Batulicin Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

Batulicin is accessible primarily via road networks connecting it to Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan's capital, approximately 6-7 hours away by car or bus. Regular ferry services connect Batulicin to various ports across the Java Sea, making it an important transit point for goods and passengers. Public transportation options from nearby towns include minibuses (angkot) and motorcycle taxis (ojek) that can take you directly to the ferry terminal. If arriving by private vehicle, several parking areas are available near the port with daily and overnight rates. Consider arranging transportation in advance during holiday periods when services can be busier than usual.

Nestled along the southeastern coast of Borneo, Batulicin serves as a vital maritime hub in Indonesia's South Kalimantan province. This bustling port town blends local Banjarese culture with the rhythms of seafaring trade that has defined the region for centuries. Arriving by ferry, travelers are greeted by a authentic Indonesian coastal experience where fishing boats dot the harbor and the scent of fresh seafood fills the air.

Batulicin enjoys a tropical climate with relatively consistent temperatures year-round, typically ranging from 75-90°F (24-32°C). The dry season from May to September offers the most reliable weather for ferry travel, with calmer seas and less chance of disruption. Heavy rainfall characterizes the wet season from October to April, occasionally affecting ferry schedules, though services generally continue to operate. June to August provides ideal conditions for exploring both Batulicin and its surrounding coastal areas. Local seafood is particularly bountiful during the dry season, when fishing boats can venture farther from shore.

From Batulicin's ferry terminal, travelers can embark on journeys to several compelling destinations across the Java Sea. Regular ferries connect to Surabaya on Java island, a voyage of approximately 12-14 hours that offers stunning open-water views. Smaller boats make the 3-hour journey to Kotabaru on Laut Island, where pristine beaches and traditional fishing villages await exploration. Adventurous travelers might continue onward to Makassar in Sulawesi, a longer overnight journey that bridges these distinct Indonesian cultures. The routes crossing these waters often pass by smaller islands and offer glimpses of marine life, making the journey itself part of the adventure.

While Batulicin itself is primarily a working port town, it offers authentic glimpses into everyday Indonesian coastal life. The local market (pasar) bustles with activity in the early morning as fishing boats bring in their fresh catch, don't miss trying the grilled fish served with sambal, a spicy chili condiment that's a regional specialty. Just outside town, Pagatan Beach offers a relaxing escape with its golden sands and swaying palm trees. Nature enthusiasts can arrange boat tours through nearby mangrove forests, home to diverse bird species and occasionally visible proboscis monkeys. For cultural experiences, time your visit to coincide with traditional Banjarese ceremonies that feature unique music and dance performances.

Batulicin's name reportedly derives from 'Batu Licin,' meaning 'slippery stone' in Indonesian, referencing the smooth river rocks once abundant in the area. The port played a crucial role in the historical pepper trade routes that connected Borneo with Java and beyond, helping shape the economic development of eastern Indonesia. Local shipbuilders still practice traditional boat-building techniques passed down through generations, crafting wooden vessels without using blueprints. The waters around Batulicin are home to the unusual jelawat fish, a freshwater species that can grow to impressive sizes and is considered a delicacy throughout Kalimantan.