Free South Kalimantan Travel Guide & Mobile App

Explore South Kalimantan with free travel guides. Discover regional history, expert tips, proposed trips, and audio guides on web or mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
South Kalimantan
South Kalimantan photo 2
South Kalimantan photo 3
All photos

Explore South Kalimantan for floating markets, Banjar heritage, river towns, Meratus forests, bamboo rafting and distinctive Bornean cuisine.

South Kalimantan, or Kalimantan Selatan, occupies the southeastern corner of Indonesian Borneo, where broad rivers, peat and freshwater wetlands, coastal lowlands and the forested Meratus Mountains create a remarkably varied travel landscape. Banjarmasin, the provincial capital, is built around the confluence of the Barito and Martapura rivers. Its waterways remain central to daily life, even as roads and expanding suburbs have reshaped the city. Nearby Banjarbaru provides a quieter, more spacious urban setting and is the provincial administrative capital, while Martapura is known for jewellery, religious learning and the commercial energy of South Kalimantan's Banjar heartland.
Read more about South Kalimantan
The province is best understood through its relationship with water. Early-morning boat journeys to floating markets reveal traders transferring fruit, vegetables, cooked food and household goods from small boats, although these markets are working marketplaces rather than staged performances and their rhythm depends on weather and season. The riverside districts of Banjarmasin preserve timber houses, mosques and streets shaped by historic commerce, while the Barito estuary and surrounding wetlands offer a different scale of landscape, with mangroves, fishing communities and low-lying waterways extending towards the coast.
Inland, the Meratus range brings cooler air, steep forested slopes and villages connected by winding roads. Loksado is the province's principal base for exploring this upland environment, with walking routes, waterfalls and traditional bamboo rafting on the Amandit River. The area is also associated with the Meratus Dayak communities, whose cultural practices, architecture and relationship with the forest should be approached respectfully and without treating living traditions as museum displays. Access can be weather-dependent, and journeys that look short on a map may take considerable time.
History is visible across the province in layers. The archaeological remains of Candi Agung near Amuntai recall early Hindu-Buddhist polities, while the old mosque at Kuin and the former royal centre of Martapura reflect the rise of the Banjar Sultanate and the spread of Islam. Dutch colonial intervention, coal mining, plantation agriculture and twentieth-century road building altered the economy and settlement pattern. Contemporary South Kalimantan combines river commerce, mining and manufacturing with food traditions, religious scholarship, jewellery making and a growing interest in wetland and nature tourism.
Travel here rewards an unhurried itinerary. Banjarmasin is a practical starting point for river culture and urban heritage; Martapura, Banjarbaru and the inland market towns provide contrasting experiences; and Loksado requires extra time for its mountain roads and outdoor activities. The region's appeal lies less in a single monumental sight than in the interaction between water, trade, faith, forest and the many communities that have shaped southeastern Borneo.

When is the best time to visit South Kalimantan?

Best: June–August · 31°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January31330
February31280
March32250
April32200
May32190
June (best)31160
July (best)31160
August (best)31160
September32170
October32200
November32240
December31280

Getting to and around South Kalimantan

How to get there

Most visitors arrive through Syamsudin Noor International Airport, located in Banjarbaru and serving Banjarmasin and the wider province. It has domestic links with major Indonesian cities, while international travellers commonly connect through Jakarta or other large Indonesian gateways; routes and airlines change, so check current arrangements before booking. Banjarmasin is also reached by long-distance road services from other parts of Kalimantan, although journeys are lengthy. Passenger ships and ferries may serve parts of the provincial coastline and river network, but they are not generally the simplest option for international visitors and schedules require local confirmation.

Transportation

Banjarmasin and Banjarbaru have taxis, app-based car and motorbike services, minibuses and private drivers, while boats remain useful for river excursions and access to some riverside communities. Public transport becomes less predictable outside the main urban corridor. A hired car with driver is practical for combining Martapura, Banjarbaru, Amuntai or Loksado, particularly when travelling with luggage or a group. Roads into the Meratus uplands can be winding and slow, and heavy rain may affect conditions. There is no established passenger railway network comparable with Java's, so most journeys are by road or boat.

