PONTIANAK

S o l a r E c l i p s e

During the Vernal and Autumnal Equinox

(21^st - 23^rd March and September)

Five kilometres north of the centre of Pontianak, one can find the precise spot at which the Equator bisects the earth. In an instant, visitors can travel between the Northern and Southern hemispheres without moving a muscle.

Marking this spot is a monument erected in 1928 by a Dutch astronomical expedition. Ten years later, "Monument Khatulistiwa" was further developed by an Indonesian architect by the name of Sylaban. A unique natural phenomenom can be observed twice a year at the side of the monument.

This phenomena is visible for a period of only 5 - 10 minutes. In anticipation of this special time, the Dayak and Malay ethnic groups, among others, exhibit their rich cultural heritage through traditional dance, music and handicraft displays. These twice-yearly festivals should not be missed; once witnessed, they will not soon be forgotten.

Cannon Barrage Contest

Meriam Karbit by Lebaran Day

By Lebaran Day or the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadhan, the powerful explosions "traditional cannon barrage contest", express the joy of the end of this period This spectacular event can be witnessed along the Kapuas river banks and bridge.

Qadariyah Palace

A visitor’s delight with its ironwood construction architecture, many royal artifacts and regalia from the royal family.

The great Royal Palace of Pontianak was established by the Sultan Syarif Abdurrahman Alqadrie in 1771.

Palace Of Khadariyah

The Palace of the Sultan of Pontianak lies nearby and is also called the Palace of Khadariyah. It is two stories and is built entirely of belian wood. A sturdy main entrance in the shape of Portuguese gate is found at the front of the palace. In former times, a fortress protected the palace against possible enemy attacks, and a cannon was installed. A monument of the Pontianak Kingdom is found near it.

There is a historical cathedral in this city. A clock stands on the top of the church.

Interlinked wooden walkways (Beting Permai)

at Kampung Dalam Bugis

Situated over the water at the confluence of the Kapuas and Landak rivers, this village with its inter linked wooden walkways and quaint homes is a must-see. From this village one has an excellent view of the Kapuas and Landak bridges.
Every Friday afternoon, the ironwood mosque fills with the sound of the faithful at prayer, and during Moslem holidays, the mosque becomes the focus of many community events.

Jami’ Mosque

One of the great mosques left from the time of the Pontianak Sultanate is the Jami’ Mosque. The beautiful square-tiered roof rises majestically along the riverfront, its location for nearly 200 years.

Batu Layang Cemetery

Situated 5 kilometers north of Pontianak is the family cemetery of the Pontianak Sultanate. Here, representatives of the family still act as custodians and are always happy to welcome visitors. The cemetery is continuously visited by local residents who still come to pay homage to the departed royalty.

Along with the Jami’ Mosque, Qadariah Palace, and Kampung Beting this village rounds out the perfect day of sight-seeing.

Bustling Park for family entertainment

All day and night long, ringed by many building constructed in
the distinctive building of their region’s own architecture.

This bustling park (Taman Alun Kapuas) provides family entertainment all day and night along with beautiful Kapuas and Landak river views. Further west, "Dwikora" Seaport can also be seen; the ferry wharf is also visible to the north.
The Kartika Hotel sits magically on and over the water and has some of the city’s most fascinating river views. The restaurant "Lancang Kuning" offers many traditional Malay foods. Further along is the Army House with its beautiful yard and two modern automatic cannons. Nearby are the Mayor’s Office, The Bank of Indonesia and other government buildings. Only a short distance away, the Matahari Mall is the newest addition to the city’s diverse and exciting shopping scene.

Nearby is also a duty-free shop along with open air stalls, providing something for young and old in a variety of price ranges. The handicraft centre of West Kalimantan or Griya Kerajinan "Dekranasda Kalbar" is located at Jalan Zainuddin 5 in central Pontianak. This centre is well known for the quality of its beautiful local handicrafts, batiks, wood carvings, bamboo paintings, rattan furniture, leather goods, pottery and much more. More than a store, the centre is a great place for tourists to view all the diverse treasures of Kalimantan in one place.

