Martapura is a city in the Indonesian province of South Kalimantan. It is located in the south-west of the country (in the south-eastern part of the island of Kalimantan ) and attracts tourists with its developed jewelry industry, mainly diamond products.
general information
Martapura is the capital of the Banjar district; Previously, he was the capital of the Sultanate of Banjar and bore the name of Kayutang. About 160 thousand people live here. The city played an important role in the history of Indonesia , in particular - in the Islamization of the country, as well as in the struggle against the colonizers and Japanese invaders during World War II.
The city is divided into 3 districts: Martapur, West and East Martapur. It is famous for its diamond industry and handmade jewelry. It was here that the famous 200-carat diamond Putri Malu was found.
Also the city is known for pilgrims, who come here for the study of Islam. Thanks to this fact, Martapura received the nickname "Veranda of Mecca". There is an Islamic boarding school-pesantren of Darussalam. The most famous native of Martapura is Sheikh Muhammad Arsiad al-Banjoa, a scientist and architect, the author of the project of the largest mosque in the territory of Indonesia, Sabial Mukhtadin.
Climate
The climate in Martapur is equatorial; the average annual temperature is + 26 ° C, daily and seasonal temperature fluctuations are small, about 3-4 ° C. Precipitation falls around 2300 mm per year, humidity is high, it rarely falls below 80% even in the dry season, which lasts from late April - early May to late October - early November. During the wet season, rains are mostly stormy, with thunderstorms, but short enough.
sights
One of the most famous landmarks of the city is the Great Mosque of Al-Karoma. Popular among tourists, especially among Muslims, are the tombs of Sheikh Muhammad Arsid al-Banjari and Muhammad Zeyni Abdul Ghani. A popular place for walks is the cascade reservoir Riam Kanan Dam.
Where to live in Martapur?
Hotels in the city are not very many, but those options that Martapura offers its visitors are quite worthy. The best hotels are:
- 4 * Grand Dafam Q Hotel Banjarbaru || DHM Syariah with swimming pool and restaurant;
- 3 * Hotel Roditha Banjarbaru, which also operates a restaurant;
- guest house Berlian Guest House;
- Parai Puri Tani Hotel.
Restaurants and cafes
In the restaurants of Martapura you can taste dishes of Indian, Chinese, European and Indonesian cuisines . One of the best restaurants in the city is Junjung Buih at Grand Dafam Q Hotel Banjarbaru. Other popular restaurants and cafes are:
- Wong Solo;
- Warung Hertoni;
- Family;
- Warung Rahmad Nur;
- Rumah Makan Kairo.
Shopping
As already mentioned, Martapura is a "city of jewelry", which you can buy in one of the many shops. Products made of gold and silver using diamonds and other precious stones are very popular. One of the most popular among tourists is the Pertokoan Cahaya Bumi Selamat on Km 39 Jl. Ahmad Yani.
There are also large shopping centers in Martapur. One of the largest is Q Mall Banjarbaru. A very colorful floating market Lok Baintan is worth a special attention in 15 minutes drive from the city.
How to get to Martapura?
To get here from Jakarta , you should fly to Banjarmasin (it takes about 1 h. 40 min.), From there the road by car takes about 1 h. 5 min., If you go on Jl. Ahmad Yani and Jl. A. Yani, or 1 h. 15 min., If you go on Jl. Martapura Lama.