Joanna James
As one of the most popular cities in Kalimantan, Banjarmasin is no ordinary tourist hotspot in Indonesia. From discovering its cultural highlights to spending time in leisure hubs, here are 7 wondrous places to add to your Banjarmasin itinerary.
Culture buffs who are touring Banjarmasin should not miss the chance to spend time exploring the Wasaka Museum, which is found on Kelurahan Sungai Jingah in Kecamatan Banjarmasin Utara. Documenting the heroic battle between locals and Dutch colonisers, the museum delves into the fight for independence and sovereignty with an impressive collection of conventional weapons and even paintings depicting the war. Open to visitors from 7 am to 12 pm, the early morning hours are the best time to visit the venue as you can have the place to yourself.
Nature lovers and budget travellers based at POP! Hotel Banjarmasin or any similar hub for accommodation in Banjarmasin can also get away from the city surroundings with a visit to the PKK Banjar Bungas Agro Tourism Park. Sprawled across an impressive 1.5 hectares, the venue showcases native flora and fauna that is endemic to this area of South Kalimantan. The main highlights of a tour include spotting the humorous looking Bekantan proboscis monkeys with their big noses while rare orchid species are also on display.
When it comes to retail venues in Banjarmasin, none are quite as enchanting as the Lok Baintan Floating Market. As a unique marketplace based on the river, this historic market was set up during the Banjar Sultanate period and has been a thriving thoroughfare on the shores of the Martapura River ever since. The sight of the colourful boats selling warm meals and groceries alone should entice visitors to take a closer look.
Occupying pride of place on the river banks of the Kuin River, the Sultan Suriansyah Mosque is no ordinary religious point of interest in the area. As the most ancient mosque in all of South Kalimantan, this iconic structure was built more than three hundred years ago during the era of the first Banjar monarch to have converted to Islam, Sultan Suriansyah, himself. The pre-Islamic building style is a distinguishing attribute of this mosque.
While it may be a relatively newer construction, the 21-metre-high observation tower on Martapura River is another not-to-miss attraction in the area. Offering travellers spectacular views of their surroundings from the venue's observation deck, it is an architectural marvel in its own right.
Named after the vibrant traditional fabric that is manufactured in the area, a trip to Sasirangan Village allows visitors the chance to stock up on this conventional South Kalimantan material and tour a traditional village at the same time.
Foodies based in Banjarmasin must wine and dine at the Banjarmasin Culinary Center, which has a scenic riverside location and serves up local dishes for every meal.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
