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West Borneo Fun Trip
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items Forget the typical tourist traps. I’ve lived in Pontianak for a long time, and I’m finally putting all my favorite secrets in one place. From the best kopi tiam for your morning ritual to the hidden stalls where the locals go for late-night Sotong Pa...
Sections
6
Must go to place
Hotels
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Must go to place
The geographic heart of Pontianak. You can’t say you’ve been to Pontianak without stepping on the exact line that splits the world in two!
Equator Monument (Pontianak ; Indonesia)
The architectural elegance of the city. Forget your typical city sights—the Saint Joseph Cathedral is truly breathtaking. It’s not just a place of worship; it’s an architectural landmark known for its massive cupola, soaring ceilings, and intricate s...
Saint Joseph Cathedral, Pontianak
The spiritual and cultural pillar of the region. Experience the tranquility and grand scale of one of the largest mosques in West Kalimantan.
Masjid Raya Mujahidin, Pontianak (Indonesia)
Forget what you know about traditional houses; Rumah Radakng is on a completely different scale. Stretching over 138 meters, this magnificent longhouse is a living monument to the Dayak culture of West Kalimantan. Its intricate traditional carvings a...
Rumah Radakng (Pontianak ; Indonesia)
The one place where the thousands of years of Borneo's history finally come together.
Museum Negeri Pontianak (Pontianak ; Indonesia)
The palace is situated perfectly near the Kapuas River. After your tour, spend some time walking along the riverbank nearby. If you visit on a sunny day, the view of the palace against the blue sky and the river is a classic Pontianak shot that you a...
Keraton Kadriah (Pontianak ; Indonesia)
Hotels
HARRIS Hotel Pontianak completely redefines the city stay experience with its fresh, contemporary concept and top-tier hospitality. The rooms are spotlessly clean, feature ultra-comfortable beds, and come with fast, reliable Wi-Fi. Whether you want t...
HARRIS HOTEL PONTIANAK - (Indonesia)
If your travel style is all about convenience and being close to the action, Transera Hotel Pontianak is a fantastic address. It’s located in a prime downtown area, making it incredibly easy to reach local business hubs, major shopping centers, and, ...
TRANSERA HOTEL PONTIANAK (Indonesia)
Looking for a stay that’s stylish, central, and doesn't break the bank? This is the sweet spot.
HOTEL NEO GAJAH MADA (Pontianak, Indonesia)
The perfect 'home base' for travelers who appreciate a touch of elegance in the heart of Pontianak.
GAJAHMADA AVARA BOUTIQUE HOTEL (Pontianak, Indonesia)
The 'go-to' hotel for travelers who want zero stress and maximum connectivity in Pontianak.
ORCHARDZ HOTEL GAJAH MADA PONTIANAK (Indonesia)
Whether you're traveling for business or planning a getaway in the heart of West Kalimantan, Aston Pontianak Hotel & Convention Center is the gold standard for hospitality in the city. It’s not just a hotel; it’s the city’s most reliable "home ba...
ASTON PONTIANAK HOTEL & CONVENTION CENTER (Indonesia)
If you're planning a trip to Pontianak or just looking for the perfect weekend staycation, Golden Tulip Pontianak is an absolute gem. This hotel perfectly blends modern, sleek design with warm, exceptional local hospitality. Located right in the hear...
GOLDEN TULIP PONTIANAK - (Indonesia)
If you’re looking for a fresh, contemporary stay in Pontianak, Maestro Hotel Kota Baru is one of the smartest choices in the city. It’s perfectly situated for easy access to the city’s pulse, yet it maintains a calm, refined atmosphere that feels lik...
MAESTRO HOTEL KOTA BARU (Pontianak, Indonesia)
When you’re traveling, there is a certain peace of mind that comes with a brand you can trust. The Ibis Pontianak City Center is exactly that: a modern, consistently high-quality hotel that makes business travel or quick city escapes completely stres...
IBIS PONTIANAK CITY CENTER - (Indonesia)
If you’re looking for a stay that feels truly rooted in the heart of Pontianak, the Grand Mahkota Hotel is a legendary name in the city. There is a distinct charm to staying at a property with this kind of history—it’s experienced, established, and u...
GRAND MAHKOTA HOTEL PONTIANAK - (Indonesia)
Stay in the heart of the city for less, without sacrificing the essentials.
STAR HOTEL (Pontianak, Indonesia)
Breakfast
Wake Up in Pontianak: The Ultimate Breakfast Guide
The freshest fish porridge you'll ever have—a clean, savory breakfast that hits the spot every single time.
5 Bubur Ikan di Pontianak, Favorit Warga Lokal
Rich, savory, and soul-warming—this is the breakfast that keeps the city running.
Bubur Babi: The Ultimate Savory Morning Comfort
Lek Tau Suan is a traditional dessert that feels like a warm hug. It consists of peeled mung beans cooked in a thick, fragrant pandan-infused starch broth, served with a generous serving of crispy cakwe (fried dough) on top. The contrast between the ...
Lek Tau Suan: Khas Pontianak
Started as a humble stall on Jalan Haji Abbas in 1970, Aming Coffee has evolved into the city’s favorite 'living room.' It’s where the city starts its day. The vibe is unapologetically authentic: bustling, laid-back, and filled with the aroma of loca...
