Banjarmasin and its surroundings
Banjarmasin, the capital city, is the centre of trade and tourism. It lies at the
delta of the Barito river. The city is inter twined 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.
These river and waterways give a certain identity to river transportation have become
common place. Local people build traditional floating houses along the rivers and these
houses are called "Lanting".
The houses facing the rivers and are made of wood or bamboo. Rivers have been very
important for business and economic activities. This is one of the reasons why there have
been floating markets everywhere. Making trips along the mighty Barito river and Martapura
river by "Klotak boat or river bus, will give a unique satisfaction.
For longer trips one can hire speedboat. The actual living of the people is along
the rivers. Banjarmasin the capital city has developed into business, industry and
tourist city. Business centres selling and buying all sort of commodities. Supermarkets
such as Mitra Plaza at Jalan Pangeran Antasari, Junjung Buih Plaza at jalan Pangeran
Samudra, Ujung Murung Central Market at Jalan Simpang Sudimampir and Pasar Baru at Jalan
Pangeran Samudra, also Pasar Antasari at Jalan Pangeran Antasari.
In Banjarmasin there are 7 hotels with stars, starting with one star and three star and
there are 20 lesser hotels. For entertainment there are 21 movie theatres, caraoke
centres, cultural theatres and restaurant serving local as well as international foods.
Floating Market
 The
floating market is about 20 minutes trip by public transport, the klotok taxi. The Klotok
start from the front of the governor office. The market is in Barito river.
The buying and selling are made in the traditional local boat. Such market has started
since 400 years ago while people coming from the hinterland rook their local products to
sell in the form of barter.
At present no more barter trading system; now money is used. the usual thing about the
market that it takes place entirely in the river andit start as 05.00 in
the morning. Seller and buyers come from different places crowding the market starting
from Midnigt and finally end up at 09.00 the morning.
Flower Island
The island is in the Barito river, not far from the floating market. This island
is a conservation forest of about 60 hectares, inhabited by tame monkeys of Kalimantan
species only. One of the species is called "Bekantan" (Nasalis lacartus).
This island is mostly visited by Chinese Indonesians, as there is a small offering temple
where they can feed the monkeys. It is believed that feeding the monkeys will bring good
luck and fortune.
Kaget Island
Like pulau Kembang, Kaget island is in the Barito river. From downtown it takes
1.5 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.
 Diamond
Digging at Cempaka and 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 centre of diamond and precious stones polishing; it is also the centre of
diamond marketing. The town is 40 km from Banjarmasin. The polishing work uses traditional
as well as modern equipment. Martapura Plaza is the centre of diamond and jewelry
marketing. Stonecraft of various origins and forms are easily found in the markets
of Martapura. Pieces of jewelry with a large price range start from as little as Rp.500,-
up to millions of rupiahs.
Tasikunq Beach
About l 0 km West of Plethari is Tasikung beach. Folk entertainment
is available. There is a hotel and a play ground for children. During
the east monsoon that is between enjoy swimming.
Hulu Sungai Tourist Resort
Hulu Sungai is an vast region in the northern part of South Ka4mantan.
Most areas here are swamps, but the eastern part is mountainous.
Loksado
Loksado is at the South Hulu Sungai district whose capitol 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 for 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 clown. Visitors usually
use the river to get bock 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 trip 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's from Muara Hatip to Batu Laki.The first stretch is not
very challenging because the rapids are not very strong and ranks
as grade 1 to 2 1/2. In the second one, the level of difficulty increases,
while the rapids are higher and stronger at grade 3, such as Hawangan
and Kandihin at the mouth of the river Muara Haring. The panorama
along the river is fascinating.
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