Housing a Vast Collection of Artifacts and Historical Objects with Gigantic Relief Sculptures

Art and Culture Centre, a must for any local or overseas traveler

The foremost museum in West Kalimantan, Traditional wood carvings, Dayak and Malay traditional kitchen tools, and splendid Chinese ceramics are just a few of the museum’s highlights.

Surrounded by contrast of modern architecture with the traditional of west Kalimantan buildings and several replicas on the back yard.

Gigantic relief sculptures cover the museum’s front, with one side depicting scenes from traditional Dayak life, and the other side showing that of Malays. Opens 8:30 am – 4 pm daily.

Just 15 minutes from Supadio Airport, in the heart of Pontianak city, is one of the city’s most popular attractions, the Culture and Art Centre. It is now widely recognized as one of the province’s greatest attractions for overseas visitors.
The Training Centre is where visitors young and old learn about and explore their experiences with each other. Collections of aboriginal arts and local paintings, sculptures, crafts, decorative arts, prints, and drawings are there to be enjoyed as well as various kinds of music and traditional dances.

This complex provides an opportunity to explore Pontianak’s film, TV, radio and sound recordings from the past to the present day in the sound and moving image exhibition of Dayak, Malay, and other ethnic groups.

Nearby, a replica of a West Kalimantan long house or Rumah Panjang/Rumah Betang.

Tourists are welcome to visit and see an example of the unique environment in which the Dayak people of Kalimantan used to live. On March 21^st - 23^rd and September 21^st - 23^rd, the Rumah Panjang is host to ceremonies of the "Bumi Khatulistiwa" Cultural Festival.

The Brief History of West Kalimantan

The Brief History of West Kalimantan in 1936 is when the Dutch government was stand up. West Kalimantan is one of sub-province area that is part of Governmental van Borneo (GB) with center government in Banjarmasin, two year then, this GB become two resident where one of them is 'Residentie Westerfdeling van Borneo' with the government center in Pontianak.

In 1942 - 1945, Japan occupies West Kalimantan and terminates a period of Dutch Indies government. In this Japan period is, still in sub-province status, which its government was focused in Banjarmasin, but is part of Borneo Minseibu Cokan. In independence struggle period, the figures of West Kalimantan, which is persistent opposed the Dutch colonization and also Japan are: Gusti Lelanang, Gusti Situt Mahmud, AR. Jeranding , HR. A. Rahman, etc.

After the Japan colonization was over, simply West Kalimantan had not enjoyed yet the independence, because mastered by colonialist, especially Dutch (NICA) government in 1945. The West Kalimantan sub-province status is soon made perfect with confession of 12 governments of 'Swapraja' and 'Neo Swapraja', and after a few times joined become a federation area.

West Kalimantan Area had confessed NICA as Special Region of West Kalimantan (DIKB) in 1948. But DIKB doesn't go along because there was a pressure from the people. Hence, in 1949 DIKB and regional leader deliver the authority to West Kalimantan sub-province in Pontianak, as a proxy of the center government of Republic of Indonesia States (RIS).

Hereinafter The Minister of Home Affairs RIS confirm the sub-province authority that implement the government in West Kalimantan and its government return to sub-province administration status which is part of West Kalimantan Province that focused in Banjarmasin. This condition take place finite in 1956.

Based on the conservation number 25 in 1956, West Kalimantan got status as Autonomy Province area with capital of Pontianak. The position as this autonomous area applied has commenced from 1 January 1957. Hereinafter this date is considered to be anniversary day of the West Kalimantan Government. But start 2002 the anniversary day of West Kalimantan is commemorated every 28 January. Since it determined as autonomy province, on 1 January 1957, West Kalimantan have led by eight functionaries Governor.

