South Kalimantan: River Culture, Banjar Heritage and Meratus

On the banks of the Martapura River, Kayuh Baimbai Museum offers a glimpse into life in Banjarmasin as a river city. From traditional boat markets to the landscapes of Meratus Geopark, South Kalimantan reveals different facets of its culture and nature. When planning your trip, you can focus on river life, historic sites, regional traditions or outdoor activities.

Banjarmasin and its river culture

Kayuh Baimbai Museum is the city’s first public museum. It officially opened to the public in early 2024 and showcases the history and culture of Banjarmasin. Lok Baintan Floating Market also tells the story of life on the river: traders sell goods from traditional boats called jukung. Sultan Suriansyah Mosque, the oldest mosque in South Kalimantan, stands out for its three-tiered roof. Another landmark is Barito Bridge, which spans the Barito River for approximately 1,082 meters.

The islands in the river region offer different connections with nature. Pulau Kembang lies in the Barito River and is a habitat for groups of long-tailed macaques. Pulau Bakut is a nature destination beneath Barito Bridge, near Banjarmasin. Pulau Kaget, meanwhile, is a delta island near the mouth of the Barito River in Barito Kuala Regency.

Banjar culture, museums and Sasirangan

The Bubungan Tinggi House in Teluk Selong Ulu, Banjar Regency, is a heritage-listed building estimated to date from the 19th century. Wasaka Museum is housed in a traditional Banjar home. Its collection preserves weapons and historical artifacts from South Kalimantan’s struggle against the Dutch. At Lambung Mangkurat Museum, you can find historical and cultural collections of the Banjar, including antique artifacts, traditional clothing and a replica of a traditional house. It is considered suitable for educational visits by families and students. Visitors can also see historical collections such as weapons and royal clothing at Istana Kesultanan Banjar.

Sasirangan is a traditional fabric from South Kalimantan, known for its distinctive patterns and colors. To make it, patterns are sewn by hand onto the fabric, tied with cords and then dipped in dyes. Sasirangan Village in the Kampung Melayu neighborhood of Banjarmasin has been one of the city’s main tourist destinations since 2010. The fabric and its method of production give the region’s textile tradition a distinctive place alongside its museums and architectural heritage.

Meratus Geopark and outdoor experiences

Meratus Geopark is known for its dense tropical forests, clear rivers and diverse wildlife and plant life, including rare species. The Meratus Mountains also feature waterfalls and traditional villages of the Dayak Meratus people. In Loksado, at least 43 traditional Balai longhouses are spread across nine villages. The Dayak Meratus there practice the agriculture-based Aruh Ganal rituals. The geopark has four travel routes with a total of 54 stops, which can be explored over five days.

A river trip can give you a different perspective on the landscape: in Loksado, visitors take bamboo raft rides on the Amandit River. The lashed-together rafts travel over clear water between rocks and waterways; traditional bridges and views of the Meratus Mountains are part of the river experience described. Rafting on Sungai Loksado takes about two to three hours, depending on the route and water conditions. Visitors can choose between a short route of about five kilometers for beginners and a longer route of about 15 kilometers for more experienced visitors—a useful distinction when weighing route length against experience.

Tanuhi Hot Spring is a tourist attraction in KSPN Loksado and a geosite in UNESCO Meratus Geopark. Sultan Adam Grand Forest Park adds hiking and picnicking to the outdoor activities available. For Loksado, a rental car with a driver is recommended from Banjarmasin; the journey takes approximately four to five hours. Road and transport conditions can change, so check your travel plans before departure.

More excursions and regional cuisine

In April 2026, water attractions such as pedal boats, banana boats, donut boats, canoes and jet skis were listed for Kampung Putra Bulu in Desa Awang Bangkal Barat, Kecamatan Karang Intan, Kabupaten Banjar. Other options included fishing on a lake, ATV rides and katinting boats. Facilities listed included a children’s playground, gazebos, a camping area and Pamiling Park. Check the current availability of these offerings before your trip.

Traditional diamond and gold mining is known at the Cempaka Diamond Fields near Banjarbaru. Visitors can watch miners work with traditional shafts, baskets, wooden or rattan tools and simple pry bars. Regional cuisine also has its own specialties: Soto Banjar is a savory dish with clear broth, pieces of chicken and egg, served with fried accompaniments. Ketupat Kandangan is prepared with haruan fish and a coconut milk sauce.

Discover more destinations: Satui, Barito Kuala, Banjar, Takisung, Batu Licin, Tanjung, Maluku, Aceh.

For the broader travel overview: Indonesia.