Welcoming Global Tourists: Six Charms of South Kalimantan Greet Visitors from the Sky

Direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Syamsudin Noor International Airport mark a new chapter for tourism in South Kalimantan (Kalsel). From behind the airport windows, the panorama of the Meratus Mountains gently welcomes visitors, symbolizing fresh hope for Bumi Lambung Mangkurat's tourism.

Head of South Kalimantan Tourism Office, Iwan Fitriady, stated this international flight presents a major opportunity to introduce Kalsel's natural beauty and culture to the world.

“These priority destinations will certainly be our main offering for international tourists arriving from Malaysia,” said Iwan in Banjarbaru on Monday.

Six Charms Ready to Captivate Global Tourists

Iwan explained the local government has prepared six priority destinations representing Kalsel's tourism identity for foreign visitors. 

All showcase the uniqueness of South Kalimantan's landscapes and local wisdom – from mountains, rivers, marshes, to historical religious sites.

1. Loksado Bamboo Rafting, South Hulu Sungai

Amid Meratus Mountain's tropical forests, tourists can experience bamboo rafting on the Amandit River. Bamboo boats gliding through small rapids symbolize the adventure spirit of the Meratus Dayak tribe.

2. Swamp Buffalo at Panggang Lake, North Hulu Sungai

Swamp buffaloes soaking in shallow waters create a unique attraction. Sunrise light reflections on the water surface produce unforgettable exotic panoramas.

3. Sultan Adam Grand Forest Park, Mandiangin, Banjar Regency

This forest park is a paradise for nature lovers. Waterfalls, lush trees, and cool air make visitors feel like stepping into a pristine world.

4. Mangrove Ecosystem and Proboscis Monkey Tourism in Barito Kuala

Below the majestic Barito Bridge, tourists can cruise along the river while observing proboscis monkeys – the long-nosed primates iconic to Kalimantan. This ecotourism offers beauty and education.

5. Lok Baintan Floating Market, Sungai Tabuk

This is the heartbeat of Kalimantan's river life. Banjar women sell local produce from jukung (wooden boats), greeting tourists with warm smiles.

6. Sekumpul and Datu Kalampayan Religious Tourism, Martapura

Pilgrimages to Guru Sekumpul and Syekh Muhammad Arsyad Al-Banjari's tombs offer spiritual journeys through Kalimantan's Islamic history.

Upgrades Toward World-Class Standards

Iwan confirmed these six destinations are being progressively enhanced, from infrastructure to tourism services.

“We're improving site comfort and tourist-friendliness while ensuring better access routes and transportation services,” he explained.

These efforts align with the regional government's target to increase foreign tourist visits by five percent following regular international flights.

The Numbers Speak

The Tourism Office recorded 19,928,436 tourist visits to Kalsel in 2024 – 19,910,573 domestic and 17,863 foreign tourists. These figures are projected to surge with improved air connectivity.

“We target a five percent increase in foreign tourist visits compared to last year after international flights commence,” said Iwan.

New Gateway to South Kalimantan

With four weekly international flights (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday), Kalsel transforms from a map location into Kalimantan's southern gateway – ready to welcome the world with warm smiles, river murmurs, and floating market spice aromas.

In Banjarmasin, mornings begin not with vehicle noise but with friendly greetings from jukung boats on Martapura River. 

In Loksado, river currents carry adventurers' laughter. In Sekumpul, prayer chants blend with cool mountain air.

South Kalimantan now not only prepares to receive guests but invites the world to experience its living harmony of nature, culture, and spirituality in every corner.(Antara)