South Kalimantan, Indonesia Travel Guide

Discover the pristine rainforests, vibrant floating markets, and rich cultural heritage of South Kalimantan in Indonesian Borneo.

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South Kalimantan

South Kalimantan is a captivating region located on the island of Borneo in Indonesia. It is known for its lush rainforests, winding rivers, and rich cultural heritage. The capital city, Banjarmasin, is often dubbed the 'City of a Thousand Rivers' due to its intricate network of waterways. Here, visitors can experience the unique floating markets where vendors sell their goods from boats, creating a vibrant and bustling atmosphere on the water. Nature enthusiasts will be thrilled by the stunning landscapes of South Kalimantan. The region is home to several national parks, such as Meratus Mountains and Kaget Island, where one can encounter diverse wildlife, including the rare proboscis monkeys. The Meratus Mountains offer excellent opportunities for trekking, with trails that lead through dense forests, past waterfalls, and up to scenic viewpoints. For those interested in culture, South Kalimantan has a wealth of traditional arts and crafts. The local Banjar people are skilled artisans, and visitors can observe the intricate process of diamond mining and polishing in Martapura, known as the 'City of Diamonds'. Additionally, the region celebrates many traditional festivals, such as the Lomba Lanting, a boat race that showcases the maritime heritage of the area.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring South Kalimantan.

Visit the floating markets early in the morning for the best experience and freshest produce.
Wear comfortable clothing and good hiking shoes when exploring the Meratus Mountains.
Bring insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes, especially when visiting national parks.
Try local delicacies such as Soto Banjar, a traditional Banjar soup.
Respect local customs and traditions, especially when attending festivals and visiting religious sites.

Explore South Kalimantan: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Top Attractions & Sightseeing in South Kalimantan

Top-rated picks

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Taman Bekapai

Explore the serene beauty of Taman Bekapai, a lush park in Balikpapan, perfect for relaxation and family outings in East Kalimantan.

4.3

Siring Kota Banjarmasin

Experience the vibrant culture and scenic beauty of Siring Kota Banjarmasin, a riverside gem in South Kalimantan, Indonesia.

4.6

Lamaru Beach

Explore the stunning Lamaru Beach in East Kalimantan, where pristine sands meet crystal-clear waters, perfect for relaxation and adventure.

4.4

Pantai Istana Amal Penajam

Experience the tranquil beauty of Pantai Istana Amal Penajam, a coastal paradise in East Kalimantan, perfect for relaxation and local culinary delights.

4.4

Best landmarks in South Kalimantan

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Monas

Discover the iconic Monas, Indonesia's National Monument, a symbol of independence with stunning views and rich history in Jakarta.

4.6

Tanah Lot

Experience the breathtaking beauty and cultural significance of Tanah Lot, Bali's iconic sea temple, as you witness stunning sunsets and vibrant local culture.

4.6

Melawai Beach

Discover the beauty and vibrant local culture at Melawai Beach in Balikpapan, a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

4.4

Khatulistiwa Park

Explore Khatulistiwa Park in Pontianak, a unique blend of culture and nature situated right on the Equator line, offering fun for the whole family.

4.4

Best restaurants in South Kalimantan

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Restaurant Lima Rasa

Discover the vibrant flavors of Chinese cuisine and fresh seafood at Restaurant Lima Rasa in Banjarmasin.

4.3

Semua Senang (Pak Siyo)

Experience authentic South Kalimantan flavors at Semua Senang (Pak Siyo) - a must-visit restaurant in Banjarbaru City.

4.4

Effronte

Discover Effronte: A Culinary Haven in Banjarmasin Offering Exquisite Dishes and Chic Atmosphere for Food Lovers.

4.5

Pasta Joglo Banjar

Experience authentic Italian flavors at Pasta Joglo Banjar - a must-visit restaurant in Banjarbaru for pasta lovers.

4.4

Best bars in South Kalimantan

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Nasa Luxury Club Karaoke

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Banjarmasin at Nasa Luxury Club Karaoke, where music and fun come together for an unforgettable evening.

4.3

Nashville HBI boec

Experience Banjarmasin's vibrant nightlife at Nashville HBI Boec, where local culture, live music, and delicious drinks come together for an unforgettable evening.

4.3

Beluga Cafe

Discover the vibrant nightlife at Beluga Cafe in Banjarmasin, where great drinks and lively ambiance create unforgettable memories.

4.3

HEXAGON RESTO - LOUNGE - KTV Banjarmasin

Discover the ultimate entertainment experience at HEXAGON RESTO - LOUNGE - KTV in Banjarmasin, where great food meets vibrant nightlife.

4.6

Best nightclubs in South Kalimantan

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Celcius Club.Lounge & KTV

Discover the vibrant nightlife at Celcius Club in Samarinda, where music and fun come together for an unforgettable experience.

4.5

Nasa Luxury Club Karaoke

Experience vibrant nightlife at Nasa Luxury Club Karaoke in Banjarmasin, where every night is a musical celebration with friends and family.

4.3

Grand Karaoke

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Banjarmasin at Grand Karaoke, where music lovers come together to sing and celebrate.

4.4

Armani Executive Club

Discover the luxurious nightlife at Armani Executive Club in Banjarmasin, featuring top DJs, exquisite cocktails, and an electrifying atmosphere.

4.3

Best shops in South Kalimantan

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Duta Mall Banjarmasin

Discover the vibrant shopping and entertainment scene at Duta Mall Banjarmasin, your ultimate destination in South Kalimantan.

