Nagara

Nagara is a town in the Hulu Sungai Selatan Regency of South Kalimantan, located about 80 km northeast of Banjarmasin in the fertile valley of the Nagara River. The town is famous throughout Indonesia for its traditional diamond polishing industry — generations of skilled artisans cut and polish rough diamonds brought from the surrounding mines of Cempaka and Martapura.

The town has a long history tied to the diamond trade. Traditional polishing techniques using primitive but effective tools have been passed down through families for centuries. Nagara's narrow streets are lined with small workshops where you can watch cutters and polishers at work, transforming rough stones into brilliant gems.

The climate is tropical with temperatures of 24–33°C. The rainy season runs November–April.

By Plane

Syamsudin Noor International Airport (BDJ) in Banjarmasin is about 80 km southwest (2 hours by car).

By Car / Road

From Banjarmasin, take the highway east through Martapura (40 km) to Kandangan (60 km), then continue east to Nagara. Public minibuses connect Kandangan with Nagara (Rp 20,000–30,000).

Nagara is small and walkable. Ojek and becak serve the town.

• Diamond Polishing Workshops: The main attraction — watch skilled artisans at work in small roadside workshops.

• Nagara River: The river that supports the town's economy and daily life.

• Traditional Wooden Houses: Nagara has well-preserved examples of traditional Banjarese architecture.

• Diamond Workshop Tour: Walk along the main street and stop at any workshop — most are happy to explain the process and show their work.

• Gemstone Shopping: Buy polished diamonds and other gemstones directly from the craftsmen.

Warung around the market serve soto Banjar, nasi goreng, and freshwater fish. Simple eats, nothing fancy.

Bottled water is essential. Sweet tea is available everywhere.

Limited accommodation — most visitors visit as a day trip from Kandangan or Martapura. Basic losmen available if needed (Rp 100,000–150,000/night).

Polished diamonds and gemstones — the best value in Kalimantan as you're buying direct from the polishers, bypassing middlemen. Banjarese sasirangan fabric is also available.

• Kandangan: 20 km west — market town and gateway to Loksado.
• Martapura: 40 km southwest — the main diamond market.
• Loksado: 40 km north — Dayak highlands with bamboo rafting.
• Banjarmasin: 80 km southwest — floating markets and canals.
• Amuntai: 50 km east — water buffalo races.