Things To Do
in Banjarbaru
Banjarbaru is a green, mid-sized city in South Kalimantan, Indonesia, serving as an administrative and education hub just south of Banjarmasin. The city is a convenient gateway to the Meratus Mountains, distinctive Dayak and Banjar cultural sites, and nearby river and rainforest landscapes. Banjarbaru offers a relaxed pace with parks, small shopping areas, local markets and easy access to outdoor adventures such as rafting and trekking.
Expect a tropical, humid atmosphere, friendly local markets and strong influences from Banjar culture and Islam in daily life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Banjarbaru Grand Mosque, where you'll admire the stunning architecture and serene ambiance. Afterward, stroll through the nearby traditional market, bustling with local vendors selling fresh produce and handicrafts. Enjoy a traditional Indonesian breakfast at a local café, savoring dishes like nasi goreng and pisang goreng.
In the afternoon, head to the Museum Lambung Mangkurat to learn about the rich cultural heritage of South Kalimantan. Spend time exploring the exhibits that showcase local art, history, and artifacts, gaining insight into the region's past. Wrap up your afternoon with a leisurely walk at Taman Van der Pijl, a lush park perfect for relaxation and people-watching.
As the sun sets, treat yourself to dinner at a local seafood restaurant, where fresh catch is the highlight of the menu. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere while sampling dishes like grilled fish and spicy sambal. End your evening with a visit to the Banjarbaru Night Market, where you can browse through an array of street food and crafts.
Begin your day with a refreshing hike up Cempaka Hill, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Banjarbaru and its surroundings. The cool morning air and the sounds of nature will invigorate you as you ascend. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the breathtaking vistas from the top.
After your hike, enjoy a picnic lunch at the hilltop, surrounded by the beauty of nature. Spend some time exploring the trails around the area, discovering hidden spots and local flora. As the afternoon progresses, consider visiting nearby hot springs for a relaxing soak in the natural thermal waters.
In the evening, return to the city and dine at a restaurant known for its local delicacies, trying dishes like sate and rendang. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll along the streets, immersing yourself in the local nightlife atmosphere. If you're in the mood, stop by a local café to enjoy a traditional Indonesian coffee.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-5 |
| ☕Coffee at a café | $1.50-3 |
| 🚕Short taxi/ojek (motorbike) ride | $1-5 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel / guesthouse (per night) | $15-40 |
| 🎟️Day trip or guided activity | $10-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Gateway to Meratus Mountains, Loksado and river experiences
- Affordable food and local markets with authentic cuisine
- Friendly, low-key city with green parks and easy access to nature
- Limited international flights and fewer tourist services than bigger Indonesian cities
- Hot, humid conditions year-round and potential haze during dry season
- Modest nightlife and fewer high-end accommodation options in town
- "Selamat pagi" - Good morning
- "Terima kasih" - Thank you
- "Permisi" - Excuse me
- "Berapa harganya?" - How much is it?
- "Tolong" - Please / Help
- "Di mana toilet?" - Where is the toilet?
- "Tidak apa-apa" - It's okay / No problem
Places to Visit in Banjarbaru
Visit one of these nice places.
Panoramic vistas over forested ridges and valleys — dramatic sunrise and cloudscape shots are possible from accessible viewpoints near Loksado and Meratus foothills.
Calm waters and surrounding green hills provide reflective scenes best photographed at dawn or dusk.
Colorful stalls, food vendors and busy night scenes make for vibrant street photography and candid portraits of local life.
Although Banjarmasin is separate, the river culture is close by: boat traffic, floating markets and stilt houses create iconic scenes of Kalimantan river life.
Cultural portraits, weaving and traditional structures offer respectful photography opportunities if you ask permission first.
Food in Banjarbaru
Banjarbaru Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A fragrant chicken soup with rice vermicelli, lime and spices; commonly found in warungs and small restaurants across Banjarbaru and Banjarmasin.
Must-Try!
