Banjarmasin, the capital of South Kalimantan Province, offers exotic charm through its iconic river life and deep-rooted Banjar cultural heritage.
From legendary floating markets to historical sites, this city promises an urban adventure unlike any other destination.
What Makes Banjarmasin a Unique Travel Destination?
Banjarmasin is nicknamed the "City of a Thousand Rivers" due to the waterways that have served as the lifeblood of the community since the era of the Sultanate. The unique combination of river transportation, markets on the water, and lanting (floating houses) serves as the city's main attraction.
The wealth of traditional culinary delights, rich in spices, and the distinctive Banjar house architecture provide travelers with a strong visual and sensory identity. Banjarmasin is a destination that offers a perfect balance between adventure and education.
The hospitality of the locals and the evening atmosphere along the banks of the Martapura River create an unforgettable holiday vibe. Excellent accessibility to the surrounding forests and mountains also makes this city a gateway for exploration in South Kalimantan.
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10 Best Things to Do in Banjarmasin
Explore the wonders of the City of a Thousand Rivers through this list of top activities that must be included in your travel itinerary:
1. Lok Baintan Floating Market
Experience the sensation of bartering on a kelotok (traditional engine boat) with female traders wearing tanggui (traditional hats). You can hunt for fresh fruits, vegetables, or even enjoy a warm bowl of Soto Banjar for breakfast right in the middle of the Martapura River.
Location: Sungai Pinang Village, Sungai Tabuk District, Banjar Regency.
Operating hours: 06:00 AM – 09:00 AM WITA.
How to get there: Rent a kelotok boat for 30 minutes from the harbor or drive for 60 minutes by car from the city center.
2. Sultan Suriansyah Mosque
Visit the oldest mosque in South Kalimantan, featuring a unique triple-gabled roof and strong pre-Islamic and Banjar cultural influences. As a historic religious site, this religious tourism destination is evidence of the first arrival of Islam under the leadership of the first King of Banjar.
Location: Jl. Kuin Utara, North Banjarmasin, Banjarmasin City.
Operating hours: 04:00 AM – 10:00 PM WITA.
How to get there: Use a private vehicle or rent a boat along the Kuin River for a more unique experience.
3. Wasaka Museum
Housed in a traditional Banjar house, the Wasaka Museum stores a collection of weapons and historical artifacts from the struggle of the South Kalimantan people against the Dutch. The name "Wasaka" comes from the legendary motto "Waja Sampai Ka Puting," symbolizing the steel-like resolve of the fighters until the very last drop of blood.
Location: Sungai Jingah Village, North Banjarmasin District.
Operating hours: 07:00 AM – 12:00 PM WITA.
How to get there: Located near the Banua Anyar Bridge, it is easily accessible by two-wheeled or four-wheeled vehicles.
4. Martapura River Observation Tower
Climb this 21-meter-high observation deck to see a panoramic view of the Martapura River and the Banjarmasin city center from above. In the surrounding area, you can also take photos with the giant Bekantan Statue, the city's icon, while enjoying the well-maintained riverside park.
Location: Jl. Kapten Tendean No. 07, Gadang, Central Banjarmasin.
Operating hours: Mon-Fri (10:00 AM - 09:00 PM), Sat (10:00 AM - 10:00 PM), Sun (08:00 AM - 09:00 PM) WITA.
How to get there: Located right in the city center, it is very easy to reach via public transportation or by walking from nearby hotels.
5. PKK Banjar Bungas Agro-Tourism Park
This edu-tourism destination is the best place to see South Kalimantan's endemic flora and fauna, such as rare orchids and proboscis monkeys (Bekantan). With an area of 1.5 hectares, this park is perfect for family trips to learn about the preservation of local trees and the river ecosystem.
Location: Jl. Jahri Saleh, North Banjarmasin.
Operating hours: 08:00 AM – 05:00 PM WITA.
How to get there: A 15-minute drive from the city center using a car or motorcycle.
