To the untrained eye, Banjarmasin may seem like a laid back city in Indonesia with not much to do or see. To many, the city is known as the "City of A Thousand Rivers", described by the two main rivers that intersect each other. If you're planning on traveling to Banjarmasin for the first time, there are things to do, see and of course dine until your heart's content. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone in a new city because surprisingly, you may fall in love with this beautiful yet humble city.

So, you may be wondering what's there to look at in Banjarmasin? First things first, the main attraction of the city: The floating markets and canal tours. The floating markets are slightly different than the ones from Thailand. The markets continue to flourish as buyers and sellers meet at the crack of dawn to exchange goods. To plan your journey to the floating market, you would need to catch a boat at the Jembatan Dewi (Dewi Bridge) to the markets. At the area, you can also opt for a canal tour which allows you to see age-old wooden houses built on stilts. The structures continue to remain intact for almost a century now and still standing strong.

On the topic of exploring Banjarmasin, you can also go to other markets (that are on land) to Pasar Beltung. This is like your average market in Asia where food is sprawled out for all to see; from freshly caught fish, fresh fruits and vegetables as well as local delicacies like satay.

If you wish to experience some local wildlife but don't feel like venturing too far, then head over to Pulau Kembang (Flower Island). At the entrance of the island, there are two white monkey statues that welcome all visitors. The monkey statues represent the Hindu deity, Hanuman. This is home to several tropical flowers, bird species and macaques. It's best to keep note though that the macaques should not be disturbed or harassed. Many locals believe the monkeys are incarnations of various holy spirits. Keep in mind wild macaques are very mischievous and sometimes, can be aggressive without provoking them. So as a rule of thumb, keep your hands and food to yourself.

If your stomach feels a little empty and you're craving delicious food, it's worth checking out The Duck King Banjarmasin. It's the newest Duck King branch that opened in the hotel. The Duck King is best known for its mouth-watering Chinese cuisine, served during lunch and dinner. However, if you prefer a rich fusion of international foods instead, you can check out The Branch or the Opio Wine Bar and Lounge instead.

These are just some of the places you can checkout in Banjarmasin. It's advisable to give the city a couple of days to truly understand the beauty and magnificence of this small river-side city.