Exploring the attractions of Pontianak and Singkawang

A group photo at Radakng House, a replica of a Dayak longhouse, in Pontianak.

PONTIANAK, 18 November 2025: We recently concluded a 5D4N Familiarisation Trip to West Kalimantan’s Pontianak and Singkawang, which was organised by the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuching (KJRI) jointly with AirAsia, in conjunction with the recent commencement of direct flights between Kuching and Pontianak.

Aimed at introducing attractions in West Kalimantan more widely in Sarawak in conjunction with the recent reinstatement of direct flights between Kuching and Pontianak, participants of the trip included the Executive Consul (Economy) at KJRI, Musa Derek Sairwona, the Director of Sarawak Affairs at AirAsia, Hamdan Mohamad, media personnel from BorneoTalk, BERNAMA, Suara Sarawak, TVS, Sarawak Tribune, Sin Chew Daily, media personalities Tracey E. Hughes and Qayyum Jawi and digital media platforms Wanka Travel and Sarawak Edition.

Together, our group spent a total of 2 nights in Pontianak and another 2 nights in Singkawang, where we explored some of the cities’ most vibrant attractions after a quick 45-minute AirAsia flight from Kuching International Airport to the Supadio International Airport, including the Khatulistiwa Monument Park, Radakng House, the Mujahidin Grand Mosque and the Kapuas River Cruise in Pontianak, as well as Samudra Indah Beach, Tri Dharma Bumi Raya Temple, Sui Kheu Thai Pak Kung Temple and Borneo Wood Gallery in Singkawang. 

During our visit, we had the opportunity to meet with several representatives from the local government, including the Regional Secretary of West Kalimantan Province, Dr. Harisson, M. Kes., Consul of the Malaysian Consulate in Pontianak, Azizul Zekri bin Abdul Rahim, First Assistant of the West Kalimantan Regional Secretary, Dra. Linda Purnama, M.Si., Head of Youth, Sports and Tourism, Windy Prihastari, S.STP., M.Si., Head of Development Planning, Dra. Mahmudah, M.M., and Head of Border Management, Sefpri Kurniadi, S.STP.

As the capital city of West Kalimantan, Pontianak is home to a mixture of indigenous Dayaks, Malays and ethnic Chinese, primarily Tiong Hua (Teo Chew) and Hakka, making it a diverse community with rich culture and heritage – evident from the city’s architecture, culinary offerings and tourism attractions. We tried out some delicious local favourites including Che Hun Tiau, an icy dessert made with thin strips of tapioca flour, Bakso Ikan Telur Asin Ahan, Es Krim Angi’s legendary traditional ice cream served in coconut shells, Tho Ce Choipan which serves traditional steamed dumplings, Pondok Asam Pedas Pak Wahab, but the culinary highlight of this trip is undoubtedly the local coffee culture. 

Trying out Bakso Ikan Telur Asin Ahan in Pontianak.

With coffee shops, cafes and establishments on almost every street open until late, both Pontianak and Singkawang boast a unique nightlife experience, one filled with good coffee and plenty of food, instead of pubs and alcohol. With some spots even open for 24 hours, these coffee places offer a unique place for the local youths to mingle and hang out, with some even offering billiards, live music and even DJ sessions. We had the chance to visit a few on our trip, including Warung Kopi Asiang, an iconic establishment that has been serving up traditional coffee since 1958, the beautifully modern CW Coffee & Eatery in Singkawang and Haruna Café in Pontianak, the traditional-style Warung Kopi Nikmat and even 24-hour establishments including Weng Coffee in Singkawang and CW Space and El Luna Café & Eatery in Pontianak. 

The 24-hour Weng Coffee in Singkawang.

Meanwhile, you can’t say you’ve visited Pontianak without making your way to some of the city’s most popular attractions. They include the Khatulistiwa Monument Park, where the zero degrees latitude traverse the Earth, the Kapuas River, the longest river in Indonesia that we cruised along, the traditional longhouse-style Rumah Radakng, the biggest mosque and church in West Kalimantan, the Grand Mosque of Mujahidin and the Cathedral of St. Joseph and the unique Rumah Hakka. 

Khatulistiwa Monument Park in Pontianak.

In Singkawang, the city is a little more laidback than Pontianak, but is no less lively, especially at night. Located 3 hours away from Pontianak, Singkawang is also known as the City of a Thousand Temples and is home to the oldest as well as the biggest temples in the region, namely the Tri Dharma Bumi Raya Temple and the Sui Kheu Thai Pak Kung Temple. In Singkawang, we also visited the Turi Market, rode the odong-odong, a lighted up motorized vehicle that can seat up to 10 people, around city centre, the interesting-looking Batu Belimbing with ridges reminiscent of starfruit, the Borneo Wood Gallery and the variety of utensils made from belian wood, the Marga Tjhia Heritage House as well as the Samudra Indah Beach, with its large limestones by the shore. 

Batu Belimbing in Singkawang.

Samudra Indah Beach in Singkawang.

Upon the conclusion of our trip, we headed back to Kuching with plenty of memories and appreciation for both West Kalimantan cities. If you’re looking for a lively holiday with plenty of coffee and shopping in mind, both cities make for excellent getaways, especially if you haven’t been. Once again, many thanks to the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuching and AirAsia for having us on this 5D4N excursion to West Kalimantan!