Things To Do
in Amuntai
Amuntai is a quiet river town in South Kalimantan (Borneo) known as the administrative center of Hulu Sungai Utara, with a relaxed pace of life and strong Banjar cultural presence. The town sits amid lowland rivers and paddy fields, offering easy access to riverine markets, traditional villages and the nearby Meratus foothills. Visitors find a mix of wooden architecture, local mosques and bustling pasar (markets) where fresh river fish and local produce are sold.
Amuntai is a good base for cultural immersion, short nature excursions and experiencing everyday life in rural Kalimantan.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Alun-Alun Amuntai, where you can witness the local community engaging in their morning routines. Stroll through the nearby traditional market, sampling local delicacies and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. Don't forget to capture the colorful stalls filled with fresh produce and handcrafted items.
After a delightful lunch at a local warung, head over to the Masjid Agung Amuntai, a stunning mosque known for its beautiful architecture and serene ambiance. Spend some time reflecting in the lush gardens surrounding the mosque, where locals often gather for quiet contemplation. As the sun begins to lower, take a leisurely walk along the nearby riverbank to enjoy the scenic views.
As the evening sets in, find a cozy restaurant along the river for dinner, enjoying traditional Banjar cuisine while watching the sun set over the water. Engage with friendly locals who might share fascinating stories about Amuntai's history and culture. Wrap up your day with a stroll under the stars, perhaps stopping for some sweet treats from a nearby vendor.
Begin your day with an early morning trip to the nearby Hutan Mangrove, where you can explore the lush greenery and diverse wildlife. Take a guided boat tour through the mangroves, listening to the sounds of nature and spotting various bird species. The tranquility of the morning is the perfect backdrop for enjoying the natural beauty of the region.
After your mangrove adventure, indulge in a picnic lunch amidst nature, surrounded by the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves. Spend the afternoon visiting a local conservation center to learn about the efforts being made to preserve the unique wildlife of the area, including endangered species. Engage with conservationists who can provide insights into their work and the importance of biodiversity.
As the sun sets, return to Amuntai and enjoy a traditional dinner at a local restaurant, sampling dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Spend some time at a nearby café, sipping on locally brewed coffee while mingling with the friendly locals. As the night deepens, take a leisurely walk around the town center, appreciating the peaceful ambiance.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍛Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $1-3 |
| 🍽️Mid-range restaurant dinner for two | $10-20 |
| 🛵Motorbike taxi (ojek) short ride | $0.50-2 |
| 🚕Intercity minivan/bus ticket (to Banjarmasin) | $5-12 |
| 🏨Budget hotel nightly rate | $15-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic local culture and Banjar traditions with friendly communities
- Great for calm river scenery, markets and simple rural escapes
- Affordable prices and easy access to traditional food and crafts
- Limited tourist infrastructure and modest accommodation options
- Fewer English speakers and fewer organized tours compared with big cities
- Rainy season may disrupt travel and outdoor plans
- "Selamat pagi" - Good morning
- "Terima kasih" - Thank you
- "Berapa harganya?" - How much does it cost?
- "Permisi" - Excuse me / Sorry to interrupt
- "Apa rekomendasi makanan lokal?" - What local food do you recommend?
- "Amatih? (Banjar dialect)" - Where? (Banjar common word for asking direction)
- "Tolong" - Please / Help
Places to Visit in Amuntai
Visit one of these nice places.
Capture daily life on the water: small motorboats, nets, fishermen, and reflections at sunrise and sunset.
Lively scenes of vendors, colorful produce and local snacks — best early morning for authentic activity and strong colors.
Architecture and cultural detail: ornately carved doorways, timber houses on stilts and mosque facades illuminated in the evening.
Scenic rural landscapes, terraced paddies in certain areas and viewpoints across lowland valleys — good for sunrise and wide vistas.
Candid portraits and daily activities in Banjar and Dayak villages (ask permission before photographing people).
Food in Amuntai
Amuntai Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A fragrant chicken soup with warm spices, often eaten for breakfast; widely available in local warungs and markets.
