Discover the charm of Pontianak through various popular tourist destinations, from the Kapuas River to the Kapuas Square Park, which offers natural beauty and history.
Pontianak, a city located right on the equator, offers stunning natural and cultural charm. The capital city of West Kalimantan Province has many special features, including the Kapuas River, which is the longest river in Indonesia.
Not only that, Pontianak also has a rich history and a variety of interesting tourist destinations that are a shame to miss. From comfortable city parks to historic buildings, Pontianak is an ideal place to enjoy a pleasant vacation. Here are 10 tourist destinations that you must visit when you are in Pontianak.
1. Coffee Street Pontianak
For those of you who love to enjoy coffee, Coffee Street Pontianak on Jalan Gajah Mada is a must-visit. This street is lined with rows of coffee shops serving various types of quality coffee, from morning to night.
The atmosphere on Coffee Street is very lively, especially at night, making it a favorite place for locals and tourists to gather and enjoy the city atmosphere .
2. Eleven Digulis Monument
The Eleven Digulis Monument or also known as the Digulis Monument, is one of the important monuments in Pontianak. This monument, along with other Things to do in Pontianak, was built to commemorate the struggle of eleven Sarekat Islam heroes who were exiled to Boven Digoel by the Dutch East Indies government.
This monument, with its sharpened bamboo shape, is surrounded by several parks, such as Digulis Park and UNTAN Park, which are suitable for relaxing and taking pictures.
3. Equator Monument
As an icon of Pontianak, the Equator Monument is a destination that should not be missed. Located about 3 km from the city center, this monument is the pride of the Pontianak community.
On certain dates, namely March 21-23 and September 21-23, a unique phenomenon occurs where the sun is directly above the Equator, so that objects around the monument have no shadows. This is a moment that tourists have been waiting for.
4. West Kalimantan State Museum
If you want to know more about the history and culture of West Kalimantan, the West Kalimantan State Museum is the right place.
This museum houses a collection of various historical artifacts, such as ceramics from China and Vietnam, as well as geographical maps showing the natural conditions of West Kalimantan. In addition, this museum also has a collection of archaeological and historical objects that tell the long history of this province.
5. Kadriah Palace
Keraton Kadriah is a palace left over from the Pontianak Sultanate which was founded in 1771 by Sultan Syarif Abdurrahman Alqadrie. This palace building is an example of classical architecture with a magnificent Malay touch.
Inside, you can find various historical objects, including ancient cannons left behind by the Japanese and Portuguese. This palace also houses original furniture used by the Sultan and his family.
6. Thian Hou Keng Temple
Thian Hou Keng Temple is the oldest temple in Pontianak which is still used as a place of worship to this day. Tourists from various religious and cultural backgrounds can visit this temple to enjoy the beauty of magnificent Chinese architecture.
This temple is also often used as a venue for various cultural events, making it an interesting destination to visit.
7. Kapuas Square Park
Your visit to Pontianak is not complete without stopping by Taman Alun-Alun Kapuas. This park is located on the banks of the Kapuas River and is one of the best spots to enjoy the view of the longest river in Indonesia.
Here, you can enjoy the colorful fountains at night, or just relax while watching the ships passing by. This park is also surrounded by typical Pontianak food sellers which are a shame to miss.
8. Mujahidin Grand Mosque
As the largest mosque in Pontianak, the Mujahidin Grand Mosque is not only a place of worship, but also an interesting religious tourism destination. This mosque has a 63 meter high tower which symbolizes Indonesian independence.
With its magnificent architecture and serene atmosphere, the Mujahidin Grand Mosque is a suitable place to worship while enjoying the beauty of Islamic architecture.
9. Akcaya Park Pontianak
Akcaya Park is a popular place for locals to relax and exercise. The park is equipped with various facilities, such as a cycling area, swimming pool, and children’s playground. In addition, there are gazebos for relaxing and jogging tracks for visitors who want to exercise. This park is perfect for a picnic with family or just relaxing in the middle of the city .
10. Paradis-Q Waterpark
If you are looking for a child-friendly tourist spot in Pontianak, Paradis-Q Waterpark is the right choice. This waterpark has a variety of water rides that can be enjoyed by all ages, from lazy rivers, slides, to children’s pools.
With affordable entrance tickets, you can enjoy quality time with your family at this exciting and refreshing waterpark. Pontianak, a city with a million charms, offers a variety of tourist destinations that combine natural beauty and historical richness.
From the legendary Kapuas River to the historical Keraton Kadriah, and nearby Tourist Attractions in Singkawang, every corner of this region holds an interesting experience to explore. If you are planning a vacation, make sure Pontianak is on your travel list!
