Banjarmasin is the perfect destination to experience the unique urban culture of Kalimantan. Located at the meeting point of the Barito and Martapura Rivers, Banjarmasin, along with its capital city Banjarbaru, is now Indonesia’s ninth-largest metropolitan hub.
If you’ve seen photos or heard stories about Indonesia’s iconic floating markets, this is where you’ll find them! Trading from wooden boats has become part of the city’s unique identity, thanks to its location surrounded by vast, winding rivers.
The city’s distinctive culture is complemented by its impressive wildlife, including the endemic proboscis monkey, which is native to Kalimantan. Banjarmasin also boasts an array of delicious cuisine which is sure to tantalise your taste buds and give you an authentic insight into the region.
If the sound of Banjarmasin has piqued your curiosity, why not follow our 3-day, 2-night itinerary to the city that’s famously known as the “City of a Thousand Rivers.” It’s time to swap pavements for waterways, and dive into the heart of this floating paradise!
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Recommended Accommodation in Banjarmasin
- Midrange to High-End: Swiss-Belhotel Borneo Banjarmasin
- Midrange: Harper Banjarmasin By Aston
- Budget: TreePark Hotel Banjarmasin
How to Get There
Daily flights are available to Syamsudin Noor Airport (BDJ) in Banjarmasin from most major Indonesian cities, including Jakarta and Surabaya. The airport is only 26km from Banjarmasin, roughly a 30-minute drive from the city centre. If you’re travelling from Bali, regular direct flights are available from Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) to Banjarmasin.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Banjarmasin is between May and September, during the dry season. The weather is more comfortable for outdoor activities, such as exploring the floating markets or river cruising adventures. Roads are also easier to navigate, as the risk of flooding is lower.
Banjarmasin has a tropical climate, with morning and evening temperatures ranging from 24°C to 26°C, and daytime temperatures peaking at 31°C to 32°C. Humidity levels are high, often exceeding 80%, making the air feel warm and humid, so be sure to pack appropriately.
Day 1: Exploring the City
Morning
- Start your day with breakfast at Lontong Orari, a popular eatery in Banjarmasin which has been serving locals since the 1980s. Savour their lontong, a dish made of rice wrapped in banana leaves and served with a rich coconut milk gravy.
- After a hearty feed, visit the Waja Sampai Kaputing Museum (Wasaka Museum) to learn about the city’s fascinating history and culture. Housed in a traditional Banjar-style building, the museum features over 400 historical artefacts from Indonesia’s War of Independence which took place in Banjarmasin.
Afternoon
- Enjoy a hearty lunch of Soto Banjar, a flavourful chicken soup made with vegetables and noodles, served with rice. One of the best places to try it is Depot Soto Banjar Bang Amat, a riverside eatery which is always buzzing with visitors.
- Discover traditional fabric-making at the Sasirangan Traditional Village. Sasirangan fabric dates back to 1355 and was originally known as Lagundi fabric. This vibrant, hand-dyed textile has deep cultural roots and is a significant part of Banjar’s distinctive heritage.
Evening
- Visit the historic Sungai Jingah Old Village, where hundreds of traditional Banjar houses remain well-preserved, some dating as far back as 1777!
- For dinner, head to Pondok Patin Bakar, a restaurant specialising in freshly grilled catfish marinated in a sweet and savoury sauce that leaves the fish tasty and tender.
Day 2: River Adventures in Banjarmasin
Morning
- Wake-up early to visit the iconic Lok Baintan Floating Market. This traditional market dates back to the 18th Century and offers a variety of fresh produce and local breakfast dishes, which are sold from vendors on wooden boats. Be sure to arrive by 5:00am, as the market only operates only until 10:00am!
- Don’t miss trying Nasi Kuning, an authentic dish of yellow rice served with fresh river fish such as haruan or lais.
Afternoon
- Continue your river adventure at Muara Kanoko Tourism Village, an eco-tourism destination which is focused on environmental sustainability. Take a relaxing stroll through the mangrove forests and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.
- Just a short trip away is Curiak Island, where you can spot Kalimantan’s native proboscis monkeys. These fascinating creatures are known for their distinctive long noses and reddish-brown fur and are adorable to watch as they playfully jump around in the trees.
Evening
- Unwind at Taman Siring, a riverside park featuring a viewing tower, replicas of traditional indigenous houses, and the park’s iconic landmark – a proboscis monkey statue which makes for some entertaining holiday snaps!
- Enjoy sunset by the river whilst admiring the vibrant Merdeka Bridge, adorned with Sasirangan-inspired patterns.
- End your day with a traditional Banjarmasin meal, Pundut Nasi. This steamed rice dish is served with coconut milk and red sauce, offering a truly authentic taste of the region.
Day 3: Wrapping-Up Your Adventures
Morning
- Start your day with a hearty breakfast of Nasi Itik Gambut at Tenda Biru. This dish features rice served alongside richly spiced duck meat and is a delicious way to start your day.
- After breakfast, visit Anno House 1925, a traditional Banjar house located along the banks of the Martapura River. The house showcases the city’s cultural and historical heritage and features a craft centre on the second floor, perfect for finding souvenirs and mementos of your time in the city.
Afternoon
- Prepare for your journey home, or onwards to your next exciting destination.
Final Words
As you can see, a 3-day, 2-night trip to Banjarmasin offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration, river adventures and culinary delights which make for a fascinating short city break. Whether you’re cruising its waterways or savouring authentic cuisine, Banjarmasin promises an unforgettable Indonesian experience that turns a short trip into a lifetime of memories.
