Go
South
Kalimantan
the all South Kalimantan website
|
|
Go
South
Kalimantan
the all South Kalimantan website |
back
to thePlaces of interest in SouthKalimantan
SOUTH KALIMANTAN The Land of a Thousand Rivers South Kalimantan province lies at the
southern end of island and is one of four provinces on
Kalimantan. This region is known as the "Land of a
Thousand Rivers". Big and small rivers, wide swamps and
lowlands are characteristic of this southern province. Some
of those rivers, such as the Barito, Martapura and Negara
mark the boundary between South Kalimantan and the
neighboring province of Central Kalimantan. The eastern regions are grown with dense
tropical rain forests and covered mountainous sparsely
inhabited territory. The southern region is a coastal plain,
lined by vast mangrove forests. This coastal area is rich in
fresh and salt-water fishes. Those three regions are practically
separated from each other by the Meratus mountain which
spread from the north to south through the center of the
province. Many villages and plantations lie along the Barito
river course, which runs from the north to south. The provincial capital is Like most other regions in Indonesia,
South Kalimantan has two seasons, a dry and a rainy. The
rainy season lasts from October to April, and dry season
from May to September. The average monthly temperature is
between 25 degrees and 28 degrees centigrade. The average sunshine is about 36 percent
during rainy season, and 91 percent during the
dry. South Kalimantan covers an area of about
37,000 square kilometers and had a population of about three
million in 1988 according to an official count. The province is divided into nine
regencies: Banjar (capital Martapura), Baritokuala
(Marabahan), Hulu Sungai Selatan (Kandangan), Baru
(Kotabaru), Hulu Sungai Tengah (Barabai), Hulu Sungai Utara
(Amuntai), Tabalong (Tanjung), Tanah Laut (Pelaiharai),
Tapin (Rantau), plus the township of Banjarbaru. The population of South Kalimantan
consists of two main groups: the Banjar who live along the
coasts and make up the majority, and the Dayaks who inhabit
the upstream regions of the rivers. There are also a small
number of newcomers. The Banjar, again, are divided into
several sub groups, such as the Banjar Kuala, Banjar
Pahuluan, Banjar Batang Banyu, Berangas, Bakumpai, Maanyan,
Abal, Denyah, Lawangan and Bukit. Among the newcomers are
Bugis, Javanese, Chinese, Madurans, Banjau and Mandarese.
The overwhelming majority of the population are Moslems (98
percent). Others are Catholics, Protestants, Hindus,
Buddhists and adherents of old indigenous belief of
Kaharingan. The Banjar people are devout Moslems.
They are friendly, like to help one another, and have a good
sense of humor. They also are tolerant of other religions
and respect one another. The friendly attitude of the Banjar, and
their hospitality, tends to make visitors immediately feel
at home in their midst. The daily languages spoken by the
Banjar people are basically Malay and Indonesian although in
a distinct local dialect.
The Banjar and Dayaks are the indigenous peoples of South Kalimantan province. The Banjar live near the estuaries of rivers. They build their houses on the riversides and their daily activities are centered there.
The Dayaks form the minority. They generally inhabit the upstream regions of the rivers or other isolated areas in the mountainous hinterland.
The influence of Hinduism on the Banjar culture has been very minimal, despite the fact that an ancient Banjar kingdom once maintained relationships with Majapahit, in Java. The first kingdom known to have existed in South Kalimantan was Negaradipa, established by Empu Jatmika around the 12th century A. D.
This Banjar kingdom later split into two separate states once occupying the hinterland regions (Negara Daha), ruled by Prince Tumenggung; the other on the coast (Banjar Matsih), ruled by Prince Samudera.
In 1526, however, both kingdoms were reunited by Prince Samudera with the help of Demak, in Java and the first Islamic state in the area was established. All Banjar soldiers were converted to Islam, and Prince Samudera himself changed his name into Sultan Suriansyah. A few days later, he died.
The next period was that of Dutch domination. In 1606, the Dutch arrived in Banjarmasin and established a trading post to monopolize the pepper trade. in this period, disputes often arose between the people of the Banjar kingdom and the Dutch.In 1686, the British also opened trade relations with the Banjar kingdom, which was at that time ruled by Sultan Saidillah. The Dutch, who already controlled the pepper trade, began building a fort in Banjarmasin. In 1809, however, Governor General Daendels ordered the Dutch East India Company (VOC) to abandon Banjarmasin, due to the losses sustained in trade. They left, but returned in 1816 and asked for a tract of land in the Banjar kingdom. A treaty was closed between Sultan Sulaiman and the Dutch, at Karang Intan.