Must-Try!
Fresh river fish grilled or served with spicy-sweet sauce; best tried at riverside stalls or small family restaurants.
Compressed rice cakes often served with fish or rendang-style sides during festivals and special meals; can be found at markets and during celebrations.
Assorted local cakes made from rice flour, coconut and palm sugar — sold at markets and evening stalls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The central market is the best place to taste breakfast soups, snacks, fresh fruit, kue basah and grilled fish; go early for the liveliest scenes and freshest produce.
Small food stalls by the river serving grilled fish, fried snacks and kopi (coffee); great for casual meals and photos.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Amuntai is conservative and predominantly Muslim — dress modestly, especially when visiting mosques, villages or during religious periods; women should carry a scarf for mosque visits.
A polite handshake is common between men; for conservative settings or with older women, a nod or placing the hand over the chest may be more appropriate. Address elders respectfully and use formal Indonesian phrases where helpful.
Remove shoes before entering homes and some small shops or religious places.
Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in villages and during religious ceremonies.
Safety
Tipping in Amuntai
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory in Amuntai; small tips or rounding up for good service in restaurants, guides or drivers are appreciated but not expected. For personalized services (guides, porters) a modest tip is common if service was helpful.
Cash (Indonesian rupiah) is king in smaller towns and markets; ATMs are available but may be limited—carry adequate cash. Mobile e-wallets (GoPay, OVO, Dana) and cards are increasingly used in larger outlets, but many shops, warungs and transport options remain cash-only.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect frequent heavy rain, higher humidity, muddy trails and swollen rivers — river travel may be easier for access but trekking can be slippery. Pack a good rain jacket, waterproof bags for gear and allow flexible travel time for delays.
Generally drier and sunnier with lower river levels; this is the best time for trekking, village visits and road travel, though afternoon showers still occur. Early mornings and late afternoons are comfortable for outdoor activities.
Local religious and cultural festivals can bring vibrant markets, ceremonies and special foods; check local calendars (e.g., Eid/Idul Fitri, local harvest events) for lively experiences but possible closures of some services.
Amuntai at Night
Hiking in Amuntai
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Multiple informal trails into the lower Meratus Range offer day hikes and multi-day treks connecting remote villages, forest patches and viewpoints — best done with a local guide for safety and cultural access.
Shorter hikes near Amuntai and surrounding subdistricts reveal rice-field vistas, small forest fragments and birdwatching spots; suitable for casual walkers and photographers.
Airports
How to reach Amuntai by plane.
The nearest major airport serving South Kalimantan with flights to Jakarta, Surabaya and other Indonesian cities; expect a road transfer of roughly 3–4 hours to Amuntai depending on traffic and route.
There are smaller regional airfields across Kalimantan but commercial service is limited; many travelers fly into Banjarmasin (BDJ) and continue overland to Amuntai.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in the area, predominantly Muslim, with distinct language, culinary traditions and cultural practices.
Indigenous communities live in nearby hinterlands and Meratus foothills with unique cultural traditions and languages; interactions often involve village visits and cultural exchanges.
Smaller migrant populations from other Indonesian islands contribute to local business and trade, adding to cultural variety.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football (soccer) is widely played and followed, and sepak takraw (kick volleyball) is popular at village and school levels.
Local river boat events and traditional races can occur during festivals and community celebrations along the waterways.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Amuntai.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are limited but possible: order vegetable sides, tempeh and tofu dishes, rice and vegetable soups; make it clear you don’t eat fish or meat as many broths are meat-based. Markets and larger eateries can often accommodate simple vegetarian requests.
Vegan choices require care because many dishes use shrimp paste (terasi), fish sauce or coconut milk; explain restrictions and opt for plain rice, vegetables, and tofu; bringing supplements or snacks is wise for longer stays.
Rice-based cuisine is common, so gluten-free travelers can manage well, but watch for soy sauce and processed snacks that may contain wheat.