This 4.7-star floating restaurant in Banjarmasin: The view is Mantap, but I have some complaints.
qponx
2026-03-05
Tempted by the 4.7-star rating of Saraba Nyaman, a floating restaurant in Banjarmasin? It offers a "Mantap" river view and delicious crispy fried fish with fiery sambal. But before you go, this article shares some crucial complaints. Learn about the inconsistent food quality, pesky mosquitoes, and other potential pitfalls. This is your essential guide to avoiding the cons and enjoying the pros, helping you decide if this unique dining experience is right for you.
When in Banjarmasin, who wouldn't want to experience dining on the river in the "City of a Thousand Rivers"? Drawn by its high Google rating of 4.7 and the stunning river view, I headed straight for this place, Saraba Nyaman.
A restaurant made from a converted boat, it gently sways on the Martapura River. Honestly, that moment when the evening breeze blows in, it's really chill[1]. But! Once I sat down, I realized things weren't that simple…
First, the praise: The fried fish and Sambal are divine!
The menu is all about various river fish, and for a fish lover like me, it was like hitting the jackpot! Take my advice and go straight for their signature Nila Goreng Crispy (crispy fried tilapia)[2]. The skin is fried to a golden crisp, while the meat inside is still tender, Anjay! 🤤
There's also the Patin Goreng Crispy (fried patin fish fillet)[3], which is prepared incredibly well with no bones at all—a true blessing for lazy people. What amazed me the most was their Sambal[4]! I'm not kidding, the spiciness will blow your mind. Spice lovers will absolutely adore it. Paired with hot rice, a bite of fish and a bite of sambal, so satisfying!
A set meal costs around 40k Indonesian Rupiah[5], which includes fish and a vegetable soup dish. The price is decent on its own.
Now, for the cons: The quality control is really a bit hit-or-miss…
BUT! After the praise, I have to be honest. The rice I had that day actually had a bit of a moldy smell, which instantly ruined my mood[6] and really killed my appetite. The sauce on my friend's grilled fish hadn't fully soaked in either.
Also, I've heard their fried chicken is sometimes undercooked, with blood still visible inside. The quality control is really a bit hit-or-miss... The portions are also on the small side. Even as a girl, I felt they were a bit stingy with the rice[7], so friends with bigger appetites should remember to ask for extra rice.
A Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls | A Must-Read Before You Go
Alright, for those of you planning to go, let me highlight the key points. Save this handy guide!
- 🔥 Ambiance Issues: It gets very hot during the day, and at night, there are so many mosquitoes you'll question your life choices[8]. Remember to wear long pants and use mosquito repellent! The lighting is also quite dim. For my girls who want to take beautiful photos, I suggest going before sunset.
- 🌶️ Ordering Tips: If you can't handle spicy food, do NOT order the grilled fish. Go straight for the fried fish[9]! Their grilled fish sauce is seriously spicy, don't ask me how I know.
- 🧹 Service & Cleanliness: The servers can be hit-or-miss, and it can get a bit chaotic when they're busy, so be mentally prepared[10]. As for cleanliness... let's just say it's best not to look under your seat[11]. Out of sight, out of mind, you know?
- 🚗 Getting There: Parking is along the roadside and very limited[12]. Check for any municipal events nearby before you go, as roads might be closed. Finally, make sure to bring enough cash! Their QRIS payment system sometimes fails[13]. Don't ask. Let's just say I almost couldn't pay and leave.
- Chill at Saraba Nyaman Restaurant, a boat eatery rocking on the Martapura River. The evening breeze is so chill[1].
- Get the Nila Goreng Crispy (Crispy Fried Tilapia)[2]! Golden crispy skin, tender juicy meat. You'll scream "Anjay!"🤤
- Spice fiends: get the Sambal[3]! It's insanely hot. Have it with rice and fried fish for an addictive kick
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