South Kalimantan Travel Guide
Discover the best places to visit, food and drink scene, culture and customs, and transportation options in South Kalimantan. Plan your trip with this comprehensive travel guide.
- Introduction to South Kalimantan
- List of Places to Visit in South Kalimantan
- Hiking/Biking Routes of South Kalimantan
- Best Things to Do in South Kalimantan: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for South Kalimantan
- Day 1
- Day 2 and 3
- Day 4 and 5
- Day 6
- Day 7
- Food and Drink Scene of South Kalimantan
- Where to Stay in South Kalimantan: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in South Kalimantan: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of South Kalimantan
- Best Time to Visit South Kalimantan
- Do’s and Don’ts of South Kalimantan
- Safety and Health
- Getting to South Kalimantan: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in South Kalimantan
- Where to Go Next from South Kalimantan: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to South Kalimantan
South Kalimantan, located in the southern part of Kalimantan Island in Indonesia, is a province of diverse cultures with a mix of Dayak, Malay, and Chinese people. The province boasts gorgeous landscapes, wildlife, and delicious food. The capital city, Banjarmasin, is known for its floating markets, traditional canal system, and rich cultural heritage.
List of Places to Visit in South Kalimantan
There are plenty of exciting places to visit in South Kalimantan. Here are a few that are worth checking out.
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Museum Negeri Lambung Mangkurat
Located in Banjarmasin, Museum Negeri Lambung Mangkurat showcases the history, culture, and heritage of South Kalimantan. It includes historical artifacts, traditional weapons, and musical instruments.
Kota Intan Bridge
Kota Intan Bridge, located in the center of Banjarmasin, is a 400-year-old heritage building with a Dutch-style design. The bridge used to connect two districts across the Martapura river. Today, it serves as a museum exhibiting traditional Kalimantan clothes, ancient pottery, and historical documents.
Natural Attractions of South Kalimantan: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Floating Markets
One of the unique attractions of South Kalimantan is its floating markets. People selling their produce in boats on the river is a common sight in the province. The most famous floating markets are Lok Baintan and Kuin. (Note: It’s important to visit these markets early in the day to avoid the crowd and gain an authentic experience.)
Martapura River Cruise
The Martapura river runs through the heart of Banjarmasin, offering a scenic view of the city and its surroundings. Cruising along the river is a great way to observe local life, from fishermen casting their nets to people doing their laundry on the riverbank.
Hiking/Biking Routes of South Kalimantan
South Kalimantan offers beautiful outdoor paths to challenge both hikers and bikers. Here are a few trails that are worth a try.
Barito Bridge Trail
The 900-meter-long Barito Bridge Trail is a challenging trail for advanced mountain bikers who love rolling hills and dirt paths. The trail starts near Banjarmasin’s Sabilal Muhtadin Mosque and ends at the Barito River Bridge.
Mount Tangkiling Trail
The Mount Tangkiling trail is an excellent option for advanced-level hikers looking for a challenging trail. The trail is about 4.5 kilometers in length, through the dense forest, and takes around three hours to complete. Hikers get to witness the beautiful sunrise and a panoramic view of the city from atop.
Best Things to Do in South Kalimantan: Activities and Tours
Besides the significant attractions, visitors to South Kalimantan can engage in various activities and tours. Here are a few activities that are worth considering.
Cooking Classes
Savor the local delicacies of South Kalimantan by enrolling in a cooking class and learn the techniques of cooking Kalimantan-style. The classes include a trip to the local market to buy fresh produce and ingredients.
Visit Dayak Villages
South Kalimantan is home to several Dayak villages, allowing visitors to experience the rustic culture and traditional way of life of Dayak people. It is an opportunity to learn the traditional methods of weaving, carving, and dance.
Week-Long Itinerary for South Kalimantan
Day 1
Visit the city center, take a walk through Siring Cendrawasih Park. Visit the Museum Negeri Lambung Mangkurat and learn the history and culture of South Kalimantan.
Day 2 and 3
Take a cruise on the Martapura River and observe the local life. Eat your way through Banjarmasin’s street food and visit the floating markets of Lok Baintan and Kuin. End the day with dinner at the Warung Makan Perahu Layar restaurant, where you can savor the famous traditional Kalimantan dish, Soto Banjar.
Day 4 and 5
Embark on a trek to Mount Tangkiling. Wake up early and witness the beautiful sunrise from the peak of the mountain. Visit the Kelayi Tribe village on your way to the mountain. You can learn the traditional weaving techniques. Do not miss the chance to take a dip in Air Terjun Daha waterfall – a well-deserved dip after a long hike.
Day 6
Visit the Dayak village of Kandangan, located near the border with Central Kalimantan Province. En route, you cross the Joloi River by boat. This experience is the best way to showcase the Dayak people’s traditional livelihood and culture. The village is home to many Dayak artisans and a beautiful mosque with traditional Dayak architecture.
Day 7
Explore Banjarmasin’s other attractions, such as the famous Siring Menara lookout tower, the City Mosque of Banjarmasin, and the traditional canal system in the city.
