Banjarbaru

Banjarbaru is a city in South Kalimantan that became the provincial capital in 2022, replacing Banjarmasin. Located about 35 km southeast of Banjarmasin, it is a planned administrative city that has grown rapidly as government offices and institutions have relocated here. The city has a population of around 270,000 and sits at the crossroads between Banjarmasin and the gemstone town of Martapura.

The city's name means "new Banjar" — reflecting its role as the modern administrative heart of South Kalimantan. Banjarbaru was originally developed as a satellite town to relieve pressure on Banjarmasin, with wider roads, more organised urban planning, and purpose-built government complexes. While it lacks the historic riverside character of Banjarmasin, it offers a quieter, more orderly base for exploring the region.

The climate is tropical, with temperatures of 24–34°C year-round. The wet season runs November–April, and the driest months are June–September. Banjarbaru is slightly less humid than Banjarmasin due to its inland location.

By Plane

Syamsudin Noor International Airport (BDJ) is actually closer to Banjarbaru than to Banjarmasin — about 15 minutes' drive from the city centre. The airport serves flights from Jakarta, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, Denpasar, Balikpapan, and other Indonesian cities. A taxi from the airport to Banjarbaru costs approximately Rp 80,000–120,000.

By Train

By Car / Road

Banjarbaru is on the Trans-Kalimantan highway, 35 km from Banjarmasin (30–45 minutes by car) and 15 km from Martapura. Frequent angkot minibuses and shared taxis connect Banjarbaru with Banjarmasin (Rp 15,000–25,000) and Martapura (Rp 10,000).

Angkot (green minivans called "taksi kota") connect Banjarbaru with Martapura and Liang Anggang. Becak (tricycle rickshaws) are common for short trips within the city — negotiate the fare before boarding. Gojek and Grab ride-hailing apps operate in Banjarbaru. The city is relatively spread out; walking is practical only within individual neighbourhoods.

• Lambung Mangkurat Museum: Jl. Jenderal Ahmad Yani Km 36 — houses historical and cultural relics of South Kalimantan, including artefacts from the Sultanate of Banjar, stone tools, wood carvings, and traditional musical instruments. Open daily, donation basis.

• Diamond Panning in Cempaka District: About 7 km from Banjarbaru, traditional diamond miners dig pits 10–12 metres deep using traditional methods to find gemstones — a fascinating spectacle.

• Great Mosque of Al-Karomah: In nearby Martapura — a grand modern mosque with striking architecture.

• Amanah Borneo Park: A public park in Cempaka with recreational facilities, open 09:00–17:00.

• Diamond Mining Tour: Visit the Cempaka traditional diamond mines and watch the sifting and sorting process. You can purchase uncut gems directly from miners.

• Day Trip to Martapura: The gemstone capital of Kalimantan, 15 minutes away — browse hundreds of jewellery shops and the famous Martapura gem market.

• Museum Visit: The Lambung Mangkurat Museum offers an excellent introduction to Banjarese history and culture.

• Swimming: Kolam Renang Idaman public pool on Jalan Taman Gembira.

• Ayam Panggang Swarga: Famous for its grilled chicken — located in the city centre.
• Warung Mie Khas Banjar: Loktabat Utara — serves mie bancir, a Banjarese noodle dish with savoury broth (open 17:00–22:30).
• Pasar Bauntung: The main market with many food stalls serving Banjarese specialities including ketupat kandangan and soto Banjar.
• KFC and other chain restaurants are available for familiar dining.

Bottled water is essential. Es teh manis (sweet iced tea) and es jeruk (iced orange juice) are widely available. Tap water is not drinkable.

• Budget: Hotel Permata In (Jl. A. Yani, +62 511 4773005) — basic rooms from Rp 150,000–250,000/night.
• Mid-range: Hotel Grand Banua (Rp 300,000–500,000/night).
• Business: Clean air-conditioned hotels catering to government travellers are common — rates Rp 350,000–600,000/night.

Banjarbaru's main draw for shoppers is the proximity to Martapura, the diamond and gemstone centre of Kalimantan. Banjarese sasirangan (traditional tie-dye fabric) is widely available. The city's traditional market sells fresh produce and local snacks.

• Martapura: 15 minutes southeast — the diamond market of Kalimantan, famous for gemstone shopping and the Great Mosque of Al-Karomah.
• Banjarmasin: 35 km northwest — the historic river city with floating markets, canal trips, and the Sabilal Muhtadin Grand Mosque.
• Loksado: About 120 km northeast — Dayak highland area with bamboo rafting and traditional longhouses.
• Riam Kanan Dam: About 40 km east — a scenic reservoir with water sports and lakeside relaxation.