Uncover Mira Banjarmasin's Hidden Gems: Your Ultimate Banjarmasin, Indonesia Guide
Uncover Mira Banjarmasin's Hidden Gems: A Candid Romp Through Kalimantan's Best - or At Least, What They Tell You Is!
Alright, travel buddies! Buckle up, because we're diving deep into the heart of Banjarmasin, Kalimantan, with a stay at the… well, let's call it "Uncover Mira Banjarmasin." I'm not going to lie, the name itself is a bit much, like they're promising to unearth lost Ark treasures instead of just a decent hotel. But hey, expectations are a funny thing, right?
(Meta: Banjarmasin Hotel Review, Kalimantan Travel Guide, Indonesia, Hotel Amenities, Accessibility, Spa, Dining, Room Features, COVID-19 Safety, Honest Review)
Let's get this straight: I'm not some travel blogger with perfectly curated Instagram posts. I'm a human. And sometimes, humans are just tired and want a clean bed and a strong coffee. So, here’s the unvarnished truth about this place, warts and all.
Accessibility & The Wheelchair Waltz (or Lack Thereof):
Listen, I’m not in a wheelchair, but I always scope out accessibility. Because, you know, empathy. The website claimed they had facilities for disabled guests, but honestly, the entrance felt a little… stair-centric. The elevator was there (thank goodness!), but navigating the public areas felt like an obstacle course. If you need full accessibility, call ahead. Seriously. Don't trust the website's vague promises.
On-Site Grub & Grooves: The Restaurant Rundown
Okay, let's talk food. Because, priorities.
- Restaurants: Yeah, they have restaurants. Plural! Which is already a good start. I'm a sucker for a buffet, and the breakfast was… decent. Let's put it that way. The Asian breakfast was a good start to the day. There's also Western breakfast, if you're feeling less adventurous, but where's the fun in that?
- Coffee Shop: Saved by the bell! The coffee shop saved the day, thankfully. Good vibes, decent coffee, and a place to recharge before the next round of sightseeing. I ended up spending way too much time here, actually, nursing my flat white and eavesdropping on conversations. It was a people-watching paradise.
- Happy Hour: Did I see a happy hour mentioned? I’m in! Sadly, I didn't find myself in a position to utilise this during my stay, as I was too busy trying to work out where the bathrooms actually were.
- Poolside Bar: The poolside bar? Oh, the promise! The disappointment! Let's just say I envisioned myself sipping a perfectly crafted cocktail while gazing at the Pool with a view. In reality, the view was… kind of meh, and the cocktail tasted like they'd forgotten the alcohol. Sad face. The Poolside bar had potential, though.
- Room Service [24-hour]: A godsend! Especially after a long day of battling the equatorial sun. Knowing that I could get a decent meal at any hour was a comfort, even if it was sometimes a bit… slow.
- A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant: All the bases covered, more or less. They tried. bless them.
The Pampering & Preening: Spas, Saunas &… Body Wraps?
Alright, confession time: I'm a spa junkie. This hotel had a whole shebang, including a Spa, Spa/sauna, Sauna, Steamroom, Massage, Foot bath, Body scrub, and Body wrap. I'm not one for feeling guilty when I'm on a break. So, I gave it a go.
The massage was… well, let’s just say it ranged from “blissful” to “sort of ticklish.” The massage therapists were clearly trying their best, but the ambiance was a bit… sterile. Maybe a few more candles? More ambient music? All in all, the whole experience was adequate. It wasn't life-changing, but it helped ease those achy muscles from all the walking.
The Pool with a view, however… Oh, that was a letdown. The pool itself was lovely, clean, and inviting, but the promised "view" was… a construction site. Yep. So much for tranquil reflection.
Cleanliness & COVID-19: The Sanitization Scramble
Okay, let's get real: traveling in the age of COVID. The hotel made a serious effort. They listed all the right things – Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Rooms sanitized between stays, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. Honestly, it was reassuring, even if I did develop a slight germaphobe-y edge by the end of the trip. The Room sanitization opt-out available was a thoughtful touch too.
- Breakfast takeaway service, Individually-wrapped food options, Safe dining setup: All the usual precautions were there.
