SOUTH KALIMANTAN

South Kalimantan is one of the 4 provinces in Kalimantan (formerly called Borneo).

It is often called the Province of a Thousand Rivers. One is Barito river, the largest and the longest river in Indonesia which is more than 6,000 km long.

One of its tributary rivers is the Martapura river, which in turn has two tributary rivers of its own, the Riam Kanan and Riam Kiwa rivers. Barito connects with the Negara rivers which branches out into lesser rivers.

In 1990 the total population of South Kalimantan was 2,463,792 with a growth rate of about 1.8 % annually. 54 % of the population earn their living from agriculture, 15 % from public services, 13 % from the commercial sector and the rest from industry, transport.

The minority consists of some Javanese, Maduranese, Banjau, Bugenese, Chinese and Arabs. The culture and traditions are the assimilation through ages of the indigenous Dayaks, Malays, and Javanese. Then came the influence of Islam which was introduced by Arab and Persian traders. This can be seen from the people's way of life, especially in arts, such as dance, music, traditional dress, games and ceremonies.

Handicrafts are made from local raw materials. Jewelry made of precious and semi-precious stones are mostly made and sold in Martapura.

Rattan and bamboo weaving are from the Tapin district, handicrafts made of gold, silver, brass and iron are from the Hulu Sungai Selatan region. Sasirangan is a specific textile design where its dyeing is a specially of South Kalimantan. The designs and method are different from those of other parts of Indonesia.

Local fruits are among others : durian, rambutan, pineapple, etc.

The high rate of rainfall and adequate sunshine have made South Kalimantan fertile. Extensive forests with a large variety of trees make South Kalimantan one among the large wood producers in Indonesia. The region is well-known for its iron-wood, meranti, pinus and rubber.

South Kalimantan is connected with cities all over Indonesia through Syamsuddin Noor airport which is 25 km from Banjarmasin. This airport can serve DC-9's and lesser aircraft. Airlines serving Banjarmasin are Merpati Nusantara, Bouraq, Sempati and Dirgantara Air Service.

South Kalimantan can also be reached through the seaport of Trisakti and Banjarmasin harbor. To towns in Kalimantan there are plenty of good roads.

If waterways are preferable, go by boat along large rivers which go to almost every direction.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Banjarmasin and its surroundings

Banjarmasin, the capital city, is the center of trade and tourism. It lies at the delta of the Barito river. The city is intertwined by numerous rivers of various sizes and lengths. The major rivers are Martapura and Nagara. The numerous rivers made the city get its nickname River City local people build traditional floating houses along the rivers and these houses are called "lanting", facing the rivers, which are made of wood or bamboo. Rivers have been very important for business and economic activities. This is one reason why there are floating markets everywhere.

Making trips along the mighty Barito and Martapura rivers by "klotok boat or river bus", will give a unique experience. For longer trips one can hire speedboat.

Banjarmasin has developed into an industrial and touristic city. There are star hotels and 20 lesser hotels. For entertainment there are 21 movie theaters, karaoke centers, cultural theaters and restaurants serving local as well as international foods.

Kembang Island

This island is right in the Barito river, not far from a floating market. It is a conservation forest of about 60 hectares, inhabited by tame monkeys of Kalimantan species only. One of the species is called "bekantan" (nasalis larvatus).

It is mostly visited by Chinese Indonesians, as there is a small offering temple where they feed the monkeys.
It is believed that feeding the monkeys will bring good luck an fortune.

Kaget Island

Like Kembang island, Kaget island is also in the Barito river. From downtown it takes 1 1/2 hours by klotok boat or 1 hour by speedboat to get there.
This island is another forest conservation and is also inhabited by the "bekantan" monkeys and the Lutung (prebitis orisate), as well as many sorts of birds.

Diamond Digging at Cempaka & Martapura

Cempaka is a small village 10 km from Banjarbaru, and 45 minutes from Banjarmasin. It is an old site of traditional diamond digging using very simple equipment.
The digging is a collective work by a group, usually consisting of one family and its close relatives.
In 1985 a large raw diamond of 116.7 carats was found in a hole of 15 meters deep.
Martapura is the center of diamond and precious stones polishing; it is also the center of diamond marketing. The town is 40 km from Banjarmasin.
The polishing work uses traditional as well as modern equipment.
Martapura Plaza is the center of diamond and jewelry marketing. Stone-craft of various origins and forms are easily found in the markets of Martapura.Pieces of jewelry having with a large price range, start from as little as Rp.500,- up to millions of rupiahs.

Takisung Beach

About 10 km West of Pleihari is Tasikung beach. Folk entertainment is available. There is a hotel and a play ground for children.