Key Takeaways:
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Banjarmasin is a water-centric city with floating markets, river villages, and lush canals.
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The city’s culture, nature, and local traditions offer an authentic, year-round travel experience.
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From river cruises to jungle walks and cultural centers, Banjarmasin is ideal for curious, off-the-path explorers.
Known as the “River City,” Banjarmasin is the capital of South Kalimantan in Indonesia, set against a backdrop of winding waterways, vibrant floating markets, and a rich mix of Banjar and Dayak cultures. Sitting on the delta of the Barito and Martapura Rivers, Banjarmasin has long been a hub for trade and cultural exchange. Its floating lifestyle continues to thrive, giving the city a unique rhythm that you won’t find elsewhere in Indonesia. Whether you’re watching the sunrise from a canoe at Lok Baintan Market or exploring ancient mosques and traditional stilt villages, Banjarmasin offers a dynamic blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and everyday authenticity.
Table of Contents
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Explore the Floating Market at Lok Baintan
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Cruise the Martapura River at Sunrise
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Visit the Sabilal Muhtadin Grand Mosque
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Discover the Traditional Lanting Houses
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Wander through Wasaka Museum and Heritage Park
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Experience Sasirangan Batik at Kampung Sasirangan
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Take a Day Trip to the Meratus Mountains
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Stroll the Siring Park Riverwalk and Bekantan Statue
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Enjoy the Local Culinary Scene at Jalan Sudirman
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Attend a Traditional Banjar Wedding or Cultural Show
1. Explore the Floating Market at Lok Baintan
No visit to Banjarmasin is complete without experiencing the floating market at Lok Baintan. Located along the Martapura River, this early morning spectacle brings together dozens of women paddling small boats filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, and snacks.
The energy here is vibrant, and the best way to experience it is to hire a small canoe and navigate alongside the vendors. It’s both a cultural tradition and a photogenic, immersive slice of Banjarese daily life. Go before sunrise to catch the golden light and the liveliest trading activity.
2. Cruise the Martapura River at Sunrise
A sunrise river cruise is one of the most peaceful and eye-opening experiences in Banjarmasin. As the first light breaks over the water, you’ll pass stilt houses, mosques, floating schools, and locals beginning their day along the riverbanks.
The reflections, mist, and quiet ambiance create a dreamlike scene perfect for photography and introspection. Many local guides offer these tours and provide context about the culture, ecology, and challenges of river life. It’s an excellent way to understand how vital the waterways are to the city’s identity.
3. Visit the Sabilal Muhtadin Grand Mosque
The Sabilal Muhtadin Mosque is one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in Borneo. Set beside the Martapura River, the mosque blends modern Islamic design with traditional Kalimantan architecture, featuring spacious courtyards and elegant minarets.
Whether you go for prayer or quiet observation, the mosque’s peaceful energy and architectural symmetry make it a must-visit. During sunset, the golden light reflects off the river and adds a magical glow to the mosque’s façade. Visitors are welcome to tour respectfully outside prayer hours.
4. Discover the Traditional Lanting Houses
Banjarmasin’s traditional floating homes, called lanting houses, offer a rare view into a way of life adapted to constant contact with water. Built on wooden rafts or stilts, these houses float along the rivers and are sometimes moved from one location to another.
You can explore these homes through guided tours or by visiting neighborhoods like Sungai Jingah. Local residents are often happy to share stories about their daily routines—fishing, bathing, washing clothes, and even raising kids—all from their river homes.
5. Wander through Wasaka Museum and Heritage Park
Wasaka Museum is housed in a traditional Banjar home and showcases the region’s history, especially its resistance during the Indonesian struggle for independence. Exhibits include antique weapons, textiles, documents, and everyday items used by the Banjar people.
Set within the lush Siring park area, the museum is surrounded by gardens and walking paths along the river. It’s a peaceful yet informative spot, especially for travelers who appreciate history with a local touch. Entrance is usually free or by donation.
6. Experience Sasirangan Batik at Kampung Sasirangan
Sasirangan is a traditional form of tie-dye batik native to South Kalimantan, and Kampung Sasirangan is the best place to see it in action. This riverside village is lined with colorful shops and open workshops where artisans demonstrate how they create the intricate designs using wax, dye, and centuries-old techniques.