Dutch colonialism ended when the Japanese came to occupy Banjarmasin in 1942. And Japanese rule, in turn, ended when Indonesia proclaimed its independence August, 1945.
Banjarmasin is the capital of South Kalimantan province. The town lies at the estuary of Barito and Martapura rivers, and inhabited by about half a million people. It occupies an area of about 72 square kilometers embracing four district: East Banjar, West Banjar, North Banjar and South Banjar. The town has 50 villages.
Banjarmasin was founded on September 24, 1526, one year before Jakarta. The commemoration of the town's anniversary coincides with that of the death of Sultan Suriansyah, the founder, who with the assistance of the Demak kingdom converted the Banjar people to Islam. Sultan Suriansyah died eight days after all peoples in Banjar kingdom were converted.
During the Dutch colonial period, Banjarmasin was capital of the Borneo Residency. Business and commerce blossomed, which was reflected in an increased river traffic, and in a burgeoning of the floating market on the river, where agricultural products were sold.
The town has always lived in the shadow of the jungle, and most of the daily activities take place along the river only. Up to the middle of the 20th century few newcomers were willing to stay here. In the 1960s, however, there was an influx of loggers, who came to top the riches of surrounding forests.
This capital and gateway to South Kalimantan is rather unique in several aspects. For one thing, it lies 0.16 meters below sea level. During high tide, the sea water floods the surrounding marshes, and the river water becomes salty. In the dry season, when the river water decrease, the wells and ponds are filled with sea water, and also become salty.
The river environment, however, gives this old town an appeal that is all its own. Rivers surround it and bring life to the town. The busiest trading centers are found in the center of the town, such as at Pasar Baru, Kuripan Market and some modern markets such as the Antasari Shopping Center.
The Ramadhan Cake Fair is an event in which cakes are sold during the month Ramadhan. Various cakes, including some for offerings, are sold in the market on Jl. Martadinata.
The Floating Market of Banjarmasin is a traditional market at the estuary of the Kuin river, a tributary of the Barito. From daybreak boats come from villages around the rivers Tabuk, Jelapat, Anjir and Selapat, bringing vegetables, fruits and other daily needs and household utensils. Buyers and sellers come to the market in small boats and close their transactions on the water. All daily needs can be obtained at this market.
As the day proceeds, the atmosphere becomes more cheerful. The number of buyers increase, and more boats gather. At a little past noon, the market quietens down. The now empty boats leave. The number of buyers dwindles, and finally everything is quiet again on the river. The best time to see market in action is in the early morning, between 6 a.m and 7 a.m.
Mantuil is an attractive floating village on the outskirts of Banjarmasin.
The Palui Hijau recreation park is suitable for family recreation. There is a fishing pond, a mini zoo, a playground and other entertainment facilities. The park is located 24 kilometers from the center of the town, near Syamsuddin Noor airport.
The Sabital Muhtadin Grand Mosque is the biggest and the most beautiful mosque in South Kalimantan. It lies in the center of the town, and is the pride of its citizens. The mosque and its yard occupy an area of about ten hectares. The Martapura river flows in front. It was built in 1974 and officiated by President Soeharto on February 9, 1981. The mosque also has facilities for religious education and a library.
The Lambung Mangkurat Museum is 334 kilometers away from town in Banjarbaru. It is the only museumin South Kalimantan. Various historical relics from the Banjar kingdom are kept here, such as jars, plates, traditional costumes, and other antiquities. A copy of the holy Qur'an, written by a prominent Islamic leader named Syekh Muhammad Arsyad Al-Banjari (1710 - 1812), is also preserved here.
The Grave of Sultan Suriansyah lies at Kuin village, and can be reached within 15 minutes from the center of town. Sultan Suriansyah, titled Prince Samudera, was the king of Banjars who spread the islamic religion in South Kalimantan, with help of Chatib Dayyan of the Demak Kingdom in Java. He died on September 24, 1526, only 18 days after all the people in the Banjar kingdom had adopted the Islamic faith.
Kembang Island is a delta at the estuary of the Barito River which can be reached in 10 minutes from the Floating Market, by motorboat. Total delta is 60 hectares, and is inhabited by thousands of tame monkeys and birds. There is also a sacred place where the Chinese go to pray. The best time to watch the monkeys is in the early morning or in the afternoon, when the groups of monkeys come out of their hiding places to the side of the rivers, waiting for people to throw food to them. Sometimes a monkey will jump onto a visitor's shoulder to grab the food he is holding.
