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Where to Stay in Pontianak

Where to Stay in Pontianak

Pontianak West Kalimantan, Indonesia Travel Guide

Accommodation Types in Pontianak

Budget and Mid-Range Stays

  • Hostels & Guesthouses

    Affordable choices, often family-run. Basic amenities like air conditioning, private or shared bathrooms, sometimes breakfast.

  • Economy Hotels

    Local chains like RedDoorz and OYO. Clean, functional rooms, air conditioning, private bathrooms, sometimes Wi-Fi.

  • Mid-Range Hotels

    International chains (Aston, Mercure, HARRIS) and well-regarded local hotels. Swimming pools, on-site restaurants, gyms, business facilities.

  • Luxury Hotels

    Limited 4-5 star options. Premium services, sophisticated facilities, spacious rooms, multiple dining venues. Golden Tulip Pontianak, Transera Hotel Pontianak.

Other Lodging Details

  • Homeaccommodations AND Riverfront Properties

    Guesthouses sometimes function as homestays. A few properties along the Kapuas River offer scenic views and an unique ambiance.

  • Vacation Rentals & Apartments

    Limited compared to major tourist destinations. Local platforms or direct contact might find options for longer stays.

  • Community Tourism

    More prevalent outside the city in rural areas or Dayak villages. Such opportunities are scarce within Pontianak itself.

  • Camping & Outdoor

    Not common within Pontianak city. Excursions into national parks or rural West Kalimantan necessary for staying in a tent.

Pontianak Neighborhood Guide

The choice of neighborhood in Pontianak influences your experience. Each area holds its own character.

City Center Pusat Kota

Benefits
  • Central location
  • Easy access to carry
  • Diverse dining options
  • Proximity to ancient sites
Considerations
  • Can be noisy
  • Traffic congestion is common
  • Busy environment
  • Less quiet at times

Kapuas Riverfront Tepi Sungai Kapuas

Benefits
  • Beautiful views of the river
  • Lively atmosphere
  • Close to places of historical interest
  • Promenades and eateries
Considerations
  • Can be busy
  • Weekend evenings are lively
  • Some areas lack quiet
  • Popular with locals

Gajah Mada Street Area

Benefits
  • Excellent, diverse food options
  • Lively nightlife
  • Evening stroll area
  • Many local eats
Considerations
  • Can be noisy
  • Concentration of eateries
  • Activity throughout the evening
  • Parking can be challenging

Ayani/Supadio Road Area

Advantages

Convenient for airport access, newer facilities, generally larger and more modern hotels.

Considerations

Further from historical city center attractions, less traditional charm. Transport needed for older parts of Pontianak.

Booking Your Pontianak Accommodation

Strategic booking secures your accommodation, especially during peak times.

When to Book

  • Peak Season (Holidays, Festivals): 1-2 months in advance. Demand considerably higher, prices may be higher.
  • Other Times of the Year: 1-2 weeks in advance. Ample choice and flexibility.
  • Compare prices across platforms and direct hotel websites for better rates.

Booking Platforms & Practices

  • International platforms: Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia.
  • Local platforms: Traveloka.com, Tiket.com. Popular in Indonesia, often with good deals.
  • Negotiation: Less prevalent at chain hotels. Smaller guesthouses/independent hotels might allow slight negotiation for walk-in rates during low occupancy.
  • Prices That change with the season: Prices may increase during peak holidays and local events. Non-holiday periods generally mean favorable rates.

Important Booking Notes

Cancellation Policy
  • Check deposit and cancellation policies.
  • Many online platforms have free cancellation for a period.
  • This provides flexibility if plans change.
Direct vs. Platform Bookings
  • Many hotels have their own websites.
  • Comparing can yield better rates.
  • Sometimes direct bookings have special perks.

Consideration for Specific Travel Dates

Eid al-Fitr (Lebaran)

Highly popular Indonesian holiday. Book well in advance.

Christmas & New Year

Increased demand, increased costs during these times.

Cap Go Meh Festival

Significant local festival; booking ahead is highly recommended.

Pontianak Accommodation Recommendations

Pontianak possesses several accommodations suitable for different budgets and traveler types.

Budget to Mid-Range Choices

Budget Traveler Picks

Numerous OYO or RedDoorz properties are across the city, providing basic, clean, affordable rooms.

  • Gajah Mada Hotel is another well-regarded option.
  • Air conditioning and private bathrooms are typical.
Mid-Range Comfort

Comfort and amenities at hotels like Aston Pontianak Hotel & Convention Center, HARRIS Hotel Pontianak, and Mercure Pontianak City Center.

  • Typically offer swimming pools and on-site restaurants.
  • Extensive services, a reliable and pleasant stay.

Luxury and Specialized Stays

Luxury Experience

Options include Golden Tulip Pontianak and Transeran Inn Pontianak.

  • Upscale facilities and premium services.
  • Larger, well-appointed rooms for indulgence.
Family & Solo Travelers

Family-friendly options often include hotels with swimming pools and larger rooms (Aston, HARRIS, Golden Tulip).

  • Solo travelers discover value in guesthouses or budget hotels.
  • Ride-sharing apps (Gojek/Grab) ease navigation.

Long-Stay & Cultural Stays

  • Long-Stay Accommodations

    Some hotels offer extended stay rates if requested. Dedicated serviced apartments are few.

  • Historical Significance

    No hotels are specifically noted for exceptional historical significance.

  • Traditional Guesthouses

    Might offer a glimpse into local life and architecture.

  • Boutique Properties

    Feature local design elements or family histories for a cultural connection.

Additional Booking Platforms

  • House/Pet Sitting

    For unique stays, consider TrustedHousesitters.

  • Budget Stays

    Explore Hostelworld for various budget options.

  • Global Chains

    IHG Hotels and Resorts are available via IHG.com.

  • Vacation Rentals

    Look at Vrbo for apartment-style options outside the city.

Logistics Note

Arrival & Departure

Consider properties with airport transfers or those easily accessible by Gojek/Grab. This simplifies your arrival and departure.

  • Ride-sharing apps available.
  • Hotel transfer arrangements.
Online Travel Agencies

Platforms like Expedia and Tiket.com broaden the selection of available rooms.

  • Wide range of properties.
  • Access to various deals.

General Safety

Overall Security

Safety generally good throughout all areas of Pontianak.

Petty Crime

Standard precautions for petty crime apply in crowded places or at night.

Night Walks

Well-lit, busy areas are generally safe for evening walks.