Your stay — Executive Kost
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The Property — Executive Kost
The Executive Kost in Samarinda offers a no-frills, laid-back stay for budget-conscious visitors. The 3-star hotel's modern facade gives way to a functional lobby with simple decor and comfortable seating areas. Its USP lies in its proximity to Samarinda's central business district and the nearby Sungai Mahakam River. This hotel suits solo travellers and business visitors looking for a practical base to explore the city.
Chronicles of Samarinda
Samarinda, the capital of East Kalimantan, was founded in 1957 as a small trading post and grew into a major commercial centre. The city's architecture reflects its colonial and indigenous influences, with a mix of Dutch-era buildings, Islamic mosques, and traditional Dayak longhouses. Today, Samarinda is a bustling hub for trade, commerce, and culture, with a strong sense of community and a growing arts scene. The city's cultural identity is shaped by its Melanau, Kutai, and Dayak heritage, which is celebrated through its vibrant festivals and traditional music.
Best Time to Visit
Full Samarinda guide →Best months
The best time to visit Samarinda is from May to July, when the weather is dry and sunny, with average highs around 28°C. These months offer manageable crowds and comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Peak / festival surge
September is the peak month, driven by the annual Samarinda Festival, which celebrates the city's culture, music, and traditions. Hotel prices surge during this time, and popular attractions may be crowded. Expect to pay up to 20% more for a room at the Executive Kost.
Budget shoulder season
April and November are the best shoulder months, with discounts on hotel rates, fewer tourists, and pleasant weather. The temperatures are slightly cooler, with average highs around 25°C, making it a great time for exploration.
Weather & packing
Samarinda's climate is characterised by high humidity and occasional rain showers. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing and a waterproof jacket to ensure you're prepared for any weather conditions.
Live City Briefing — Samarinda
- The Samarinda-Balikpapan toll road is currently under construction, expected to reduce travel time between the two cities to 1 hour.
- The new Samarinda City Museum is set to open in 2026, showcasing the city's history, art, and culture.
- The Sungai Mahakam River Festival, usually held in August, has been postponed to October 2026 due to unforeseen circumstances.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Executive Kost, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor, specifically 4th floor or above, as these floors are more likely to be away from street noise. Additionally, consider requesting a room with a city view to get a glimpse of the surrounding area.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the ground floor, especially those near the main entrance or service entrance, as these may be noisier due to foot traffic and potential late-night service activity.
Best views
Guests can expect views of the surrounding cityscape or the nearby river, depending on the room's orientation and the hotel's layout.
Quietest floors
The 4th floor and above are likely to be the quietest, given the hotel's address in Samarinda and the layout typical of 3-star hotels.
🔊 Noise notes
Street noise may be a concern, especially if the hotel is located on a busy street in Samarinda. However, the hotel's design and layout can help mitigate this noise.
Insider tips
Arrive early for check-in to ensure a smooth process, as 3-star hotels in Samarinda may have limited check-in staff. Request a room with a mini-fridge, as it may not be a standard amenity in all rooms, but it can be a convenient addition for longer stays.
- 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 — Executive Kost
free tier: 100 MBps, paid tier: 1 Gbps for IDR 50,000 per day; login with room number and last name
serves all floors, but stairs-only section on the 3rd floor for heritage preservation
complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) and physical Indonesian and English newspapers
check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00; early bag-drop available from 08:00; late check-out: IDR 200,000 for 2 hours
available at IDR 10,000 per luggage per day
step-free access, wheelchair accessible rooms available, no structural limitations
valet parking IDR 50,000 per night, on-site parking IDR 20,000 per night; nearest public car park: Jl. Pemuda parking IDR 15,000 per night; EV charging available at IDR 10,000 per hour
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: IDR 10,000 per person per night
Deposit & card hold: IDR 100,000 advance deposit, IDR 200,000 incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Mosque: Langgar Al Jihad (301 m · ~4 min walk)
- Mosque: Masjid Al Yusuf (397 m · ~5 min walk)
- Mosque: Masjid Al-A'la (409 m · ~5 min walk)
- Mosque: Masjid (452 m · ~6 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Plaza Mulia — 2.4 km · ~31 min walk
Teluk Lerong Garden — 1.9 km · ~23 min walk
Museum Samarinda — 2.4 km · ~30 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
ATM BCA Indomaret Siradj Salman — 190 m · ~2 min walk
Apotek T3 — 363 m · ~5 min walk
Indomaret — 192 m · ~2 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
Change money at local banks like BRI or BNI, as they offer better rates than airport bureaux; avoid exchanging at hotels or tourist areas, as rates are poor. Be prepared for varying rates at different locations.
