Your stay — Kost Putri Rafa
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The Property — Kost Putri Rafa
Kost Putri Rafa is a no-frills, family-run boarding house that embodies the laid-back charm of Samarinda. The lobby's simple decor, complete with hand-carved wooden furniture and traditional East Kalimantan motifs, sets the tone for a down-to-earth stay. This 3-star hotel is ideal for budget-conscious travellers and adventure-seekers who want to experience the authentic side of Samarinda. Its prime location near the Samarinda Harbour makes it a great base for exploring the city's markets, waterfront, and nearby national parks.
Chronicles of Samarinda
Samarinda, the capital of East Kalimantan, was founded in 1957 as a small trading post along the Mahakam River. The city's architecture reflects its rich cultural heritage, with a mix of traditional Dayak and Malay influences evident in its wooden houses and mosques. Samarinda has a strong sense of identity tied to its indigenous communities and its role as a major hub for the timber and oil industries. The city's growth has been driven by its strategic location at the mouth of the Mahakam River, making it a significant commercial centre. In recent years, Samarinda has seen a surge in tourism, with visitors drawn to its natural beauty, cultural festivals, and outdoor activities.
Best Time to Visit
Full Samarinda guide →Best months
The best time to visit Samarinda is during the dry season, typically from May to September, when the weather is hot and dry, with average highs of 32°C (90°F) and minimal rainfall.
Peak / festival surge
July is the peak tourist month in Samarinda, with the annual Samarinda Festival taking place, attracting large crowds and driving up hotel prices. The festival features traditional music and dance performances, cultural exhibitions, and water sports on the Mahakam River.
Budget shoulder season
The shoulder season, from April to June, offers the best value for money, with lower hotel rates and fewer crowds. The weather is still warm, with average highs of 28°C (82°F), making it an ideal time for outdoor activities like hiking and wildlife spotting.
Weather & packing
Samarinda's climate is hot and humid year-round, with occasional heavy downpours during the wet season. Be sure to pack lightweight, quick-drying clothing and a waterproof jacket to prepare for sudden rain showers.
Live City Briefing — Samarinda
- The Samarinda-Balikpapan toll road, which connects the city to the provincial capital, has been upgraded, reducing travel time between the two cities to under 2 hours.
- The city's iconic Martapura Bridge, a major landmark and symbol of Samarinda's engineering prowess, has undergone a major renovation and is now open to visitors.
- The Samarinda Harbour is currently undergoing expansion, with new facilities and amenities being built to cater to the increasing number of cruise ships and yachts visiting the city.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Kost Putri Rafa, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor (above 5th floor) for a quieter stay, as the streets of Samarinda can be noisy, especially near the hotel. Opt for a room facing the interior of the building or the parking area for reduced street noise.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the 1st or 2nd floor as they may be closer to the service entrance and potentially noisier.
Best views
As the hotel is located in Samarinda, views of the surrounding cityscape or the nearby river may be available from higher floors, but this cannot be guaranteed.
Quietest floors
Floors 6-8 are likely to be quieter due to their higher elevation and distance from the street.
🔊 Noise notes
The hotel's location in Samarinda means that street noise and traffic sounds may be present, especially during peak hours.
Insider tips
Try to check-in early to secure a room with a higher floor, as the hotel's elevator may be slower during peak hours. Request a room with a refrigerator, as it may be a welcome amenity in a 3-star hotel like Kost Putri Rafa.
- 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 — Kost Putri Rafa
Free, 100 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Serves all floors, with a single elevator serving the entire building
Complimentary digital newspaper through PressReader, no physical papers available
14:00 - 22:00, early bag-drop available from 08:00; late check-out until 15:00 with IDR 200,000 fee
Available for IDR 20,000 per piece per day
Step-free access, wheelchair accessible rooms available, no structural limitations
On-site parking available for IDR 50,000 per night; nearest public car park at Jl. Jend. Sudirman, IDR 10,000 per night; no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: IDR 10,000 per night/person
Deposit & card hold: IDR 200,000 advance deposit and IDR 100,000 incidental card hold at check-in
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)
You can exchange currency at banks or currency exchange offices (bureaus de change) at the airport, but be aware that the rates may be poor. There are also money changers in the city center, but be cautious of the rates and potential scams.
Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) and debit cards are widely accepted in major hotels, restaurants, and shops, but cash is still king in smaller establishments. Mobile payments like Go-Pay and Ovo are also popular.
Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service. 1,000-5,000 IDR (0.07-0.35 USD) per service is sufficient for restaurant and bar staff, while 10,000-20,000 IDR (0.70-1.40 USD) per ride is enough for taxi drivers.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →You can find a cup of coffee for around 10,000-20,000 IDR (0.70-1.40 USD) at a local warung (food stall) or a small cafe.
A plate of nasi goreng (fried rice) or gado-gado (vegetable salad) costs around 20,000-30,000 IDR (1.40-2.10 USD) at a food stall or a local restaurant.
A meal at a warung or a local restaurant can cost around 30,000-50,000 IDR (2.10-3.50 USD) for a main course.
The city center, particularly around the Pasar Besar Samarinda market, offers a variety of street food options, including nasi goreng, gado-gado, and satay.
You can find affordable supermarkets like Alfamart, Indomaret, and Alfamart Mini in the city center.
You can find affordable clothing at local markets, such as Pasar Besar Samarinda, and at small boutiques in the city center.
A day pass for the Trans Samarinda bus costs around 10,000 IDR (0.70 USD), and you can also take a taxi or ride-hailing apps like Grab or Go-Van.
Use local transportation, such as buses or taxis, instead of ride-hailing apps.Eat at local warungs or food stalls for affordable meals.Avoid exchanging money at the airport or tourist areas, and opt for local money changers instead.
Good to know — Samarinda
Type C/F · 230V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ IDR 17968.1 · 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 Kost Putri Rafa
🕒 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.
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 Kost Putri Rafa?
Request a room on a higher floor (above 5th floor) for a quieter stay, as the streets of Samarinda can be noisy, especially near the hotel. Opt for a room facing the interior of the building or the parking area for reduced street noise.
Which rooms should I avoid at Kost Putri Rafa?
Avoid rooms on the 1st or 2nd floor as they may be closer to the service entrance and potentially noisier.
Is Kost Putri Rafa noisy?
The hotel's location in Samarinda means that street noise and traffic sounds may be present, especially during peak hours.
Which rooms have the best views at Kost Putri Rafa?
As the hotel is located in Samarinda, views of the surrounding cityscape or the nearby river may be available from higher floors, but this cannot be guaranteed.
What are insider tips for staying at Kost Putri Rafa?
Try to check-in early to secure a room with a higher floor, as the hotel's elevator may be slower during peak hours. Request a room with a refrigerator, as it may be a welcome amenity in a 3-star hotel like Kost Putri Rafa.
What time is check-in at Kost Putri Rafa?
Check-in at Kost Putri Rafa is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Kost Putri Rafa have Wi-Fi?
Free, 100 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Kost Putri Rafa?
IDR 10,000 per night/person
Where can I eat cheaply near Kost Putri Rafa?
A plate of nasi goreng (fried rice) or gado-gado (vegetable salad) costs around 20,000-30,000 IDR (1.40-2.10 USD) at a food stall or a local restaurant.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Kost Putri Rafa?
A day pass for the Trans Samarinda bus costs around 10,000 IDR (0.70 USD), and you can also take a taxi or ride-hailing apps like Grab or Go-Van.
When is the best time to visit Samarinda?
The best time to visit Samarinda is during the dry season, typically from May to September, when the weather is hot and dry, with average highs of 32°C (90°F) and minimal rainfall.
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.