How to get to Banjarmasin

Planning a trip to Banjarmasin reveals the colorful "City of a Thousand Rivers," located in the South Kalimantan province. This bustling city in Indonesia is famous for its canals and unique floating markets, offering tourists an immersion into the region's authentic culture. To create a convenient itinerary and find out how to get to Banjarmasin, it is worth exploring the available transport options, including air travel, as well as water and land transport.

Syamsudin Noor International Airport (BDJ) serves as the main air gateway for travelers. Flights regularly arrive here from the archipelago's key transport hubs, primarily Jakarta and Surabaya. The terminal is located approximately 25 kilometers from the city center, so the transfer to your hotel will take very little time, allowing you to quickly immerse yourself in the atmosphere of South Kalimantan.

As an alternative for planning complex itineraries, a flight to Palangkaraya, located about 190 kilometers away, is sometimes considered. However, it is worth noting that the overland journey from there will take several hours. For most tourists, a direct flight to Banjarmasin airport remains the fastest and most comfortable solution, avoiding unnecessary transfers.

Travelers should note that it is impossible to get to Banjarmasin by train, as there is no railway station in the city. Currently, the passenger railway network in this part of the region is undeveloped, so this mode of transport is unavailable for route planning, and tourists must choose alternative methods of overland travel.

The nearest major settlements, such as Palangkaraya, located 143 kilometers away, or Tamiang Layang, also lack railway connections to the destination. The situation is similar with the city of Kotabaru: overland travel between these points is carried out exclusively by buses or rented cars.

Bus services connect Banjarmasin with neighboring areas, allowing guests of the region to admire tropical landscapes during the journey. One of the most popular routes runs from Palangkaraya: the 190-kilometer road takes an average of 4–5 hours. Regular services also depart from Tamiang Layang, from where a journey of about 200 kilometers will require 5–6 hours.

A trip from Kotabaru will take longer — the distance exceeds 300 kilometers, and the road can take 8–9 hours due to ferry crossings. Tourists should know that most intercity buses on these routes are equipped with air conditioning, ensuring comfortable travel even in hot weather.

Traveling by car is an excellent way to explore South Kalimantan at your own pace, enjoying views of the jungles and local villages. A comfortable route from the city of Palangkaraya, about 193 kilometers long, will take approximately 4 hours, while the road from Tamiang Layang covering 216 kilometers will require about 5 hours. The road surface on main highways is generally in decent condition, making the journey quite pleasant.

A longer drive awaits tourists departing from Kotabaru: covering 261 kilometers will take about 6.5 hours. For such trips, it is convenient to hire a car with a driver or use intercity taxi services, the cost of which can vary from 600,000 to 1,000,000 Indonesian Rupiah depending on the car class and bargaining skills.

A trip to Banjarmasin promises to be unforgettable thanks to the unique river culture and the charm of South Kalimantan. To ensure your holiday is as comfortable as possible and free of surprises, we have prepared a list of useful recommendations relevant for guests of this corner of Indonesia.

1. Clothing and Climate. A hot and humid tropical climate prevails here year-round. Opt for loose clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. Given that the region is quite conservative and religious, it is best to dress modestly: shoulders and knees should be covered, especially when visiting non-tourist areas.
2. Water Transport. Banjarmasin is called the "City of a Thousand Rivers," so boats ("klotok") here are not just an attraction but an essential means of transport. Be sure to rent a boat to visit the floating markets, but agree on the price in advance or ask hotel staff for assistance to avoid inflated rates for tourists.
3. Financial Matters. Always carry cash in Indonesian Rupiah, preferably in small denominations. Bank cards are accepted only in major hotels and shopping centers. At markets, in street cafes ("warungs"), and when paying boatmen, payment is cash-only, and vendors do not always have change.
4. Health and Hygiene. Never drink tap water — buy only bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth. Due to high humidity and the abundance of water, there are many mosquitoes in the city, so be sure to bring high-quality repellent and use it even during the day when walking by the river.
5. Language Barrier. English is not widely spoken in the city; it is mainly understood by staff at good hotels and guides. Locals speak Indonesian (Bahasa) or the Banjar dialect. It is recommended to install an offline translator on your phone and learn a few greeting phrases — this will help greatly in communication.
6. Etiquette Rules. Indonesians are very friendly but sensitive to etiquette. Pass money, food, or shake hands exclusively with your right hand, as the left is considered "unclean." Be sure to remove your shoes when entering private homes and mosques.
7. Alcohol Restrictions. Banjarmasin is a city with strong Muslim traditions. Alcohol is difficult to find here: it is not sold in supermarkets or ordinary cafes. Consuming alcoholic beverages in public places is not encouraged and may cause disapproval.
8. Daily Schedule. Life in the city begins early. To see the main attraction — the Lok Baintan floating market — in all its glory, you will have to leave your hotel around 5:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, trade on the water winds down and the boats disperse, so rising early is the key to a successful excursion.

By following these simple tips, you will easily adapt to the local rhythm of life and avoid awkward situations. Banjarmasin is a hospitable city, and respect for its traditions will open the hearts of the locals to you and make your trip truly soulful.