🇮🇩 Samarinda, Indonesia
Hotel MJ
📍 KH Khalid, Samarinda
Photo: official website
Your stay — Hotel MJ
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.
The Property — Hotel MJ
Hotel MJ in Samarinda offers a no-frills, functional stay that suits budget-conscious business travelers and those seeking an easy base for exploring the city. The lobby's neutral decor and comfortable seating area provide a relaxed atmosphere, while the hotel's proximity to the city centre makes it a convenient choice. Guests can expect a simple yet satisfying experience, with a restaurant serving local Indonesian cuisine and a small pool for a refreshing dip. The hotel's unpretentious charm makes it an excellent option for those prioritizing value over luxury.
Chronicles of Samarinda
Samarinda, the capital of East Kalimantan, was founded in 1957 as a major industrial centre, driven by the forestry and mining industries. The city's architectural landscape reflects its colonial past, with a mix of Dutch and Indonesian influences evident in its buildings. Today, Samarinda is a melting pot of cultures, with a thriving market scene and a strong sense of community. The city's rich cultural heritage is also reflected in its many museums and historical sites, including the Samarinda Museum and the Tenggarong Palace. Visitors can experience the city's vibrant cultural identity by exploring its bustling markets, trying local street food, and attending traditional festivals.
Best Time to Visit
Full Samarinda guide →Best months
April and May are ideal months to visit Samarinda, with minimal rainfall and comfortable temperatures (22-28°C) making it perfect for outdoor exploration. The crowds are manageable, and hotel prices remain relatively affordable. September is another good option, with pleasant weather and fewer tourists.
Peak / festival surge
July is the peak tourist month, driven by the Samarinda Festival of Arts and Culture, which attracts visitors from across Indonesia. Expect higher hotel prices and larger crowds during this time, as well as increased tourist traffic in the city's markets and attractions.
Budget shoulder season
The shoulder months of October and November offer a great balance of budget-friendliness and pleasant weather, with temperatures ranging from 20-25°C. Prices are lower, and the city is less crowded, making it an excellent time for those on a budget.
Weather & packing
Samarinda's climate is hot and humid year-round, with frequent rain showers. Pack light, breathable clothing that can be easily mixed and matched, and don't forget a waterproof jacket or umbrella to be prepared for sudden downpours.
Live City Briefing — Samarinda
- The construction of the new Samarinda Airport terminal is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, improving travel connections to the city.
- The Samarinda City Government has launched a new public transportation system, making it easier for visitors to get around the city without a car.
- The annual Samarinda Flower Festival, usually held in June, has been postponed to August 2026 due to unforeseen circumstances.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Hotel MJ, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the higher floors (4th and above) as they are likely to be farther away from the street noise on KH Khalid, Samarinda. The hotel's 3-star rating suggests a decent level of soundproofing, but it's still a good idea to opt for a higher floor to minimize external noise.
Rooms to avoid
Try to avoid rooms near the lift (elevators) as they can be noisy, especially if you're a light sleeper. It's also worth noting that the hotel's address on KH Khalid is a relatively busy street, so rooms facing the street may experience some noise pollution.
Best views
Unfortunately, the address on KH Khalid doesn't offer any notable views, so you can't go wrong with any room type in this regard.
Quietest floors
Floors 4 and above are likely to be the quietest, given their distance from the street and the potential noise from the lift.
🔊 Noise notes
Be prepared for some street noise on KH Khalid, especially if you're a light sleeper. The hotel's location in Samarinda also means you may hear some traffic and local sounds.
Insider tips
If you're driving, be aware that parking might be limited in the area, so it's a good idea to ask the hotel about their parking arrangements in advance. Consider requesting a room with a refrigerator if you have specific dietary needs or preferences, as this is a common amenity in 3-star hotels in Samarinda.
