South Kalimantan: River Culture and Meratus
Accommodation in South Kalimantan
Floating markets, tropical forests and Banjar culture shape South Kalimantan in very different ways. In Banjarmasin, you can experience the riverside city on the Martapura River and its history; in the Meratus Mountains, nature, villages and journeys on the water take centre stage. When planning your trip, it is therefore worth first considering whether you would rather explore urban culture or spend more time in the mountain landscape.
Banjarmasin and the Culture of the River
The Kayuh Baimbai Museum is located on the banks of the Martapura River and presents Banjarmasin as a riverside city. It is the city’s first public museum and officially opened to the public in early 2024. Its exhibits focus on the history and culture of Banjarmasin. The Lok Baintan Floating Market offers a different perspective on the region: vendors sell goods from traditional boats known as jukung. If you are interested in river life and the city’s history, you can take these themes into account when choosing where to stay.
The Sultan Suriansyah Mosque is also part of South Kalimantan’s cultural heritage. It is considered the oldest mosque in the province and has a distinctive three-tiered roof. The Wasaka Museum, housed in a traditional Banjar house, preserves weapons and historical artefacts from South Kalimantan’s struggle against the Dutch. The Lambung Mangkurat Museum offers further insight into the Banjar through ancient artefacts, traditional clothing and a replica of a traditional house. It is considered suitable for educational visits by families and school groups.
Meratus Geopark and Nature Excursions
The Meratus Mountains Geopark offers four itineraries with a total of 54 stops, which can be explored over a period of five days. Dense tropical forests, clear rivers and diverse wildlife and plant life, including rare flora and fauna, characterise the geopark. The Meratus Mountains also feature waterfalls and traditional villages of the Dayak Meratus. For a trip focused on nature and culture, these features offer a different emphasis from the city’s museums and floating markets.
In Loksado, you can take a bamboo raft trip on the Amandit River. Rafts made from lashed-together bamboo travel through clear water between rocks, streams and traditional bridges, offering views of the Meratus Mountains. A rafting trip on the Sungai Loksado takes about two to three hours, depending on the route and water levels. There is also a short route of about five kilometres for beginners and a longer route of about 15 kilometres for more experienced visitors.
A rental car with a driver is recommended for travelling from Banjarmasin to Loksado; the journey takes approximately four to five hours. If Loksado is a significant part of your trip, you should take this travel time into account when choosing your holiday rental and planning your itinerary.
More Discoveries Between River and Tradition
A Bubungan Tinggi house in Teluk Selong Ulu, in Banjar Regency, is a protected building estimated to date from the 19th century. There are at least 43 traditional Balai Langgar communal houses in nine villages in Loksado; the Dayak Meratus practise the agriculture-based Aruh Ganal rituals there. Alongside its landscapes, these traditions give the region a distinctive cultural dimension.
Sasirangan is also part of South Kalimantan’s cultural heritage: this traditional fabric is distinguished by its own patterns and colours. To make it, patterns are hand-sewn onto the fabric, tied off with cords and then dipped in dyes. Sasirangan Village in the Kampung Melayu district of Banjarmasin has been one of the city’s key tourist destinations since 2010. Local cuisine includes Soto Banjar, with clear broth, chicken pieces, egg and fried accompaniments, and Ketupat Kandangan, served with haruan fish and coconut milk sauce—two distinct regional dishes.
For further regional context, you can also explore these secondary destinations: Barito KualaBarito Kuala, BanjarBanjar, TakisungTakisung, Batu LicinBatu Licin, TanjungTanjung and SatuiSatui.
For the broader travel overview: Indonesia.
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