Banjarmasin’s history can be traced through two distinctly different periods: the Banjar Sultanate and the independence struggle in South Kalimantan. Sasirangan craftsmanship and dining by the river add cultural and culinary perspectives. A destination outside the city is also part of the wider region. For planning your trip, this mix helps you distinguish between a stay focused on Banjarmasin and a broader look at the surrounding travel area.

History between the Sultanate and the independence struggle

Located in Banjarmasin, the Wasaka Museum preserves collections about the people of South Kalimantan’s struggle during the Indonesian National Revolution. These include weapons, historical documents and objects left behind by fighters. The collection thus brings together written records and material objects related to the same historical subject. If you are interested in this period, the museum is a tangible point of reference for the independence struggle in South Kalimantan.

In Banjarmasin, Masjid Sultan Suriansyah offers a much older historical perspective: it is considered the oldest mosque in South Kalimantan and was built during the Banjar Sultanate, around the 16th century. Its historical period differs from the revolution featured at the Wasaka Museum. If you want to organize cultural sites by historical period, you can compare the Banjar Sultanate with the later independence struggle.

The Kayuh Baimbai Museum officially opened to the public in early 2024 as the first museum in the city of Banjarmasin. Its opening adds a more recent point of reference to the city’s museum history. If you plan to visit, check visiting arrangements in advance.

Textile craftsmanship and culinary perspectives

Kampung Sasirangan is a center for producing the batik fabric typical of Banjarmasin. This adds a craft perspective alongside collections and architectural history, focusing on the making of a distinctive textile. Travelers interested in fabrics and craftsmanship can consider this as a cultural perspective in its own right.

The Banua Anyar Culinary Center pairs Soto Banjar and other dishes with a riverside setting: a river breeze blows as Kelotok boats pass by. If you plan to visit, check visiting arrangements in advance. This makes dining by the river a distinct focus alongside the cultural and historical themes.

Bingka Banjar is also part of the wider region’s culinary scene. This traditional cake is made with flour, eggs, coconut milk and sugar, and comes in various flavors. While Soto Banjar is associated with a specific riverside location, Bingka Banjar is a regional pastry. These two culinary points of interest therefore differ in their geographic scope.

A destination in the wider region

Pasar Terapung Lok Baintan is located in Kabupaten Banjar, outside Banjarmasin, and is often a day-trip destination for visitors to the city. It is therefore part of the wider region, rather than one of the attractions located within Banjarmasin. If you would also like to consider destinations outside the city, the market is a specific reason to look beyond Banjarmasin.

Discover more destinations: Surabaya, Pasirputih, Palembang, Bali Ubud, Mangsit, Balikpapan, Padang, Makassar.

See the broader travel overview: Indonesia.