Best attractions in South Kalimantan

South Kalimantan's attractions are shaped by water, faith, trade and forest rather than by a concentration of monumental buildings. In Banjarmasin, river cruises and early-morning floating-market visits provide an introduction to the province's working waterways, while the Kuin district combines riverside history with Islamic heritage. Martapura offers jewellery workshops and markets, and nearby religious sites reflect the importance of Islam in Banjar society. Banjarbaru provides access to museums, parks and the broader urban landscape around the provincial capital. Outside the cities, the wetlands and tributaries of the Barito basin support boat excursions and birdwatching, while the Amandit River and Loksado area offer bamboo rafting, waterfalls, village walks and access to Meratus scenery. Candi Agung near Amuntai adds an archaeological dimension, linking the region to early Hindu-Buddhist kingdoms. The province also contains forested protected landscapes and recreation areas around the Meratus foothills, where conditions are more suitable for guided walking than independent exploration. Attractions are widely dispersed, and the greatest pleasure often lies in observing how markets, boats, farms and settlements continue to use the same landscapes that define the region's history.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in South Kalimantan

The Sultan Suriansyah Mosque in Kuin is one of South Kalimantan's most significant historic religious landmarks, associated with the early Banjar Sultanate and the development of Islam along the Banjarmasin river system. Candi Agung near Amuntai, a surviving brick archaeological structure linked to the Negara Dipa tradition, represents a much earlier layer of regional history. In Banjarmasin, the Martapura and Barito rivers themselves are landmarks of the city's geography: their junctions, jetties and riverside settlements explain why the city grew as a trading centre. The long Barito Bridge is a prominent modern structure crossing the province's major river and an important route between the urban south and districts beyond the river. Menara Pandang Banjarmasin provides an elevated city view over the water-oriented capital, while the Meratus Mountains form the province's defining inland horizon. Around Loksado, forested ridges, river valleys and waterfalls are landscape landmarks rather than single architectural monuments. Together these places show the region's central contrasts: royal and religious history in the lowlands, engineered connections across broad rivers, and a mountainous interior shaped by forest and living communities.

Show more landmarks

Explore South Kalimantan on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in South Kalimantan

South Kalimantan's food culture is closely tied to Banjar kitchens, freshwater fish, rice, coconut, herbs and the trading routes of the river lowlands. Soto Banjar, a fragrant chicken soup usually served with rice cakes or rice, is widely encountered in Banjarmasin and other towns. Ketupat Kandangan, traditionally associated with Kandangan in Hulu Sungai Selatan, pairs rice cakes with fish and a coconut-based sauce, while dishes using haruan, or snakehead fish, reflect the province's freshwater environment. Look for grilled or spiced fish, rice parcels, savoury cakes and sweet Banjar wadai in markets, cafés and family-run eateries. Martapura and Banjarmasin provide the broadest choice of restaurants, while small towns and rural districts often centre on simple warungs and roadside stalls. Markets are useful places to sample seasonal fruit, snacks and breakfast foods. Ingredients can include fish paste, shrimp, coconut and chilli, so visitors with allergies should ask clearly; vegetarian choices are possible but may require explanation.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in South Kalimantan

Evening life in South Kalimantan is generally more civil and food-oriented than club-focused, reflecting the province's predominantly Muslim culture. Banjarmasin has the widest selection of cafés, restaurants, hotel lounges and casual evening meeting places, with activity concentrated around central commercial areas rather than a single large nightlife district. Banjarbaru also has late-opening cafés and restaurants serving students, office workers and families. Traditional coffee shops and roadside food stalls are important parts of the evening scene, particularly for conversation and snacks, while live music may appear at selected venues. Alcohol is less central and less widely available than in Indonesia's major resort destinations, and visitors should respect local expectations about public drinking and dress. In Martapura and smaller towns, nights are usually quieter, centred on food, shopping, religious activities and family gatherings. Loksado is primarily an outdoor destination, where evenings suit relaxed meals and early rest rather than organised nightlife.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in South Kalimantan