THE GOVERNMENT HISTORY

1. A Brief History of West Kalimantan Province

Based on the conservation number 25 in 1956, West Kalimantan gets status as Autonomy Province area with capital of Pontianak. This position as autonomous area applied commencing from the date of 1 Januaries 1957. Hereinafter this date is considered to be anniversary day thus West Kalimantan Province. But start from 2002 the anniversary Days of The Government of West Kalimantan Province is commemorated every 28 Januaries.

Since it determined as Autonomy area Province by 1 Januaries 1957 hence till now, occidental Kalimantan have led by nine government, which is the leader of the regency. Governor H. Usman Jaífar is West Kalimantan governor at that moment and started undertaking since 13 Januaries in 2003. These days government area of West Kalimantan province since it implement as autonomy area based on the conservation number 22 in 1999 divided become ten regencies, two towns as provincial capital West Kalimantan that is Pontianak city.

2. Legal fundament

West Kalimantan Province is opened: on 1 January 1957

Legal fundament: Law No. 25/1956

Capital: Pontianak

Regional leader: Led by a Governor assisted by Vice Government

PONTIANAK REGENCY

Pontianak regency is one of the widest regency areas that reside in West Kalimantan Province. Its region wide is 18171,20 km2 and number of residents is 845000 men. The Capital Of Pontianak Regency is Mempawah that parting 67 km from Pontianak city. Pontianak regency has high potency in tourism sector, they are:

1. Melanggar Waterfall

This Waterfall that has 50 m highest and 75 m widest is the breaking of Landak River. Located in Sungai Besar District about 230 km from Pontianak City or 197 km from Mempawah city. To reach this location can be applied by four-wheel vehicle until Serimbu village, hereinafter with water motor till 2 hours.

2. Remabo Waterfall

The waterfall that has seven levels is resided in Air Besar district, which can be gone through with of four-wheel vehicle. Between levels 1 with other can be gone through by walking during 15-30 minutes.

3. Long house

It is also called Betang House, 310 m length and 18 m wide, now is dwelt about 34 family heads, which still have family relation. Located in Saham village, Sengah Temila district it is not far from International road Pontianak - Kuching. Be the only omission of the Dayak Kanayatn long house in Pontianak regency.

4. Juang Mandor Grave

It is said that in this grave location had murdered 21037 best Indonesian in West Kalimantan; the kings, intellectual, elite figure or magnate. Here there are 10 mass graves and one-massacre locations in esplanade. Located about 88 km from Pontianak city, in the side of International road Pontianak - Kuching.

5. Amantubillah Palace

This omission building history of Mempawah empire is ever have combustible, and built again in 1922 by Mohammad Taufik Akamaddin. Here is filed the patrimony objects like small cannon and 'keris' patrimony.

6. Opu Daeng Manambon Grave

The founder of Mempawah Empire Grave is located to hill, Suap village, Mempawah Hilir district. There is also Habib Husein Grave (the first Islam spreader in Mempawah), which located in Sejegi village, Mempawah Hilir district.

7. Kijing Beach

This beach is sloping beach, in km 84 Sungai Kunyit villages, Sungai Kunyit district.

8. Temajo Island

This Island that faced to Natuna Sea have beautiful nature scenery and clear seawater, hardly suited for athletics dive. Its situation is nearby with Kijing beach, about 1 hour with water motor from Sungai Kunyit village.

9. Naik Dango Custom Ceremony

It is the custom public Dayak Kanayatn presentation of thanks feel to Sang Jubata (God) for the paddy crop successful. It is done every 27 Aprils every year with location by rotation in 10 hinterland Districts tribe resident, which majority by Dayak Kanayatn. This ceremony is started with ' Arakan Panompo ' from each district courier, caught up dance 'Candle Paddy' by Dayak Kanayatn girls, and its top moment is pray read ritual by one of the Leader in Pontianak regency. West Kalimantan regency functionaries, Pontianak District functionaries and the invitations always attend this ceremony.

