A map of Meratus Geopark area, which has been recognized as UNESCO Global Geopark (UGG), features a complete landscape, and explanation of the geopark's 54 sites divided along four routes: West, North, East, and South.
Bekantan Corner is also available, illustrating conservation efforts for the endemic animal, the long-nosed and reddish-black haired monkey, South Kalimantan's faunal mascot.
Bekantan or proboscis monkeys inhabit Curiak island, in the middle of Barito River in Barito Kuala District, one of Meratus Geopark's site from the West route, which covers cultural and historic sites around the area of Banjarmasin City and Barito Kuala Regency.
Read also: Earning a living from bekantan conservation area on Curiak Island
Sahabat Bekantan Indonesia (SBI) Foundation in collaboration with Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM) has set the island as bekantan conservationn center outside the conservation area, while also transforming it into a research and education center for wetland ecosystem.
General Manager of Syamsudin Noor International Airport Stephanus Millyas Wardana said the dressing up of the airport as Geopark Meratus ia a form of Angkasa Pura Indonesia Management's (InJourney Airports') commitment to supporting the local government's efforts to promote South Kalimantan's geopark heritage.
"We collaborate with Meratus Geopark Management Agency to dress up the airport with various ornaments that showcase the value and uniqueness of South Kalimantan's geology and culture," said Stephanus.
Malaysia international flight
AirAsia has officially announced Banjarmasin-Kuala Lumpur international route, scheduled its inaugural flight from Syamsudin Noor International Airport on October 20, 2025.
This international route will open up opportunities for foreign tourists to visit South Kalimantan, and expected to increase visits to the Meratus Geopark sites.
It is align with the provincial government's goal to introduce to the international world that this region has the Meratus Geopark which is a must-visit.
The Provincial Secretary of South Kalimantan Muhammad Syarifuddin envisoned this international flight service will further increasing international tourist visits, extending their stay, and open up greater opportunities in trade, tourism, and investment in line with the regional development plan.
According to him, tourists to the Meratus Geopark can experience a wealth of valuable geological elements, such as rocks formation, caves, and other natural phenomenon, as well as the richness of the local biodiversity and culture that have been sustainably managed.
Take bamboo rafting in Loksado, Hulu Sungai Selatan District, for example, which is included in the 54 wonders of the Meratus Geopark.
Read also: South Kalimantan to hold two international agendas in Meratus Global Geopark
Bamboo rafting is in the northern route of the geopark, along with the Malaris customary house, Langara Hill, Kilat Api Waterfall, Tanuhi Hot Springs, Batu Laki Limestone Cliffs, Kentawan Hill View, Kandangan Dodol Center, and Batu Hapu Cave.
Bamboo rafting in Loksado is a National Strategic Tourism Area (KSPN) that is widely recognized internationally.
Loksado's natural tourism has been designated a priority destination by the government due to its significant economic, social, cultural, and environmental impacts.
Then Lok Baintan Floating Market in Banjar Regency. This on the river market attracts a large number of tourists every year, both domestic and international.
Three million passengers
Syamsudin Noor Airport officially regained its international status based on Minister of Transportation Decreee No.30 of 2025 on June 4, 2025, after previously changing its status to a domestic airport in April 2024.
Following the Malaysia, South Kalimantan Government hopes that Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, and Thailand will soon follow suit by opening flights to Syamsudin Noor International Airport.
Read also: Governor to fly on inaugural AirAsia flight from Banjarmasin to Kuala Lumpur
The airport's international status makes it the main entry for international tourists, especially to priority destinations being developed by the government.
Airlines currently operating at Syamsudin Noor International Airport include Garuda Indonesia, Citilink Indonesia, Pelita Air, Batik Air, Lion Air, Super Air Jet, Wings Air, and AirAsia.
Regular flights serve routes to and from Jakarta, Surabaya, Semarang, Yogyakarta, Denpasar, Balikpapan, Makassar, Muara Teweh, Batulicin, and Pontianak.
As of July 31, 2025, the airport had served 3,162,737 passengers, 28,941 aircraft movements, 29,361 tons of domestic cargo, and 530 tons of international cargo.
The airport's existance is certainly vital as a gateway to connect various regions, both domestic and international.
Collaboration between Syamsudin Noor International Airport and the provincial government of South Kalimantan in promoting Meratus Geopark is a timely effort to increase tourist visits concerned with preserving natural heritage while supporting local community empowerment for a greater prosperity and sustainability.
