Pontianak is such an amazing city with so much to offer. If you're looking for a taste of the local culture and history, you should check out Kadriah Palace, which used to be the royal palace of the Sultan of Pontianak. And if you want to immerse yourself in the local scene, Rahadi Osman Street (also known as "Siantan Street") is the place to be. There's so much delicious food there, like mi kenyil, beef meatballs, and nasi kuning.
But that's not all, nature lovers will find plenty to explore in Pontianak too. You can take a boat ride down the Kapuas River and enjoy the breathtaking mangrove forest views. Or, head over to Batu Layang Beach for a picture-perfect sunset.
One of the coolest things about Pontianak is that it operates on its own local time, which is different from the rest of Indonesia. It's unique, even though it's located in the Western Indonesian Time (WIB) zone, the sunrise and sunset happen earlier here than in other cities around the region.
Exploring Pontianak is easy with the availability of public transportation like buses and mikrolets. Buses are the most commonly used option and have routes that cover different parts of the city. The fare is quite affordable, usually ranging from IDR3,000 to IDR5,000, depending on the distance traveled. It's important to note that not all public transportation accepts non-cash payments, so carry enough cash for your trip.
To get to the center of Pontianak from Supadio International Airport, you can take a taxi or use an online transportation service. The journey usually lasts 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the traffic conditions. When using an online transportation service, pay according to the fare in the app or the meter if you ride a taxi.
The best time to visit Pontianak is during the dry season, which runs from June to September. The weather is usually sunny and dry during this period, so you can enjoy outdoor activities and travel comfortably. However, avoiding visits during the rainy season (October to February) is best, as heavy rain can affect your travel plans.
If you're planning a trip to Pontianak, there are plenty of interesting places to visit. You might want to check out Kadriah Palace, Equator Monument, and Sultan Syarif Abdurrahman Jami Mosque. While you're there, try some local cuisine, such as mi kenyil and nasi kuning, which you can find on Rahadi Osman Street. If you're feeling adventurous, you can take a boat ride along the Kapuas River to explore the unique mangrove forest and observe the river life.
Pontianak, a city around the equator, celebrates the Equator New Year annually. During this unique event, the sun is directly above your head, causing your shadow to disappear. Besides, there is a local tradition called "maukar," where the locals share food with their neighbors during significant family events like weddings or childbirth. This is a great way to engage with the locals and experience their culture.
You can expect to find strong Wi-Fi connections in Pontianak at many hotels, shopping centers, and business centers. Some cafes and restaurants also provide their customers with free Wi-Fi access. However, it is always advisable to inquire about the quality and availability of Wi-Fi before using the service. While most areas in the city have strong signals, some rural or remote areas may have weaker signals.
Travel Tips for Pontianak