Rooms, Glorious (and Sometimes Questionable) Rooms:
My room? Honestly, it was a mixed bag.
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathroom phone, Bathrobes, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. The basics were covered, sure, but let's dive deeper:
- I was on a High floor. The view was… okay.
- The Air conditioning worked! A lifesaver.
- The Bathtub was… clean, I think. Kind of looked like it had been used as a fish tank.
- Free bottled water? Always a win. Hydration is key in Kalimantan.
- Wi-Fi: Fine. Not blazing fast, but usable.
The bed was comfortable, the Blackout curtains were essential for sleeping off jet lag, and the In-room safe box made me feel slightly more secure.
Services & Conveniences: Does it Really Deliver?
- Air conditioning in public area: Thank heavens. Because, again, Kalimantan = heat.
- Business facilities: I didn’t use them, but they were there.
- Cash withdrawal: Yep.
- Concierge: Helpful! They helped me navigate the local transportation and gave solid recommendations.
- Convenience store: Essential for late-night snack runs and replenishing that dwindling stash of sunscreen.
- Elevator: Thank goodness.
- Facilities for disabled guests: As mentioned, potential issues here.
- Laundry service: Did the trick.
- Luggage storage: Yep.
- Smoking area: Sigh.
- Terrace: A nice touch.
- Daily housekeeping: Impeccable. Really.
Getting Around: The Great Banjarmasin Mobility Mystery
- Airport transfer: Smooth. No complaints. Made arriving and leaving a breeze.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]: Parking was easy, which is a bonus.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly? Maybe?
They mentioned Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal. Honestly, I didn't see many kids running around. But it felt like it could be suited to families.
The Verdict: Worth the Stay?
Look, the Uncover Mira Banjarmasin is a good hotel. It gets the job done. It's clean, the staff tries hard, and it has the necessary amenities. It's not perfect. But sometimes, a solid, dependable hotel is all you need when you're exploring a new city.
The Bottom Line: Go in with reasonable expectations. If you're looking for a luxurious experience, you might be disappointed. But if you're looking for a comfortable basecamp to explore Banjarmasin, this is a decent choice. Just double-check those accessibility requirements! Happy travels!
Escape to Paradise: Kediri's Lotus Garden Hotel Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups! You're in for a wild ride with my Banjarmasin babble. This isn't some glossy brochure, it's real life, Indonesian heat, and my very opinionated brain, unfiltered.
Mira's Banjarmasin Bonanza: A Confession in Itinerary Form (and a Few Regrets)
Day 1: Arrival and the Shock of Sunlight (and Mosquitoes)
- 07:00 AM: Jakarta to Banjarmasin! Ugh, pre-dawn flight. I swear, airline coffee tastes like sadness even when not concured with jet lag. Arrived at Syamsudin Noor International Airport – which, by the way, is smaller than my local grocery store. But hey, at least it was air-conditioned. Small wins, people, small wins.
- 08:00 AM: Taxi to my accommodation. Found out I booked the "guesthouse" in the red-light district, despite my exhaustive research. It's probably fine, right? Probably not. Smells faintly of stale cigarettes and ambition. On the plus side, the street food looks AMAZING, and there are friendly stray cats, so, balancing out.
- 09:00 AM: Seriously contemplating my life choices. Do I really want to be here? Then: breakfast. I swear, the nasi kuning in this place is a gift from the gods. That rice cooked in coconut milk, with that spicy side of chicken, the fried onions…oh Lord, help me.
- 10:00 AM: Armed (and, okay, a little bit sweaty already) I went out to the market. Pasar Terapung Lok Baintan (Floating Market). The one photo everyone has. Turns out, waking up at 4 AM is the price of doing business. Getting on that crowded klotok (a small boat) was an experience. The river is alive. The vendors, all hustling, women with flowers in their hair, the sights, the smells – ugh, the smells.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a warung. I pointed and hoped for the best. Ended up with something vaguely meat-shaped, but the sambal (chili paste) – fire. Tears streaming down my face, I swear, that sambal could clear your sinuses AND your soul.
- 01:00 PM: Back to the "guesthouse" for a much-needed nap. Apparently, staring at floating markets at 6 AM depletes one's energy reserves.
