Banjarmasin is the capital of South Kalimantan, Indonesia. It is located at 3°20′S, 114°35′E, on a delta island near the junction of the Barito and Martapura rivers. As a result, Banjarmasin is sometimes called the “River City”. Its population is about 444,000 (1991).
A row of hotels in downtown Banjarmasin
A row of hotels in downtown Banjarmasin
Pasar Lima, a market by the river
Pasar Lima, a market by the river
Banjarmasin’s waterfront of Martapura River
Banjarmasin’s waterfront of Martapura River
Banjarmasin is served by the Syamsudin Noor Airport, which is located about 25 km outside the town. The town is also served by a port, named Trisakti Harbour. A fairly important deepwater port, Pelabuhan Trisakti Banjarmasin is the trade center of the Barito basin; exports include rubber, pepper, timber, petroleum, coal, gold, and diamonds. Passenger ships and ferries to and from Java also carry their operation here.
The city is laced with flood-prone waterways, and many houses are built on rafts or stilts over the water. Many of such waterways are also used for travel, using relatively small rowboats (only major rivers are accessible by larger speedboats, tugboats, longboats, and barges).
History
Nan Serunai was an ancient kingdom in South Kalimantan, but soon it was replaced by Buddhist kingdom of Tanjungpuri. In the fourteenth century, Banjarmasin was part of the Hindu kingdom of Negara Dipa and Negara Daha respectfully, a vessel of Majapahit. But Pangeran Samudera converted to become a Muslimin the fifteenth century, and Banjarese people became muslims ever since. The Dutch opened trade there in 1606. The British controlled the city for several brief periods, and in 1787 it became a Dutch protectorate.
The Hikayat Banjar is the chronicle of Banjarmasin. This text, also called the History of Lambung Mangkurat, contains the history of the kings of Banjar and of Kota Waringin in South-east and South Borneo respectively.
Local Places of Interest
Sultan Suriansyah Mosque is the oldest mosque in Banjarmasin and the whole South Kalimantan
One of shopping center in Banjarmasin
The Sabilal Muhtadin Mosque, located along the Martapura riverfront, is a major landmark in the city. Built in 1980, the mosque could accommodate thousands of worshippers on Friday prayers. A state university (Universitas Lambung Mangkurat, UNLAM) is also located in the town.
Banjarmasin has long been renowned as a center for gem trading, particularly rare diamonds and ruby’s. An informal network with international connections exists, which also supports the large domestic Indonesian trade in rare diamonds. Banjar’s diamonds are especially known for their exquisite brilliance. In recent times, however, many of Indonesia’s large diamond stones have been traded out of the country.
A floating marketplace, where buyers and sellers visit by boat, is located on the western outskirts of town. It is one of the two such marketplace in Southeast Asia, the other one located in Thailand .
A famous local dish is “soto banjar”, a kind of a spicy soup usually served with lime. Another notable local dish is “Ketupat Kandangan“, a ketupat dish with coconut milk soup (can be served with either chicken or snakehead meat).
* Places of Inerest
Banjarmasin and its surroundings
Banjarmasin, the capital city, lies at the delta of the Barito river. Nicknamed ‘River City’, it is crisscrossed by numerous rivers of various sizes and lengths, the major two being the Martapura and Nagara. Local people build traditional floating houses made of wood or bamboo facing the rivers called “lanting”. There is a virtual flood of lively floating markets. To experience Banjarmasin you must take to the river, either by “klotok” (river bus), or a speedboat for longer trips.
Banjarmasin is developing as a tourist city. Supermarkets such as Mitra Plaza,Ujung Murung Central Market, and Pasar Barn provide for the travelers needs. There are 7 starred hotels and 20 lesser hotels. For entertainment there are 21 movie theatres, Karaoke bars, cultural theatres and restaurants serving local as well as international foods.
* Floating Market
There are floating markets of all sizes everywhere on the river, but one of the best is at the junction of the Kuin and Barito rivers. Get there early, everyone packs up and heads home by 9am.
* Flower Island
The island on the Barito River is not far from the floating market. Although there are many species of monkeys on the island, most of the action is at the old Chinese temple where local Chinese bring offerings of fresh fruit and peanuts to a tribe of aggressive macaques in hopes of being blessed with even greater prosperity.
* Kaget Island
It takes about 1 1/2 hours by klotok boat or 1 hour by speedboat to get to this island reserve, home to a wide variety of birds and monkeys, most notably the humorous long-nosed proboscis monkeys.
Diamond Digging at Cempaka & Martapura
Cempaka is a small village 10-km from Banjarbaru, and 45 minutes from Banjannasin. It is an old site of traditional diamond dig, using very simple equipment. In 1985 a large raw diamond of 116.7 carats was found. Martapura is the center of diamond and precious stone polishing.
Loksado
Loksado is an important market town in the mountains east of Kandangan, and an excellent place to base yourself for exploring the area. There are a few small losmen and hotels for accommodation. The trekking is wonderful, over 20 villages in the surrounding area are inhabited by peoples lying in the traditional ways.
Adventure River Raftingng
The Amandit River runs through Loksado and then joins the mighty Barito River. Visitors usu-ally use the river to get back after visiting Loksado. The river trip, by either bamboo or rubber boat, includes some exciting white water sections. The trip can be made in two parts. The first is from Loksado to Muara Hatip. The second is from Muara Hatip to Batu Laki. The first stretch has rapids ranked grades t to 2 1/2. The second includes rapids of grade 3.
* Muara Kuin on the Barito River
Muara Kuin on the Barito River, Banjarmasin is one of two floating markets in this planet. There a lot more to see in the region, among them diamond mining and polishing villages at Cempaka.
To experience Banjarmasin you must take to the river, either by “klotok“ (river bus), or a speedboat for longer trips.
* Negara
Negara. At this place, traditional weapons usually carried by the Dayaks, the mandau or machete, are made.
* Kembang Island.
Kembang Island. This island is located at Barito River and it is not far from the floating market, inhabited by tame monkey in an old Chinese temple. According to local people of Chinese origin, if one is surrounded by these monkeys, he will get his luck and fortune.
