Banjarbaru is the capital of South Kalimantan, set at the foot of the Meratus Mountains about 35 km southeast of Banjarmasin. It is a planned city, laid out on a European model with a grid of streets, a city hall at its centre and a generous supply of parks. The large town of Martapura lies immediately to the north and in effect continues the built-up area, so the two are easy to treat as one place to stay.
For a visitor, the city divides into a handful of districts: North and South Banjarbaru form the urban core, Liang Anggang and Landasan Ulin lie to the west and south-west, and Cempaka sits to the east in hill and mining country. This guide covers which of these areas to base yourself in, what each is like, and how the choice changes depending on your budget and the kind of trip you are making.
Best areas to stay in Banjarbaru
1. North Banjarbaru
This is the administrative and civic heart of the city, the area shaped by the original town plan with its parks and central city hall. It is the most practical base for a first visit: you are in the middle of the grid, close to government offices and the main civic amenities, and road connections run out towards both Banjarmasin and Martapura.
It suits first-time visitors and anyone in town on business or official business, since the governor's office has been relocated here. Expect a mix of mid-range city hotels and smaller places rather than resort-style accommodation.
2. South Banjarbaru
South Banjarbaru is the most densely populated part of the city, which means the most concentrated choice of shops, eating places and services. If you want to be within walking distance of everyday city life rather than in a quieter administrative quarter, this is the area to look at.
It suits travellers who prefer to be in the busiest part of town, and it works well for longer stays where convenience matters more than quiet. As the densest district, it is also the noisiest, so ask about the position of your room if traffic noise bothers you.
3. Liang Anggang
Liang Anggang is one of the city's five districts, lying to the west of the centre. It is a residential and mixed-use area rather than a tourist quarter, and it gives you a calmer base with the city still within easy reach by road.
It suits travellers with their own transport, or those who simply want a quieter place to sleep while spending their days elsewhere in the city. Accommodation here is likely to be smaller and more local in character than in the central districts.
4. Landasan Ulin
Landasan Ulin sits in the south-west of the city and is notable for its different terrain: while most of Banjarbaru rests on podzol soil, this district is dominated by peat and alluvium. It is a separate district in its own right with its own urban villages and postcodes, and it functions as a residential extension of the city.
It suits visitors who need to be in the south-western part of the city, or who are passing through on the road towards Tanah Laut Regency to the south. As with Liang Anggang, having your own transport makes this a more convenient base.
5. Cempaka
Cempaka lies to the east of the centre, towards the hills, and is the least densely populated district in the city. Its economy is the only one in Banjarbaru based on mining and agriculture, and it is known for its long-established diamond mines, which have been worked in the area since the fifteenth century.
It suits travellers who want a rural, hillside setting and are interested in the mining landscape rather than city conveniences. It is the least urban option on this list, so plan on having your own transport and do not expect a wide choice of places to stay.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: small local guesthouses and simple rooms, most likely in the denser central districts where everyday services are close at hand. Expect basic furnishings and fan or air-conditioned rooms rather than facilities.
- Mid-range: city hotels of the kind found along the main roads, with private bathrooms, air conditioning and breakfast. This is the most common category in Banjarbaru and the easiest to book.
- Splurge: the choice is limited. Banjarbaru is a provincial capital rather than a resort destination, so the top end of the market is small; if you want a wider range of higher-end properties, consider basing yourself in Banjarmasin instead.
Best area for a first visit
North Banjarbaru is the best base for a first visit. It is the civic centre of a city built on a deliberate plan, so the layout is easy to understand and the main roads connect you quickly to both Martapura and Banjarmasin. Staying here puts you in the middle of the grid rather than on its residential edges.
Frequently asked questions
Should I stay in Banjarbaru or Banjarmasin?
Banjarmasin is the larger city and lies about 35 km to the north-west, so it offers a wider choice of accommodation. Banjarbaru is quieter, greener and closer to Martapura and the Meratus foothills. Choose Banjarbaru if your business is in the capital or you want a calmer base; choose Banjarmasin if you want more choice and more nightlife.
Do I need a car to get around?
The central districts of North and South Banjarbaru are compact and connected by the city's street grid, so you can manage without one there. For Liang Anggang, Landasan Ulin and especially Cempaka, having your own transport makes life considerably easier.
When is the best time of year to visit?
Banjarbaru has a tropical rainforest climate with rain in every month, so there is no dry season in the strict sense. June to October is comparatively drier, with August the driest month, which makes that window the most comfortable for getting around.
Is Banjarbaru a good base for seeing the surrounding area?
Yes. Martapura lies immediately to the north and functions as an extension of the city, and Banjarmasin is a straightforward drive away. The city also borders Banjar Regency on its north, east and west sides and Tanah Laut Regency to the south, so it works well as a base for the wider region.
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