Banjarmasin, Indonesia: travel guide
River city of floating markets and canals in southern Borneo
The City of Rivers — a sprawling city known for floating markets, riverside dwellings, and as a gateway to Borneo interior.
About Banjarmasin
Banjarmasin is a city on the rivers of southern Borneo, where canals, wooden houses and boats still carry much of daily life. It is known as the city of a thousand rivers, and water is never far from view.
The floating market at Lok Baintan is the signature sight, with traders selling fruit and vegetables from small boats at dawn. Back in town, the Sabilal Muhtadin mosque and the old Sultan Suriansyah mosque add a quieter note, while Martapura, nearby, is known for its diamond cutters.
Banjarmasin suits travellers who like river life and local markets, and those continuing into Kalimantan. Weather is hot and humid year-round, and the drier months from June to September are the easiest for getting out on the water.
- Country
- Indonesia
- Currency
- IDR
- Time zone
- Asia/Makassar
- Nearest airport
- BDJ
- Typical trip
- 1-2 days
Last updated
Top places to visit in Banjarmasin
Floating Market Lok Baintan
floating market · 4.7 rating · about 2.5 h · check the fee at the gate
One of Indonesia's last surviving traditional floating markets — dozens of wooden jukung (canoes) loaded with vegetables, tropical fruit, spices, and local snacks converge on the river before dawn and trade until 09:00. Accessed by klotok…
Martapura Diamond Town
gemstone market · 4.4 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
The gemstone capital of Indonesia — workshops and market stalls display rough and polished diamonds, sapphires, and garnets mined from the Kalimantan hinterland. Visitors can watch diamond-cutting artisans and buy certified stones at the…
Masjid Raya Sabilal Muhtadin
grand mosque · 4.8 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
The grand provincial mosque of South Kalimantan, a modern landmark on the riverside.
Menara Pandang Banjarmasin
observation tower · 4.5 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Riverside observation tower with panoramic views over the Martapura river and the Siring waterfront.
Masjid Sultan Suriansyah
historic mosque · 4.8 rating · about 0.7 h · check the fee at the gate
The oldest mosque in South Kalimantan (~1526), with distinctive tiered Banjar architecture.
Museum Wasaka
history museum · 4.5 rating · about 0.8 h · entry Rp5,000 (≈ ₹27)
Independence-struggle museum in a traditional Banjar bubungan-tinggi house by the Martapura river.
Klenteng Soetji Nurani
chinese temple · 4.6 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Century-old Chinese temple near the riverfront, one of Banjarmasin's cultural-heritage sites.
Pasar Terapung Kuin (Kuin Floating Market)
Market · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
The original Banjarmasin floating market at the confluence of the Barito and Kuin rivers, smaller and more local than Lok Baintan.
Things to do
- Lok Baintan Floating Market Dawn Boat Ride Outdoor · 3 h · from IDR 250,000 per person
- Barito River Pink Dolphin Watching Wildlife · 2.5 h · from IDR 300,000 per person
- Martapura Diamond Market & Gem-Polishing Workshop Cultural · 4 h · from IDR 200,000 per person
Where to stay in Banjarmasin
- City Center about IDR 1,500 per night
South Kalimantan city with accommodation
Hotels
- Mercure Banjarmasin 4-star · IDR 700,000 to IDR 1,800,000 per night
- Golden Tulip Galaxy Hotel Banjarmasin 4-star
- Harper Banjarmasin by Aston 4-star
- Hotel 88 Banjarmasin by WH 2-star · IDR 180,000 to IDR 320,000 per night
- Novotel Banjarmasin Airport 4-star
Where to eat
- Soto Banjar Hj Hamidah Banjarese, Indonesian · about IDR 28,000 per person
- Rumah Makan Pondok Sari Banjarese, Indonesian, Seafood · about IDR 95,000 per person
- Warung Nasi Kuning Martapura Banjarese, Indonesian · about IDR 20,000 per person
- Soto Banjar H. Anang Ayam Bapukah indonesian · about IDR 45,000 per person
- Soto Bang Amat indonesian · about IDR 45,000 per person
- Depot Sari Patin indonesian, seafood · about IDR 45,000 per person
Getting to Banjarmasin
Airport: Banjarmasin (BDJ)
How visitors arrive in Banjarmasin
- Fly into Syamsudin Noor Airport By air · common
The main air hub, roughly 26 km from the city, with flights from Jakarta, Surabaya, Bali and other cities. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
- Ship from Java to Trisakti harbour By ferry from Surabaya · common
Passenger ferries run from Surabaya, Semarang and Jakarta to the main harbour. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
- Road from other Kalimantan provinces By road from Central / East Kalimantan · possible
Roads reach the city but the Trans-Kalimantan roads are reported in bad condition. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
- River boat By ferry from East / Central Kalimantan · possible
Boats travel the rivers from East and Central Kalimantan. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
From the airport to the centre
- Airport taxi unconfirmed
Syamsudin Noor airport is far from the city; airport taxis use a fixed rate, or ask your hotel for a pickup. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
From the port to the centre
- Express ferry to Trisakti port unconfirmed
Passenger ships and express ferries from Java dock at Trisakti harbour. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
Getting around
- Boat useful for some trips
Banjarmasin is built around rivers and canals, and small motorboats hired through locals are how visitors reach the floating markets, such as the one on the Kuin River.
- Ride Hail
Gojek and Grab ride-hailing apps operate in Banjarmasin and offer car and motorbike rides as an alternative to metered taxis.
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Scooter rental damage claim
Martapura diamond market touts · Pasar Terapung floating market overpriced "private" tours · city-centre rental shops
Pre-existing damage is invoiced when you return the scooter — often Rp 2–5M.
How to avoid it: Video the scooter on pickup. Rent only via your hotel.
Best time to visit Banjarmasin
- Jan 32°C
- Feb 32°C
- Mar 33°C
- Apr 33°C
- May 33°C
- Jun 33°C
- Jul 33°C
- Aug 33°C
- Sep 34°C
- Oct 34°C
- Nov 33°C
- Dec 32°C
More in Indonesia
Frequently asked questions about Banjarmasin
- How many days do you need in Banjarmasin?
- A typical trip to Banjarmasin is 1-2 days.
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Banjarmasin?
- The highest-rated places in our Banjarmasin guide are Masjid Raya Sabilal Muhtadin, Masjid Sultan Suriansyah, Floating Market Lok Baintan, Klenteng Soetji Nurani, Menara Pandang Banjarmasin.
- Where should I stay in Banjarmasin?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Banjarmasin: City Center.
- How do I get around Banjarmasin?
- Ways to get around Banjarmasin covered in our guide: Boat, Ride-hailing app, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Banjarmasin?
- Scams reported to us for Banjarmasin include Scooter rental damage claim. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- What is the weather like in Banjarmasin?
- Average daytime highs in Banjarmasin run from 32°C in Jan to 34°C in Sep.
- Which airport is nearest to Banjarmasin?
- The nearest airport to Banjarmasin has the code BDJ.