BanjarmasinNeighbourhoods of Banjarmasin
- Riverfront & Floating MarketRiverside area centred on early-morning floating market, ideal for photographers and market-lovers.
Dining: Street Food Nightlife: Quiet Shopping: Markets Stays: Budget- Lok Baintan Floating Market: Traditional market on the Martapura River in the early morning.
- Siring (river promenade): Riverside walkway for peaceful sunrise and sunset views.
- Local boat vendors: Snack vendors selling food straight from boats along the river.
- Masjid Raya Sabilal Muhtadin: Prominent mosque near the riverfront.
- Old City & MarketsGritty old quarters of alleys, stalls and stilt houses, good for everyday riverine life.
Dining: Local Nightlife: Low-key Shopping: Traditional Stays: Budget- Local wet markets: Bustling markets for fresh produce, fish and regional snacks.
- Traditional eateries: Small warungs serving South Kalimantan dishes.
- Historic kampung areas: Stilt houses and narrow canals worth wandering.
- Community markets: Markets showing everyday life and selling handicrafts.
- Martapura Day-TripShort day trip town known for gemstones and jewellery, good for souvenir hunters.
Dining: Local Nightlife: None Shopping: Handicrafts Stays: Guesthouses- Martapura town: Town famous for jewellery and gemstone shops.
- Diamond & gem workshops: Small workshops and showrooms displaying local craftsmanship.
- River trips to surrounding villages: Traditional river trips showcasing local crafts and village life.
- Local produce stalls: Stalls selling regional snacks and souvenirs.
Banjarmasin at a Glance
Costs: $20-$80 per day - very affordable: budget $20-$45; comfortable travel $45-$80 per day.
Safety: Generally safe, petty crime and flooding risk - generally safe for visitors but beware petty theft and riverbank hazards during floods.
Best Time: May-September (dry season) - dry season is best for river markets and boat tours.
Banjarmasin is a riverside city in South Kalimantan known for its network of waterways and lively floating markets. Visitors come for klotok boat rides, Lok Baintan market, and nearby Martapura’s gem shops.
Getting around: Use river klotok boats and motorboats on the Martapura and Barito waterways; Gojek taxis and local angkot handle short trips around Kayutangi and downtown.
Infrastructure & convenience: Basic infrastructure: reliable electricity and ATMs in central Kayutangi and Jalan A. Yani, but expect intermittent mobile data and limited Western-style supermarkets.
Local tips: Dress modestly in public, especially near mosques; avoid public displays of affection. Bargain at Pasar Terapung and Martapura souvenir stalls, don’t over-insist.
Dining: Try soto banjar, ketupat kandangan, and grilled ikan bakar; sample snacks at Lok Baintan floating market and seafood stalls along Jalan Jendral Sudirman.
Why Visit Banjarmasin?
Built along winding waterways, Banjarmasin draws visitors for its floating markets-Lok Baintan and others-where traders sell goods from traditional boats, and for nearby Martapura’s gemstone bazaars. Historic wooden mosques such as Sultan Suriansyah Mosque and local sasirangan textiles reveal the region’s Banjar heritage. River-based life, lively markets and a strong craft tradition make it a unique stop in Kalimantan.
Who's Banjarmasin For?
Foodies
Banjarmasin’s river markets are culinary highlights: try soto banjar, grilled fish and river snacks at Lok Baintan floating market and riverside stalls. Martapura gems and market streets also host small eateries serving affordable local plates.
Nature Buffs
The city’s river network is the attraction-boat trips on the Barito and Martapura rivers reveal mangroves, stilt villages and wetland birdlife. Nearby peat-swamp landscapes reward early-morning tours and quiet wildlife spotting from traditional boats.
Backpackers
As a low-cost gateway to South Kalimantan, Banjarmasin suits independent travellers who enjoy river culture, homestays and basic guesthouses. Floating markets and cheap boat transport make for authentic experiences without high budgets or polished tourist infrastructure.
Adventure Seekers
Boat-based exploration of river channels, mangrove paddles and multi-day village trips give an active flavour to visits. Expect rustic conditions and local guides for off-grid river excursions and simple jungle-side adventures.