Kaget Island is wildlife a reserve at the estuary of the Barito River. It can be reached in two hours by motorboat or in one hour by speedboat. The total land surface of this island is approximately 85 hectares. It is inhabited by the Bekantan (Nasalis larvatus), proboscis monkeys, a species found only in Kalimantan. The monkey has reddish brown fur, a prominent nose, and slanted eyes. Bekantans like to play in the forest and come in the morning or afternoon. Visit at around 6 a.m or around sunset.
Martapura is the capital of the Banjar regency, 36 kilometers southeast of Banjarmasin.Martapura, particularly the Cempaka district, is a well known producer of diamonds.Several mining villages exist, such as Lukaas and Sungai Tiung, lying five kilometers from Martapura.
People can be seen panning for diamonds at villages in the Cempaka district, eight kilometers from Martapura. Panners usually work in groups. Each group consists of the 16 to 18 people. The oldest person is usually named the head of the group. Before starting to work, they ask for guidance from "the expert one" the spirit of the village - so they will be led to the richest mining grounds.
First, the panners have to come to an agreement with the owner of the land, who has the right to 10 percent of the diamonds found. Then, several people are chosen to dig a hole, while others remove the soil or remove any water from the hole with buckets or with a pump. The holes are usually six to 10 meters deep. The sides are propped up with logs to prevent them from collapsing. As long as no diamonds are found, the digging continues in a horizontal direction so that tunnels are formed.
They work without schedule. It can start in the morning and continue until midnight, under the light of lanterns.
Deposits are usually found at depths of 10 to 15 meters, in rocky earth layers. The dirt is taken out and washed.
If diamonds are found, the head of the group must immediately be notified. The right to offer the diamond for sale belongs the group leader only.
In the past, it was strictly prohibited to talk to the person washing the gored. According to the local belief the diamonds become frightened and hide among the grains of sand. Women are strictly forbidden to step over the pits. The rough diamonds are referred to as "virgins".
South Kalimantan diamonds are classified into four types: petrous diamonds (yellow and of low quality), black diamonds (black and believed to posses mystical powers), white diamonds and pink diamonds (the best sparkling with the colors of a rainbow).
The Trisakti diamond was the most expensive diamond ever found in this region. It weighed 160 carats and belonged to the pink diamond category.
Diamonds are cut and polished in the Diamond Market of Martapura. Such places are always better known than the sites where the diamonds are found. That is why Martapura is also known as Diamond Town. There are several well known experts in diamond processing in Martapura.
Riam Kanan Dam lies at the side of Riam Kanan Lake, in the Meratus mountains. It is a popular resort with beautiful scenery, 28 kilometers from Banjarbaru or 25 kilometers from Martapura. The quiet is surrounded by green hills.
Rantau is the capital of the Tapin regency. It is located 113 kilometers to the northeast of Banjarmasin. Tapin is a small town with a rather hot climate, inhabited by about 120,000 people.
From Banjarmasin, Rantau can be reached in two hours by car. The distance is 115 kilometers. Traffic along the road is always busy, either during the day or at night. Forest and plantations line the road sides.
Batu Hapu is a cave in the limestone hills surrounded by beautiful scenery. The cave is located inside a recreation park in the Binuang district, 113 kilometers from Banjarmasin. To reach the mouth of the cave, visitors must climb a flight of steps. The cave itself is wide and very quiet. Thousands of bats hang from the ceiling and in niches in the cave. Sometimes, they get startled, flutter about, and rest again.
The air inside the cave is cool and fresh. The rocky hills and the dense greenery of the forest enhance the beauty of the surroundings.
Barman Cave is 18 kilometers from Rantau, and can be reached by public transportation vehicles. The cave is surrounded by rocky limestone hills.
Tungkap village is about 85 kilometers north of Banjarmasin. A prehistoric settlement of Biaju people was found here. The Biaju were the original inhabitants of the area, and are presumed to have lived there at around 2,000 B. C. The settlement was found in a swampy lowland region.
The Biaju are the ancestors of Dayaks. They lived in long houses built over swamps. They probably lived from fishing and dry land cultivation, which they practiced on fields far removed from their settlements.
The Biaju people were adherents of the Kaharingan creed, a form of animism which still has many followers among the Dayaks in hinterland of Kalimantan. There is no evidence that the Biaju had ever anything to do with adherents of Buddhism, Hinduism or Islam. The Biaju later moved further towards the south, to Margasari and Marabahan.
