Day Trips from Banjarmasin. Excursions, Nearby Cities, Tours

Accessible Locations within Day-Trip Distance

Martapura, the "Diamond City," is about a 1-hour drive, renowned for its gemstone market. Banjarbaru, the provincial capital, is 30-45 minutes away and near the airport. Tahura Sultan Adam (Grand Forest Park) is a nature reserve 2-3 hours drive from Banjarmasin.

Transportation to Martapura and Banjarbaru is easy with ride-sharing (Grab/Gojek car), taxis, or private car hire. For Tahura Sultan Adam, a private car with a driver is recommended due to limited public transport. Consider booking tours for ease: Book Day Trips via GetYourGuide.

Suggested Itineraries

Martapura (Half-Day): Visit the diamond market, observe gemstone cutting, and see the Sultan Sulaiman Mosque.
Banjarbaru (Few Hours): Explore Museum Lambung Mangkurat and walk through the city park.
Tahura Sultan Adam (Full Day): Enjoy trekking to waterfalls (Mandin Damar, Mandin Mangapan) and the pine forest.
Independent vs. Tour: Martapura/Banjarbaru suit independent travel. Tahura Sultan Adam benefits from organized tours or private car hire for navigation.

Natural Escapes

Explore South Kalimantan's unique natural landscapes and wildlife, from forest parks to proboscis monkey habitats.

Parks and Nature Reserves

Tahura Sultan Adam, a grand forest park, features waterfalls, hiking trails, and a calm pine forest. Pulau Kaget (Kaget Island) is a protected area and a a natural home for proboscis monkeys, accessible via boat tours.

Highlights

Tahura Sultan Adam: Waterfalls (Mandin Damar, Mandin Mangapan) and hiking.
Pulau Kaget: Proboscis monkey habitat, wildlife viewing by boat.
No major highlands or beaches near Banjarmasin; focus on riverine and forest environments.

Scenic Landscapes

The Riam Kanan Reservoir (Bendungan Riam Kanan), near Tahura Sultan Adam, a large man-made lake, has scenic islands. Boat trips on the reservoir offer tranquility and views of the verdant surroundings.

Regional Features

Riam Kanan Reservoir: Explore scenic islands by boat.
Rural areas feature peat swamp forests and agricultural land, showing waterway-focused natural beauty.
Seasonal changes mainly involve rainfall patterns, influencing river levels and vegetation.

Cultural Excursions

Historical Sites & Rural Villages

Candi Agung Amuntai: Ancient Hindu temple ruins, 3-4 hours drive north, predating the Banjar Kingdom.
Martapura River Villages: Boat trips offer insight into traditional riverine life and local customs.
Makam Datu Kalampayan (Syekh Muhammad Arsyad Al-Banjari's Tomb) in Martapura: An important Islamic pilgrimage site.
These sites offer a window into the region's rich history and spiritual heritage.

Cultural & Spiritual Highlights

Sasirangan Fabric Villages: Witness traditional textile crafting and local artistry.
Floating Markets: Iconic hubs of commerce and cross-cultural interaction on the waterway.
Explore historical connections between ancient kingdoms and current traditions.
Experience the spiritual devotion at significant pilgrimage sites.

Multi-Day Extensions

Palangkaraya (Central Kalimantan):1-3 days for river tours and orangutan rehabilitation centers.
Balikpapan (East Kalimantan):Gateway to Derawan Islands for diving or Kutai National Park for orangutans.
Reasonable Next Places to visit:Other parts of Kalimantan, Java (Jakarta, Yogyakarta), or Bali (Denpasar) by flight.
Transportation Connections:Syamsudin Noor Airport (BDJ) for flights; long-distance buses for inter-provincial travel.

Suggested Regional Travel Route:Fly into Banjarmasin, then bus/flight to Palangkaraya, then flight to Balikpapan.
Kalimantan Adventure:Combine South, Central, and East Kalimantan for comprehensive exploration.
Cultural Contrast:Connect to Java or Bali for diverse cultural and tourist experiences.
Extended Stays:Apartment rentals, language learning, and volunteering for local engagement.

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Consider booking day trips and excursions through trusted partners like GetYourGuide for a seamless experience.

Visual Highlight: Martapura Diamond Market

Witness the sparkling heart of Martapura, a lively hub for diamonds and gemstones.

Diamond City

Martapura is world-renowned for its diamond and gemstone market, a trading center.

Artisan Craft

Observe local artisans demonstrating the traditional craft of cutting and polishing raw gemstones.

Unique Souvenirs

Find beautiful, unique jewelry and loose gemstones, perfect as mementos from your trip.

Shopping Experience

The market offers an unique opportunity to witness the entire gemstone process, from rough to refined, and interact with local vendors.

Market Tips

Bargaining is a common practice and expected.
Take your time to browse the diverse selection of gems.
Compare prices from different stalls for the best value.

