Samarinda City

Heading to Borneo, here is a riverfront city possessing great ramshackle allure. Like many Indonesian towns and cities, the primary sensation is auditory: the constant drone of traffic permeates the atmosphere. This morass is never a problem, however, thanks to the grandeur of Samarinda’s Islamic Centre. Ornate and colourful, to say it dominates the skyline is an understatement. Most tourists will first see it as they approach the Mahakam River from the south. Suddenly, the canopy of trees opens up, Samarinda hoves into view, and the giant mosque shines as its centrepiece. It is one of Indonesia’s most jaw-dropping spectacles and enjoyed by relatively few visitors.