Plan Your Visit to Banjarmasin
Best Things to Do in Banjarmasin
Mosque
Sultan Suriansyah Mosque
Historic Banjarmasin mosque featuring traditional timber architecture
Stream
Kapuas River
Indonesia's longest river, flowing through Borneo (Kalimantan)
Banjarmasin Bucket List
Don't Miss
Pasar Terapung Lok Baintan - Early-morning river market where vendors sell produce and food from wooden boats.
Masjid Raya Sabilal Muhtadin - South Kalimantan’s principal mosque, known for its large scale and community events.
Pasar Terapung Muara Kuin - Lively riverside market inside Banjarmasin with boat vendors and local snack stalls.
Sungai Martapura riverfront (Siring) - Evening promenade where locals gather, with food stalls and river views.
Hidden Gems
Kampung Kuin - Riverside neighborhood with traditional timber houses and centuries-old Banjar graves.
Kampung Sasirangan - Small workshops where artisans hand-dye sasirangan textiles using traditional wax-resist techniques.
Kuin boatyards and craftsmen - Clusters of boatbuilders repairing wooden klotoks, offering insight into riverine craftsmanship.
Local morning markets along Jalan Piere Tendean - Neighborhood markets serving everyday Banjar produce, snacks, and lively street life.
Day Trips
Martapura (Pasar Intan) - Short drive from Banjarmasin to shops and workshops selling gemstones and jewelry.
Pulau Kembang (Monkey Island) - River island where local boat trips let you observe wild monkeys in habitat.
Lok Baintan (if approached as a longer morning visit) - Nearby floating market reachable by road and boat, best experienced at dawn.
Barito River boat trips - Half-day river cruises showcase waterfront life, small riverine villages, and daily commerce.
Best Time to Visit Banjarmasin
Best time to visit Banjarmasin is the drier months (June-September) when rainfall eases, rivers are more navigable and morning floating markets run reliably. The wet season (November-March) brings heavy, frequent downpours and occasional flooding that can disrupt travel.
Rainy Season
Daily downpours and high humidity make river travel slower; floating markets operate but mornings fog and flooding occasionally disrupt roads and ferries.
Inter-monsoon
Unpredictable showers alternate with dry days; fewer tourists and lush greenery but expect sudden storms and muddy paths-good if you don’t mind flexible plans.
Dry Season
Sunny, less humid weeks mean easier boat trips, clearer skies, and comfortable early-morning floating markets-best for exploring rivers and outdoor markets without constant rain.
Banjarmasin's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 33°C. Heavy rainfall (2662 mm/year), wettest in January.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Acceptable | 24° - 31° | 31° | 345 mm | overcast | 84% | 1.8 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.2h |
| February | Acceptable | 24° - 31° | 31° | 300 mm | overcast | 83% | 1.8 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.1h |
| March | Acceptable | 24° - 32° | 32° | 309 mm | overcast | 82% | 1.6 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Acceptable | 24° - 32° | 33° | 242 mm | overcast | 81% | 1.5 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.9h |
| May | Good | 24° - 33° | 33° | 210 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 1.3 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 11.8h |
| June | Good | 23° - 33° | 32° | 156 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 1.6 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.8h |
| July | Good | 23° - 32° | 31° | 142 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 1.5 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.8h |
| August | Very Good | 22° - 33° | 31° | 115 mm | some cloud | 78% | 1.7 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.9h |
| September | Very Good | 23° - 33° | 31° | 109 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 1.4 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.0h |
| October | Good | 23° - 33° | 32° | 146 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 1.5 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 12.1h |
| November | Acceptable | 24° - 32° | 32° | 250 mm | overcast | 78% | 1.5 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.2h |
| December | Acceptable | 24° - 32° | 31° | 338 mm | overcast | 83% | 1.7 m/s | 2.0 very high | 12.2h |
How to Get to Banjarmasin
Banjarmasin is primarily reached by air via Syamsudin Noor Airport (BDJ) in nearby Banjarbaru; there are no intercity passenger trains. Regional buses and local minibuses serve the city and surrounding towns, while app-based ride services and river boats handle most local transfers.