Pulaukadap is swampy region grown with thousands of hectares of swamp vegetation. This area is difficult to reach. It lies on the boundary between the Tapin and Barito Kuala regencies, and may once have been inhabited by Biaju people.
Kandangan is the capital of the Hulu Sungai Selatan regency, 135 kilometers northeast of Banjarmasin. The town is inhabited by about 10,000 people, and lies on the main road that connects the coastal regions with the hinterland over the towns Barabai, Amuntai, Tanjung, and further toward and into East Kalimantan.
Several tourist spots can be found in the Padang Batung district, seven kilometers from Kandangan, such as Pantai Harapan, hot water springs, and the Pagat Batu Recreation Forest.
The Batu Bini Cave is also found in the Padang Batung district. A lion statue is found at the mouth of the cave. The interior of the cave is dark and infested with snakes. Local lore associates the cave with a legend of rebellious son and his loving mother.
Haratai Waterfall is a recreation spot about 15 kilometers from Kandangan. During holidays, this beautiful spot is much visited by young people and families.
Loksado is an attractive place for nature tourism on a plateau in the Meratus mountains, Hulu Sungai Selatan regency, 165 kilometers from Banjarmasin or 40 kilometers away from Kandangan towards the east. A good part of the distance must be walked. The first site of interest is Lumpangi (24 kilometers away from Kandangan), which may be reached by car in two hours. From Lumpangi, Muara Hatib (Loksado) can only be reached on foot, which is a four hour hike.
The visitor can enjoy nature at its best in Loksado. He can go in and out the forest over available pathways, continue up or down the hills or climb the mountain, perhaps taking a rest in native village.
There are 20 typical local houses around Loksado The typical traditional house here is 30 by 40 meters large. Each house is occupied by ten families, or as many as 120 people.
A tribal ceremony called Aruh Ganal is held during the harvest season. There is also a ritual to heal patients. Both are held inside the longhouse.
The trip from Loksado back to town can made on a bamboo raft over the river and past the challenging rapids.
Barabai is the capital of the Hulu sungai Tengah regency, located about 30 kilometers from Kandangan. The town is surrounded by green hills and forests.
Pagat, nine kilometers to the east of Barabai and easy to reach, is a popular holiday resort with beautiful scenery and bathing pools aside the rivers.
The Tourism Resort of Mu'ui is 25 kilometers to the south of Barabai. It is very easy to get a bus or mini bus in Barabai to visit the area. The resort is located on the river, and is surrounded by beautiful scenery.
Mangkiling, in the Benawa district, is an area covered by jungle far in the hinterland. It is cool place, shaded by big trees, at the side of a fast-flowing river. Many people who travel through South Kalimantan Island pay a visit to this area although it is rather difficult to reach. A village near the spot is inhabited by several thousand people.From Barabai, visitors make the trip to Loksado via Hantakan, Tilahan, Kampung Baru and PapangkanOther tourist sites that can be reached from Barabai are Ugud village (one hour by foot from Barabai); Namang (three hours from Ugud); Batu Kembar (15 minutes from Namang); Kiyo (three hours from Batu Kembar); Datai Alai (three hours from Kiyo) and Kadayang (11 hours from Datar Alai).
Amunati, 193 kilometers from Banjarmasin, is the capital of the Hulu Sungai Utara regency. Amuntai is surrounded by green forests and wondering rivers. The town gives a peaceful impression.
Lake Panggang is 25 kilometers to the east of the town. There are plenty of public buses running in both directions between the two points. The beautiful scenery around the lake attracts many visitors especially during holidays.
The village Alabio is famed for its ducks, Alabio ducks are excellent layers. Breeding and raising the ducks is a major source of income for many people in this area. Alabio is also known as a producer of plaited articles from rattan or bamboo and other handicrafts.
The Agung Temple near Amuntai is a remainder of the Hindu period. Fences have been erected around the site to protect it. The site is shaded, by big trees, and a pathway leads around it.
Tanjung, 232 kilometers to the north of Banjarmasin, is the capital of the Tabalong regency. Tanjung can be reached from Amuntai, 42 kilometers away. Tanjung can also be reached by light aircraft because there is a small airport serving flights to and from Banjarmasin. This town is quite busy. It is not far from the border between south and Central Kalimantan. Bentot lies exactly on the boundary. It is a small town 15 kilometers east of Tanjung. From Tanjung, the trip can be continued to the north towards East Kalimantan via the village agung, Haruai, Muara Uya and Batu Babi at the border with East Kalimantan.
