Pontianak West Kalimantan, Indonesia Travel Guide
Within a few hours' drive from Pontianak, you can reach several interesting spots for day excursions. Consider pre-booking your tours for convenience at GetYourGuide.
Singkawang, known for its Chinese-Indonesian heritage, offers temples and a distinct culinary scene. Pasir Panjang Beach in Bengkayang Regency welcomes visitors with its coastal views and fresh seafood. Mempawah, with its Malay heritage, features historical sites and serene beaches.
While Pontianak itself is an urban hub, longer excursions reveal natural beauty in West Kalimantan.
Pasir Panjang The coast in Bengkayang Regency provides the closest coastal experience. The coastal road towards Singkawang showcases scenic landscapes, including vast palm oil plantations and rural areas.
For significant natural exploration, multi-day, overnight trips are necessary for destinations like Gunung Palung A State park or Danau Sentarum National Park.
Extend your West Kalimantan itinerary for a exploration of the region.
Combine Pontianak with Singkawang and Sambas for cultural and historical discovery (2-3 days). Sambas offers historical Malay kingdom heritage.
Venture ininto national parks like Gunung Palung or Danau Sentarum for deep expeditions in the jungle and wildlife (3-5 days). Arrange these with specialized eco-tour operators.
Cross the border to Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Take a flight to other Indonesian islands like Jakarta, Surabaya, or Batam from Supadio International Airport (PNK).
Road transport to Singkawang and Mempawah is by bus, shared van, or private car. International bus services operate from Pontianak to Kuching.
For a well-planned trip, consider booking multi-day tours or specific experiences in advance. This streamlines your journey and ensures availability.
Essential details for a seamless visit to Pontianak.
Local SIM cards are readily available from providers such as Telkomsel, XL Axiata, and Indosat Ooredoo. Purchase them at the airport or official brand stores in malls, requiring your passport for registration. Data packages are affordable.
Bahasa Indonesia is the official language. Local dialects include Malay Pontianak and various Chinese and Dayak languages. English proficiency is limited outside of major tourist-focused areas.
Banks are open Monday-Friday, 08:00 to 15:00/16:00. ATMs are widely available 24/7 at banks, malls, and local stores, accepting international cards.
Pontianak does not experience seasonal closures. However, major national holidays can cause business hour reductions and increased transportation costs. Plan accordingly.
Greetings often involve a handshake with the right hand, followed by touching your heart. Modest dress, covering shoulders and knees, is advisable, especially at religious sites.
Use your right hand for eating (if eating with hands), passing food, or giving/receiving items. Avoid pointing with your feet.
Always ask for permission before photographing people, notably in rural places or religious sites. Respect privacy.
Do not touch someone'the leader of. Refrain from pointing with your index finger; use an open hand or thumb. Abstain from public displays of affection.
Information for travelers with certain accessibility needs in Pontianak.
Sidewalks are often uneven or non-existent, making independent movement difficult for wheelchair users.
Buses and Angkot are not wheelchair accessible. Many older buildings lack ramps or elevators.
Newer shopping malls and some contemporary hotels offer better availability for people with ramps, elevators, plus accessible bathrooms.
Direct communication with particular places to stay and attractions before your visit is the most reliable way to assess their accessibility.
General travel blogs or forums for disabled travel in Indonesia might offer some broader insights into accessible travel conditions.
Private car hire with a driver offers a flexible, comfortable, and customizable transportation solution for mobility challenges.
