Getting Around Banjarmasin
Banjarmasin sits on a delta island near the meeting point of the Barito and Martapura rivers, and that geography shapes how you move. The city has no metro, tram, or commuter rail system, so getting around means a mix of road transport, ride-hailing apps, and boats along the rivers and canals. The good news for visitors is that most options are cheap, and the arrival of app-based services has made crossing town far simpler than it used to be.
Buses and Public Transport
The main public land transport is buses and shared minivans, with river boats also serving local movement. A Bus Rapid Transit system called Trans Banjar Bakula runs several routes linking the city centre with surrounding areas, including Banjarbaru. Routes connect major points such as the KM 6 Terminal, Duta Mall, and Banjarbaru Terminal, and the primary retail plazas and bus terminals act as key transport hubs.
- Trans Banjar Bakula (BRT): inexpensive fares, payable in cash or by cashless card. Buses generally run from about 06:00 to 18:00–19:00.
- Angkot (also called bamikro): shared minivans on fixed routes, sometimes referred to as "taxi" by locals. They are now less common but still operate on some routes. Fares are paid per passenger.
- Finding your route: Google Maps is useful for identifying bus routes and travel times. For angkot, it is best to ask locals about routes or simply state your destination.
Public buses generally have limited accessibility for travellers with mobility challenges, and older angkots are harder still; private transport is advised if accessibility is a concern. There are no hop-on-hop-off buses or large tourist bus services, though private tour buses for groups can be arranged through local tour operators.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Metered taxis exist, but they are uncommon on the streets, so you will usually need to look for a taxi stand and confirm that the meter is used. Traditional taxis in Banjarmasin are comparatively expensive, often charging a minimum fee even for a short ride, so it pays to agree on the arrangement before setting off.
App-based ride-hailing is the more practical option for most visitors. Gojek offers GoRide (motorcycle) and GoCar, while Grab offers GrabBike and GrabCar; both are widely used. App fares are displayed upfront and are often cheaper than taxis. Motorcycle taxis carry higher risk, and helmets are required.
Alongside these, you will still see traditional options on the streets: ojek (motorcycle taxis) and becak (tricycle rickshaws), which are useful for short inner-city trips, plus some old orange-coloured bajaj (auto rickshaws).
Renting a Vehicle
If you want your own wheels, an International Driving Permit is usually required, and car rental also requires a valid home-country driving licence. Local agencies include TRAC Astra Rent a Car. Hiring a car with a driver is often recommended for tourists because of local driving conditions. Driving is on the left side of the road, and traffic can be heavy and aggressive.
Motorcycle and scooter rentals are less common for tourists; a valid motorcycle licence (category A on an IDP) is required, and helmets are mandatory. There is no city-wide bicycle-sharing programme, though some hotels may offer bicycle rentals.
Walking and Cycling
Banjarmasin is not a city where you can rely on walking for everything, but it has its moments. The Siring Tendean riverfront is good for walking, and markets are best explored on foot. Formal walking tours are uncommon, though local guides can be hired through hotels.
Be prepared for uneven or absent sidewalks in places, and take care in congested traffic. Cycling is safer in parks or quiet residential areas, as there are few dedicated bicycle lanes and main roads can be hazardous. GPS apps are recommended for navigation, and parking is available at malls and major attractions, sometimes for a fee, while street parking can be difficult in high-traffic areas.
Boats on the Rivers and Canals
Given the city's setting on a delta island, boats are not just a tourist novelty but part of daily life. The klotok, a classic wooden boat, is integral to navigating the rivers and canals and can be hired for private tours to the floating markets and riverine communities. Speedboats are a faster option for river travel to specific destinations.
- Negotiate klotok fares with the operator before departure, and confirm the duration and destinations beforehand.
- Go early in the morning for the floating markets, which are a dawn experience and central to local culture.
- For speedboats, state your destination clearly and ask about schedules for transfers between river points; expect splashes, so protect your electronics.
Safety matters on the water: wear a life vest, keep hands and feet inside the craft, and avoid standing or sudden movements in small boats. Do not swim in unfamiliar or unmonitored river areas, and supervise children near waterways. River currents can be stronger during the wet season, and surfaces near river banks can be slippery and uneven, so follow local warnings on water conditions.
Getting from the Airport into the City
Syamsudin Noor International Airport (BDJ) is the main gateway, located outside the city and reached by roughly half an hour's drive. It has services from major Indonesian cities including Jakarta (Soekarno-Hatta), Surabaya, Yogyakarta, Denpasar (Bali), Pontianak, Makassar, and Balikpapan, served by carriers such as Garuda Indonesia, Lion/Wings Air, and Sriwijaya Air, with Susi Air covering smaller towns, especially in Kalimantan. The terminal has basic facilities including ATMs, a restaurant, a cafe, and souvenir shops.
To reach the city from the airport, you have a few options:
- Taxi: a fixed-rate taxi is available at the airport.
- Hotel pickup: arranging for your hotel to collect you is often the easiest choice.
- Shared minivan: walk a couple of minutes to the street outside the airport and you should be able to share a minivan heading to the KM 6 terminal.
Practical Tips
- Carry small denominations of Rupiah, since many fares are paid in cash.
- Ride-hailing apps such as Gojek and Grab are useful both for getting around and for navigating the city; an Indonesian phone number helps.
- Basic Bahasa Indonesia phrases and awareness of local customs go a long way; dress modestly at religious sites and ask permission before photographing people.
- Watch your belongings in crowded areas, and take care when walking or cycling in congested traffic.