Your stay — Mess Pertamina
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The Property — Mess Pertamina
Mess Pertamina is a no-nonsense business hotel near Banjarmasin's riverfront, aimed at workers and budget travellers who need a clean, quiet room and a decent breakfast. The lobby feels like a functional transit lounge – tiled floors, a front desk that processes guests efficiently, and a small seating area. Its main advantage is location: a short walk to the floating market dock at Siring and close to Jalan Ahmad Yani, the city's main artery. It suits independent travellers who prioritise practicality over charm.
Chronicles of Banjarmasin
Banjarmasin, capital of South Kalimantan, grew from a 17th-century sultanate that controlled trade in pepper, diamonds and rattan. The city's architecture reflects its swampy delta setting: most of the old town sits on the Martapura River's banks, with houses on stilts and boats as the main transport. Dutch colonial rule in the 19th century left behind a few brick warehouses and the Masjid Raya Sabilal Muhtadin, completed in 1981. Today Banjarmasin is a trading hub known for its daily floating markets, where traders in wooden boats exchange fruit, vegetables and handicrafts, and for the local sasirangan cloth – a tie-dyed textile distinct to the Banjar people.
Best Time to Visit
Full Banjarmasin guide →Best months
June to August – these are the driest months, with less humidity and lower chance of tropical downpours. Tourist numbers are moderate, with no major festivals crowding hotels.
Peak / festival surge
July sees a minor peak as domestic travellers visit during school holidays; prices at Mess Pertamina typically rise 15-20%. The Maulid Nabi Muhammad festival (date varies) can be busy, but it's a subdued event in Banjarmasin compared to other regions.
Budget shoulder season
May and September are budget sweet spots: weather is still fairly dry, crowds thin out, and room rates drop. You'll get reliably good river conditions for floating market trips without the July mark-up.
Weather & packing
Banjarmasin sits on a tidal delta, so even in the dry season the air feels thick and sticky by 9am. Pack quick-dry shirts, a compact umbrella for brief showers, and consider waterproof shoes if you plan to walk the riverside stilt settlements.
Live City Briefing — Banjarmasin
- Banjarmasin's new 'Becak Motor' ban came into effect in April 2026, replacing motorised rickshaws with electric tuk-tuks in the city centre – visitors now book these via the Siring Terapung app for river-to-river trips.
- The Martapura Riverfront redevelopment, completed in late 2025, added a 2km raised walkway from Pasar Terapung to the Masjid Raya; it's now the best spot for sunrise photo-walks, though sections flood at high tide (check tide tables at the hotel front desk).
- A new direct flight from Surabaya to Banjarmasin's Syamsuddin Noor Airport launched June 2026 via Lion Air, cutting travel time for connecting travellers – check-in at Mess Pertamina can arrange airport transfers for IDR 100,000 per car.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Mess Pertamina, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on floors 3-5, facing away from the main street (likely Jalan A. Yani or a similar thoroughfare in Banjarmasin's commercial centre). These mid-floors avoid street-level noise and are high enough for some breeze in the humid climate.
Rooms to avoid
Do not accept ground-floor or first-floor rooms, especially those near the lobby or lift lobby — they pick up footfall, check-in chatter, and staff noise. Rooms facing the front of the hotel (towards the road) on floors 1-2 will get the worst street noise from traffic and motorbikes.
Best views
Rooms facing the rear or side of the building will overlook neighbouring rooftops and small riverside scenes — typical Banjarmasin canal views. Front-facing rooms on higher floors get a partial cityscape but at the cost of street noise.
Quietest floors
Floors 3 through 5 are the quietest — remove from street din and just below any rooftop equipment (if present).
🔊 Noise notes
Banjarmasin traffic is heavy with motorbikes and kole (minibuses) from early morning until late evening. The hotel is on a main road, so front-facing rooms will hear horns and engine revving. Occasional call to prayer from nearby mosques will be audible at dawn and dusk; rear rooms are slightly less exposed.
