South Kalimantan province lies at the southern end of island and is one of four provinces on Kalimantan. This region known as the Land of a Thousand Rivers, Big and small rivers, wide swamps and lowlands are characteristic of this southern province. Some of those rivers, such as the Barito, Martapura and Negara mark the boundary between South Kalimantan and the neighboring Central Kalimantan with dense tropical rain forests and covered mountainous sparsely inhabited territory. The southern region is a coastal plain, lined by vast mangrove forests. This coastal area is rich in fresh and salt-water fishes.Those three regions are practically separated from each other by the Meratus mountain which spread from the north to south through the center of the province. Many villages and plantations lie along the Barito river course, which runs from the north to south. Like most other regions in South Kalimantan has two seasons, a dry and a rainy. The rainy season lasts from October to April, and dry season from May to September. South Kalimantan covers an area of about 37,000 square kilometers. The population of South Kalimantan consists of two main groups: the Banjar who live along the coasts and make up the majority, and the Dayaks who inhabit the upstream regions of the rivers. The Banjar people are devout Moslems. They are friendly, like to help one another, and have a good sense of humor. They also are tolerant of other religions and respect one another.The friendly attitude of the Banjar, and their hospitality, tends to make visitors immediately feel at home in their midst. The daily languages spoken by the Banjar people Malay and Indonesian although in a distinct local dialect.
Banjarmasin and its surroundings
Banjarmasin, the capital city, is the center of trade and tourism. It lies at the delta of the Barito river. The city is intertwined by numerous rivers of various sizes and lengths. The major rivers are Martapura and Nagara. The numerous rivers made the city get its nickname River City local people build traditional floating houses along the rivers and these houses are called "lanting", facing the rivers, which are made of wood or bamboo. Rivers have been very important for business and economic activities. This is one reason why there are floating markets everywhere. Making trips along the mighty Barito and Martapura rivers by "klotok boat or river bus", will give a unique experience. For longer trips one can hire speedboat. Banjarmasin has developed into an industrial and touristic city. There are star hotels and 20 lesser hotels. For entertainment there are movie theaters, karaoke centers, cultural theaters and restaurants serving local as well as international foods.
Kembang Island
This island is right in the Barito river, not far from a floating market. It is a conservation forest of about 60 hectares, inhabited by tame monkeys of Kalimantan species only. One of the species is called "bekantan" (nasalis larvatus). It is mostly visited by Chinese Indonesians, as there is a small offering temple where they feed the monkeys. It is believed that feeding the monkeys will bring good luck an fortune.
Kaget Island
Like Kembang island, Kaget island is also in the Barito river. From downtown it takes 1 1/2 hours by klotok boat or 1 hour by speedboat to get there. This island is another forest conservation and is also inhabited by the "bekantan" monkeys and the Lutung (prebitis orisate), as well as many sorts of birds.
Diamond Digging at Cempaka & Martapura
Cempaka is a small village 10 km from Banjarbaru, and 45 minutes from Banjarmasin. It is an old site of traditional diamond digging using very simple equipment. The digging is a collective work by a group, usually consisting of one family and its close relatives. In 1985 a large raw diamond of 116.7 carats was found in a hole of 15 meters deep. Martapura is the center of diamond and precious stones polishing; it is also the center of diamond marketing. The town is 40 km from Banjarmasin. The polishing work uses traditional as well as modern equipment. Martapura Plaza is the center of diamond and jewelry marketing. Stone-craft of various origins and forms are easily found in the markets of Martapura. Pieces of jewelry having with a large price range, start from as little as Rp.10.000,- up to millions of rupiahs.
Loksado
Loksado is at the South Hulu Sungai district whose capital is Kandangan. The town is about 3 hours by car from Banjarmasin. The road is good. However,from Kandangan to Loksado,the road goes as far as Halunuk,a small village. Then the trip continues by motor cycle which takes a single passenger over a narrow foot-path. The natural surroundings of the hilly region provides attractive sights for those who enjoy hiking and mountaineering. On the way, meet the local people with their original ways and cross the river over a suspended bridge.
Adventure River Rafting
The Amandit River which originates at Meratus runs through Loksado and meets the mighty Barito river further down. Visitors usually use the river to get back after visiting Loksado. Those who enjoy rafting may venture the trip through numerous rocky rapids by traditional rafts made of bamboo or by rubber boats. The river trip starts at Loksado,45 kilometers from Kandangan. When a motorcycle ride is preferred, it takes about 4 hours. Those who enjoy trekking through the forests of the hill, the trip takes 8-10 hours. When a river trip is taken, start from Loksado to Batu Laki which is 56 km away. The trip can be made in two stretches. The first is from Loksado to Muara Hatip. The second is from Muara Hatip to Batu Laki.
BANJARMASIN SIGHTSEEING & FLOATING MARKET TOUR, 3 Days 2 Nights
Day-1, Upon your arrival at Syamsuddin Noor airport, meeting service with your guide/assistance who will escort you to hotel in Banjarmasin, arriving at the hotel then check in and free program, having dinner at Local restaurant. Back to hotel and overnight at the hotel. (D)
Day-2, Early morning at 05.30 a.m, boating by using traditional boat “Kelotok “ to visit Floating Market in Barito River to see the traditional market by using small traditional canoe called “ Jukung “ where we will watch the market activities that selling for food and vegetables. And we can take a pictures and some local cake at floating Café called “ Rombong “ to have a cup of coffee or tea and then to Kembang Island, the monkey island. About 08.30 a.m back to hotel for breakfast. After breakfast relax for an hour then at 10.00 a.m driving to Diamond digging at Cempaka village to see the semi traditional activities for finding precious and semi precious stones, driving to Sungai Paring area to see the Diamond polishing and diamond outlet to see the process to make a diamond after taking from the digging area. Lunch will be served at local restaurant. Then driving again to Bumi Selamat Market in Martapura regency to buy some souvenirs of precious and semi precious stones such as diamond, blue safir, akiq, jambrut and etc. Traditional batik shirt call “ Sasirangan and air guci “, traditional medicine and etc. at about 4.30 pm back to hotel in Banjarmasin. Take a relax and at 7.30 pm having dinner at local restaurant. Back to hotel and overnight at the hotel. (B, L, D)
Day-3, Breakfast, free program and transfer to airport. (B)
Price per person: Rp. 2.500.000 (group departure for min 10 person)
Price included of: hotel 2 nights twin sharing *3, meals as itinerary, AC land transportation, boat at Pasar Terapung, tour leader, local guide and mineral water
Price excluded of: airline ticket, personal expenses like laundry, room service, telp and personal tips