Fresh river fish or marine fish grilled and served with sambal and rice — great at riverfront stalls and seafood eateries.
Rice cake served with savory fish curry or gulai — a regional specialty worth seeking out in traditional restaurants.
A traditional Banjar coconut-and-egg cake often sold in markets and bakeries; a sweet snack or dessert specialty.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Early-morning markets and pasar malam are the best places to try soto Banjar, grilled snacks, kue bingka and fresh tropical fruits; vendors also sell ready-to-eat meals and local sweets.
Evening stalls serving grilled food, snacks and desserts — a lively place to sample a variety of local street foods in one location.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Banjarbaru is predominantly Muslim — dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or villages. Women should carry a scarf for mosque visits.
Use polite greetings, show deference to elders, and accept hospitality graciously. Ask permission before photographing people, particularly in rural or traditional settings.
Use the right hand for giving/receiving and for eating; remove shoes before entering homes and some indoor spaces.
Public displays of affection are frowned upon in conservative areas. Keep voices moderate and be mindful during Ramadan or religious events.
Safety
Tipping in Banjarbaru
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not obligatory; small tips are appreciated for good service in restaurants or by guides and drivers. In casual warungs and markets tipping is uncommon; rounding up or leaving small change is fine.
Cash (Indonesian rupiah, IDR) is king for markets, warungs and transport. Credit/debit cards are accepted in bigger hotels and restaurants; mobile e-wallets (GoPay, OVO, Dana) and bank transfer apps are widely used locally — prepare cash for rural areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Drier days, lower humidity relative to the wet season and clearer skies — best time for trekking, rafting and outdoor photography. Fire-and-haze risk from regional agricultural burning can spike toward the end of the dry season in some years.
Frequent heavy rains and higher humidity; rivers rise and some rural roads may become muddy or impassable. Bring waterproof gear, expect occasional travel delays and plan morning outdoor activities before typical afternoon showers.
Periods between wet and dry seasons can be unpredictable; pack layers and rain protection year-round and monitor local weather, especially if planning multi-day treks.
Banjarbaru at Night
Hiking in Banjarbaru
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Varied trails through hills and secondary forest, with village stops and opportunities to learn about Dayak culture; suitable for day hikes or multi-day treks with a guide.
Shorter, accessible walks around the reservoir and shoreline for birdwatching and relaxed nature photography.
Gentle countryside paths around Banjarbaru that reward walkers with rural scenes, local agriculture and informal encounters with village life.
Airports
How to reach Banjarbaru by plane.
The closest major airport (approximately 20–30 minutes by car depending on traffic). It offers domestic flights to Jakarta, Surabaya and other Indonesian hubs; hire a taxi or arrange a hotel transfer to reach Banjarbaru.
A larger regional international airport several hours away by land or a short connecting flight; useful if you’re combining Kalimantan travel routes and international connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The ethnic Banjar are the largest group in the region, with distinctive language, cuisine and cultural practices tied to coastal and riverine life.
Indigenous Dayak groups live in Meratus and upland areas, preserving unique languages, arts and customs; their villages are cultural highlights for respectful visitors.
Internal migration has brought Javanese, Malay, Chinese-Indonesian and other groups, contributing to a diverse urban mix in commerce and cuisine.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local interest in football is strong; community fields and local matches are common. Traditional regional sports and sepak takraw are played recreationally in villages and schools.
Village events feature traditional games and competitions tied to cultural festivals and communal gatherings.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Banjarbaru.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are more limited; tempeh, tofu, vegetable stir-fries and rice-based dishes are common. Ask for 'tanpa daging' (without meat) and be specific about fish/seafood since many broths use fish or shrimp paste.
Most eateries are halal or Muslim-owned — halal food is readily available. If you need certified halal, ask locally; avoid hidden pork in some specialty or Chinese-Indonesian dishes.
Seafood and peanuts are common — clearly state allergies and double-check with vendors as cross-contamination can occur in busy warungs and markets.