4.4

Pertokoan Cahaya Bumi Selamat

Explore Pertokoan Cahaya Bumi Selamat, a vibrant shopping mall in South Kalimantan, blending local culture with modern retail in an unforgettable experience.

4.3

Toko Wafit

Explore authentic Indonesian flavors at Toko Wafit in Tapin Regency, a grocery store brimming with local ingredients and unique snacks.

4.8

Toko Antik

Explore the rich culture of Central Kalimantan at Toko Antik, a charming souvenir store filled with unique handicrafts and traditional treasures.

4.1

Explore South Kalimantan on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in South Kalimantan, mapped for you.

South Kalimantan Essentials

South Kalimantan is accessible via Syamsudin Noor International Airport (BDJ) in Banjarmasin, the capital city. The airport connects to major Indonesian cities like Jakarta, Surabaya, and Makassar, as well as some international destinations. From the airport, taxis and shuttle services are available to take you to your accommodation. Alternatively, you can reach South Kalimantan by sea through the port of Trisakti in Banjarmasin, which serves as a docking point for ships from other Indonesian islands.
In South Kalimantan, public transportation options include buses, minibuses (angkot), and motorcycle taxis (ojek). Ride-hailing services like Gojek and Grab are also available and convenient. For longer trips, renting a car with a driver might be a comfortable option. River transport is another unique mode of travel, with traditional boats (klotok) available for tours along the Martapura River. Bicycles can also be rented for short distances and to explore local neighborhoods.
The official currency in Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Credit cards are accepted in major hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers, but cash is often preferred in smaller shops and markets. ATMs are widely available in urban areas like Banjarmasin and Banjarbaru. It is advisable to carry some cash, especially when traveling to rural areas or smaller towns.
South Kalimantan is generally safe for tourists. However, it is wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep your belongings secure. Areas with higher crime rates targeting tourists are rare, but it's good practice to stay vigilant in crowded places such as markets and public transport terminals. Always use registered taxis or ride-hailing services for transportation.
In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Major hospitals in Banjarmasin include RSUD Ulin and RSUD Ansari Saleh. Pharmacies (apotek) are widely available for minor health issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For police assistance, head to the nearest police station (Polsek). Keep the contact information of your country's embassy or consulate handy.
Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes when entering mosques and dress conservatively. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a slight bow. A handshake is also acceptable. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t use your left hand to eat or give items, as it is considered impolite.
To experience South Kalimantan like a local, visit the floating markets such as Lok Baintan and Martapura Market for fresh produce and traditional goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about their culture and traditions. Don't miss the chance to explore the Loksado region, known for its beautiful landscapes and traditional bamboo rafting on the Amandit River. For a unique experience, attend a traditional Banjar wedding if you get an invitation.

When is the best time to visit South Kalimantan?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for South Kalimantan

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in South Kalimantan. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- 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]
- 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]
- 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]
- 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]
- 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]
- 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

South Kalimantan's history stretches back to the early days when indigenous tribes, such as the Dayak people, inhabited the region. They practiced a mix of animism and ancestor worship, living in longhouses and relying on shifting agriculture. The region saw the rise of early kingdoms like Tanjungpura and Negara Dipa, which played significant roles in trade and cultural exchanges with neighboring areas.
In the early 16th century, the Banjar Sultanate emerged as a prominent power in South Kalimantan. Founded by Sultan Suriansyah, who converted to Islam, the Sultanate became a key player in the spice trade. Banjarmasin, the capital, emerged as a bustling port city. The Banjar Sultanate maintained control over the region, often engaging in conflicts and alliances with other sultanates and colonial powers.
In the 17th century, the Dutch East India Company (VOC) began to establish a presence in South Kalimantan, aiming to control the lucrative spice trade. The Dutch faced resistance from the Banjar Sultanate but gradually established control through treaties and military force. By the 19th century, the Dutch had effectively colonized the region, integrating it into the Dutch East Indies. This period saw the introduction of new administrative systems and infrastructure.
From 1859 to 1863, the Banjar Sultanate engaged in a significant conflict known as the Banjarmasin War against Dutch colonial forces. Led by Prince Antasari, the Banjar forces resisted Dutch attempts to fully annex the Sultanate. Despite initial successes, the Banjar resistance ultimately succumbed to the better-equipped Dutch forces. Prince Antasari remains a national hero in Indonesia for his role in the resistance.
During World War II, South Kalimantan was occupied by Japanese forces from 1942 to 1945. The Japanese occupation brought significant hardship to the local population, including forced labor and resource extraction. However, it also fostered a sense of nationalism and desire for independence among Indonesians. The end of the war and the subsequent surrender of Japan led to the Indonesian National Revolution.
Following Indonesia's declaration of independence in 1945 and subsequent recognition in 1949, South Kalimantan became an integral part of the newly formed Republic of Indonesia. The region has since undergone significant development, with efforts to preserve its rich cultural heritage while embracing modernization. Banjarmasin continues to be a vital cultural and economic hub, known for its floating markets, traditional crafts, and vibrant festivals.
South Kalimantan is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, which includes traditional music, dance, and crafts. The region's culture is heavily influenced by its Islamic heritage, evident in the architecture of its mosques and the practices of its people. Traditional Banjar houses, known as 'Rumah Banjar,' showcase intricate wooden carvings and unique designs. Festivals like the Maulid Nabi celebration and the Lomba Tanglong boat race highlight the region's vibrant cultural life.