Banjarmasin
City Gateway to South Kalimantan
Banjarmasin
is the capital of South Kalimantan province. The town lies at the
estuary of Barito and Martapura rivers, and inhabited by about half a
million people. It occupies an area of about 72 square kilometers
embracing four district: East Banjar, West Banjar, North Banjar and
South Banjar. The town has 50 villages.
Banjarmasin was founded on September 24, 1526, one year before Jakarta.
The commemoration of the town's anniversary coincides with that of the
death of Sultan Suriansyah, the founder, who with the assistance of the
Demak kingdom converted the Banjar people to Islam. Sultan Suriansyah
died eight days after all peoples in Banjar kingdom were converted.
During the Dutch colonial period, Banjarmasin was capital of the Borneo
Residency. Business and commerce blossomed, which was reflected in an
increased river traffic, and in a burgeoning of the floating market on
the river, where agricultural products were sold.
The town has always lived in the shadow of the jungle, and most of the
daily activities take place along the river only. Up to the middle of
the 20th century few newcomers were willing to stay here. In the 1960s,
however, there was an influx of loggers, who came to top the riches of
surrounding forests.
This capital and gateway to South Kalimantan is rather unique in
several aspects. For one thing, it lies 0.16 meters below sea level.
During high tide, the sea water floods the surrounding marshes, and the
river water becomes salty. In the dry season, when the river water
decrease, the wells and ponds are filled with sea water, and also
become salty.
The river environment, however, gives this old town an appeal that is
all its own. Rivers surround it and bring life to the town. The busiest
trading centers are found in the center of the town, such as at Pasar
Baru, Kuripan Market and some modern markets such as the Antasari
Shopping Center.
The Ramadhan Cake Fair is an event in which cakes are sold during the
month Ramadhan. Various cakes, including some for offerings, are sold
in the market on Jl. Martadinata.
Floating Market
The Floating Market of Banjarmasin is a traditional market at the
estuary of the Kuin river, a tributary of the Barito. From daybreak
boats come from villages around the rivers Tabuk, Jelapat, Anjir and
Selapat, bringing vegetables, fruits and other daily needs and
household utensils. Buyers and sellers come to the market in small
boats and close their transactions on the water. All daily needs can be
obtained at this market.
As the day proceeds, the atmosphere becomes more cheerful. The number
of buyers increase, and more boats gather. At a little past noon, the
market quietens down. The now empty boats leave. The number of buyers
dwindles, and finally everything is quiet again on the river. The best
time to see market in action is in the early morning.
Mantuil is an attractive floating village on the outskirts of
Banjarmasin.
The Palau Hijau recreation park is suitable for family recreation.
There is a fishing pond, a mini zoo, a playground and other
entertainment facilities. The park is located 24 kilometers from the
center of the town, near Syamsuddin Noor airport.
The Sabital Muhtadin Grand Mosque is the biggest and the most beautiful
mosque in South Kalimantan. It lies in the center of the town, and is
the pride of its citizens. The mosque and its yard occupy an area of
about ten hectares. The Martapura river flows in front. It was built in
1974 and officiated by President Soeharto on February 9, 1981. The
mosque also has facilities for religious education and a library.
The Lambung Mangkurat Museum is 334 kilometers away from town in
Banjarbaru. It is the only museumin South Kalimantan. Various
historical relics from the Banjar kingdom are kept here, such as jars,
plates, traditional costumes, and other antiquities. A copy of the holy
Qur'an, written by a prominent Islamic leader named Syekh Muhammad
Arsyad Al-Banjari (1710 - 1812), is also preserved here.
The Grave of Sultan Suriansyah lies at Kuin village, and can be reached
within 15 minutes from the center of town. Sultan Suriansyah, titled
Prince Samudera, was the king of Banjars who spread the islamic
religion in South Kalimantan, with help of Chatib Dayyan of the Demak
Kingdom in Java. He died on September 24, 1526, only 18 days after all
the people in the Banjar kingdom had adopted the Islamic faith.
Kembang Island is a delta at the estuary of the Barito River which can
be reached in 10 minutes from the Floating Market, by motorboat. Total
delta is 60 hectares, and is inhabited by thousands of tame monkeys and
birds. There is also a sacred place where the Chinese go to pray. The
best time to watch the monkeys is in the early morning or in the
afternoon, when the groups of monkeys come out of their hiding places
to the side of the rivers, waiting for people to throw food to them.
Sometimes a monkey will jump onto a visitor's shoulder to grab the food
he is holding.
Kaget Island is wildlife a reserve at the estuary of the Barito River.
It can be reached in two hours by motorboat or in one hour by
speedboat. The total land surface of this island is approximately 85
hectares. It is inhabited by the Bekantan (Nasalis larvatus), proboscis
monkeys, a species found only in Kalimantan. The monkey has reddish
brown fur, a prominent nose, and slanted eyes. Bekantans like to play
in the forest and come in the morning or afternoon. Visit at around 6
a.m or around sunset.
Join
us for a once-in-a-lifetime exploration Tour of South
Kalimantan Island !
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The
Barito River is almost
600km long and runs from East to South, at some parts
the river is more then 3km wide, and is a tourism highway
into the
hinterland...read
more
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Martapura, is a well known tour
attraction as a producer of diamonds.People can be seen
panning for diamonds at villages. Panners usually work in
groups....read more
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Kandangan several
tourist spots can be found, such as Pantai Harapan, hot water
springs, and the Pagat Batu Recreation Forest.Haratai Waterfall is a
recreation spot....read more
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Loksado is an attractive place
for nature tourism on a plateau in the Meratus mountains, visitor can enjoy
nature at its best in Loksado. The forest offer available trails....read more
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Mangkiling, is
an area covered by jungle far in the hinterland. It is cool place,
shaded by big trees, at the side of a fast-flowing river. Many people
who travel through....read more
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Amunati,
193 kilometers from Banjarmasin, is the capital of the Hulu Sungai
Utara regency. Amuntai is surrounded by green forests and wondering
rivers....read more
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Marabahan along The Barito River is the longest
river in South Kalimantan with it's length is 600 kilometers. at
several places near the estuary, the river is three kilometers....read more
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Hiking through secondary forest
& Dayak land farms with rubber and pepper plantations in South
Kalimantan Province in to the Meratus Mountains Jungle with
Longhouses, continue the trip passing hills, valleys,
and crossing hanging bridges in the dense jungle which
it’s beautiful flora & fauna and continue, to Loksado
and the Amandit
River bamboo bridges and
passing isolated villages along the way.Visit
Muara Hatip
village and enjoy the
flora & fauna. Once Back to civilisation at Banjarmasin we
will visit the floating market and do a cannel tour.
.....full itinerary
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