B
anjarmasin is known as the city of a thousand If you want take a closer look at all the goings-on,
rivers, and it is these waterways which attract you should get there around 6am because if you
thousands of foreign and domestic tourists each arrive any earlier you can’t see anything with only the
year. One of the more unique features is the Muara sellers’ dim lamps flickering.
Kuin floating market. Perhaps you have already seen
many of the things that are sold in this market, but Sellers put their wares in traditional boats (jukung)
that is not the point. What is unusual is its amazing and ride along with them. Just like a regular market
location, set up right in the middle of the river where on land, there are designated locations for each type
buyers and sellers gather to trade their wares. of product, including food. There are areas where
people sell only fruit, say coconuts; another for
To reach Muara Kuin is not difficult. It takes around vegetables, perhaps cassava. Particularly interesting
one hour by rented vehicle IDR60,000–100,000 stalls to check out are the seafood and breakfast
depending on your bargaining skills) from Syamsudin ones. These designated areas make it easy to find
Noor Airport at Banjarbaru or Banjarmasin City. Then, what you need—simply go directly to the specific
upon arriving at Muara Kuin Port, it’ll cost you around stall.
IDR100,000 to rent a boat that seats between five
and seven people. Then you’ll get to explore the The watery trading spectacle of Muara Kuin is not
market for about an hour. to be missed. Small boats packed full with wares for
sale: vegetables, fruit, a variety of different kinds of
The market is alive with activity from before dawn, seafood, and an array of household commodities—
starting around 4am, and starts to wind down at they are all on show at the floating market. As the sun
around 8am. So if you wish to catch the sights and slowly rises, the market begins to calm once more
sounds, and do some shopping, it’s a good idea to and the sellers return home, pockets full and smiling
start your journey early in the morning. with satisfaction.
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The Amazing East | vol 1 issue 4
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