Samarinda, Indonesia

Living in Samarinda means dealing with a city that sprawls across 718 square kilometers along the Mahakam River. It’s the most populous city on Borneo, but don’t expect a bustling metropolis — this is a place where urban sprawl meets riverfront life. The city is divided into 10 districts, each with its own vibe, but navigating between them can be a hassle due to limited public transport.

Samarinda thrives as East Kalimantan’s economic hub, with the busiest container port in the region and a strong banking presence. The local food scene is worth exploring, especially amplang, a traditional fish cracker, and sarung samarinda, a unique woven cloth. While the city ranks high on the Human Development Index and was named one of Indonesia’s Most Liveable Cities in 2022, daily life here requires patience. The humid climate and riverfront location mean mosquitoes are a constant nuisance.

Samarinda works for expats who want to live in Borneo’s economic center without the chaos of Jakarta. It’s not for those who crave cosmopolitan amenities or efficient infrastructure.