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Things to Do in Banjarmasin

Things to Do in Banjarmasin

Banjarmasin South Kalimantan, Indonesia Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

Embrace Banjarmasin's natural surroundings, especially its rivers and nearby forests, for engaging outdoor pursuits.

Hiking & Wildlife

Tahura Sultan Adam Grand Forest Park

Located 2-3 hours from Banjarmasin, offers light trekking trails to waterfalls (Mandin Damar, Mandin Mangapan) and through coniferous forests. Trails are typically easy to moderate.

Proboscis Monkey Bekantan Viewing

Take a boat tour to Pulau Kaget (Kaget Island) in the Barito River estuary to observe these unique primates in their natural habitat. Book a tour for this special experience.

Peat Swamp Exploration

Areas surrounding Banjarmasin contain peat swamp forests with unique flora and fauna. Access often requires specific local arrangements or specialized tours.

Water Sports & Cycling

  • River Excursions on "Klotok" Boats: The main water activity. Hire a traditional wooden boat for tours to floating markets and riverine communities.
  • Other Watersports: Active watersports like water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are not widely offered for tourists directly within the city.
  • Cycling Routes: Mostly recreational on city streets or along the Siring Tendean riverfront.
  • Mountain Biking: No dedicated mountain biking trails exist directly in Banjarmasin. City roads can be hazardous.

River Exploration

  • Floating market visits
  • Scenic river cruises
  • Observing riverine life
  • Access to unique communities

Wildlife Spotting

  • Proboscis monkey tours
  • Bird watching opportunities
  • Discovering unique Borneo fauna
  • Exploring natural habitats

Nature Treks

  • Tahura Sultan Adam trails
  • Waterfall excursions
  • Pine forest walks
  • Light to moderate difficulty hikes

Safety Considerations for Outdoor Activities

When exploring natural areas, always share your itinerary with someone. For river activities, adhere to safety guidelines and wear life jackets where provided.

Cultural Immersion

Engage deeply with Banjarmasin's rich cultural heritage through various hands-on experiences and traditional performances.

Workshops & Classes

  • Sasirangan Fabric Workshop: Visit Kampung Sasirangan to observe the traditional tie-dye fabric production. Some workshops allow visitor participation.
  • Limited Formal Classes: Formal classes for other arts, crafts, music, or dance are generally limited for tourists. Inquire at Taman Budaya for ad-hoc opportunities.
  • Language Learning: No formal short-term classes readily available. Learning basic Indonesian phrases is highly recommended for daily interactions.
  • Traditional Healing Practices: Inquire locally about traditional Indonesian massage and herbal remedies (Jamu) from practitioners.

Performances & Community

Cultural Performances

Taman Budaya Provinsi Kalimantan Selatan may host traditional Banjar dance and music performances like Madihin or Mamanda. Check their schedule locally.

Traditional Ceremonies

If fortunate enough to receive an invitation or witness one, traditional wedding ceremonies offer deep cultural insights into Banjar customs.

Community-Based Tourism

Initiatives are developing in some riverine communities, offering homestays and local experiences, usually through local NGOs or small tour groups.

Sasirangan Craft

Learn about and participate in the traditional tie-dye fabric making process in Kampung Sasirangan.

Performing Arts

Experience traditional Banjar dance and music at community cultural centers.

Local Interaction

Seek out opportunities for informal cultural exchange and community engagement.

Relaxation & Wellness

Find opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation amidst your Banjarmasin explorations.

Spas & Traditional Healing

  • Spas In hotels: Larger places like the Golden Tulip and Swiss-Belhotel commonly feature spa and massage facilities.
  • Local Massage: You find local massage parlors (Pijat) offering traditional Indonesian massages.
  • Herbal Remedies: Traditional Indonesian herbal remedies (Jamu) are available from local practitioners.
  • Healing Practices: Inquire locally for recommendations on authentic traditional healing.

Rejuvenation Options

Hotel Pools

Hotels with swimming pools, like the Golden Tulip and Swiss-Belhotel, offer a relaxing way to lower the temperature off and unwind.

River Views

Seek out cafes or restaurants with riverside seating for a peaceful ambiance and fresh air.

Peaceful Spots

Find quiet corners in urban parks like Taman Kamboja or along less crowded sections of the river for tranquil moments.

Wellness Insights

Natural Escapes

Enjoy the calming presence of the rivers and the green spaces for mental and physical well-being.

Local Practices

Discover simple, traditional methods of relaxation that are part of the local culture.

Mindful Moments

Take time to slow down, watch everyday life, and simply be present in the unique environment of Banjarmasin.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Banjarmasin's nightlife is generally quieter compared to larger Indonesian cities, with a focus on local culinary experiences and cultural performances rather than bustling clubs.

