population: 0.84 million

extension: 718.11 square kilometers

Museums

Great! If you're in Samarinda and interested in museums, I'd suggest visiting the Mulawarman Museum. It's a local museum that showcases the history and culture of East Kalimantan. If you are looking for similar types of museums in the area, you may also consider visiting the Balikpapan Museum or the Indonesian Oil and Gas Museum, both of which are within driving distance.

Food

Samarinda is known for its diverse and delicious culinary scene, and there are several dishes that local people would recommend trying. Here are some of the most popular and typical dishes in Samarinda:

1. Pempek: A type of fish cake made from a mixture of ground fish and tapioca starch, served with a sweet and sour sauce.

2. Soto Banjar: A traditional soup dish made with shredded chicken or beef, vermicelli noodles, and a flavorful broth seasoned with spices like turmeric, coriander, and lemongrass.

3. Lontong Sayur: A dish consisting of rice cakes (lontong) served with vegetables (sayur) cooked in coconut milk.

4. Nasi Kuning: A fragrant yellow rice dish cooked with turmeric and coconut milk, often served with a variety of side dishes such as fried chicken, boiled eggs, and spicy sambal sauce.

5. Gado-gado: A mixed vegetable salad with peanut sauce dressing, often served with tofu, tempeh, and boiled potatoes.

These dishes reflect the rich and diverse cultural influences in Samarinda, incorporating flavors and techniques from various regions of Indonesia.

Activities

Sure! Here are some fun activities that local people in Samarinda enjoy:

1. Visit Pasar Pagi: This is a traditional market where you can find all kinds of local products, from fresh produce to crafts and textiles.

2. Explore Sungai Mahakam: Take a boat tour along the Mahakam River to see the city's picturesque waterfront and experience the local way of life.

3. Trekking in Kutai National Park: Located just outside of Samarinda, the park offers hiking trails through lush rainforest, waterfalls, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

4. Taste the local cuisine: Try out the local dishes such as Pempek Palembang or Mie Titi, both of which are popular food in Samarinda.

5. Visit the Islamic Center: A landmark in the city, this mosque features stunning architecture and a beautiful garden around it.

I hope these suggestions help you have an enjoyable time in Samarinda!