Your stay — Ester Kost
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 Samarinda.
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Mosque: Mesjid Darul Hannan (449 m · ~6 min walk)
- Mosque: masjid baitur Ra'Up (492 m · ~6 min walk)
- Mosque: Masjid Baitur Ra'uf (498 m · ~6 min walk)
- Mosque: Masjid Babussalam (635 m · ~8 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Samarinda Square — 1.5 km · ~18 min walk
Gazebo — 790 m · ~10 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
ATM BCA Indogrosir — 1.6 km · ~21 min walk
Apotek Kurniawan — 318 m · ~4 min walk
Pramuka Mart (Eramart) — 439 m · ~5 min walk
Halte Lembuswana — 2.2 km · ~28 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
Travellers can exchange money at the airport or local banks, but be aware that rates may not be favorable. It's better to exchange at a local bank or use an ATM for a better rate.
Credit cards and contactless payments are widely accepted at major hotels, restaurants, and shops in Samarinda. Mobile payments like Google Pay and LinkAja are also gaining traction.
Tipping is not expected but rounding up the bill or leaving small change is appreciated for good service. For taxis, it's enough to round up the fare to the nearest thousand rupiah.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A cup of coffee at a local warung (food stall) costs around 5,000 IDR (0.35 USD).
A plate of nasi goreng (fried rice) at a street food stall costs around 15,000 IDR (1 USD).
A plate of mie goreng (fried noodles) at a local restaurant costs around 20,000 IDR (1.40 USD).
Street food is abundant in the Kalimantan Timur market and around the waterfront area.
Martabe and Alfamart are common convenience store chains in Samarinda.
Affordable clothing can be found at local markets like the Kalimantan Timur market or at small shops along Jalan Pupuk.
A day pass for the city's public bus system costs 2,000 IDR (0.14 USD). From the airport, take the DAMRI bus to the city center for around 10,000 IDR (0.70 USD).
Avoid exchanging money at the airport or tourist areas, as rates may be unfavorable.Use local transportation, such as buses or angkots, to get around the city.Eat at local warungs or street food stalls for affordable and delicious meals.
Good to know — Samarinda
Type C/F · 230V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ IDR 18097.75 · IDR
Emergency Contacts
SamarindaWhere to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Samarinda, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Ester Kost
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · ATM BCA Indogrosir — 1.6 km · ~21 min walk — pharmacy · Apotek Kurniawan — 318 m · ~4 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Aji Pangeran Tumenggung Pranoto Airport (AAP) → Hotel Crystal (Jalan Bung Tomo)
💡 Ignore touts inside the terminal. Walk to the official AP I counter just past baggage claim. The fare is fixed—no haggling. For a cheaper ride, step outside the airport gate and flag a passing 'angkot' (public minibus) to Loa Janan, then switch to another angkot toward the city centre; total cost under 15,000 IDR but expect 60–90 minutes.
Anywhere in Samarinda (including Hotel Crystal gate) → Anywhere in Samarinda (airport, mall, port)
💡 Gojek is more available than Grab in Samarinda. For the airport, book a 'GoCar' and the app shows the fare—drivers often ask for extra cash at the gate; refuse politely. If your phone signal is weak, use the hotel's WiFi to book.
Terminal Sungai Dama → Jalan Bung Tomo (near Hotel Crystal)
💡 Yellow angkot route runs along Jalan Bung Tomo. Wave it down, don't expect stops. Hand your fare to the driver through passengers—they pass it forward. The ride is cramped but safe. Great for short hops; avoid during rain as windows stay open.
Aji Pangeran Tumenggung Pranoto Airport (AAP) → Samarinda Central Bus Terminal (Terminal Sungai Dama)
💡 Damri drops you at the bus terminal, not the hotel. From Terminal Sungai Dama, take an angkot (yellow route) to Jalan Bung Tomo—tell the driver 'Hotel Crystal'. Last angkot leaves around 21:00. Have small change ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is check-in at Ester Kost?
Check-in at Ester Kost is from null. Check-out is by null.
Where can I eat cheaply near Ester Kost?
A plate of nasi goreng (fried rice) at a street food stall costs around 15,000 IDR (1 USD).
What is the cheapest way to get around from Ester Kost?
A day pass for the city's public bus system costs 2,000 IDR (0.14 USD). From the airport, take the DAMRI bus to the city center for around 10,000 IDR (0.70 USD).
Top Attractions in Samarinda
💡 Visit on a Sunday morning when local musicians often busk near the fountain. Avoid midday heat; shade is limited.
💡 Go early morning (6-7am) to see the floating fruit sellers. Bring water and sun protection; no shade for long stretches.
💡 Try the pisang goreng (fried banana) from the stall near the main entrance. Arrive by 7am to see the market at its most active. Watch for uneven floors and wet patches.
💡 Go at sunset for the view from the minaret. Wear a headscarf and long sleeves; modest clothing is required. Bring ID for the elevator to the top.
💡 It takes about 45 minutes to see everything. Ask the guard to turn on the lights in the less-visited rooms. Closed for lunch 12-1pm.