Banjarbaru
Introduction
Banjarbaru is the capital of South Kalimantan, set inland in the province's southeast and part of the wider Banjarbakula metropolitan area. It sits roughly 35 kilometres southeast of Banjarmasin, the province's largest city, and is the second largest city in the province after it.
To the north, the large town of Martapura lies immediately adjacent, in effect forming an extension of Banjarbaru. The city's population has grown steadily across recent censuses, and its role as the provincial capital places it at the centre of government life in South Kalimantan.
Before you go
Before you go, note that Banjarbaru's medical facilities are limited in the source material: the one hospital listed is RS Aveciena Medika on Jl. A. Yani Km.38. Plan your health coverage and any necessary medications accordingly, and keep the hospital's details on hand in case you need care during your stay.Getting there
Banjarmasin's Syamsudin Noor Airport (BDJ) sits closer to Banjarbaru than to Banjarmasin itself, which makes it the natural arrival point for the city. From the airport, the drive into Banjarbaru takes roughly 15 minutes.Getting around
Public transport in Banjarbaru is easy to spot: every licensed public vehicle carries a yellow registration plate. The main form of public transport is the taksi kota, a green minivan running a fixed route between Liang Anggang and Martapura, the capital of Banjar Regency, passing through Banjarbaru in both directions. Flag one down along that corridor for trips across the city or onward to Martapura, and pay your fare on board with small cash rather than a card or pass. Because the route is fixed, the minivan only suits journeys that lie along it; for anything off the line, use a taxi or a ride-hailing app instead. There is no rail, metro or tram network, so ground transport is your only option.
For short hops, becak — traditional three-wheeled pedicabs — are a good choice, and you will find them most easily around markets. Fares are negotiated rather than metered, so agree on a price before you set off; the cost depends on how far you are going. Most becak drivers do not speak English, so bring a map, be ready to point, and know the name of your destination in advance. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are the most straightforward option for door-to-door trips, and since the city is small and the airport is close, journeys tend to be short. Banjarbaru was planned on a European city concept, which is why it has an unusual abundance of parks and a central city hall, making parts of the centre pleasant to walk — but treat walking as a way to cover short distances within a neighbourhood, combining it with a becak or a ride-hailing car for longer trips.
Where to stay
For accommodation in Banjarbaru, the source points to a single option: Hotel Permata In, located on Jl. A. Yani. The listing gives no further detail on room types, amenities, or the character of the surrounding area, so it is worth confirming those directly before you commit to a stay.Food & drink
For a taste of the city's signature cooking, head to the center, where Ayam Panggang Swarga draws people for its chicken barbeque. If you're after something more familiar, you'll also find a Kentucky Fried Chicken in the same central area. To try a local specialty, seek out the warung in Loktabat Utara, in North Banjarbaru, which serves the Banjarese noodle dish known as mie bancir.What to see and do
In Banjarbaru you can explore the Lambung Mangkurat Museum on Jalan Jenderal Ahmad Yani, where the collection covers the history and culture of South Kalimantan: relics of the Sultanate of Banjar, finds from Candi Agung and Candi Laras, stone tools, wood carvings, agricultural implements, household furniture and traditional musical instruments. Elsewhere in the city, the Great Mosque of Al-Karomah in Martapura and Amanah Borneo Park in Cempaka give you a religious landmark and an outdoor park to visit. For something more active, head to Cempaka district, roughly seven kilometres from Banjarbaru, where you can watch diamond panning: miners work in groups, digging holes about ten to twelve metres deep with traditional tools and old methods. If you would rather swim, the city has one public pool, Kolam Renang Idaman on Jalan Taman Gembira.When to go
Banjarbaru has a tropical rainforest climate, so you can expect rain in every month of the year and temperatures that stay uniform throughout. There is no cool season to plan around; the weather is consistently warm rather than varying in temperature.
If you want to minimise your chances of getting wet, aim for June to October, which is comparatively drier than the rest of the year. August in particular comes close to being dry enough for a tropical monsoon classification. Even so, this is not a true dry season — expect somewhat less rain than in the wetter months, but pack for showers regardless.
Three days in Banjarbaru
Day one: Arrive at Syamsudin Noor Airport (BDJ) and make your way into Banjarbaru, the capital of South Kalimantan and part of the Banjarbakula region. From the airport, public transport and taxis are available; most drivers speak little English, so have your destination written down. Settle into the Loktabat Utara area in North Banjarbaru, where you can find local eateries and a hotel such as Hotel Permata In. In the evening, try Banjarese dishes like Ayam Panggang Swarga along Jalan Jenderal Ahmad Yani.
Day two: Explore the Lambung Mangkurat Museum on Jalan Jenderal Ahmad Yani to learn about the Sultanate of Banjar and the region's history. Continue along Yani Km to see the main commercial stretch of the city. For lunch, options range from local warungs to Kentucky Fried Chicken. In the afternoon, head toward Liang Anggang or into Banjar Regency for a change of scene, and return to Banjarbaru for dinner.
Day three: Plan a side trip to Martapura, known for its diamond trade, or to Banjarmasin, the larger city to the south, both reachable from Banjarbaru. Before heading back, visit RS Aveciena Medika if you need medical attention, and check your departure from Syamsudin Noor Airport. Fares for taxis and public transport are reasonable, but confirm the price before you set off.