Beyond Gemstones

While famous for diamonds, Martapura also offers other local crafts and cultural experiences, rounding out a visit.

Cultural Side-Trips

Visit the historic Sultan Sulaiman Mosque.
Explore other local markets for traditional snacks and goods.
Capture the street life and local interactions.

Martapura Diamond Market Essentials

Location:Martapura, South Kalimantan.

Distance from Banjarmasin:Approx. AN hour's drive.

Main Products:Diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and other gemstones.

Recommended Time:Half-day visit.

Best Transport:Private car hire or ride-sharing services.

Cultural Note:A significant local economic and cultural hub.

Shopping Ethically

Purchase from established traders or those recommended by trusted guides.
Ask about the origin of the gemstones to support responsible sourcing.
Bargain respectfully; it is part of the cultural experience.
Consider smaller, family-run stalls to directly help local livelihoods.
Ensure you are comfortable with your purchase before finalizing.

Multi-Day Adventure: Exploring Kalimantan

Extend your journey beyond Banjarmasin to discover the diverse landscapes and wildlife of wider Kalimantan.

Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan

The capital of The central part of Kalimantan, Palangkaraya, offers river tours and access to orangutan rehabilitation centers near Sebangau National Park.

Recommended Activities

Explore the Rungan River with local boat tours.
Visit orangutan rehabilitation islands.
Discover the unique peat swamp forests.

Balikpapan, East Kalimantan

Balikpapan is the starting point for the famous Derawan Islands, ideal for diving, or Kutai National Park to further orangutan sightings.

Attractions

Derawan Islands: Renowned for spectacular diving and marine life.
Kutai National Park: Opportunities for wildlife encounters.
Good flight connections for continuing your journey within Indonesia.

Seamless Connections

Efficient transport options connect Banjarmasin to other major Kalimantan cities and beyond, simplifying multi-destination itineraries.

Travel Logistics

Syamsudin Noor Airport (BDJ) hyperlinks to Palangkaraya, Balikpapan, Java, and Bali.
Long-distance buses offer an economical choice for inter-provincial travel.
Consider a route flying into Banjarmasin, then bus/flight to Palangkaraya, then flight to Balikpapan.

Beyond Kalimantan

After exploring Borneo, easily connect to other Indonesian islands for varied cultural and tourist experiences.

Suggested Next Steps

Java: Discover the bustling cities of Jakarta or the cultural heart of Yogyakarta.
Bali: Experience vibrant culture, serene beaches, and diverse tourist attractions in Denpasar.
Flights from BDJ provide direct access to these popular destinations.

Kalimantan Exploration Tips

Maximize your multi-day adventure with strategic planning for accommodations, activities, and local engagement.

Accommodation Choices

Book hotels or guesthouses in advance, especially for popular eco-tourism areas or during peak season.

Orangutan Encounters

Engage reputable tour operators for ethical visits to rehabilitation centers, respecting wildlife guidelines.

Advanced Planning

For multi-day extensions, research specific national rules of the park and booking procedures well ahead of your departure.

Specialized Travel Opportunities

Discover unique travel experiences, from cultural tours to sustainable adventures, tailored to diverse interests.

Engaging Experiences

1

Cultural Immersion

Participate in a cooking class to learn local recipes or explore a traditional village for hands-on handicraft classes.

2

Nature & Wildlife

Join specialized wildlife viewing tours to spot proboscis monkeys and other unique Kalimantan fauna in their natural habitats.

3

Adventure Sports

For the adventurous, consider guided treks in Tahura Sultan Adam or exploring remote river tributaries by kayak.

Local Insights & Skills

Seek out local guides who offer personalized tours, sharing deep knowledge of the region.
Consider attending local festivals or ceremonies for a rich cultural immersion.
Learn basic Bahasa Indonesia phrases to enhance interactions with locals.
Explore traditional medicine practices and local remedies.
Discover unique textile dyeing techniques in Sasirangan village.
Understand the unique agricultural practices of riverine communities.

Unique Regional Experiences

Take extended Klotok boat trips along the intricate river networks beyond the floating markets.
Visit hidden waterfalls and natural springs in the woodlanded interiors.
Discover local handicrafts markets, distinct from typical tourist souvenirs.
Engage in birdwatching in less-traveled areas of the national parks.
Experience a homestay in a traditional village for an authentic lifestyle glimpse.
Explore the history of ancient kingdoms through lesser-known archaeological sites.

Planning Your Specialized Trip

Research Providers

Look for tour operators and guides with expertise in your specific interest.

Book in Advance

Specialized tours or unique accommodations often require early reservations.

Customized Itineraries

Many local companies provide personalized itineraries to suit individual preferences.

Booking Tip

For many of these unique activities, local tour providers are the best resource. Websites like GetYourGuide can also connect you with diverse bookable experiences.

Day Trips from Banjarmasin