Pontianak - Equator Monument

Pontianak is the provincial capital of West Kalimantan. The popular nickname of Pontianak is Bumi Katulistiwa. This one and only imaginary line, which runs right trough the city, splits the world into two halves horizontally, creating the northern and southern hemispheres. Tugu Khatulistiwa is a monument which stands exactly on zero degrees latitude. It took 45 minutes to get to the monument which is roughly five kilometers from Pontianak’s city center. A unique natural occurrence takes place here every year between 21 and 23 March and 21 and 23 September. It happen exactly at noon when the sun reaches its zenith. At those time, all things near the monument have no shadow. Kadariyah Palace is also worth visiting in the Equatorial Land. The kraton is located in Kampung Dalam Bugis. It was built by Sultan Syarif Abdurachman Alqadrie in 1771 and present an outstanding attraction because of the sheer number of artifacts and other historical object it is home to. There is also a collection of thrones, cannons, antiques, china ware, photograph of royal family members, wooden podiums and two French mirrors that are usually referred to as the thousands mirrors. Visiting Pontianak without taking a cruise along the River Kapuas almost reminds one of the Indonesian saying ” a dish without salt”. The River Kapuas stretches from West Kalimantan to South Kalimantan. At 1,143 kilometers, it is the longest river in Indonesia. Another famous dish from Pontianak is Lidah Buaya or aloevera. There are many aloevera sellers at Budi Utomo Street. As well as seeing alovera plantation, you will find the Aloevera centre which was built in 2002. West Kalimantan, especially Pontianak is one of the areas in Indonesia with the highest proportion of ethnic Chinese.  West Kalimantan Fantasia Park is new theme park for children located at Ahmad Yani street, Pontianak. The mascot of Fantasia Park called si Amang, named after a primate native to Kalimantan. A gibbon called a siamang, this attraction will surely become the top family park in Kalimantan. As a provincial capital, Pontianak not only offers the attraction of a city tour but also a beautiful natural environment and fascinating culture and history. The city’s own attractions are supplemented by entertainment centers including discotheques, karaoke bars, cafes and shopping facilities.