Marabahan is the capital of the Barito Kuala regency. This town lies at the side of the Barito river and can be reached in four hours from Banjarmasin.
The Barito is the longest river in South Kalimantan and in Indonesia, as well. Its length is 600 kilometers. at several places near the estuary, the river is three kilometers wide and 10 to 30 meters deep.
The water of Barito River is muddy because it carries silt and rubbish from the hinterland. Flotsam is everywhere along the lower reaches of the river. Barambai is a village of transmigrants, who till the irrigated rice fields that lie all around.
Beyond Marabahan, the Barito river splits into two branches one is a tributary coming from Negara village, Amuntai and Tanjung. The other branch comes from the west, and has its head waters near the Central Kalimantan border.
Pelaihari, 65 kilometers northeast of Banjarmasin, is the capital of the Tanahlaut regency. The roads leading to the town are quite good and transportation is smooth. There are a number of quaint little villages along the road.
Pelaihari is also well known gold mining region. The first people to mine gold in this region were settlers from China. According to local sources, about six centuries ago, twelve Chinese mining experts arrived in the area at the request of the king of Banjar, Samudera. Besides gold mines, the king also asked the Chinese to look for diamonds, open plantations, and start a ceramics industry.
The first gold mine was established at Parit, about one kilolmeter east of Pelaihari. Nowadays, this hamlet is called Kampung China (Chinese Hamlet). Many of the original Chinese married local women and had children. Many of their descendants still live here.
Begun Waterfall, 11 kilometers from Pelaihari, is a popular holiday resort.
Tambakkarangan is a fishermen's settlement in attractive surroundings. The mangrove forests in the vicinity are worth seeing.
Takisung Beach is located at the end of the road on the west coast, 22 kilometers from Pelaihari. Takisung is a well-known beach resort, with corals in the sea and green forest along the shore.
Tabanio Beach can be reached from Takisung. The road follows the coastline. A number of small rivers have to be crossed.
Pagatan is a small town on the coast, 240 kilometers from Banjarmasin. The town is located on Pejala Beach and faces the Java Sea. It is inhabited by Bugis fishermen from Sulawesi.
The Bugis way of life is very much evident at Pagatan, Kusan Hilir district. The Bugis have lived here for generations, raising families and preserving their own customs and traditions, as well as their language. The woven products of Pagatan are very well known.
Mappanre Tasi is a traditional ceremony of the Bugis fishermen of Pagatan, which is held once year. Mappanre means giving food, and tasi means sea. Mappanre tasi, therefore means giving food to the sea. The ceremony is attended by all Bugis fishermen of the Kusan Hilir district. Several days before the ceremony takes place, Pejala and Pagatan beaches are crowded with visitors from as far as Banjarmasin, who come to see the event.
The ceremony begins with a religious meal held at the chief's house. Then, all those present, led by the chief, walk to a place on the beach, accompanied by a row of guards of honor wearing costumes. After prayers are said, the village chief loads the sacrificial foods onto a boat, followed by the fishermen. The boat sails towards the middle of the sea, accompanied by the beat of musical instruments. Two chickens are killed and their blood is thrown into the sea. The offerinngs are then carefully put into the sea.
Sogung Cave is 75 kilometers north of Pagatan and easy to reach by public vehicles. It has stalacties and stalagmites and is located in beautiful surroundings.
Kotabaru, the capital of the Kotabaru regency, lies at the northern end of Pulau Laut Island. It is a busy and important port. Kotabaru is the biggest regency of South Kalimantan Province. The islands Laut and Sebuku make up the largest part of its territory. Pulau Laut is separated by a narrow strait from mainland. There are a number of small islands in this strait which is only between two and four miles wide. Many people travel to and fro between Batilicin (on the mainland) and Salinau or Kotabaru (Laut Island), for their daily business.
Several small but busy villagse are found on Pulau Laut, especially along the coasts such as, Berrangas, Sejaka, Tungkaranamasam, Semaras, Karambu, Sebanti, Tapian-bala, Teluk Kemuning, Semisir, Salinau and Stagen
The middle of the island is hilly and covered by forests. Very few people live in the hinterland.
Rattan plaitwork, hand-printed batik, paintings, carvings, hand-woven textiles.
See the archipelaGo listings for more information.
c u l t u r e
contact us at GoArchi@denpasar.wasantara.net.id
