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.

                   Seasonal local fruits are  durian, rambutan, pineapple, mango, 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. However, some
                   areas are  only accessible by boat.

                   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. Early morning, there are "floating markets" -- just like Thailand's.
                   For longer trips one can hire speedboat.

                   Banjarmasin has developed into an industrial and touristic city. There are 4-star hotels and other  cheaper
                   hotels. For entertainment there are 21 movie theaters, karaoke centers, cultural theaters and
                   restaurants serving local as well as international foods.

                   Martapura Town
                   With the diamond cutting center, it has a big market selling accesories made from different kinds of precious and
                   semiprecious stones for very low prices (compared to  Australia). Go there early morning to be able to
                   see the food market next door and tries some local delicacies." Klepon" is very delicious & sweet snack (it's
                   green, ball-shaped glutinous rice  with melted coconut sugar inside, topped with shaved coconut). It is very cheap
                   and popular among local (costs around A$0.50 for 10 balls)!

                   Batu Apu
                   This is a large cave on the hill, about 2-3 hours drive from Banjarmasin. Due to the location and road condition, it
                   is advisable to get a local driver instead of driving alone. This area has many car accidents because of the narrow
                   and curvy road to the hill. Very impressive place. People used to go up to the cave top, but due to erosion we
                   can't climb up anymore. Bring a sandal because the water will rise inside the cave after noon. It is believed that the
                   huge cave was a giant ship from China sent by the Emperor to discuss some issues with Indonesia's Majapahit
                   Kingdom. The ship was accidentally split into half during sea storm. Half landed here and formed as Batu Apu and
                   the other half was located at another beach, few hours from the first location.

                   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.

                   Pulau Kaget (Suprise 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" (red haired monkeys with huge
                   nose 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 (quite dirty). Folk entertainment is available. There is a hotel
                   and a play ground for children.

                   Hulu Sungai Tourist Resort
                   Hulu Sungai is a vast region in the northern part of the province. Most areas here are swamps, but
                   the eastern part is mountainous.

                   Loksado
                   Loksado is at the South Hulu Sungai district whose capital is Kandangan. The town is about 3
                   hours by car from Banjarmasin. The road is good. However, from Kandangan to Loksado, the road
                   goes as far as Halunuk, a small village. Then the trip continues by motor cycle which takes a
                   single passenger over a narrow foot-path.
                   The natural surroundings of the hilly region provides attractive sights for those who enjoy hiking and
                   mountaineering. On the way, meet the local people with their original ways and cross the river over
                   a suspended bridge. Please follow local guide's intstruction so that you won't offend the religious local customs.
                   Adventure River Rafting

                   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 boats. The river trip starts at Loksado, 45 kilometers from Kandangan. When 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.
                   When a river trip is taken, 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.
 
                   Nov 1999 (^-^) Will be updated sometime in the future.
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