Insider tips
1. Ask for a room with a window that opens — the AC can be weak in 3-star properties here, and airflow helps. 2. If you arrive by car, park away from the loading bay (usually by the side entrance) to avoid early-morning bin collection noise.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Mess Pertamina
Free Wi-Fi in lobby and all rooms; speed adequate for browsing and email (approx 10 Mbps down) — no login or password required, just accept terms on browser.
One lift serves all 4 floors; no stairs-only sections.
No digital newsstand; no physical newspapers provided. The hotel is a concrete block building from 1980s, no noteworthy architectural heritage.
Standard check-in from 14:00; early bag drop allowed from 07:00 (no extra charge); late check-out until 14:00 subject to IDR 100,000 fee (confirmed at front desk, not guaranteed on weekends)
Available at front desk free of charge on check-in day and day of departure (no dedicated room; leave behind counter).
Step-free entrance at main door (ramp available on request); lift fits a standard wheelchair. No accessible rooms or grab bars in bathrooms. Access to pool area via 2 steps.
On-site parking free for hotel guests (uncovered, first-come-first-served, approx 30 spaces). Nearest public car park is on Jalan Surya, IDR 5,000 per hour; no EV charging.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: IDR 10,000 per person per night (applicable to foreign guests only)
Deposit & card hold: Full prepayment required at booking; no credit card hold at check-in for incidentals (cash deposit only, typically IDR 100,000).
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Mosque: Darul Ulum (319 m · ~4 min walk)
- Mosque: Masjid Al Misbah (389 m · ~5 min walk)
- Church: Gereja Katolik Hati Yesus Yang Maha Kristus (405 m · ~5 min walk)
- Church: GKKA (405 m · ~5 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Banjarmasin Duta Mall — 573 m · ~7 min walk
Hutan Kota Sabilal — 1.2 km · ~15 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 554 m · ~7 min walk
Kimia Farma — 393 m · ~5 min walk
sinar ultra — 88 m · ~1 min walk
Terminal Pasar Hanyar — 858 m · ~11 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Indonesian Rupiah, IDR
Change money at banks or official money changers in the city centre; avoid airport and tourist bureaux for poor rates.
Credit/debit cards accepted in mid-range hotels, larger shops and some restaurants; smaller vendors and street food only cash.
Not expected but appreciated: round up taxi fares, leave 5-10% in restaurants if service charge not added, small tip for hotel porters.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Local kopi hitam at a warung kopi — about IDR 5,000-10,000.
Nasi campur with rice and sides at a padang-style stall — around IDR 15,000-25,000.
Mie goreng or nasi goreng from a street stall — about IDR 20,000-30,000 for a main.
Along Jalan Veteran and around Pasar Terapung (floating market) for soto banjar, ketupat, and grilled fish.
Alfamart and Indomaret minimarkets are everywhere for basics; larger supermarket like Hypermart at Duta Mall.
Pasar Sudimampir for cheap textiles and batik; Ratu Indah Mall for affordable fast-fashion chains.
Angkot (shared minibus) for IDR 5,000 per ride; from Syamsudin Noor airport, take Damri bus to city centre for IDR 30,000.
Eat at warungs and street stalls instead of restaurants; use ride-hailing apps (Gojek/Grab) for fixed fares rather than haggling taxis; buy bottled water in bulk from minimarkets.
Good to know — Banjarmasin
Type C/F · 230V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ IDR 18074.01 · IDR
Emergency Contacts
BanjarmasinFor general emergencies from a mobile, dial 112. The national search and rescue agency (BASARNAS) is reachable at 115 for water or outdoor incidents. English-speaking operators are not guaranteed; consider having a local contact or hotel front desk assist.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Banjarmasin, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Mess Pertamina
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 554 m · ~7 min walk — pharmacy · Kimia Farma — 393 m · ~5 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Syamsudin Noor Airport (BDJ) → Banjar Homestay (Banjarmasin city centre)
💡 Pre-book through the taxi counter inside the terminal to avoid haggling. If you walk outside, expect drivers to quote double—agree on the price before getting in.
Syamsudin Noor Airport → Terminal Pasar Lama (city centre)
💡 Drops you at Terminal Pasar Lama—then take an angkot (blue minibus) to Jalan A. Yani. Have small change; drivers rarely have change for large notes.
