Samarinda's youth aren't going home at night? They're all packed in this hotel lobby to Nongkrong
qponx
2026-03-05
Forget quiet hotel lobbies! The Ibis in Samarinda is the city's go-to spot for young people to hang out, buzzing with a vibrant crowd and loud live music. While it's not the place for a quiet chat, the real stars are the amazing desserts and coffee. Don't miss the flaky croissants and rich butterscotch latte. Just be sure to stick to the sweets and arrive early to snag a seat in this popular, high-energy café.
Anjay! Honestly, when I walked into this Ibis hotel in Samarinda, I thought the café in its lobby would be one of those quiet places where business people are typing on their laptops... but I was totally stunned the moment I walked in. The place was packed with people, plus the deafening live music[1], I thought I had accidentally stumbled into a live house! 🤣
A Dessert Lover's Happy Place
The vibe here is just "lively" in capital letters. It feels like all the young people in the city have agreed to come here to Nongkrong[2]. There aren't many seats in the indoor area; if you want to Chill a bit more, you can sit outside, but just so you know, that's the smoking area.
After sitting down, I quickly ordered. I skipped the main courses and went straight for the desserts and coffee that everyone was raving about. And it turned out to be an absolutely right decision!
🥐 Croissant[3]: The texture is amazing! The outside is crispy and flaky, while the inside is soft and fluffy. It's full of buttery aroma. Mantap!
☕️ Butterscotch Latte[4]: A must-order! The sweetness is just right, and the coffee flavor and the butterscotch aroma blend together perfectly. It's just as good as what you'd get at those popular chain cafes.
🍰 Pastries[5]: The selection in the pastry display is dazzling. The cake slices and cream puffs all look so delicious. You can't go wrong picking anything at random.
To be honest…
Although the desserts and coffee absolutely blew my mind, I have to point out some downsides too.
First off, if you're looking for a quiet place to chat or work, run away! It's really loud here[6], especially at night. You basically have to shout to talk. Secondly, my friend tried a pasta dish, and well... how should I put this... the texture was more like Indonesian fried noodles, and the noodles were a bit overcooked[7]. So, promise me, just stick to being a "dessert connoisseur" when you come here, okay?
Tips to Avoid Pitfalls, You're Welcome!
Finally, here are the key takeaways for you; if you're thinking of checking it out, you must read this:
- 1. Get there early! Especially on weekends, take a local's advice and get there before 5 PM[8]. Otherwise, you'll just be standing around watching others eat, waiting forever.
- 2. Ordering Strategy: Go straight for the coffee and desserts! As for the main courses... emm... let's just leave it to fate. Drink prices start from 25,000 IDR, which is pretty good value for money.
- 3. Choosing Your Scene: This place is perfect for hanging out with friends and soaking up the lively atmosphere. But if you're sensitive to smoke or prefer quiet, then the indoor seating is your only option, and you'll have to fight for it
- This Samarinda Ibis isn't a quiet cafe—it's a packed Live House with blasting music. Ultimate Nongkrong vibes[1]!
- The Butterscotch Latte is a must. A perfect coffee-butterscotch blend that rivals any viral cafe. Heaven for dessert lovers.
- The Croissant: super flaky outside, impossibly soft inside. A buttery explosion in each bite. The texture is just Mantap
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