Pontianak

Introduction

You will find Pontianak situated in the delta of the Kapuas River where it meets the Landak River. Known as Khuntien in Teochew and Hakka, this city on the island of Borneo began its history as a trading port. You can experience the unique atmosphere of Kota Khatulistiwa, a name derived from its location directly on the equator.

Before you go

Prepare for your visit by learning some basic Indonesian to navigate the city more smoothly, as English is typically only mastered at a basic level by the younger locals. While you will find that residents of various ethnicities are generally easygoing and welcoming, they often reside in specific ethnic enclaves such as the Chinese-dominated areas along Jalan Gajahmada or the Malay-settled suburbs of Sungai Jawi.

Be mindful of your belongings while exploring the city, as pickpockets and motorcycle thefts occur frequently. You should exercise caution even within shopping malls; if you are traveling by motorcycle, ensure you take your helmet with you or lock it securely to prevent theft from parking areas.

You can reach Pontianak via several modes of transport depending on your starting point. If traveling from neighboring Malaysia, you can take a bus from Kuching that passes through the Entikong border area. Alternatively, if you prefer to travel by road from Kuching, you can drive, though the road conditions are not in very good shape. For those arriving by sea, a ferry service operates from Jakarta to Pontianak, providing an affordable way to travel between islands while sharing the journey with friendly local families.

Flying into Supadio Airport offers frequent connections from various Indonesian cities such as Bandung, Yogyakarta, Surabaya, Medan, and Batam, as well as regional hubs like Banjarmasin. From the airport, you can take a bus service to reach the city center or catch a bus heading toward Singkawang or Sambas.

Getting around

You can navigate Pontianak easily by hiring a taxi or renting a car to explore the city's road network. While the roads connect the entire area, be aware that some sections are not well maintained.

For a more local experience, you can take public buses, though navigating them can be an adventure as they lack clear markings and the drivers do not speak English. If your journey requires crossing the river, boats provide a convenient way to reach the other side.

Where to stay

If you arrive in the city late at night via the Pelni ferry, it is often better to sleep aboard the vessel until morning due to the long layover period. Depending on your preferences for comfort and amenities, you can choose from various accommodations across different price points.

For a more comfortable stay, several options are available including properties with air conditioning and attached bathrooms. If you prefer high-end accommodations, there are numerous hotels and resorts located throughout the city to suit your needs.

Food & drink

You can explore a wide range of culinary options in Pontianak, where the food scene is heavily influenced by Chinese culture. Depending on your preference, you can choose between international fast food, local restaurants, or street hawker stalls. Seek out traditional dishes such as Beef Rice Noodle and Beehoon, Seafood Noodle, Nasi Goreng, Nasi Uduk, and various rice dishes like Koi Peng and Kari Peng. For those seeking specific regional specialties, try the local noodles known as mie kepiting, fish porridge (Bubur Ikan), or grilled dried cuttlefish served with sambal.

The street food scene is particularly vibrant in areas such as the bustling commercial streets of the CBD and the surrounding suburban neighborhoods. You can sample a variety of snacks and local favorites including Martabak, Kue Terang Bulan, Otak-otak, Pempek, and Siomay. To cool off, try a local drink made from aloe vera called es lidah buaya or visit various coffee shops to enjoy both traditional and modern coffee styles.

• Beef Rice Noodle & Beehoon
• Seafood Noodle
• Nasi Goreng
• Nasi Uduk
• Kwe Kia Theng
• Bakso
• Sate
• Martabak
• Kue Terang Bulan
• Otak-otak
• Pempek
• Tui Jiu He
• Sio Bi (Siomay)
• Siomay Bandung
• He Mue/Bubur Ikan
• Mie Kepiting
• Choi Pan or Chai Kue
• Es Lidah Buaya

What to see and do

Explore the cultural landmarks that define the history of Pontianak, including the Masjid Jami' Pontianak, recognized as the city's oldest mosque, and the Kadriyah Palace, which served as the seat of the local sultanate. You can immerse yourself in regional heritage at the Kalimantan Barat Museum, where concrete reliefs depict Malay and Dayak lifestyles, or visit a Radakng House to see a traditional long house from the Dayak Kanayatn people. For a unique geographical experience, travel to the Tugu Khatulistiwa to learn about your location on the equator line.

Experience local traditions by taking a boat ride along the Kapuas River during the early morning or late afternoon to witness residents bathing in the water. Depending on the time of year, you can participate in vibrant cultural celebrations such as the Meriam Karbit festival at the end of Ramadan, the Gawai Dayak festival celebrating Dayak culture, or the Cap Go Meh Festival featuring traditional performances and food during the Chinese Lunar New Year. For a peaceful stroll, visit Digulis Park to see its bamboo monument and fountain, or explore the Arboretum Sylva Untan to experience a "small forest" near the university grounds.

You can visit Pontianak at any time of year as the city experiences a tropical rainforest climate without distinct seasons. You should expect consistent heat and high humidity throughout your stay, accompanied by frequent rainfall.

While you will encounter persistent wet conditions for much of the year, there is a brief drier period in the middle of the year. During this time, while rain still falls regularly, it is the least wet portion of the year. Regardless of the season, you can expect consistently warm temperatures during the day and nights.

Three days in Pontianak

Day one, you can begin your journey by exploring the local culture and history of Pontianak. You can wander through the streets to experience the unique atmosphere of this city on Borneo.

Day two, you can travel toward the water to see the Kapuas River or the Landak River. These waterways are central to the region's identity and offer a different perspective of the landscape.

Day three, you can explore local areas such as Jalan Gajahmada or visit nearby locations like Singkawang or Sambas if you choose to travel further from the city center.