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 River which branches out into lesser
rivers.
Banjarmasin, which is nicknamed "River City", is the capital, and is the centre of trade and tourism. It lies at the delta of the Barito River. A number of rivers various sizes and lengths wind their way through and around the city. The major rivers are Martapura and Nagara. Local people build traditional floating houses called "lanting", along the rivers. The lanting face the rivers, and 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 provide you with a unique experience. A speedboat
can be hired for longer trips.
Adventure River Rafting is one of exciting stuffs that you can experienced on your visit to Banjarmasin.
The Amandit River which originates at Meratus runs through Loksado and meets the mighty Barito River further down.
Visitors usually use the river to get back after visiting Loksado. Those who enjoy rafting may venture the trip through numerous rocky rapids by traditional rafts made of bamboo or by rubber rafts. The river trip starts at Loksado, 45 kilometres from Kandangan. If a motorcycle ride is preferred, it takes about 4 hours. Those who enjoy trekking through the forests of the hill, the trip takes 8-10 hours.
If you want to take a river trip, start from Loksado to Batu Laki which is 56 km away. The trip can be made in two stretches. The first is from Loksado to Muara Hatip. The second is from Muara Hatip to Batu Laki.
The first stretch is not very challenging because the rapids are not very strong and ranks as grade 1 to 2 1/2. On the second one, the level of difficulty increases, while the rapids are higher and stronger at grade 3, such as Hawangan and Kandihin at the mouth of the river Muara Haring. The panorama along the river is fascinating.
So come and visit Banjarmasin.