Evening life in South Kalimantan is generally more civil and food-oriented than club-focused, reflecting the province's predominantly Muslim culture. Banjarmasin has the widest selection of cafés, restaurants, hotel lounges and casual evening meeting places, with activity concentrated around central commercial areas rather than a single large nightlife district. Banjarbaru also has late-opening cafés and restaurants serving students, office workers and families. Traditional coffee shops and roadside food stalls are important parts of the evening scene, particularly for conversation and snacks, while live music may appear at selected venues. Alcohol is less central and less widely available than in Indonesia's major resort destinations, and visitors should respect local expectations about public drinking and dress. In Martapura and smaller towns, nights are usually quieter, centred on food, shopping, religious activities and family gatherings. Loksado is primarily an outdoor destination, where evenings suit relaxed meals and early rest rather than organised nightlife.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in South Kalimantan

Shopping in South Kalimantan is strongest in traditional markets, jewellery districts and food-producing towns rather than in luxury retail. Martapura is widely associated with diamonds and other precious stones, with jewellery shops and workshops forming a major part of its commercial identity; buyers should use established sellers, request documentation and understand grading before making a substantial purchase. Banjarmasin's markets offer Banjar snacks, fabrics, household goods, woven items and seasonal produce, while Banjarbaru provides modern retail alongside smaller independent businesses. Regional food gifts may include packaged wadai, coffee, dried or preserved fish and other shelf-stable products, subject to airline and customs rules. Craft traditions vary between lowland and upland communities, and Meratus-area textiles or objects should be bought through responsible channels that respect community ownership and avoid trading in protected cultural or natural materials. Market prices are often negotiable, but bargaining should remain courteous and proportionate. Limited-edition promotions and individual shop opening arrangements change frequently, so ask locally rather than relying on old listings.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to South Kalimantan, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

