Pontianak sits almost exactly on the equator, built on low, swampy ground where the Kapuas River meets its tributary, the Landak. The city grew from a trading port and sultanate into a multicultural river city, and much of daily life still happens along the water and the streets that run beside it.
For a visitor, the practical geography is simple: the city centre lies just a few kilometres south of the equator, with the Kapuas riverfront and the old palace and mosque area at its core, and commercial streets such as Jalan Gajahmada and Jalan Jenderal Ahmad Yani running through the built-up centre. Long-distance arrivals come by air through Supadio International Airport, by bus from Kuching and other Kalimantan cities along the Trans Kalimantan Highway, or by Pelni ferry. This guide covers which parts of the city make a sensible base, and what kind of accommodation you find at each budget level.
Best areas to stay in Pontianak
1. Jalan Gajahmada and the central commercial streets
This is the main commercial spine of the city centre, lined with hotels of several classes and within easy reach of the riverfront, the palace and mosque area, and the shopping streets. It suits first-time visitors who want to be in the middle of things and reach the main sights on foot or with a short ride.
You find a mix of mid-range and larger hotels here, including national chain properties. It is a busy, built-up area, so expect traffic and street noise; rooms facing the road will be louder than those set back.
2. Jalan Jenderal Ahmad Yani
Another central commercial street, Jalan Jenderal Ahmad Yani runs through the city's business and shopping district and is home to a range of hotels, from budget rooms to larger properties. It suits travellers who want a central location with plenty of services nearby.
Because it is a main road, noise and traffic are part of the setting. It connects easily to the rest of the centre, so it works well as a base for a short stay.
3. Jalan H.O.S. Cokroaminoto
This street is practical for travellers arriving by bus from Kuching, since it is a short walk from the drop-off point used by most of those services. It suits budget and mid-range travellers who value an easy arrival and a central position.
Accommodation here is mostly modest, with air-conditioned rooms and attached bathrooms common in the mid-range bracket. The street sits on a busy junction, so window rooms can be noisy while rooms without windows tend to be stuffy.
4. Jalan Imam Bonjol and the riverfront area
Closer to the Kapuas riverfront and the historic core, this area puts you near the water and the old sultanate landmarks. It suits visitors who want to be near the river and the city's historic heart rather than in the commercial streets.
Accommodation here includes larger hotels. The riverside setting means you are in the older, lower part of the city, so plan for short rides to reach the main commercial streets.
5. Jalan Diponegoro
A central street with national chain accommodation, Jalan Diponegoro suits travellers who prefer a known standard and a central location. It is a convenient base for reaching the commercial district and the riverfront.
As with the other central streets, expect an urban setting with traffic nearby. It works well for a straightforward, comfortable stay.
6. Jalan Nusa Indah
This area offers mid-range accommodation at higher rates than the budget streets, with rooms suitable for travellers who want more comfort while staying within the city. It suits those who prefer a quieter, more residential-feeling base than the main commercial roads.
It is not on the riverfront, so you will rely on short rides to reach the historic core and the main shopping streets.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Very simple rooms, sometimes without air conditioning, fans or windows, and with basic or shared facilities. Expect mosquito issues in the cheapest places and bring your own repellent.
- Mid-range: Rooms with air conditioning and attached bathrooms, often in modest buildings on or near the main commercial streets. Street-facing rooms can be noisy; rooms without windows can feel musty.
- Splurge: Larger hotels and resort-style properties, including national chains, with the highest rates in the city. These are concentrated in the central commercial streets and the riverfront area.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself around Jalan Gajahmada and the central commercial streets. This puts you within easy reach of the riverfront, the historic palace and mosque area, and the main shopping streets, with the widest choice of accommodation. It is the most convenient starting point for getting oriented in the city.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I stay if I arrive by bus from Kuching?
Look at Jalan H.O.S. Cokroaminoto, which is about a ten-minute walk from the drop-off point used by most Kuching buses. Turn right at the traffic light to reach it.
What should I do if I arrive by Pelni ferry late at night?
It is usually a better option to sleep aboard until morning, as there is normally a long layover at Pontianak.
Which areas have the largest hotels?
The larger hotels and national chain properties are concentrated along the central commercial streets, including Jalan Gajahmada, Jalan Jenderal Ahmad Yani and Jalan Diponegoro, and near the riverfront on Jalan Imam Bonjol.
Are the cheapest rooms likely to have air conditioning?
Not always. The cheapest rooms may have no air conditioning, no fan and no window, and can be mosquito-ridden with no insect spray available, so bring your own repellent.
Compare live prices for the areas above with the booking tools on this page before you decide where to base yourself.