West Kalimantan /West Borneo Island
One of the main attractions of West Kalimantan
is the culture of its Dayak ethnic groups.
Most Dayaks live in long houses along rivers
which criss-cross the land. This province
covers an area of 146,807 square km. Its low
plains are swampy with more than 100 rivers
playing a vital role in communications and the
economy.
Scattered across the swamps are several lakes
and villages, often linked by bridges. The
provincial capital, Pontianak lies exactly on
the Equator. It is a fast growing city divided
into three parts by the Kapuas and Landak
Rivers. Pontianak is the main gate to enter
this province through Supadio Airport, 18 km
from the city.
The Kapuas River, about 1143 km, is one of the
longest river in Indonesia, connecting
Pontianak with the Sanggau, Sintang and Kapuas
Hulu Regencies. Among the branches of the
Kapuas River are the Landak, Kubu, Punggur,
Melawi and Sekayam Rivers.
The population of West Kalimantan consist of
the Dayaks, Malays, Chinese and some other
Indonesian ethnic groups.
Dayak dances express respect, heroism, welcome
and cure. It is recommended to take a river
trip and make overnight stops at villages
where dance performances are organized on
advance notice.
PLACES OF INTEREST
Pontianak
-
As
the capital of West Kalimantan, there are some
interesting places to visit, among others the
Equator Monument, Kadariah palace in Kampung
Dalam, the State Museum, the Kapuas and Landak
Bridges with a river view and floating market.
You can also simply relax in the recreational
park Tirta Ria. The beach resort of Kijing and
Temajoh Island are good places for diving,
fishing and sailing.
Betang
(Longhouse)
-
On
the outskirts of Pontianak is a Dayak
traditional long house at Saham village, 158
km from Pontianak. The longhouse is huge - 186
m long and 6 m wide, and is inhabited by 269
people! There is no tourist accommodation
available here.
Pasir Panjang
-
It
lies 17 km from Singkawang in the Sambas
regency. There is a beach resort, ideal for
swimming. Comfortable cottages are available
equipped with a tennis court. In the vicinity
of Singkawang, the Gunung Poteng hill resort
with its fresh air is a good place for nature
lovers.
National Park and Nature Reserve
-
The Gunung (Mount) Palung National Park
located in the Ketapang regency is home to
miscellaneous flora and fauna. The Raya Pasi
mountain located in the Singkawang regency is
also an interesting place to visit in order to
see the Rafflesia.
Singkawang is also a nature reserve. The
forest of Sanggau is worth a visit where hot
springs, lakes and caves can be found. The
other nature reserves are the forests of
Baning and Kelam Hill in the Sintang Regency.
While in Kapuas Hulu, there is the Bentuang
ACCOMMODATION
-
West Kalimantan has recently been developed
for tourist traffic, however, Pontianak has
two three-star hotels, each with modern
amenities and also facilities for conventions
more interesting places in page
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