South Kalimantan essentials

Currency and Payment
South Kalimantan uses Indonesia's national currency, the Indonesian rupiah (IDR). Cards and contactless payments are increasingly accepted in hotels, shopping centres, larger restaurants and urban businesses in Banjarmasin, Banjarbaru and Martapura, but small notes and cash remain important for markets, boat trips, food stalls, rural transport and Loksado-area services. ATMs are more readily available in cities than in upland or remote districts. Inform your bank before travel and keep cash securely divided rather than carrying all funds in one place.
Safety
Use normal precautions in crowded markets, transport terminals and busy urban areas, and take care with valuables on boats and in open-air venues. River travel requires attention to boarding arrangements, life jackets and changing weather. Wetlands can involve slippery jetties, deep water, insects and strong sun, while Meratus walks may include steep, muddy or uneven ground. Roads can be poorly lit outside towns, and motorbike travel carries additional risk. Use reputable local guidance for bamboo rafting and mountain excursions, and follow advice about river levels, storms and forest conditions.
Emergency Situations
Indonesia's emergency arrangements apply throughout South Kalimantan. Police can be contacted on 110, fire services on 113 and ambulance or medical assistance is commonly associated with 118 or 119, although local availability and response arrangements vary. The national emergency number 112 operates in some Indonesian areas but should not be assumed to function everywhere, so confirm local arrangements with accommodation providers. For river, coastal or remote outdoor incidents, ask local authorities or guides about the appropriate search-and-rescue contact. Keep your accommodation address and a translation of essential medical information accessible.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress modestly at mosques, Islamic schools and religious buildings, remove footwear where requested, and ask permission before photographing worshippers or ceremonies. At floating markets, avoid obstructing boats or treating traders as performers; buy something where appropriate and follow the boatman's instructions. In villages and upland communities, seek consent before photographing homes, people or cultural objects. Use established paths, do not leave rubbish near rivers or forest sites, and avoid entering private or sacred spaces. Tipping is not uniformly required, but small appreciation for helpful guides or boat crews is welcomed when service has been good.
Local Tips
Banjarmasin's river districts are most atmospheric in the early morning, whereas the city becomes hotter and busier later in the day. Treat Martapura as more than a shopping stop: its religious institutions and jewellery trade reflect the Banjar cultural landscape. Loksado needs a flexible schedule because mountain weather can disrupt road and river activities. Ask food vendors about chilli, fish and coconut ingredients, and carry drinking water on excursions. English is more widely understood in established hotels than in villages, so a translation app and a written destination name can make road travel easier.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHalo[Ha-lo]
GoodbyeSelamat tinggal[Se-la-mat tin-gal]
YesYa[Ya]
NoTidak[Ti-dak]
Please/You're welcomeSilakan[Si-la-kan]
Thank youTerima kasih[Te-ri-ma ka-sih]
Excuse me/SorryMaaf[Ma-af]
How are you?Apa kabar?[A-pa ka-bar]
Fine. And you?Baik. Dan kamu?[Ba-ik. Dan ka-mu]
Do you speak English?Apakah kamu bisa berbahasa Inggris?[A-pa-kah ka-mu bi-sa ber-ba-ha-sa In-gris]
I don't understandSaya tidak mengerti[Sa-ya ti-dak men-ger-ti]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseSaya ingin melihat menu, silakan[Sa-ya in-gin me-li-hat me-nu, si-la-kan]
I don't eat meatSaya tidak makan daging[Sa-ya ti-dak ma-kan da-ging]
Cheers!Selamat makan![Se-la-mat ma-kan]
I would like to pay, pleaseSaya ingin membayar, silakan[Sa-ya in-gin mem-ba-yar, si-la-kan]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Tolong![To-long]
Go away!Pergi jauh![Per-gi ja-uh]
Call the Police!Panggil polisi![Pan-ggil po-li-si]
Call a doctor!Panggil dokter![Pan-ggil dok-ter]
I'm lostSaya tersesat[Sa-ya ter-se-sat]
I'm illSaya sakit[Sa-ya sa-kit]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Saya ingin membeli...[Sa-ya in-gin mem-be-li]
I'm just lookingSaya hanya melihat[Sa-ya han-ya me-li-hat]
How much is it?Berapa harganya?[Be-ra-pa har-ga-nya]
That's too expensiveItu terlalu mahal[I-tu ter-la-lu ma-hal]
Can you lower the price?Bisakah kamu menurunkan harga?[Bi-sa-kah ka-mu me-nu-run-kan har-ga]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Jam berapa?[Jam be-ra-pa]
It's one o'clockJam satu[Jam sa-tu]
Half past (10)Setengah (10)[Se-ten-gah]
MorningPagi[Pa-gi]
AfternoonSiang[Si-ang]
EveningSore[So-re]
YesterdayKemarin[Ke-ma-rin]
TodayHari ini[Ha-ri i-ni]
TomorrowBesok[Be-sok]
1Satu[Sa-tu]
2Dua[Dua]
3Tiga[Ti-ga]
4Empat[Em-pat]
5Lima[Li-ma]
6Enam[E-nam]
7Tujuh[Tu-juh]
8Delapan[De-la-pan]
9Sembilan[Sem-bi-lan]
10Sepuluh[Se-pu-luh]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Di mana ...?[Di ma-na]
What's the address?Apa alamatnya?[A-pa a-la-mat-nya]
Can you show me (on the map)?Bisakah kamu tunjukkan (di peta)?[Bi-sa-kah ka-mu tun-juk-kan di pe-ta]
When's the next (bus)?Kapan (bus) berikutnya?[Ka-pan bus be-ri-kut-nya]
A ticket (to ....)Sebuah tiket (ke ....)[Se-buah ti-ket ke]

History of South Kalimantan

Early Polities and Candi Agung

The archaeological site of Candi Agung at Sungai Malang, near Amuntai, preserves evidence associated with an early Hindu-Buddhist polity traditionally linked to Negara Dipa. Its brick remains and locally transmitted stories are important because they place South Kalimantan within the wider cultural and trading networks that connected Borneo with Java and other parts of maritime Southeast Asia. The surviving structure is modest compared with the great temple complexes of Java, but it provides a valuable regional window onto early state formation, ritual life and long-distance exchange in the Barito basin.

Negara Daha and the Formation of Banjar Rule

Later political traditions centre on Negara Daha, a kingdom in the interior of the southern Barito region, before power shifted towards the coast and the riverine settlements that became associated with Banjar. The movement between inland centres and navigable waterways reflects the geography of South Kalimantan: control of river transport was closely connected to agriculture, forest products and access to maritime trade. Although several details belong to a mixture of historical record and court tradition, the Negara Daha period remains important in explaining the political ancestry claimed by later Banjar rulers.