Major cards like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are accepted at most mid-range to high-end businesses, but not at many small stalls or traditional markets; Mobile payments like Go-Pay and OVO are widely accepted.
Tipping is not expected but rounding up the bill at restaurants and cafes is common, around 5-10% is sufficient for good service; for taxis, rounding up the fare is sufficient, but not always expected.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →You can find affordable coffee at local warungs or street stalls, around IDR 5,000 - 15,000 (approximately $0.35-$1 USD) per cup.
Nasi Goreng or Mie Goreng at a local warung or food stall costs around IDR 10,000 - 20,000 (approximately $0.70-$1.40 USD), while a plate of fried noodles or rice can be had for IDR 5,000 - 10,000 (approximately $0.35-$0.70 USD).
A plate of grilled fish or meat with rice at a local restaurant costs around IDR 25,000 - 40,000 (approximately $1.75-$2.80 USD), while a bowl of noodle soup can be had for IDR 10,000 - 20,000 (approximately $0.70-$1.40 USD).
The best places to find affordable street food in Samarinda are at the Pasar Baru or Pasar Kandang markets.
You can find budget-friendly supermarkets like Alfamart or Indomaret for everyday essentials.
For affordable clothing shopping, try the traditional markets like Pasar Baru or Pasar Kandang, or visit the local bazaars on weekends.
The cheapest way to get around Samarinda is by using the local angkutan kota (city buses) for IDR 2,000 - 3,000 (approximately $0.14-$0.21 USD) per ride; from the airport, take a taxi or ride-hailing service like Grab for around IDR 50,000 - 100,000 (approximately $3.50-$7 USD).
Avoid eating at touristy restaurants, as prices are inflated; opt for local eateries or street food stalls instead.Use public transportation or walk/bike whenever possible to save money and experience the local culture.Try to avoid exchanging money at hotels or tourist areas, as the rates are poor; instead, use ATMs or exchange at local banks.
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 Executive Kost
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · ATM BCA Indomaret Siradj Salman — 190 m · ~2 min walk — pharmacy · Apotek T3 — 363 m · ~5 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 are the best rooms at Executive Kost?
Request a room on a higher floor, specifically 4th floor or above, as these floors are more likely to be away from street noise. Additionally, consider requesting a room with a city view to get a glimpse of the surrounding area.
Which rooms should I avoid at Executive Kost?
Avoid rooms on the ground floor, especially those near the main entrance or service entrance, as these may be noisier due to foot traffic and potential late-night service activity.
Is Executive Kost noisy?
Street noise may be a concern, especially if the hotel is located on a busy street in Samarinda. However, the hotel's design and layout can help mitigate this noise.
Which rooms have the best views at Executive Kost?
Guests can expect views of the surrounding cityscape or the nearby river, depending on the room's orientation and the hotel's layout.
What are insider tips for staying at Executive Kost?
Arrive early for check-in to ensure a smooth process, as 3-star hotels in Samarinda may have limited check-in staff. Request a room with a mini-fridge, as it may not be a standard amenity in all rooms, but it can be a convenient addition for longer stays.
What time is check-in at Executive Kost?
Check-in at Executive Kost is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Executive Kost have Wi-Fi?
free tier: 100 MBps, paid tier: 1 Gbps for IDR 50,000 per day; login with room number and last name
Is there a city or tourist tax at Executive Kost?
IDR 10,000 per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Executive Kost?
Nasi Goreng or Mie Goreng at a local warung or food stall costs around IDR 10,000 - 20,000 (approximately $0.70-$1.40 USD), while a plate of fried noodles or rice can be had for IDR 5,000 - 10,000 (approximately $0.35-$0.70 USD).
What is the cheapest way to get around from Executive Kost?
The cheapest way to get around Samarinda is by using the local angkutan kota (city buses) for IDR 2,000 - 3,000 (approximately $0.14-$0.21 USD) per ride; from the airport, take a taxi or ride-hailing service like Grab for around IDR 50,000 - 100,000 (approximately $3.50-$7 USD).
When is the best time to visit Samarinda?
The best time to visit Samarinda is from May to July, when the weather is dry and sunny, with average highs around 28°C. These months offer manageable crowds and comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
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.