Syamsudin Noor Airport (BDJ): Syamsudin Noor (often called Banjarmasin/Barajai Airport) in Banjarbaru is the main airport serving Banjarmasin. From the airport you can take the DAMRI airport shuttle or a metered taxi into the city centre - the DAMRI shuttle typically takes about 30-50 minutes to central Banjarmasin and fares are commonly in the IDR 25,000-40,000 range; metered taxis and app-based car services (Gojek/Grab car) take around 30-60 minutes depending on traffic and usually cost roughly IDR 60,000-150,000. App-based motorbike taxis (Gojek/Grab bike) are widely available at the airport for quicker trips to the centre; expect around IDR 30,000-70,000 and 25-45 minutes depending on traffic.
Train: There is no intercity passenger rail service to Banjarmasin; Kalimantan does not have the same national rail network as Java and Sumatra, so trains are not an option for most arrivals.
Bus: Intercity and regional buses operate from the city’s main bus terminal (commonly referred to as Terminal Km 6 / Terminal Induk) with routes connecting nearby towns and other parts of South Kalimantan. Travel times and fares vary by route - short provincial trips are inexpensive (often in the IDR 10,000-70,000 range) while longer intercity journeys take several hours and cost more; local angkot minibuses and shuttle services provide cheaper intra-city connections.
How to Get Around Banjarmasin
Navigating Banjarmasin works best with a mix of app-based bikes/cars and water taxis for riverfront areas; angkots are the cheapest option but less convenient. For most visitors, Gojek/Grab plus occasional riverboat trips offer the fastest and most flexible way to get around.
- Gojek / Grab (ride-hailing) (IDR 10,000-120,000) - App-based services (Gojek and Grab) are the most convenient way to get around Banjarmasin for door-to-door trips. Both bike (motorcycle) and car options are widely available; bikes are faster in heavy traffic and good for short hops, while cars are better for luggage or groups. Use the apps to get transparent fares and estimated arrival times; payment by cash or in-app wallet is accepted.
- Metered taxis (IDR 30,000-150,000) - Metered taxis (including national brands and local cabs) operate in the city and from the airport. They are a reliable option when you have luggage or are traveling late; insist on using the meter if a fixed price is offered. Expect higher fares than angkot but more comfort and a clearer route to your destination.
- Angkot (angkutan kota) minibuses (IDR 3,000-10,000) - Angkot minibuses run fixed routes across Banjarmasin and are the cheapest way to travel short distances within the city. They can be crowded and have informal stops - ask locals or the driver for the correct line/route. Angkots are best for budget travelers comfortable with basic, frequent-stop transport.
- Water taxi / Riverboats (IDR 5,000-50,000) - Banjarmasin is known for its rivers and canals; motorboats and water taxis connect riverside neighbourhoods and are useful for reaching floating markets or areas with limited road access. Services can be informal - negotiate fares up front or use official river taxi points where available. Taking a riverboat is often faster than road travel for some routes and gives a practical local perspective on the city.
- Car hire / Private drivers (IDR 300,000-700,000 per day) - Hiring a car with a driver is a sensible option for day trips, airport transfers, or tours of South Kalimantan when you want flexibility. Rates vary by provider and itinerary; confirm inclusions (fuel, tolls, driver hours) before booking. This is more comfortable than public transport and useful for visiting nearby attractions outside the city.
- Walking - Central Banjarmasin is compact enough for short walks between markets, waterfronts, and nearby eateries; sidewalks can be uneven and shade is limited, so plan for heat and bring water. Walking is the best way to explore riverfront areas and markets at a relaxed pace.
Where to Stay in Banjarmasin
Budget
Banjarmasin Centre / Pasar - IDR 150,000-500,000/night
Local guesthouses and budget hotels near the river and market. Expect basic comforts, limited English and helpful local hosts at low prices.
Budget guesthouses and inns (Banjarmasin listings) - Many local inexpensive options available
Local guesthouses (city listings) - Simple rooms, neighbourhood locations
Mid-Range
Waterfront / Centre - IDR 300,000-800,000/night
Mid-range hotels near the waterfront and business districts offer air conditioning, decent Wi‑Fi and breakfast. Good value for exploring the waterways and markets.
