Discover the best natural tourist destinations in South Kalimantan, from exotic hills to charming beaches that offer unforgettable beauty and experiences.
South Kalimantan, located in the southern part of Borneo Island, is a paradise for nature lovers. This province has a variety of stunning natural tourist destinations, ranging from green hills, white sand beaches, to exotic islands that are habitats for rare animals. Here are the 10 best natural attractions in South Kalimantan that offer an unforgettable experience.
1. Matang Kaladan Hill: A Panorama Similar to Raja Ampat
Matang Kaladan Hill is a charming natural tourist destination with views of vast, lush forests. Known as the “Raja Ampat of Kalimantan,” this hill offers a beautiful landscape of green hills surrounded by lakes and rivers.
To reach the top of Matang Kaladan Hill, visitors must climb thousands of steps with a height of about 400 meters. This journey may sound tiring, but the spectacular view at the top will pay off all your efforts. The gentle breeze on the hill provides a fresh atmosphere that makes the journey even more memorable.
2. Kembang Island: A Unique Habitat in the Barito River
Kembang Island is a small island in the middle of the Barito River, which is home to a troop of monkeys and various types of birds. This island is famous for the presence of a large monkey which is called the “monkey king” by the locals.
Apart from enjoying the natural atmosphere, visitors can also find an altar with a statue of Hanoman which is used by the Chinese community for certain rituals. Be sure to be careful with your belongings, as the monkeys on this island are known to be very curious.
3. Martapura Riverside Park: A Favorite Place to Relax
Martapura Riverside Park is the perfect place to relax while enjoying the river view. This location is a favorite for young people and families to spend the afternoon.
In addition to being a place to relax, Siring Park also offers a popular fishing spot. You can enjoy local cuisine from street vendors lining the park while enjoying the peaceful river view.
4. Mascot Park: Home of Banjarmasin’s Typical Mascots
Mascot Park in Banjarmasin is a tourist attraction that features two of the city’s mascots , namely the proboscis monkey and the kasturi tree. At the entrance of the park , you will be greeted by a hanging statue of a proboscis monkey, a unique icon of Banjarmasin.
Inside the park , there is a plant house that displays various types of plants such as cacti, aloe vera, and others. The park’s facilities include a parking area, prayer room, toilets, and children’s playground, making it a family-friendly tourist spot.
5. Wasaka Museum: Remembering the Struggle of the People of South Kalimantan
Wasaka Museum, which is an abbreviation of “Waja ke Kaputing,” is a museum of the history of the struggle of the people of South Kalimantan. This museum is located in a traditional Banjarmasin house with a distinctive architecture in the form of a high roof.
The museum’s collection includes photographs of the struggle, typewriters, weapons, combat uniforms, and old bicycles used to send letters secretly. One of the valuable artifacts here is the text of the proclamation of the struggle of the people of South Kalimantan which was made on May 17, 1949.
6. Angsana Beach: Snorkeling and Diving Heaven
Angsana Beach, located in Tanah Bumbu Regency, is one of the most beautiful beaches in South Kalimantan. This beach is famous for its long white sandy coastline and its alluring coral reefs.
For snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, Angsana Beach is an ideal place to explore the underwater beauty. In addition, there is a resort with a swimming pool for visitors who want to relax.
7. Samber Gelap Island: Exotic Beaches and Turtles
Samber Gelap Island, located off the coast of Kotabaru Regency, is an exotic tourist destination with white sand and clear sea water. The trip to this island takes about 8-9 hours from Banjarmasin.
This island offers an amazing snorkeling experience with beautiful coral reefs and a variety of fish species. You can also watch turtles that often come to this island to lay eggs, making it an attractive place for marine wildlife lovers.
8. Batakan Baru Beach: Ideal Place for Camping
Batakan Baru Beach, located in Tanah Laut Regency, is the perfect destination for camping or picnicking with family. With an area of about 10.5 hectares , this beach offers a calming sea view.
The distance of this beach from Banjarmasin is only about 2 hours drive, making it suitable for a short tour. You can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with fresh sea breeze on this beach.
9. Bukit Timah: Witness of the Tala People’s Struggle
Bukit Timah, located in Tanjung Dewa Village, is a historical site that witnessed the Tala people’s resistance against the colonialists. This hill is located on the edge of the Pelaihari-Batakan main road and is an interesting tourist destination for history and nature lovers.
Apart from enjoying the panoramic views of the hills, visitors can also learn about the history of the local people’s struggles as expressed in stories and relics around the location.
10. Curiak Island: Proboscis Monkey Research Station
Curiak Island is a small island in the Barito River delta which is a habitat for the proboscis monkey, a typical animal of Kalimantan. This island has also been used as a Proboscis Monkey Research Station since 2018 to support the conservation of this animal.
In addition to proboscis monkeys, Curiak Island is also home to various flora and fauna, including rambai mangrove forests and crested eagles. This island is suitable for visitors who want to enjoy the natural beauty while learning about the mangrove forest ecosystem.
South Kalimantan is a stunning natural tourist destination with extraordinary beauty and diversity. From the beauty of the hills to the exotic beaches, each place offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
Whether you are an adventurer, a history buff, or just want to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature, South Kalimantan has it all.
Don’t miss exploring Timah Hill, a hidden gem for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Plan your trip now and enjoy the alluring natural charm of South Kalimantan!