- 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 — Hotel MJ
free for up to 2 devices, 100 Mbps speed, no login constraints
serves all floors, no stairs-only historic sections
complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader), physical papers available in lobby
14:00, early bag-drop available from 06:00, IDR 200,000 late check-out fee after 12:00
available 24/7 for IDR 50,000 per bag, per night
step-free access, wheelchair accessible entrance, adapted rooms available upon request
on-site parking available for IDR 50,000 per night, nearest public car park is at Galanggang Parkir Sultan Banteng for IDR 20,000 per day, no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: IDR 10,000 per night, per person
Deposit & card hold: IDR 200,000 advance deposit, IDR 500,000 incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Mosque: Langgar Miftahul Huda (297 m · ~4 min walk)
- Mosque: Musholla Khoirunnisa (337 m · ~4 min walk)
- Mosque: Mushalla Al-Fajri (370 m · ~5 min walk)
- Mosque: Masjid al-Khairiyah (391 m · ~5 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Mesra Indah Mall — 479 m · ~6 min walk
Taman Samarendah — 609 m · ~8 min walk
Museum Samarinda — 612 m · ~8 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
ATM Mandiri — 266 m · ~3 min walk
Apotek Suka Pura — 43 m · ~1 min walk
Indomaret — 564 m · ~7 min walk
Halte Lembuswana — 3.2 km · ~40 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
Travellers can exchange money at banks, exchange offices, or use ATMs. Be cautious of poor rates at airport or tourist bureaux.
Most restaurants, shops, and cafes accept major credit cards, but some smaller vendors may only accept cash. Mobile payments like OVO and GrabPay are popular.
Tipping is not expected but rounding up the bill or leaving small change (1,000-5,000 IDR) is appreciated for good service.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cup of coffee can be found for around 5,000-10,000 IDR.
Warungs or street food stalls often serve affordable meals for 10,000-20,000 IDR.
A main course at a local restaurant can cost around 20,000-50,000 IDR.
Street food areas like Jalan Samudera and Jalan Sultan Hasanuddin offer a variety of cheap eats.
Indomaret and Alfamart are common convenience stores for quick shopping.
Local markets like Pasar Pagi and Pasar Malam offer affordable clothing options.
The cheapest way to get around is by using the city bus (5,000 IDR per ride) or GrabBike (around 5,000 IDR per ride). From the airport, the taxi fare is around 50,000-70,000 IDR.
Avoid exchanging money at the airport or tourist areas, as the rates are often unfavorable.Use local SIM cards or portable Wi-Fi hotspot for affordable internet access.Try local food and street vendors for authentic experiences and lower prices.
Good to know — Samarinda
Type C/F · 230V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ IDR 17944.1 · 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 Hotel MJ
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · ATM Mandiri — 266 m · ~3 min walk — pharmacy · Apotek Suka Pura — 43 m · ~1 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.
About Samarinda
Wikipedia ↗Borneo Football Club Samarinda, commonly known as Borneo Samarinda or also Borneo, is an Indonesian professional football club based in Samarinda, East Kalimantan. The club currently competes in Super League. The club's nickname is Pesut Etam (Our Dolphins). Borneo Samarinda has won one Liga 2 leagu...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Hotel MJ?
Request a room on the higher floors (4th and above) as they are likely to be farther away from the street noise on KH Khalid, Samarinda. The hotel's 3-star rating suggests a decent level of soundproofing, but it's still a good idea to opt for a higher floor to minimize external noise.
Which rooms should I avoid at Hotel MJ?
Try to avoid rooms near the lift (elevators) as they can be noisy, especially if you're a light sleeper. It's also worth noting that the hotel's address on KH Khalid is a relatively busy street, so rooms facing the street may experience some noise pollution.
Is Hotel MJ noisy?
Be prepared for some street noise on KH Khalid, especially if you're a light sleeper. The hotel's location in Samarinda also means you may hear some traffic and local sounds.
Which rooms have the best views at Hotel MJ?
Unfortunately, the address on KH Khalid doesn't offer any notable views, so you can't go wrong with any room type in this regard.
What are insider tips for staying at Hotel MJ?
If you're driving, be aware that parking might be limited in the area, so it's a good idea to ask the hotel about their parking arrangements in advance. Consider requesting a room with a refrigerator if you have specific dietary needs or preferences, as this is a common amenity in 3-star hotels in Samarinda.
What time is check-in at Hotel MJ?
Check-in at Hotel MJ is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Hotel MJ have Wi-Fi?
free for up to 2 devices, 100 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Hotel MJ?
IDR 10,000 per night, per person
Where can I eat cheaply near Hotel MJ?
Warungs or street food stalls often serve affordable meals for 10,000-20,000 IDR.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Hotel MJ?
The cheapest way to get around is by using the city bus (5,000 IDR per ride) or GrabBike (around 5,000 IDR per ride). From the airport, the taxi fare is around 50,000-70,000 IDR.
When is the best time to visit Samarinda?
April and May are ideal months to visit Samarinda, with minimal rainfall and comfortable temperatures (22-28°C) making it perfect for outdoor exploration. The crowds are manageable, and hotel prices remain relatively affordable. September is another good option, with pleasant weather and fewer tourists.
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.