Banjarmasin

Banjarmasin sits in a delta where two rivers meet in southern Kalimantan and flow through much of the city. Many houses stand on stilts over the water, and wooden walkways connect neighborhoods to dry land.

The city began in 1526 as the capital of a sultanate and remained independent for centuries. In the 19th century the Dutch took control and integrated the region into their colony.

The Banjar speak their own Malay dialect and use the river daily for trade and transport. Vendors sell fresh fruit from boats in the morning while neighbors call out to each other across the water.

Boats are often the fastest way to move between different parts of the city, especially in the morning and evening. The heat is strong during the day, so many visitors plan trips on the water for early or late hours.

The river market begins before sunrise when hundreds of boats gather and trade goods directly on the water. Some vendors have kept their boats in the same family for generations and know every regular customer by name.

Location: South Kalimantan

Inception: September 24, 1526

Elevation above the sea: 1 m

Shares border with: Banjar, Barito Kuala

Website: http://banjarmasinkota.go.id

GPS coordinates: -3.31443,114.59225

Latest update: December 15, 2025 10:24