Mercure Banjarmasin - International chain with good facilities
Mid-range hotels and small chains (listings) - Comfortable rooms and useful amenities
Luxury
Centre / Riverfront - IDR 700,000-1,800,000/night
A small number of full-service hotels provide upgraded rooms and dining; true luxury is limited, so book the best available well in advance.
Mercure Banjarmasin - Best full-service international option in city
Select boutique hotels and resorts (listings) - Limited high-end stock, choose carefully
Best for First-Timers
Riverfront / Pusat Kota - IDR 250,000-900,000/night
Stay near the riverfront or central market to get to the water taxi and main attractions easily. Central hotels help with arranging local tours.
Mercure Banjarmasin - Central, English-speaking staff available
City centre guesthouses (listings) - Close to markets and river transport
Best for Families
Near River Market - IDR 300,000-1,200,000/night
Family-friendly hotels with bigger rooms and pools are scattered near the river and parks. Choose accommodation with easy access to boat tours and markets.
Mercure Banjarmasin - Family rooms and pool facilities available
Family-friendly guesthouses (listings) - Larger rooms and help with local tours
Digital Nomads
Centre / Riverfront - IDR 300,000-1,200,000/night
Look for aparthotels or mid-range hotels with stable Wi‑Fi and workspaces. Cafés near the centre can provide quiet daytime working spots.
Mercure Banjarmasin - Business services and stable Wi‑Fi
Aparthotels and serviced apartments (listings) - Longer-stay options with kitchens and Wi‑Fi
Where to Eat in Banjarmasin
Banjarmasin’s food scene is anchored to the rivers: freshwater fish, bold spice blends and Banjar classics like Soto Banjar and ketupat Kandangan define the local palate. Eating is informal and vibrant - riverside eateries and market warungs are where you’ll taste the region’s authentic flavors.
Expect a predominance of Indonesian regional food rather than Western-style international restaurants. For vegetarians, tofu, tempeh and vegetable salads (gado-gado) are widely available at markets and small cafés.
Local Food
Banjarmasin food centers on Banjar specialties: Soto Banjar, ketupat Kandangan and river fish dishes with bold spice and palm-sugar notes.
- Soto Banjar stalls - Savory chicken broth with rice vermicelli
- Ketupat Kandangan sellers - Rice cake with spicy fish or chicken sauce
- Martabak and kue basah vendors - Sweet and savoury street snacks at night
International Food
International options are mostly broader Indonesian regional cuisine and simple seafood restaurants rather than Western-style foreign restaurants.
- Lokale cafés serving Indonesian staples - Nasi goreng and mie ayam variations available
- Seafood restaurants on the riverfront - Fresh river fish with simple Indonesian sides
- Warung Padang-style eateries - Spicy Minang dishes served cafeteria-style
Vegetarian
Vegetarian eating relies on tofu, tempeh and vegetable dishes found at warungs and market stalls; choose gado-gado and vegetable curries.
- Local warungs (vegetarian dishes) - Tempeh, tofu and vegetable stews available
- Markets with fresh produce - Tropical fruits, greens and vegetable sellers
- Vegetarian-friendly cafés - Nasi goreng and gado-gado without meat
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Banjarmasin’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Shopping in Banjarmasin
Banjarmasin is famous for its floating markets on the Martapura River and a lively, traditional market culture. The must-see shopping experiences are waterways-based: vendors on boats selling fruit, snacks and local sweets. On land, you’ll find modern malls for everyday goods and traditional pasar (markets) for textiles and household items.
Go early for the floating markets - that’s when trading is busiest and photographs are best. Expect lively haggling at riverside stalls; malls have fixed prices and are good for electronics and fashion chains.
Best Bets
- Lok Baintan Floating Market - Iconic river market selling produce and traditional snacks from boats.
- Siring (Martapura River) riverside stalls - Local riverside trading area with food and daily goods.
- Duta Mall Banjarmasin - One of the city’s larger malls for fashion and essentials.
- Pasar Baru (traditional market) - Busy market with textiles, housewares and small traders.
- Martapura gold and gem shops - Nearby town known for goldsmiths and jewelry shopping.
- Local food stalls and snack vendors - Street vendors selling regional sweets, fish and snacks.