You can purchase one-of-a-kind fabric pieces, scarves, or even custom garments while learning about the cultural meanings behind the motifs. Many visitors enjoy taking a short workshop where they can make their own Sasirangan to take home. It’s a creative and hands-on cultural experience that connects you with the identity of Banjarmasin.
7. Take a Day Trip to the Meratus Mountains
For nature lovers and adventure seekers, a trip to the Meratus Mountains is a must. Located a few hours outside the city, this lush and hilly region is home to the indigenous Dayak Meratus people and offers trekking, waterfalls, and wildlife viewing.
You can book eco-tours that include hiking through the rainforest, visiting traditional longhouses, and even swimming in natural pools. The air is cooler and the views are breathtaking, making it a rewarding break from the tropical lowlands. It’s best visited with a local guide who understands the culture and trails.
8. Stroll the Siring Park Riverwalk and Bekantan Statue
Siring Park runs along the Martapura River and is one of Banjarmasin’s most relaxing urban spaces. It’s a favorite spot for families, joggers, and couples in the evenings, offering river views, snack stalls, playgrounds, and fountains.
A highlight here is the giant Bekantan statue—a tribute to the proboscis monkey native to Kalimantan. The statue is both a symbol of conservation and a fun photo op. This riverside park is a perfect place to unwind after a day of exploration and soak in the local vibe.
9. Enjoy the Local Culinary Scene at Jalan Sudirman
Banjarmasin’s street food is bold, fresh, and full of flavor. Jalan Sudirman is the go-to spot to taste everything from Soto Banjar (a local chicken soup with spices and lime) to ketupat kandangan, grilled fish in coconut curry served with rice cakes.
The food stalls come alive at night, filling the air with the smells of grilling, frying, and steaming dishes. It’s affordable, casual, and deeply satisfying. Be sure to try es cincau (grass jelly drink) or a banana fritter with sweet palm sugar syrup for dessert.
10. Attend a Traditional Banjar Wedding or Cultural Show
If you’re lucky enough to be invited to a Banjar wedding or catch a cultural performance at a local event center, don’t miss it. Traditional Banjar weddings are vibrant affairs filled with music, ornate costumes, and rituals passed down through generations.
Cultural shows are also occasionally held at city centers or during festivals, showcasing dances, songs, and theatrical performances from the Banjar and Dayak traditions. These rare glimpses into living heritage are some of the most memorable parts of a visit to Banjarmasin.
What to do if you have kids?
Banjarmasin is family-friendly and offers plenty to keep kids curious and entertained. The floating market tours are exciting for kids who enjoy boat rides and spotting monkeys and birds along the riverbanks. Parks like Siring and attractions like the Bekantan statue provide open space and visual interest. Food is also child-friendly—think sweet rice cakes, fresh fruits, and crispy snacks. With calm river cruises, interactive textile workshops, and colorful street life, children can experience the culture through sights, sounds, and hands-on activities.
Where can I find free events in Banjarmasin Indonesia taking place this weekend?
To discover free things to do in Banjarmasin this weekend, check out PlanMyWeekend.ai. This smart tool scans local events, cultural festivals, and community activities in real time—no need to rely on random social media pages or outdated blogs. Whether you’re interested in free music shows, riverside markets, cultural exhibitions, or family-friendly happenings, PlanMyWeekend.ai helps you make the most of your trip without spending a rupee.
Final Thoughts
Banjarmasin is one of Indonesia’s most underrated cultural treasures. With its floating markets, riverside mosques, traditional homes, and jungle escapes just a short drive away, it offers an intimate look at local life that’s both peaceful and vibrant. Whether you’re a cultural explorer, nature enthusiast, foodie, or slow traveler, Banjarmasin welcomes you with warmth, water, and wonder. Make the journey—and let the city’s charm float into your memory long after you’ve left.
Author: Dejon Brooks
Dejon Brooks is an entrepreneur who founded Trend Watchers with his life savings. Aged 24, Dejon has turned Trend Watchers into a successful business. After reaching over 150M+ people on his personal accounts, he now spends his time growing Planmyweekend.ai