Mujahiddin Mosque

The Mujahiddin Mosque in Pontianak is the pride of the city and the province. Officially inaugurated in 1978, it is the biggest mosque in the province.

Bugis Dalam

In the village of Bugis Dalam, is the Jami' Mosque of Sultan Abdurrahman Al-Qodri. The historical mosque was built in 1771 by Sultan Syarif Abdurrahman. It is 40 by 35 meters large, and 20 meters high, and has a multi-tiered roof, like that of a Balinese temple. It has six pillars, made of giant belian trunks.

Equator Monument

To the north, three kilometers away from the city, towards the Pinyuh river, there is the well-known Equator Monument, standing on the exact spot, passed by the equator.

Museum Of Pontianak

The Museum of Pontianak is two kilometers outside the city. It is a beautiful building in modern design, with the ornamental characteristics of West Kalimantan. The museum's collections include relics from the time of the arrival of Islam in this region.

Patria Jaya Heroes Cemetery

The Patria Jaya Heroes Cemetery, 12 kilometers from the city towards the Soepadio airport, is where those who died in the cause of independence are buried.

Juang Mandor Cemetery

The Juang Mandor Cemetery is a cemetery for those killed in the fight against the Japanese. About 21,037 bodies lie buried in ten mass graves.

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KETAPANG

Ketapang

Pawan River

Ketapang is the capital of the Ketapang regency, on the south coast of West Kalimantan, 478 kilometers from Pontianak. The Pawan river has its mouth in this town.

Simoanglida River

The road leads from Pontianak towards Rasau, 24 kilometers from the city. At Rasau, ferries are available to cross the river to Telukbatang, at the mouth of the Simoanglida river, 150 kilometers away.

From Telukbatang, the road passes through the southern coastal region via the villages Sukadana, Seduk, Sungaitulak, Tempurukan and Ketapang. The distance between Telukbatang and Ketapang is 132 kilometers. From Ketapang, the road continues towards Kendawangan, an attractive little town at the mouth of the rivers Kendawangan and Membuluh. The former royal residence of the Mantan Kingdom stands in Ketapang.

Panembahan Saunan

The kingdom's best known king was Panembahan Saunan, who is said to be descended from rulers of Majapahit.

An ancient cannon and some sacred graves can be found in this old palace. The cemetery contains seven graves. Verses from the Qur'an are inscribed on the headstone. At the foot end are inscriptions in old Javanese script.

Negeribaru

In Negeribaru village, one can join the many pilgrims visiting the nine sacred graves. In addition, Ketapang has a beautiful beach at Tanjungbatu.

Maya Karimata

Good beaches are found in the Maya karimata district, on the Karimata-Strait which separates Kalimantan from Belitung Island, in South Sumatra.

The Maya Karimata district is part of the Ketapang regency, and consists of 54 islands with nine villages.

Maya Island

Maya Island is nearest to the Kalimantan mainland and is the biggest island of the group. Tanjungsatai, with a population of approximately 5,000 people, mostly fishermen, is the biggest and most important village on the island. Each of the smaller villages in its surroundings has a population of several hundred people only.

Serutu Island

Serutu Island is the farthest away, about 14 hours sailing from Ketapang in good wind. All the inhabitants are fishermen and their families, who move from one place to another, depending on the season.

Karimata Island

Karimata Island lies to the northeast of Serutu Island, in the middle of the Karimata Strait. It is inhabited by fishermen and has a lighthouse. The islands in its surroundings are Meladang, Buwan, Penebangan, Pelapis and other, smaller islands, totaling 54.

South of Ketapang, reachable from Kendawang, are two islands with beautiful beaches Bawal and Gelam. Although still rarely visited and little known, these islands hold great potential for the future.

Dange, a Kayan feast

Dange is a traditional feast held by the Kayan Dayaks of West Kalimantan as an expression of thanksgiving. The ceremony is centered at house of worship, constructed together.

