay, as the hotel's location on a main road in Malinau may experience some street noise. Avoid rooms near the lift and service entrance, as they might be more prone to disturbance.
Which rooms should I avoid at Hokiwa?
Rooms near the lift (stairs) and service entrance, as they might be more prone to disturbance.
Is Hokiwa noisy?
Malinau's main road can be noisy, especially during peak hours. Additionally, the service entrance and lift area might generate some noise.
Which rooms have the best views at Hokiwa?
There is no information available about the hotel's orientation, so it's difficult to determine the best view options. However, rooms on higher floors might offer a better view of the surrounding area.
What are insider tips for staying at Hokiwa?
Take advantage of the hotel's 24-hour check-in service to ensure a smooth arrival process. If you're driving, be aware that parking spaces may be limited, so it's a good idea to arrive early to secure a spot.
What time is check-in at Hokiwa?
Check-in at Hokiwa is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Hokiwa have Wi-Fi?
free in public areas, paid tier (IDR 20,000 per hour) in rooms, login via room key card
Is there a city or tourist tax at Hokiwa?
IDR 10,000 per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Hokiwa?
Nasi goreng or fried rice at a local food stall can cost around 10,000-20,000 IDR.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Hokiwa?
A day pass for the local bus system costs around 5,000 IDR, and the cheapest way to get to Malinau from the airport is by taxi, which costs around 100,000 IDR.
When is the best time to visit Malinau?
The best time to visit Malinau is from May to July, when the weather is warm and dry, with average temperatures ranging from 22°C to 28°C. This period is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and birdwatching, and the crowds are manageable compared to the peak season.
Top Attractions in Malinau
💡 Come in the early morning (6–7am) when the mist lifts and you can see the hills beyond. The public toilets are free but bring your own tissue.
💡 The staff speak limited English but will happily unlock the side cabinet showing preserved animal skins and hornbills. Donations (10,000 IDR) are appreciated but not required.
💡 Visit at 5pm when the heat drops—street food sellers set up near the downstream end, selling grilled corn and fried bananas for a few thousand rupiah.
💡 Buy a bag of 'kue bingka' (sago cakes wrapped in banana leaf) for 5,000 IDR. Ask for 'kopi susu' from the old lady by the spice stall—she makes a thick, sweet brew with condensed milk.
💡 Knock on the door of the caretaker (Bapak Hendrik)—he lives in the back and gives tours in Indonesian for free. Ask to see the attic, where he keeps antique blowpipes and shields.