Numerous islands of Indonesia - these are several dozen reasons to spend their holidays in this country. Ancient temples , inimitable nature and underwater landscapes attract more tourists to these regions every year. Since not all islands of Indonesia are inhabited and civilized, it is necessary to have information about large cities near the places of planned recreation . One such is Banjarmasin.
More about Banjarmasin
By the standards of Indonesia, Banjarmasin is a real metropolis located on the island of Kalimantan in the delta of the Barito River near the place where the influx of Martapur flows into it. In fact, Banjarmasin is the largest city of the island, as well as the administrative center of the province of South Kalimantan. Located at an altitude of 1 m above sea level, the city is often called the River City.
People live in this area for many centuries. The city of Banjarmasin stands on the territory of ancient states: Nan Senurai, Tanjungpuri, Negara Deepa, Negara Daha. The date of the founding of the present megalopolis is considered to be September 24, 1526. In the same century, the island swiftly spread Islam.
By the beginning of the 20th century, the city of Banjarmasin had become the largest on the island and continued to grow. According to the census, in 1930 there were about 66 thousand people living in it, and in 1990 - already 444 thousand. According to official data of the census for 2010 in Banjarmasin 625 395 townspeople are registered. Here the woodworking industry is actively developing, and in recent years also tourism. In Banjarmasin, there are often floods, so most of the coast houses stand on piles.
Attractions and attractions in Banjarmasin
The main attractions of the city are its water canals and the floating markets of Quin and Lokbaintan. It should also be noted:
- the diversity of city mosques, against which high minarets of the Sabilal-Mukhtadin mosque stand out;
- ruins of the ancient palace complex Kampung Kraton, destroyed by the Dutch;
- The ancient mosque of Sultan Suryansiyah , beyond the fence of which are the royal burials.
If you have already strolled along the city's canal network and explored the main sights and old houses, then you can make several excursions to the outskirts of Banjarmasin. At the reception of the hotel or in the office of the tourist company you will be offered:
- walk to the island of Kembang to feed the bananas of long-tailed macaques and visit a modest Hindu temple;
- visit the ethnographic museum in the village of Banjbararu and get acquainted with its huge collection of historical artifacts: these are statues from ancient temples, artifacts of the Dayaks, cannons and swords of Dutch invaders, etc.
- visit diamond mines near the village of Champaka and observe how and in what conditions diamonds, agates and gold are mined in tropical latitudes;
- to make a mini-cruise on the river with an overnight stay in the village of Dayak, who today also live in the jungle by hunting and gathering. Tourists here are satisfied with vivid performances and tribal dances.
Of the colorful festivals, travelers especially highlight the competitions of djukung (local boats from floating markets). Owners brightly decorate their river transport and spend night shows on it.
Hotels and restaurants
There are many hotels in Banjarmasin, mostly 3 * and 4 * levels. If you want to save money you can stay in mini-hotels or getshausy on the outskirts of the city. At the same time, be sure to specify if you need air conditioning and hot water. In comfortable hotels you can rent a cozy room with all the amenities in the heart of the metropolis. In addition, you will be provided with breakfast, a swimming pool, spa services, a fitness room, etc. Tourists especially celebrate such hotels and hotels as Banjarmasin 4 *, G'Sign Banjarmasin 4 *, Blue Atlantic 3 * and Amaris Hotel Banjar 2 *.
As for the gastronomic establishments, the restaurants at the hotels, as well as the city cafes, first of all offer you a menu of Indian and national Indonesian cuisine . Travelers praise Dabomb Cafe & Ice and restaurants Ayam Bakar Wong Solo, Waroeng Pondok Bahari and CAPUNG resto. Fans of fast food can easily find snack bars and pizzerias.
How to get to Banjarmasin?
The most convenient and fastest way to get to the city of Banjarmasin is to fly to Shamsudin Nur International Airport . If you are already on the territory of Indonesia, then it is convenient to fly an internal flight to Sarana Bandar Nasional airport. PT. Transfer to Banjarmasin will take no more than half an hour.
Cruising along the coast of Kalimantan, some ships and liners come to the mouth of the river, rising to Banjarmasin, but this point needs to be clarified when purchasing tickets.