At the Tugu Khatulistiwa in Pontianak, upright objects cast no visible shadow twice a year: between March 21 and 23 and between September 21 and 23. The complex is an educational and tourism area with a mini-museum and educational gallery. This unusual observation is a striking introduction to West Kalimantan, where visitors can also discover cultural history, river life and nature.
Culture, History and Tradition
Pekan Gawai Dayak is an intangible cultural heritage of Kalimantan Barat and was recognized as a national cultural heritage in 2016. Held annually, the festival preserves Dayak customs as a cultural identity and continues to develop art and culture that can be experienced by the entire population of Kalimantan Barat. The exact dates and program may vary.
In Kota Pontianak, the UPT Museum Provinsi Kalimantan Barat collects, preserves and displays artifacts and historical objects that reflect the culture, nature and life of the province. The collections have historical, cultural and natural value for the people of Kalimantan Barat and Indonesia. The Museum Daerah Kabupaten Sambas focuses on a different subject: its collections cover the history of the kingdom, political struggles, customs and colonial influence in the region. The present-day museum building was formerly the office of the Dutch Assistant Resident and was built in 1881.
The Sultanate of Pontianak is also present in the city: the Istana Kadriah Kesultanan Pontianak, built in the 18th century, preserves its historical heritage. Visitors can explore the palace and view the Sungai Kapuas. In Singkawang, the Kelenteng Tri Dharma Bumi Raya, built in 1878, tells the story of a different religious tradition; it is dedicated to Tua Peh Kong, the god of the forest. The Chinese New Year celebrations there reach their climax at Cap Go Meh, the fifteenth day of the festivities.
River and Rainforest
On the Sungai Kapuas, visitors can hire a klotok boat and travel slowly along the river while observing tropical forests and local life. The river is also part of everyday transport: along the Sungai Kapuas, boats are the main means of transport for inland communities, including small boats and klotok boats. The tourist trip and this transport function offer two different perspectives on the same river.
Gunung Palung National Park extends across the regencies of Ketapang and Kayong Utara. Its habitats include tropical rainforest, mangrove forest and peat swamp forest, home to various endemic plant and animal species. The park is described as one of Indonesia’s important nature reserves. Activities mentioned include hiking and observing wildlife.
Coast, Lakes and Architecture
Pantai Temajuk lies at the northern tip of Kalimantan Barat, in Temajuk village, Paloh District, Sambas Regency. Sambas shares a direct border with Malaysia. White sand, surf and sunset views define the beach. In Singkawang, Danau Biru formed in a former mining excavation; the lake is used for photography and relaxation.
Another cultural heritage site is Rumah Betang Sungai Uluk Palin in Kalimantan Barat. The preserved house is 204 meters long and is considered one of the tallest and longest examples of this type of house. When visiting a Rumah Betang, you can walk along a long wooden floor, see family rooms and interact with the local people.
A Regional Dish
Bubur Pedas is a traditional dish of the Malay people of Kalimantan Barat. It is made with pounded rice, toasted coconut, black pepper and various vegetables. These ingredients give the dish a distinct place in the region’s culinary character, alongside the stories told by its museums, temples and landscapes.
Discover more destinations: Pontianak, Ketapang, Singkawang, Pangkalanbuun, Ledo, North Sulawesi, Southeast Sulawesi, North Sumatra.
Return to the main travel overview: Indonesia.