Food and Drink Scene of South Kalimantan
The food of South Kalimantan is known for its unique blend of Malay, Chinese, and Dayak cultures. The staple food of Banjar people is rice accompanied by various side dishes such as sambal, fish, chicken, or tempeh. Here are a few must-try dishes in South Kalimantan:
Must-Try Dishes
Soto Banjar
Soto Banjar is a traditional soup made of beef with a mix of aromatic paste and sweet soy sauce. It’s a comfort food in Banjarmasin and the best for morning breakfast.
Pindang Patin
Pindang Patin is a fish dish cooked with tamarind water, tomatoes, chilies, and red onion. The meal is usually served with rice and sambal belacan.
Ayam Tangkap
Ayam Tangkap is a tasty dish where the chicken is deep-fried and then mixed with various spices, creating a dish that is crunchy and full of flavor.
Local Beverages
Teh Talua
Teh Talua is a traditional tea brewed with egg yolks and fresh lemon juice. It’s a great beverage to rejuvenate you after a long day.
Tuak
Tuak is a fermented palm wine served during ritualistic ceremonies or festive events. This sweet drink contains about 1-5% alcohol, and it’s an excellent choice to unwind after a long day.
Where to Stay in South Kalimantan: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
South Kalimantan has a wide range of accommodations from budget guesthouses to five-star hotels. Some of the budget options for backpackers and budget travelers include:
- Fave Hotel
- Hotel Santika
- Grand Dafam Q Hotel
Luxury hotels in the province are:
- Aria Barito Hotel
- Swiss-Belhotel Borneo Banjarmasin
- Mercure Banjarmasin
What to Buy in South Kalimantan: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
South Kalimantan is famous for various decorative handicrafts and traditional products. Here are some products that are worth considering buying as souvenirs.
- Batik Banyuasin - a traditional cloth with intricate designs
- Ceramics with Dayak patterns
- Hand-woven rattan baskets and bags
- Traditional weaving fabrics from the Dayak tribe
Local Culture and Customs of South Kalimantan
The Banjar people adhere to a conservative Islamic culture, which is a blend of Malay and Javanese traditions. Visitors are highly recommended to respect cultural norms and dress respectfully. Additionally, men and women are socially segregated, particularly in rural areas. Therefore, visitors should exhibit extreme sensitivity to traditions and customs.
Best Time to Visit South Kalimantan
The best time to visit South Kalimantan is during the dry season, which occurs between February and September, with the peak season from June to August. This period is ideal for outdoor activities and touring the province.
Do’s and Don’ts of South Kalimantan
Do:
- Dress modestly
- Learn some basic conversational phrases in Bahasa Indonesia such as “thank you” and “please”
- Take your shoes off before entering someone’s home or mosque.
- Respect the local culture and customs
Don’t:
- Public displays of affection are frowned upon.
- Consume alcohol or any other drugs in public.
- Be disrespectful to Muslim beliefs or customs.
Safety and Health
Safety in South Kalimantan
South Kalimantan is considered relatively safe and welcoming to tourists. However, travelers should always be aware of their surroundings and keep their valuables in a safe place. Avoid walking alone at night, particularly in a deserted location. It is essential to take precautions while using transportation services.
Health in South Kalimantan
Travelers should take the necessary precautions against mosquito bites to avoid diseases such as dengue fever. It is recommended that travelers get vaccinations such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid before visiting South Kalimantan.
Getting to South Kalimantan: Transportation Options and Logistics
The best way to reach South Kalimantan is by air or by sea. Visitors can also travel by road from other provinces in Indonesia.
Airports Near South Kalimantan
The Syamsuddin Noor International Airport is located in Banjarmasin and is the primary gateway to South Kalimantan. It has regular flights to major Indonesian cities and international destinations such as Kuala Lumpur.
Bus Stations Near South Kalimantan
The city of Banjarmasin has two major bus terminals, Kampung Baru Terminal and Mayura Terminal, that operate daily buses to major cities in Indonesia.
Other Options
Visitors can also travel to South Kalimantan by boat through Barito River from other cities in Kalimantan Island.
How to Get Around in South Kalimantan
The best way to travel around South Kalimantan is by public transportation such as taxi or ojek (motorcycle taxi). Visitors can use mobile apps such as Grab to hail a ride. Another popular method of transportation is private cars available for rent with self-drive options or with a driver.
Where to Go Next from South Kalimantan: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Visitors can explore nearby destinations such as Central Kalimantan and East Kalimantan provinces. The Tanjung Puting National Park in Central Kalimantan is famous for its orangutan conservation center. Also, visitors can visit Derawan Islands and Maratua Island in East Kalimantan, which are famous for their beaches, diving, and snorkeling.
Conclusion
South Kalimantan has many natural attractions, cultural heritage sites, and various outdoor activities. This comprehensive guide provides essential information for travelers wanting to discover the province’s best places to visit, food scene, culture, and customs. Whether you’re interested in hiking, cultural immersion, or exploring the region, South Kalimantan is an excellent destination. Plan your trip, pack your bags, and get ready to experience South Kalimantan’s beauty and diversity.