The dange lasts for 10 days and 10 nights.

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BENGKAYANG

Bengkayang

Bengkayang connects various small cities in the Sambas regency with the West Kalimantan hinterland. And the route into Sarawak, East Malaysia begins in Bengkayang.

Bengkayang's proximity to Singkawang, only about 70 kilometers away, has caused Bengkayang to grow rather rapidly in the past years.

To travel to the border between West Kalimantan and Sarawak, one usually starts from Singkawang, then proceeds towards Bengkayang over a distance of 70 kilometers. The trip continues towards the north, to the small town of Ledo, at a distance of the 40 kilometers. Then the trip continues again to Sanggauledo 20 kilometers away, and to Seluas. The distance between Sanggauledo and Seluas is 31 kilometers. Entekong is the last stop on the Indonesian side of the border. There is an immigration post here. From Entekong, walk for another 20 minutes before entering Malaysian territory.

People have crossed the border for many generations over this road, despite the absence of legal provisions. The local people are given a special passport by the provincial government of West Kalimantan, to enter Sarawak and to trade on a small scale and buy their daily needs.

After walking for about 20 minutes from Entekong, one comes to the first check point in the Malaysian territory. There is a terminal for taxis that can take the traveler to Kuching and other place in Serawak.

Meeting the Bekati in Bengkayang

Bekati

From Bengkayang, one can travel into the hinterland and meet the Bekati people, one of the Dayak sub-tribes living in West Kalimantan.

Sepogot And Sekaruh

At one point, one must leave the main road and walk for about one kilometer to Sepogot and Sekaruh, where about 600 Bekati people live.

The Bekati live in the mountains, around the Teriak river. Linguistically, they belong to the Kendayan Dayaks, but they dislike being called Kendayans.

The Bekati chiefs consider themselves as having come from the region around Sambas, finally to settle around Bengkayang as they moved from place to place, practicing shifting agriculture. The Bekati live in comparative isolation. Besides tilling dry fields, they also tap rubber. They are also known as depth hunters.

The traditions of the Bekati people are still largely preserved, although the penetration of outside influences has already begun. Bekati longhouses differ from those of other Dayaks in Kalimantan. The Bekati longhouses has no pillars, but rests on the ground. It functions as a place for the holding of ceremonies, meetings, and as kind of hostel for travelers.

Many Bekati people are illiterate and faithful adherents of the old ancestral beliefs. Many wooden ancestor statues are found around Bekati villages. These wooden statues are more than one meter tall and have no arms.

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MEMPAWAH

Palace Of Mempawah Kingdom

The Palace of Mempawah Kingdom is 80 kilometers away from Pontianak. It was built in 1780 by Panembahan Adiwijaya of stone wood. The palace is smaller than that of Khadariyah.

Mempawah is the capital of the Pontianak regency. It lies at the side of the river and is a busy town. The cannons of Kyai Sumi and Ratu Destari are found near Munggu village.

Amantubillah Palace

Built in 1800 by Gusti Jati or Muhammad Abidin, the seat of the former Mempawah kingdom is home to such historical objects. Nearby, the royal tombs of Mempawah, fashioned of carved and painted ironwood, are excellent examples of Islamic art.

As one of West Kalimantan’s oldest kingdoms, most of the locals visit to pay homage at Kampung Sebukit, the royal cemetary. Special welcome ceremonies are performed for special guests to the graves.

Locale for the town Kuale Mempawah renowned for its yearly "Robo-Robo" ceremony One of the most traditional forms of communal ceremonies. In addition, the family of one of West Kalimantan’s oldest kingdoms is paid homage to by devoted locals.