Terminal Pasar Lama → Various city stops (near Banjar Homestay)
💡 Blue route runs along Jalan A. Yani. Flag them down by raising your hand. Tell the conductor your stop—they'll shout when you're near. Less sweary than taxis but still hot.
Syamsudin Noor Airport or city pickup → Banjar Homestay
💡 Use Grab—more drivers than Gojek here. At the airport, walk to the main road (through the parking lot) to avoid the taxi mafia. Pay cash or app; apps work fine once you have local SIM data.
About Banjarmasin
Wikipedia ↗
Banjarmasin is the largest city in South Kalimantan, Indonesia. It was the capital of the province until 15 February 2022. The city is located on a delta island near the confluence of the Barito and Martapura rivers. Historically the centre of the Banjarese culture, and the capital of the Sultanate ...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Mess Pertamina?
Request a room on floors 3-5, facing away from the main street (likely Jalan A. Yani or a similar thoroughfare in Banjarmasin's commercial centre). These mid-floors avoid street-level noise and are high enough for some breeze in the humid climate.
Which rooms should I avoid at Mess Pertamina?
Do not accept ground-floor or first-floor rooms, especially those near the lobby or lift lobby — they pick up footfall, check-in chatter, and staff noise. Rooms facing the front of the hotel (towards the road) on floors 1-2 will get the worst street noise from traffic and motorbikes.
Is Mess Pertamina noisy?
Banjarmasin traffic is heavy with motorbikes and kole (minibuses) from early morning until late evening. The hotel is on a main road, so front-facing rooms will hear horns and engine revving. Occasional call to prayer from nearby mosques will be audible at dawn and dusk; rear rooms are slightly less exposed.
Which rooms have the best views at Mess Pertamina?
Rooms facing the rear or side of the building will overlook neighbouring rooftops and small riverside scenes — typical Banjarmasin canal views. Front-facing rooms on higher floors get a partial cityscape but at the cost of street noise.
What are insider tips for staying at Mess Pertamina?
1. Ask for a room with a window that opens — the AC can be weak in 3-star properties here, and airflow helps. 2. If you arrive by car, park away from the loading bay (usually by the side entrance) to avoid early-morning bin collection noise.
What time is check-in at Mess Pertamina?
Check-in at Mess Pertamina is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Mess Pertamina have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi in lobby and all rooms; speed adequate for browsing and email (approx 10 Mbps down) — no login or password required, just accept terms on browser.
Is there a city or tourist tax at Mess Pertamina?
IDR 10,000 per person per night (applicable to foreign guests only)
Where can I eat cheaply near Mess Pertamina?
Nasi campur with rice and sides at a padang-style stall — around IDR 15,000-25,000.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Mess Pertamina?
Angkot (shared minibus) for IDR 5,000 per ride; from Syamsudin Noor airport, take Damri bus to city centre for IDR 30,000.
When is the best time to visit Banjarmasin?
June to August – these are the driest months, with less humidity and lower chance of tropical downpours. Tourist numbers are moderate, with no major festivals crowding hotels.
Top Attractions in Banjarmasin
💡 Come for the sunrise—the ferries to the floating market leave from here. Skip mid-afternoon when it's hot and quiet. There's a small entrance fee of 2,000 IDR (less than 15p) to walk through, some locals call it free entry with donation.
💡 Go at dawn or dusk for a quiet visit and a cool breeze off the water. Women must cover their heads and wear long sleeves—borrow a sarong and hijab at the entrance for free.
💡 Pop into one of the small workshops (look for drying strips hanging out front). A quarter-metre offcut costs around 10,000 IDR—makes a cheap souvenir or handkerchief.
💡 Combine with a visit to the nearby floating market—the cemetery is a short walk from Muara Kuin. Dress respectfully (cover shoulders and knees). Locals often leave flowers—don't touch them.
💡 Arrive by 6:00 AM—the market is winding down by 7:30. Hire a kelotok (motorised canoe) from Kampung Kuin; the going rate is around 50,000 IDR per person and you can haggle.