Martapura

Known as the diamond trading capital of Indonesia, this charming river town is famous for its gemstone markets and skilled craftsmen. Visitors can explore jewelry shops, learn about diamond cutting, and experience a slower pace of life along the Martapura River.

Things to do

• Diamond Market Shopping — Browse the bustling Martapura Diamond Market where local traders display loose diamonds, gemstones, and finished jewelry pieces with certificates of authenticity.
• Jewelry Workshop Tours — Visit artisan workshops along the river to watch skilled craftsmen cut, polish, and set diamonds and other gemstones using traditional and modern techniques.
• Martapura River Cruise — Take a traditional wooden boat ride along the Martapura River at sunrise or sunset to see local life and the surrounding town from the water.
• Gemstone Museum Visit — Explore local gemstone museums displaying collections of raw and polished diamonds, sapphires, and other precious stones found in South Kalimantan.
• Central Market Exploration — Wander through the vibrant Pasar Inpres to experience local commerce, find freshwater pearls, and interact with vendors selling gemstones and souvenirs.
• Candi Laras Waterfall — Visit this nearby natural waterfall located about 30 kilometers from town, offering a refreshing escape and scenic views of the surrounding countryside.

Food to try

• Soto Banjar — A traditional spiced soup from South Kalimantan made with beef or chicken, turmeric, galangal, and served with rice or lontong, representing local comfort food.
• Ikan Bakar Martapura — Grilled freshwater fish from the Martapura River, typically seasoned with local spices and served with sambal and fresh vegetables.
• Coto Banjar — A rich, savory beef or offal stew flavored with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and bay leaves, often eaten with rice cakes or bread.
• Lumpia Martapura — Local spring rolls filled with bamboo shoots, shrimp, and spices, fried until crispy and served with sweet or spicy dipping sauce.
• Cucur Udang — Shrimp fritters made with a batter of rice flour and shallots, fried until golden and eaten as a snack or appetizer with chili sauce.

Local customs & good to know

• Haggling is Expected — At the diamond market and local shops, bargaining is a normal part of the transaction, and vendors expect customers to negotiate prices.
• Verify Gemstone Authenticity — Always ask for certificates of authenticity when purchasing diamonds and gemstones, and consider buying from established, reputable dealers to ensure quality.
• Respect Religious Customs — As a Muslim-majority town, dress modestly and be respectful during prayer times; the call to prayer (adhan) sounds five times daily and commerce may pause briefly.
• Cash Over Cards — While some shops accept cards, many small dealers and market vendors prefer cash in Indonesian Rupiah, so withdraw money beforehand from town banks or ATMs.