
Best Backpacking Destinations in Samarinda, Indonesia
1. Bukit Bambirangan
A scenic hill offering panoramic views of the city and the Mahakam River, with a distinctive bamboo forest.
- Natural Beauty: Offers stunning landscapes for photography
- Easy Accessibility: Located within the city limits, easily reachable by public transport
- Peaceful Environment: Ideal for peaceful meditation or relaxation
2. Mahakam River Cruise
A traditional riverboat journey along the Mahakam River, exploring its unique wildlife and cultures.
- Wildlife Spotting: Opportunity to see proboscis monkeys, crocodiles, and other rare species
- Cultural Experience: Interaction with local Dayak communities and their traditions
- Relaxing Journey: Enjoy the tranquility of the river and its surroundings
3. Lawangan Beach
A pristine beach with white sands and crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
- Beach Activities: Ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and picnics
- Natural Beauty: Offers stunning views of the sunrise and sunset
- Peaceful Environment: Ideal for peaceful relaxation and meditation
4. Balikpapan Bay National Park
A marine park protecting various species of sea turtles and coral reefs.
- Marine Life Conservation: Contributes to the conservation of endangered sea turtles
- Snorkeling and Diving: Offers opportunities for snorkeling and diving
- Educational Experience: Provides educational programs about marine life conservation
5. Pulau Derawan
An island group known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and rich marine life.
- Beach Activities: Ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving
- Natural Beauty: Offers stunning views of the sunrise and sunset
- Marine Life Spotting: Opportunity to see sea turtles, manta rays, and sharks
6. Bukit Lima
A hill offering panoramic views of the city and the Mahakam River, with five unique rock formations.
- Natural Beauty: Offers stunning landscapes for photography
- Historical Significance: Home to ancient rock carvings
- Easy Accessibility: Located within the city limits, easily reachable by public transport
7. Bukit Marapi
A hill offering panoramic views of the city and the Mahakam River, with a distinctive shrine at its peak.
- Natural Beauty: Offers stunning landscapes for photography
- Religious Significance: Visit the sacred shrine at the hill's peak
- Peaceful Environment: Ideal for peaceful meditation or relaxation
8. Samongko Beach
A secluded beach with white sands and clear waters, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
- Beach Activities: Ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and picnics
- Natural Beauty: Offers stunning views of the sunrise and sunset
- Peaceful Environment: Ideal for peaceful relaxation and meditation
9. Sebatik National Park
A national park protecting various species of wildlife and vegetation in the lowland rainforest.
- Wildlife Conservation: Contributes to the conservation of endangered species like orangutans
- Hiking Trails: Provides multiple hiking trails with varying difficulty levels
- Educational Experience: Offers educational programs about the rainforest and its inhabitants
10. Kolong Selatan Beach
A secluded beach with black sand, clear waters, and opportunities for fishing.
- Beach Activities: Ideal for swimming, sunbathing, picnics, and fishing
- Natural Beauty: Offers stunning views of the sunrise and sunset
- Peaceful Environment: Ideal for peaceful relaxation and meditation
11. Balikpapan Museum
A museum showcasing the history and culture of Balikpapan, including artifacts from prehistoric times.
- Historical Significance: Offers insights into the region's history and culture
- Artistic Appreciation: Showcases traditional art and crafts of Samarinda and its surrounding regions
- Educational Experience: Provides educational programs about the region's history and culture
12. Bukit Bangkirai
A hill with a distinctive wooden bridge overlooking the Mahakam River.
- Natural Beauty: Offers stunning landscapes for photography
- Historical Significance: Features a traditional wooden bridge built from ironwood
- Easy Accessibility: Located within the city limits, easily reachable by public transport
13. Kalamapasan Waterfall
A beautiful waterfall located in a secluded rainforest area.
- Natural Beauty: Offers stunning landscapes for photography
- Hiking Trails: Provides hiking trails through the rainforest to reach the waterfall
- Swimming and Relaxation: Opportunity to swim in the refreshing waters of the waterfall
14. Samboja Lestari Orangutan Sanctuary
A sanctuary dedicated to the rehabilitation and conservation of orangutans.
- Wildlife Conservation: Contributes to the conservation of endangered orangutans
- Educational Experience: Offers educational programs about orangutans and their habitats
- Interaction with Wildlife: Provides opportunities to observe orangutans up close
15. Balikpapan Zoo
A zoo housing a variety of wildlife species, including tigers, elephants, and crocodiles.
- Wildlife Conservation: Contributes to the conservation of various wildlife species
- Educational Experience: Offers educational programs about the region's wildlife
- Interaction with Wildlife: Provides opportunities to observe various wildlife species up close