Aming Coffee
Forget polished cafes and air conditioning—Kopi Asiang is about the craft. The owner, Asiang, is famous for his signature style of brewing coffee while shirtless and shirtless, a sight that has become a legendary part of Pontianak's morning culture. ...
Warung Kopi ASIANG
Lunch
If there’s one meal that defines Pontianak, it’s Bakmi Kepiting. This isn't your average noodle bowl—it’s a glorious assembly of springy, perfectly cooked noodles topped with generous portions of fresh crab meat, fish balls, savory minced meat, and c...
Bakmi Kepiting, Pontianak
You might have tried Pecel before, but have you tried it with noodles? Pecel Mie is a unique Pontianak staple that perfectly marries local flavors. Imagine a serving of perfectly cooked, springy noodles (sometimes mixed with vermicelli) topped with f...
Pecel Mie Pontianak ; Indonesia
If you’ve only ever had satay with peanut sauce, you’re in for a surprise. Sate Kuah is a Pontianak specialty where the meat skewers (usually beef or lamb) are served in a bowl of warm, aromatic, spice-infused broth. The meat stays tender, and the br...
Sate Kuah Pontianak
In Pontianak, Nasi Campur isn’t just a meal—it’s an institution. Expect a mountain of steamed rice topped with a symphony of flavors: crispy roasted pork belly (sio bak), sweet Chinese-style BBQ pork (chasio), flavorful sausage (lapcheong), and a sav...
Nasi Campur / Nasi Ayam Pontianak
When it comes to local flavor, Amcik is a name that commands respect. It’s the kind of place that defines comfort food for many Pontianak residents. Whether it’s their signature dishes or the classic, reliable quality they've maintained over the year...
American Fried Chicken
Dinner
In Pontianak, we don’t just have regular porridge—we have Bubur Pesawat. Don't worry, there’s no actual flight involved! It earned its nickname from its long-standing location near the old airport/flight paths. This is the go-to spot for a thick, hea...
Bubur Pesawat
If you’re looking for a serious seafood fix, Abang Kepiting on Jalan Hijas is a must-visit. This isn't your typical order-off-the-menu restaurant; it’s an interactive experience where you choose your own crab, prawns, or fish from the display tanks. ...
Abang Kepiting
You absolutely have to order their signature Ikan Kukus (Steamed Fish), kepiting asap (Smoked crab) and Udang Goreng Tepung (Crispy Fried Prawns). If you are visiting with a large group, don't worry—the restaurant is massive and can comfortably accom...
Restoran Pondok Kakap
Kwetiau Sapi Apollo is a Pontianak institution. What sets them apart is their command over the wok—each plate of kwetiau goreng (fried flat rice noodles) is served piping hot, infused with a deep, savory aroma from the intense heat of the flame. The ...
Kwetiaw Sapi Apollo
Dessert
You haven’t truly 'done' Pontianak until you’ve sat on the humble terrace of Es Krim Angi. Operating since the 1950s, this place is a masterclass in 'if it isn't broken, don't fix it.' Their signature ice cream—served inside a young coconut shell wit...
Es Krim Angi
Ce Hun Tiaw is the true taste of Pontianak. It’s a refreshing bowl of goodness featuring tapioca noodles, mung bean starch jelly, red beans, grass jelly, and sticky rice—all bathed in a perfect balance of coconut milk and palm sugar. It’s the ultimat...
Ce Hun Tiaw
While Pontianak is known for its tropical heat, we locals have a secret for the perfect evening treat: Kembang Tahu. It’s a delicate, silken soybean pudding served in a light, fragrant syrup. The texture is so smooth it practically melts the moment i...
Kembang Tahu / Air Tahu
Think of Chai Kwe as Pontianak’s answer to dim sum, but with a unique local twist. These bite-sized steamed dumplings have incredibly thin, chewy skins filled with fresh jicama (bengkoang), chives (kucai), taro (talas), or bamboo shoots. The magic ha...
CHAIKUE/CHOIPAN, KULINER TRADISIONAL PONTIANAK
Sotong Pangkong is dried cuttlefish grilled until it's tender, then 'pounded' (pangkong) to perfection. Served with a fiery, sweet-and-spicy peanut or chili sauce, it’s the city’s favorite late-night pastime.
Sotong Pangkong
Ko Kue are small, steamed rice flour cakes that are incredibly soft and chewy, usually topped with savory dried shrimp or sweet fillings like red bean or grated coconut with palm sugar. It’s the ultimate ‘in-between-meals’ snack—you can easily eat ha...
Ko Kue Pontianak
Kue Bingke is synonymous with Pontianak. It’s a traditional, flower-shaped cake made primarily from eggs, coconut milk, and flour. The result? A texture that sits somewhere between a dense custard and a soft pudding. It’s incredibly rich, sweet, and ...
Kue Bingke
If you’re looking to beat the tropical heat, Es Nona is the answer. This isn't just an ice drink; it’s a colorful experience. It features a delicious mix of shaved ice, coconut milk, syrup (usually red or rose-flavored), and chewy, colorful jellies (...
nona ice / Pontianak mixed ice