- 03:00 PM: A walk through Central Banjarmasin. I found a mosque with stunning architecture, just staring at it brought tears to my eyes.
- 06:00 PM: Dinner: I accidentally ordered something that I think was chicken but it was so spicy I was sure my tongue would fall off, I loved every minute of it. Now? Drinking a cold Bintang and contemplating my very existence.
Day 2: River Life and Regret
- 08:00 AM: Wake up with a mosquito buzzing in my ear. Ugh. Another nasi kuning – I may never tire of this.
- 09:00 AM: The Market. Because I wasn't on enough boats yesterday. This time, it was Pasar Terapung Muara Kuin (Floating Market), which, let's be honest, is less crowded than Lok Baintan. I tried to negotiate a price for some woven baskets. Failing that, paid 30 times the going rate and accepted it as the cost of being a clueless tourist. The vendors just smiled and took my money. Fine! They deserve it.
- 11:00 AM: An utterly delightful walk on the riverside, taking pics, watching the boats. This city is just so gorgeous, you can't help but be amazed.
- 12:30 PM: Lunch at a small, family-run restaurant. I saw a sign: "No English spoken. No problem, we'll figure it out." And that's what happened. Delicious.
- 02:00 PM: The Regret: This is where the honesty kicks in. I should have gone to Pulau Kembang (Monkey Island). Everyone told me to. But I was tired. I thought, "Nah, I'll skip the monkeys. I deserve a lazy afternoon." BIG MISTAKE. Huge. This is the one travel regret that's probably going to haunt me for years. Still, at least I would enjoy the rest of the day.
- 04:00 PM: The air-conditioned bliss of my room. I probably should have explored more. I should have gone to the island and seen the monkeys.
- 06:00 PM: I went out, got lost, found a warung by accident, and it had the best noodles I had ever tasted.
- 08:00 PM: Dinner. Contemplating my life choices. Did I really come all this way and not do something basic?
Day 3: Departure and a Promise
- 08:00 AM: Last nasi kuning (sniff). The flavors, it has been something.
- 09:00 AM: Packed. Checked out. Seriously, that guesthouse…it was…an experience. (And I think I might know the name of every cat in the neighborhood)
- 10:00 AM: Airport again. Jakarta, here I come!
- 11:00 AM: At the terminal. Waiting. Thinking about monkeys.
- 12:00 PM: On flight.
- 01:00 PM: It has come to the point. The airplane air is filled with the scent of what seems to be the same old sadness.
The Takeaway:
Banjarmasin is messy. Banjarmasin is beautiful. Banjarmasin is hot and sweaty and makes you question everything. And I, Mira, left a piece of my heart there. And I promise myself that someday, I'll go back. And I'll go to Pulau Kembang. And I will not be lazy.
Biograd na Moru's BEST Hotel: Unbelievable Views & Luxury Await!
Okay, spill the beans! What's the *real* deal with Banjarmasin? I hear it's…different.
Different is putting it *mildly*. Okay, picture this: you land at Syamsudin Noor Airport, and already the humidity hits you like a wet, warm hug. It *smothers* you. And that's just the beginning. Banjarmasin is a whole other planet, seriously. Forget the manic pace of Jakarta or the beach vibes of Bali. This is a place where the *sungai* (rivers) are the main roads, where the *klotok* (river boats) are your taxis, and where you'll probably eat more delicious, spicy food than you ever thought possible. It's a sensory overload, a glorious mess, and honestly? I was completely and utterly charmed. Even when I was sweating buckets and regretting my choice of pants (don't wear jeans!).
You mentioned rivers. Is Banjarmasin… underwater?
Haha! Not literally underwater… mostly. But the rivers *are* the lifeblood. They're everywhere! Think Venice, but with more chaotic traffic and the delicious smell of cooking nasi kuning wafting through the air. The floating markets are legendary. I mean, imagine waking up at 5 AM, bleary-eyed and grumpy (that was *me*), and jumping into a *klotok* to see vendors selling everything from pineapples to chickens on the water. It's pure, unadulterated magic. The early morning sun reflecting off the water, the clatter of boats, the haggling… it's a symphony of chaos, and I absolutely loved it. Okay, maybe not *loved* it at 5 AM. But *after* I'd had strong coffee and a plate of soto banjar? Pure bliss.
