Kalimantan Selatan

Kalimantan Selatan
(South Kalimantan)

Capital City

Banjarmasin

picture: wikimedia cOMMONS

Banjarmasin

Banjarmasin is the largest city in the southern province and is known as the City of a Thousand Rivers. It is located on a delta island near the junction of Barito and Martapura islands. Some prominent places that cannot be missed are Lokbaintan Floating Market and Sasirangan Traditional Village. Lokbaintan Floating Market is definitely a must-visit. True to its name, you are able to enjoy the local market while nursing a plate of delicious breakfast. It is recommended to visit the market bright and early in the morning as it is the prime time for shopping. Most of the sellers are female and it is more of a wholesale market with their boats filled with various vegetables or fruits. In addition, travelers who come to the traditional village are able to see how the Sasirangan cloth, a material that is used by the citizens of Negara Dipa Kingdom, is made by the tailors and even purchase them on-site. Currently, Sasirangan has been designated as Intangible Heritage by the Ministry of Education and Culture since 2012.

Another thing to look forward to in Banjarmasin is the Haul Guru Sekumpul event, which commemorates the death of Abah Guru Sekumpul, or known as K.H. Muhammad Zaini Abdul Ghani, a renowned cleric in Islamic history. The event is held every 5th of Rajab at the Ar-Raudhah Sekumpul prayer room, Martapura. This annual event is joined by Muslims from all parts of Indonesia, they come together to pray and remember the services of the late cleric. Make sure to check out the fixed date before planning because the date changes every year!

Recommended food:

Soto Banjar
Not only is it famous in south Kalimantan, Soto Banjar is known throughout all of Indonesia as one of the best sotos out there. It is served with chicken meat, various spices and lime juice to make it more savoury and pleasing to the tongue.

Ketupat Kandangan Banjar
Originating from Kandangan, South Hulu Sungai Regency, this specific type of ketupat has tuna, and sometimes baked cork fish, as its main ingredient that differentiates it from others. The food is usually associated with the Muslim’s Eid al-Fitr and it is a perfect meal for both breakfast and lunch.

soto banjar

ketupat kandangan banjar