Banjarmasin

It is the capital city of South Kalimantan, usually nickednamed as the city of waterways, because it lies at the mouth of Barito and Martapura rivers. As the capital, Banjarmasin ia also the centre of trades and tourism. It lies at a delta in the Barito rivers. The city is intervened by numorous rivers of various degrees of importance, size and length. Some of the most important are Martapura and Negara River. The numorous rivers make the city get its nick name River City.

These rivers and waterways gives a certain identity to live in Banjarmasin. Water or river transports have become major transportations. Local people even build traditional floating houses along the rivers and these houses are called ‘lanting’. The houses are facing the rivers and they are made of wood or bamboo. Rivers have been very important for business and economic activities. This one of the reasons why there has been floating markets everywhere.

Making trips along the mighty Barito river and Martapura river by klotok boat or river bus will give a unique satisfaction. For longer trips one can hire speedboat. The actual living of the people is along the rivers. Banjarmain, the capital city has developed into business, industry and tourist city.

Business centres are selling and buying all sort of commodities. Supermarkets such as Mitra Plaza at Jalan Pangeran Antasari, Ujung Murung Central Market at Jalan Simpang Sudimampir and Pasar Baru at Jalan Pangeran Samudera and also Pasar Antasari at Jalan Pangeran Antasari.

Banjarmasin is the capital of South Kalimantan, Indonesia. It is located at 3°20′S 114°35′E / 3.333°S 114.583°E / -3.333; 114.583, on a delta island near the junction of the Barito and Martapura rivers. As a result, Banjarmasin is sometimes called the "River City". Its population is about 444,000 (As of 1991^[update]).

A row of hotels in downtown Banjarmasin

Pasar Lima, a market by the river

Banjarmasin's waterfront of Martapura River

Banjarmasin is served by the Syamsudin Noor Airport, which is located about 25 km outside the town. The town is also served by a port, named Trisakti Harbour. A fairly important deepwater port, Pelabuhan Trisakti Banjarmasin is the trade center of the Barito basin; exports include rubber, pepper, timber, petroleum, coal, gold, and diamonds. Passenger ships and ferries to and from Java also carry their operation here.

The city is laced with flood-prone waterways, and many houses are built on rafts or stilts over the water. Many of such waterways are also used for travel, using relatively small rowboats (only major rivers are accessible by larger speedboats, tugboats, longboats, and barges).

(from Wikipedia)