So, floating markets... which one is best? Don't give me the tourist trap answer!
Alright, alright, I get it. You want the *real* stuff. Okay, skip the heavily promoted Lok Baintan (it's pretty, sure, but feels a bit…staged). Go for the *Kuin Floating Market*. Yes, it requires a bit of a boat ride, and yes, the early wake-up call is brutal. But trust me. Kuin feels way more authentic. You'll see local vendors haggling with each other, families doing their morning shopping, and the occasional curious tourist (that's you!). I remember one tiny woman selling these incredible *kue* (cakes). They were so good, I bought like, a dozen. And then I felt slightly sick. But worth it. Totally worth it. (Just, you know, pace yourself on the cakes.)
Beyond the markets, what else is there to *do*? I'm not a huge shopper.
Okay, okay, not everyone's a shopaholic. Good for you! Besides stuffing your face with delicious food (more on that later, oh boy…), Banjarmasin has some cool stuff. Check out the *Mesjid Raya Sabilal Muhtadin* (the Grand Mosque). It’s HUGE and pretty impressive. Even if you're not religious, the architecture is stunning. The *Museum Wasaka* is also worth a visit, a bit of a time capsule to the Indonesian War of Independence. It’s… a bit dusty, honestly, but still impactful. And the *Taman Siring Piere Tendean* is a great spot for people-watching by the river. Seriously, grab a banana pancake and just soak it all in. Plus, there are always the river tours. Those I HIGHLY recommend for seeing the daily life on the river.
Food. Let's get down to brass tacks. What's the best food I can shove into my face?
Okay, this is where things get *serious*. Pack your stretchy pants. First, *Soto Banjar*. Think chicken soup, but ten times better, and with a secret blend of spices that they guard like the Crown Jewels. Find a local warung (small eatery) - avoid the fancy places! Find a warung FULL of locals! - and order a bowl. Trust me, it's life-changing. Also, *Nasi Kuning* is a must. This fragrant yellow rice is usually served with various sides like chicken, eggs, and tempeh... it is also perfect for the floating market! And the various *sate* they serve are to die for. Honestly, I could write a whole book on the food in Banjarmasin. I spent a *lot* of time eating, ok? A *lot*. Beware of the chili sauce, though. It's deceptively delicious… and then it burns. Oh, and *jangan* (vegetable stew) is a must, too. And don't even get me started on the mango juice...
Any tips for getting around? Walking seems… impractical.
You're not wrong. Walking is not the best way to explore Banjarmasin. The *klotok* (river boats) are essential, as mentioned. Negotiate your price *before* you get in, and be prepared to bargain! Otherwise, use online ride-hailing apps, but be prepared for some delays, especially during rush hour. Taxis are around, too, but make sure they use their meters. And be patient! Traffic can be…interesting. There was one point where I was stuck in gridlock for what felt like FOREVER, and I just wanted to get to a warung for some mie goreng. But it is what it is, try and appreciate even it.
What about accommodation? Any recommendations?
Okay, accommodation is another area where the choices are slightly limited, but there are some decent options. I stayed at a few different places – a mid-range hotel that was clean but a bit characterless, and a guesthouse that was charming but had questionable wifi. Honestly, finding a place with consistently good wifi is a challenge. But in the spirit of truly experiencing Banjarmasin you might as well be fully disconnected, right? Try to find something near the river; it’s the heart of the city. Don't expect luxury. Embrace the local vibe.
What should I pack? Is it hot? Duh, it's Indonesia, right? But seriously.
*Hot* doesn't even begin to describe it. Think "walking into a sauna" hot. Pack light, breathable clothing! Cotton, Linen, all that good stuff. And pack *more* than you think you'll need, because you WILL sweat. A LOT. Also, bug spray! Mosquitoes love Banjarmasin. And sunscreen, of course. A hat. Comfy shoes for walking (or, at least, for getting *to* the klotok). A good travel adapter. And most importantly, bring an open mind and a sense of adventure. Be prepared to get lost, to get confused, to laugh at yourselfHotel Adventure
