Do People in Samarinda Speak English?

Samarinda is the capital of the province of East Kalimantan on the island of Borneo in Indonesia. It is one of the largest cities in the province and serves as an important economic and cultural center, with a population of over 700,000 people. If you are planning to visit Samarinda, you may be wondering whether the locals speak English. In this blog post, we will explore whether or not English is spoken in Samarinda.

Official Language in Indonesia

Bahasa Indonesia is the official language of Indonesia, and it is spoken by the majority of the population. The language is derived from Malay, and it uses the Latin alphabet, making it relatively easy for Westerners to learn. However, it is important to note that Indonesia has more than 600 distinct indigenous languages, and many people in remote areas may not speak Bahasa Indonesia.

English in Indonesia

English is not an official language of Indonesia, but it is taught as a second language in schools and universities. The level of English proficiency varies widely across the country, with larger cities generally having more English speakers than rural areas.

English in Samarinda

So, do people in Samarinda speak English? Based on our research, it appears that English proficiency in Samarinda is relatively low. While some residents may have a basic understanding of English, it is not widely spoken or understood in the city.

Most local businesses, such as shops, restaurants, and hotels, do not have English-speaking staff. However, you may find that some major international hotels and businesses have English-speaking staff.

It is recommended that you learn some basic Bahasa Indonesia phrases before visiting Samarinda. This will help you communicate with locals and make your trip more enjoyable. Here are some useful phrases:

• Selamat pagi (Good morning)
• Selamat siang (Good afternoon)
• Selamat malam (Good evening)
• Terima kasih (Thank you)
• Sama-sama (You’re welcome)
• Tolong (Please)
• Maaf (Excuse me/sorry)

Conclusion

English is not widely spoken or understood in Samarinda, but some locals may have a basic understanding of the language. It is recommended that you learn some basic Bahasa Indonesia phrases before visiting the city to make communication easier. With a basic understanding of the language and culture, you can experience the beauty and hospitality of Samarinda and Indonesia.

An Insider’s Guide to Samarinda: Local Attractions, Dining Spots, and More

Samarinda is the capital city of the East Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. With a population of over 800,000, Samarinda is an exciting city with much to offer tourists. Located on the Mahakam River, Samarinda is a popular destination for its natural beauty, water sports, cultural attractions, and delicious food. Here is a detailed guide to help you plan your perfect trip to Samarinda.

Local Attractions

1. Samarinda Mangrove Park: Located a few kilometers north of the city center, this park is an excellent spot for nature lovers. Take a boat ride around the mangroves to see the local flora and fauna up close.

2. Mahakam River: Take a riverboat tour to see the traditional Dayak longhouse villages along the riverbank. You can also rent a boat from the city center and go fishing or swimming in the river.

3. Kutai National Park: Located approximately 60 kilometers north of Samarinda, Kutai National Park is a vast protected forest home to over 220 species of birds and many other animals. The park offers guided hiking tours and riverboat cruises for visitors.

Dining Spots

1. Ayam Bakar Wong Solo: A popular local chain that offers grilled chicken with a variety of flavorful spices. Be sure to try their sambal (spicy sauce) to add some heat to your meal!

2. Depot Djamboo: A great spot for traditional Indonesian food, featuring dishes from all over the country. Try the Sate Padang or Nasi Padang, two popular dishes from West Sumatra.

3. Warung Girl Hana: A humble eatery that specializes in traditional Kalimantan cuisine, with options like Nasi Goreng Kambing (fried rice with goat meat) and Soto Ayam (chicken soup).

Cultural Experiences

1. Museum Kayu Kaltim: This museum showcases the traditional wood carvings and handicrafts of East Kalimantan. Many of the pieces here are over a hundred years old.

2. Tenggarong Palace: Located in the nearby city of Tenggarong, this palace was once home to the royal family of the Kutai Sultanate. The palace now serves as a museum and is open to the public.

3. Dayak Cultural Center: This center provides information about the local Dayak people and their culture. Visitors can watch traditional dance performances and visit the on-site handicraft market.

Local History

1. Gua Harta: Located approximately 30 kilometers from Samarinda, Gua Harta is a cave complex containing ancient drawings and carvings. The cave is believed to have been inhabited by humans for over 10,000 years.

2. Museum Borneo: This museum showcases the history of Borneo, including the history of the indigenous Dayak tribes and the Dutch colonial period.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions

1. Lamin Etam Traditional House: Located in the village of Sebulu, this traditional longhouse is made entirely of wood and provides a unique glimpse into the Dayak culture.

2. Bukit Bangkirai: This is a conservation area that boasts a canopy bridge that visitors can walk across to get a bird’s eye view of the surrounding forest. The bridge is approximately 40 meters high and 64 meters long.

3. Floating Market: Located in the nearby town of Lok Baintan, this is a traditional market where vendors sell their goods from small boats. The market is only open from 5 am to 9 am, so you will need to get up early to experience it!

Conclusion

Samarinda is a vibrant and exciting city with much to offer visitors. With its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and delicious food, Samarinda is an excellent destination for anyone looking to experience the best of Indonesia outside of the more popular tourist destinations. Be sure to add it to your travel list!