RED ARWANA PRIZED FISH BREEDERY

The Most Sought After Pet-Fishes in The World Beauty and Ability to Bring Good Luck

Known by such names as Ikan Silok, Ikan Khayangan, Ikan Naga, Red Arwana (Seleropages formosus) or Asian Bonitongue, these beautiful golden-reddish fish are among the most sought after pet-fishes in the world. Long prized by Chinese and Indonesian people for its beauty and ability to bring good luck, the Red Arwana is now poised to become a new economic resource for West Kalimantan.

An endangered species, the Red Arwana is now bred for commercial sales by PD. Bintang Kalbar of Pontianak.

Ideal place for tasting local seafood and beautiful view of the sea estuary.

Sungai Kakap Fishing Village has a beautiful view of the sea estuary and many seafood restaurants nearby. It is the perfect spot for many recreational activities.
Situated 25 minutes north of Pontianak, the village is an ideall place for tasting local seafood at the Teratai Indah, Pantai Indah Kakap Beach, Kakap Garden or Flamboyan restaurants.

Penibungan Island

Penibungan Island lies four kilometers from Mempawah and is reachable by motorboat. Its beaches are beautiful and are much-favored holiday resort.

Temajo Island

Temajo Island is close to Mempawah, and 78 kilometers from Pontianak. The grave of Fatimah Jemaje is found on this island, in Tanjung Mutus. Fatimah was a queen of Siak who died in a battle between the kingdoms of Sambas and Siak.

The beach is clean and white, and the sea suitable for surfing. Cloves and kruing grow on the island.

Kijing Islan

d

Kijing Island is near

er to the shore, about 20 minutes sailing from Temajo Island. It is a popular holiday resort and only 10 kilometers from Mempawah.

Singkawang and Sambas

There are many attractive tourist objects in the Sambas area. The road from Mempawah to Singkawang, 108 kilometers away, follows the west coast.

In about the middle of the 17th centu

ry, the

Sambas kingdom bloomed. The first king was Raden Sulaiman, titled Sultan Muhammad Syaefuddin (1652 - 1668).

He was succeeded by Raden Bima, who ruled under the name Muhammad Tajuddin until 1683.

Kijing Beach a Beautiful Panoramic Seashore with Entertainment Facilities
A Group of Idyllic Islands Basking in The Warm, Tropical Sun Just a 1.5 hour drive north from Pontianak is the regency of Mempawah, West Kalimantan’s oldest kingdoms, most of the locals visit to pay homage.

Those who love sub-marine scenery will be astounded by the beauty to be found under the water’s surface off the island of Temajoh.

Restaurants, cottages and entertainment facilities are found on the island, which can be reached in approximately 25 minutes by speed-boat from Kijing Beach. Rental services including guided tours can be easily arranged.

Lemukutan Island

The fort was once built on Lemukutan Island, north of Temajo Island, to repel pirates roaming the waters. Nowdays Sambas is quite a modern place.

The population consists mainly of three ethnic groups, Dayaks, Malays and Chinese, who co-exist in perfect harmony and in the past often stood together in fighting the enemies of the kingdom.

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PEMANGKAT

Pemangkat

Pemangkat, 32 kilometers from Singkawang, is a busy port town at the mouth of the Sambas Besar river. The river can be navigated by boats with a weight 500 tons, as far as the town Sambas.

Sintete

Sintete is a small port town 13 kilometers from Pemangkat that is considerable economic significance to the Sambas regency.

Sintete is located six miles from the mouth of the Sambas river. The opening of the Sintete harbor, has caused the villages around Pemangkat to grow, especially roads have been built linking the port with hinterland.

Tanjung Batu, Pemangkat

In Tanjung Batu, Pemangkat, is a small mountain, about a hundred meters high with monkeys and other animals living in the wild.

One can also visit the Chinese temples of Bumi Raya and Tri Darma Bukit Raya on Pemangkat Hill.

Tirtayasa Recreation Park

Tirtayasa Park, 50 kilometers from Singkawang, is popular recreation park. The forest and small rivers in the surroundings add to the park's allure.

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