Things To Do
in Banjar
Banjar is a small city in West Java nestled in the Sundanese highlands, offering a calm base for exploring the surrounding countryside. The streets pulse with traditional markets, local eateries, and colonial-era architecture that hints at its past. Visitors can easily access nearby tea plantations, hills, and river valleys that define the Priangan landscape.
Expect warm hospitality, lush greenery, and a pace of life that invites slow exploration over long days.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Pasar Anyar market, where the vibrant colors of fresh fruits and local spices fill the air. Engage with local vendors as you sample exotic fruits and traditional snacks, immersing yourself in the local culture. The bustling atmosphere sets a lively tone for the rest of your adventures.
After a hearty lunch at a nearby warung, stroll through the streets of Banjar and explore the unique handicrafts and textiles available in local shops. Take the time to chat with artisans and learn about their craft, which has been passed down through generations. This afternoon is a perfect opportunity to pick up souvenirs that reflect the rich culture of the region.
As the sun sets, head to a local restaurant to indulge in a traditional Indonesian dinner. Enjoy dishes like Nasi Goreng or Satay while listening to live music, creating a relaxed yet vibrant dining experience. The evening concludes with a leisurely walk around the nearby parks, where you can enjoy the cool breeze and the sounds of nature.
Begin your day with a refreshing breakfast at your accommodation before making your way to the Banjar Hot Springs. The natural thermal pools, surrounded by lush greenery, offer a serene environment for relaxation. Spend the morning soaking in the warm waters and taking in the natural beauty that surrounds you.
After a rejuvenating morning, enjoy a light lunch at a nearby cafe, where you can savor local dishes while overlooking the verdant landscape. In the afternoon, explore the nearby Buddhist monastery, Brahmavihara-Arama, where you can admire its intricate architecture and peaceful atmosphere. This spiritual retreat offers a moment of reflection amidst your travels.
Return to your accommodation to freshen up before venturing out for dinner at a local seafood restaurant. Try the fresh catch of the day, grilled to perfection and served with traditional sambal. End your evening with a stroll along the beach, watching the waves crash against the shore under the moonlight.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee/tea at cafe | $1-3 |
| 🚌Short local transport ride | $0.5-2 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $15-30 |
| 🍽️Lunch at mid-range restaurant | $6-12 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Relaxed pace and genuine Sundanese hospitality
- Access to green hills, tea plantations, and scenic viewpoints
- Affordable food and accommodations
- Compact city center is easy to explore on foot
- Rich daily-life photography opportunities
- Limited nightlife and nightlife options
- Public transit between towns is limited; plan transfers in advance
- Some rural roads can be bumpy or muddy in the rainy season
- Facilities may be basic outside the main city center
- "Selamat pagi" - Good morning
- "Terima kasih" - Thank you
- "Berapa harganya?" - How much does it cost?
- "Di mana toilet?" - Where is the toilet?
- "Tolong rekomendasikan makanan vegetarian." - Please recommend vegetarian dishes.
- "Saya tidak bisa makan pedas." - I cannot eat spicy food.
Places to Visit in Banjar
Visit one of these nice places.
A lively open space where locals gather, perfect for candid street photography and sunrise or sunset silhouettes against the backdrop of town life.
Photogenic row of traditional and colonial-era storefronts offering colorful urban scenes and architectural details.
Scenic river edges and bridge approaches ideal for relaxed landscape shots and golden-hour reflections.
Early morning alleys filled with vendors, produce, and texture-rich close-ups of daily life.
Food in Banjar
Banjar Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Rice wrapped in banana leaf served with fried chicken, tempeh, and fresh vegetables; a hearty, fragrant staple found in many local eateries.
Must-Try!
Fish seasoned with herbs and wrapped in banana leaves, then steamed or grilled for a savory, aromatic dish.
A raw vegetable salad with peanut sauce, cucumber, bean sprouts, cabbage, and herbs, classic Sundanese comfort food.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Traditional market where you can sample breakfast sums and street bites, and shop for local produce and snacks.
Evening stalls offering a variety of fried snacks, skewers, and fresh fruit; great for a casual bite.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a warm 'Selamat pagi' (good morning) or 'Selamat sore' (good afternoon); address elders as Bapak/Ibu and show polite respect in public spaces.
Dress modestly, especially in religious sites and traditional markets; shoulders and knees covered when visiting places of worship.
Remove shoes when entering some homes and certain traditional spaces if asked.
Safety
Tipping in Banjar
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for good service; rounding up in local eateries or a small tip at cafes is common practice.
Cash (Indonesian Rupiah) is widely accepted; some larger shops and hotels may take card payments or digital wallets, but carry cash for markets and smaller eateries.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mostly sunny with pleasant daytime highs; bring sun protection and water for day trips; evenings can be cool in the hills.
Frequent showers, high humidity, and potential mud on rural roads; plan flexible outdoor plans and carry a light rain jacket.
Banjar at Night
Hiking in Banjar
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Panoramic hill trails just outside Banjar offering valley and farmland vistas, best at sunrise or sunset.
Gentle to moderate trails through tea fields with opportunities to visit a tea factory and learn about production.
Short loop along a river with forest edges and small cascades, suitable for a half-day hike.
Airports
How to reach Banjar by plane.
A major gateway about 150-200 km away; connects to domestic destinations and a few regional flights. Road or rail transfer to Banjar takes several hours depending on traffic.
Closer regional airport suitable for domestic flights; convenient for shorter trips to surrounding areas and villages near Banjar.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominant demographic in Banjar with a strong sense of community and traditional customs. A mix of students, artisans, and small business owners.
Visitors drawn to the region’s scenery, markets, and cultural experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular recreational sport in community centers and hotels; easy to try with local players.
A staple in local parks and schools; informal pick-up matches often available in the evenings.
Often played in community courts and school facilities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Banjar.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many dishes can be made meat-free by omitting meat and fish sauce. Look for tempeh, tofu, and vegetables as base options; ask for dishes without shrimp paste (terasi) or fish sauce.