Evening Entertainment

  • Live Music: Dedicated live music venues are limited. Some bigger hotels or cafes may feature live bands, notably on weekends.
  • Theater & Performances: Taman Budaya Provinsi Kalimantan Selatan serves as the main venue for traditional performances.
  • Nightlife: Nightclubs and dancing venues are limited. Some some hotels have lounges or bars with music.
  • Late-Night Food: The Siring Tendean Night Market offers food and a lively atmosphere that continues into the late evening.

Social & Leisure

Hotel Lounges

Enjoy a relaxed evening drink at hotel lounges, often featuring a calm ambiance.

Riverfront Ambiance

Take an evening stroll along Siring Tendean, enjoying street food and the river views.

Local Cafes

Discover local cafes (kopi tiam) for a relaxed evening with coffee and conversation.

Siring Tendean Evenings

The riverfront gets busy in the evening having dishes stalls and a relaxed social scene.

Cultural Shows

Occasional traditional performances offer a window into Banjar culture.

Hotel Bars & Lounges

These establishments provide the most common venues for evening drinks in a comfortable setting.

Nightlife Advisory

Quiet Evenings
  • Banjarmasin is not a party destination.
  • Expect limited options for late-night clubs.
  • Focus on food and cultural experiences.
Cultural Respect
  • Adhere to local customs regarding public conduct.
  • Alcoholic beverages are less common, consume discreetly.
  • Maintain awareness of your surroundings.

Night-Time Enjoyment

The most evening activity is often enjoying street food and the ambiance at Siring Tendean or quieter riverside cafes.

Shopping & Markets

Discover Banjarmasin's unique shopping landscape, from bustling traditional markets to modern shopping plazas, offering local crafts, souvenirs, and daily goods.

Traditional & Artisan

  • Floating Markets (Pasar Terapung): Visit for fresh produce, traditional snacks, and unique riverine shopping.
  • Pasar Sentra Antasari: A large traditional market in the city center for daily goods, clothes, and food, offering a lively local atmosphere.
  • Kampung Sasirangan: The village dedicated to Sasirangan tie-dye fabric production. Purchase directly from workshops.
  • Artisan Crafts: Look for unique handmade items and crafts from local artisans.

Modern Shopping

Duta Mall

The largest shopping mall in Banjarmasin, offering international and national brands, department stores, and entertainment options.

Transmart Carrefour

Another large shopping center providing a variety of goods, including a supermarket and department store sections.

Boutique Shops

Explore smaller, specialized shops for unique fashion, accessories, and gifts, often found within malls or certain commercial streets.

Sasirangan Fabric

  • Traditional tie-dye patterns
  • Available as clothing, scarves, bags
  • Support local artisans directly
  • A unique and authentic souvenir

Miniature Jukung

  • Replicas of traditional river boats
  • Symbolic of Banjarmasin's identity
  • Various sizes and craftsmanship
  • A charming keepsake from the River City

Local Snacks & Wadai

  • Traditional Banjarese cakes (Wadai)
  • Not sweet and sweet local delicacies
  • Perfect edible souvenirs
  • Widely available in markets and bakeries

Ethical & Practical Shopping

Ethical Practices
  • Support Local Artisans: Purchase goods directly from local artisans and businesses, especially in Kampung Sasirangan, for fair wages.
  • Mindful Purchases: Avoid buying items made from endangered species, though these are seen less often in Banjarmasin's tourist markets.
  • Reduce Waste: Carry a reusable bag for your purchases to minimize plastic use.
Shipping & Customs
  • Shipping Services: Local post offices (Kantor Pos) or courier services (JNE, TIKI) are available for sending packages home.
  • Customs Information: Be aware of your home country's customs regulations for items like textiles, food products, and cultural artifacts.
  • Export Restrictions: Indonesia has restrictions on exporting certain cultural heritage items. Inquire if purchasing antiques or traditional art.

Shopping Tip

Haggling is common in traditional markets and small artisan shops. Approach it with a friendly smile and respect.

Activity Planning Summary

Top Recommended Activities

  • Floating Market Cruise: An iconic early morning experience.
  • Sasirangan Workshop: Engage with conventional textile artisans.
  • Local Food Tour: Discover Banjarese flavors at markets and warungs.
  • Proboscis Monkey Viewing: Wildlife spotting on Pulau Kaget.

Logistics & Tips

  • Early Morning Tours: Essential for floating markets and wildlife.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Dress modestly and honor local traditions.
  • Stay Hydrated: The tropical climate requires regular water intake.
  • Local Guides: Enhance your experience with local insight and navigation.
Things to Do in Banjarmasin. Activities, Experiences, Adventures