6. River Cruising with a Kelotok Boat
Enjoy the true local lifestyle by cruising through the small canals of Banjarmasin in a traditional motorized boat to see the lanting houses on the water's edge. This activity is most memorable in the late afternoon toward sunset to catch the golden light reflecting on the river surface.
Location: Siring Martapura Pier, Jl. Jenderal Sudirman.
Operating hours: 06:00 AM – 06:00 PM WITA.
How to get there: Head directly to the crossing piers along Jalan Kapten Tendean or Sudirman.
7. Culinary Tourism at Siring Martapura
Taste various signature snacks such as Banjar wadai (cakes), bingka, and pentol while sitting on floor mats (lesehan) at the bustling banks of the Martapura River at night. This area is the social hub for locals and offers very affordable food for all travelers.
Location: Siring Jalan Kapten Tendean, Central Banjarmasin.
Operating hours: 04:00 PM – 10:00 PM WITA.
How to get there: Walk from the Observation Tower or use an online ride-hailing service from anywhere in the city center.
8. Sasirangan Village
This center for traditional Sasirangan fabric allows you to see the manual dyeing process using the signature jelujur technique of the Banjar people. Besides shopping for high-quality fabrics, you can also join a short workshop to create your own Sasirangan motifs as a unique souvenir.
Location: Jl. Seberang Mesjid, Central Banjarmasin.
Operating hours: 08:00 AM – 06:00 PM WITA.
How to get there: Accessible by foot or a short drive from the old governor's office area.
9. Kembang Island
Located in the middle of the Barito River, this island is a mangrove forest inhabited by hundreds of long-tailed macaques and sacred proboscis monkeys. Tourists usually bring peanuts or bananas to feed the wildlife here while exploring the wooden bridges within the forest.
Location: Middle of the Barito River, Barito Kuala Regency.
Operating hours: 07:00 AM – 05:00 PM WITA.
How to get there: Rent a kelotok boat from the Kuin or Siring Martapura pier; the trip takes about 15-20 minutes.
10. Bekantan Statue
This 6.5-meter-tall statue depicts the long-nosed monkey spraying water, similar to the Merlion concept but with local wisdom. The area around the statue is a favorite spot for residents to relax in the afternoon and enjoy the breeze from the river.
Location: Jl. Kapten Tendean, directly across the river from Taher Square.
Operating hours: 24 Hours (Best visited in the afternoon/evening).
How to get there: Located within the Siring Martapura tourism area, easily accessible by any vehicle.
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Travel Tips for Visiting Banjarmasin
Prepare for your journey with these practical tips to ensure your adventure in the City of a Thousand Rivers remains comfortable and optimal:
1. Leave as Early as Possible
Floating market activities start at dawn, so make sure you are at the pier by 05:30 AM to avoid missing the boat traffic.
2. Bring Small Cash
Most traders on the river and in traditional markets only accept cash, especially for food transactions or kelotok boat rentals.
3. Use Sunscreen and a Hat
The sun in Kalimantan can feel very intense during the day, especially when you are on an open boat cruising the Barito River.
4. Follow Wildlife Interaction Rules
When visiting Kembang Island, secure your belongings and avoid aggressive eye contact with the monkeys to ensure a safe visit.
5. Taste Authentic Soto Banjar
Don't miss the chance to try genuine Soto Banjar, which uses duck eggs and satay as side dishes for the ultimate flavor experience.
6. Use River Transportation
Try moving from one destination to another using river transportation, such as kelotok, to experience the unique mobility of local Banjarmasin residents.
Related article: Bubungan Tinggi Traditional House
Ready to explore Banjarmasin? Go ahead and use the AI Plan Your Trip feature on the official Indonesia Travel website to get an itinerary that balances water tourism and local cultural exploration in Banjarmasin.
You can also get information and personalized recommendations while exploring Banjarmasin through our virtual assistant, MaiA.