The Banjar Sultanate and the Rise of Islam

From the sixteenth century, the Banjar Sultanate became the principal political power in southeastern Borneo. Its rulers operated within a commercial world connecting the Barito and Martapura rivers with Java, the Malay world and wider maritime routes. The conversion of the court to Islam strengthened links with Muslim trading communities and shaped the religious identity of the Banjar people. Kampung Kuin in present-day Banjarmasin retains associations with the early sultanate, while the Sultan Suriansyah Mosque is an enduring architectural reminder of this formative period.

European Intervention and the Banjar War

Dutch influence expanded during the nineteenth century as the colonial government sought greater control over the sultanate, trade and resources. Resistance culminated in the Banjar War, generally dated from 1859 to 1863, although conflict and resistance continued beyond the main phase. Prince Antasari became a powerful symbol of opposition, and the struggle affected settlements and communities across the river systems. The war marked the effective end of the sultanate's political independence and placed South Kalimantan more firmly within the colonial administrative economy.

Coal, Plantations and Colonial Infrastructure

Coal mining developed in parts of South Kalimantan during the colonial era, alongside agricultural production and the extraction of forest resources. Rail and river transport projects were built or planned to move commodities, though the province's difficult terrain and waterways shaped what could be achieved. Mining and plantation activity brought new labour patterns, commercial settlements and environmental pressures. The legacy remains visible in the province's continuing importance as a resource-producing region, as well as in altered landscapes and the concentration of population around transport corridors.

Japanese Occupation and the Indonesian Revolution

South Kalimantan experienced Japanese occupation during the Second World War, followed by the unsettled transition from Dutch colonial rule to Indonesian independence. Wartime requisitioning, shortages and political disruption affected river settlements and towns, while the post-war struggle brought competing claims over administration and sovereignty. Banjarmasin and other centres were drawn into the wider revolutionary upheaval of the Indonesian archipelago. The eventual incorporation of the region into the Republic helped define the provincial political framework that later developed into modern South Kalimantan.

Provincial Transformation in the Modern Era

Since independence, South Kalimantan has changed through urban expansion, road construction, mining, plantations, public administration and the growth of Banjarbaru alongside historic Banjarmasin. Coal has become especially significant to the provincial economy, while agriculture, fishing, trade and small-scale manufacturing remain important. Environmental debates have intensified around forests, rivers, peatlands and mining impacts. At the same time, floating markets, Banjar cuisine, religious heritage and the Meratus landscape have encouraged forms of cultural and nature tourism that depend on protecting the environments and communities that sustain them.

South Kalimantan in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Neighbouring regions of South Kalimantan

The closest regions to South Kalimantan, if you have time for more than one.

Explore more

Indonesia
More of the region

Explore more of Indonesia

Explore Indonesia: An archipelago of diverse cultures, stunning landscapes, and endless adventures from bustling cities to serene beaches.

Explore Indonesia
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to South Kalimantan

Discover South Kalimantan with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide. Find top attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more to make your trip unforgettable.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, and restaurants
  • Comprehensive guides on hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich content including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Evendo is your essential, free travel guide to South Kalimantan, Indonesia. Explore attractions, book experiences, and navigate the city with ease. Download now for an unforgettable trip!

  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
  • Historical and cultural insights on South Kalimantan
  • Travel essentials and curated local advice
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near me' feature
  • 100% free with no hidden costs

Welcome to Evendo, your ultimate, free travel guide to South Kalimantan, Indonesia. Whether you're an adventure seeker, culture enthusiast, or culinary explorer, Evendo has everything you need to make the most out of your trip.

South Kalimantan is home to a vast array of attractions, from the bustling Floating Market in Banjarmasin to the serene beauty of Loksado. Discover the rich history at the Sultan Suriansyah Mosque or marvel at the natural wonder of the Meratus Mountains. Evendo provides detailed information on these landmarks and many more.

For food lovers, savor the local flavors at famous restaurants like Soto Banjar Bang Amat or explore the vibrant nightlife at bars and nightclubs. With Evendo, you can easily find and book hotels, tours, and experiences, ensuring you have a seamless travel experience.

The app is packed with features like local tips, maps, and a 'Near me' function to help you navigate the city effortlessly. And the best part? Evendo is completely free with no in-app purchases. Download Evendo now and start your South Kalimantan adventure today!

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.