Asia Nature Travel

West Kalimantan Province lying directly on the equator with many canals criss­cross the city and one of Indonesia’s longest rivers, the Kapuas (1,143 km long) divides the town in two, providing an essential and historical communications link. Stone carvings and ceramics can be traced as far back as the 5th century, but it is the influence of Islam that has had the most impact on this region. West Kalimantan covers an area of over 146,607 sq km, rich in a variety of minerals and precious stones, and remains largely unexplored. Coastal areas are mainly swamp lands with more than 100 rivers sculpt­ing the flat plains. In the mountainous eastern parts of the province, away from the city and plains, there are many Dayak villages. A large Chinese population, Malays and other Indonesian ethnic groups account for the rest of the inhabitants of the province. West Kalimantan has a tropical climate with the average daily minimum temperature of 22⁰,9 C and maximum 31⁰,05 C. A light rainy season from March - May and the heavy rain from November - January.

Getting to Kalimantan Barat
Supadio International airport, 18 km from Pontianak city is easily accessible from Jakarta or Singapore by air.
PELNI’s Ship sail from Jakarta and Surabaya to Pontianak. Pontianak is easy accesible from kuching, East Malaysia via Entikong.

Place of Interest
Pontianak. A capital city of West Kalimantan province covering an area of 146,607 sq kms. Some tourism object closest to Pontianak city are Kada riah palace in Kampung Dalam, the State Museum, and the Kapuas and Landak River. Beach Resorts of Kijing and Temajoh Islands are good places for rest after diving, fishing and sailing.
Equator Monument. A five kilometers north of Pontianak city is the precise spot at which the equator bisects the earth. Explore an as­tronomi cal experiences of the phenomena for a period of only 5-10 minutes twice a year.
Long House Replica. Reflection of the past of the Dayak tribes, a long house “Rumah Betang” situated at Jl. Letjen Sutoyo Pontianak is a unique traditional house. On April 20-23 every year, the ceremony of “Gawai Dayak” will be held.
Pasir Panjang. 17 km from Singkawang in the Sambas regency, is the beach resort of Pasir Panjang, ideal for swimming and tennis. Comfortable cottages are available. In the vi­cinity of Singkawang, the Gunung Poteng Hill Resort is a good place for nature lovers.
Selimpah Beach is a camping area on the beach where among February until May, many turtles lay their eggs there. It is 305 Km from Pontianak city or 80 Km from Sam­bas.
Palung National Park. The Gunung Palung National Park, located in the Ketapang re­gency covers over 90,000 sq km, is home to an incredible array of flora and fauna. Hot springs, lakes and caves are among the many special features here. The park can be reached by plane or express boat from Pon­tianak to Ketapang or to Telok Melano and proceed by minibus for 2 hours drive or by kandong (traditional boat) for 6 hours.
Karimata Island. A spectacular marine nature reserve 100 kilometers east of Ketapang and covering an area of 77,000 square kilometers, the island is home to many species of turtlrs and dugongs.
Kapuas Hulu, a mega diversity eco-tourism with its huge lagoon amongst the regions in entire Borneo. Covers numerous sites of interest in Betung Kerihun National Park such as botanical inclined, animal lovers, ritual ceremonies by the Dayaks, local mu­sic and art, handicraft in the making, Daily life of local communities, Trekking into the jungle, Braving the Rapids, Exploring the caves, adventure – Journey into the Heart of Borneo West. Danau Sentarum National Park is well worth a visit for its huge lagoon lies on the Borneo land of the West. Covers an area of 132,000 ha situated in Kapuas Hulu Regency, Semi-tau Sub-District, within a 1,5 hour your con­venience trip by speed boat of 20 HP enter the area and explore more traditional float­ing houses on long boats. Surrounding fresh water swamp with a number of 5 different lakes is also home to the large selection of more than 220 fresh water fish species of  any lake in the world. Salty fishes, baked fish. Foremost amongst these are the Super Red Arrowana (Scleropages formosus), or lo­cal name “Ikan Silok”, famed for its beauti­ful coloration and much prized by collectors and enthusiasts alike. A uniquely breeding of this Super Red Arrowana by locals Malay and Dayak. At night the visitors are wel­come to stay at indigenous floating houses on the of the Sentarum National Park while self-eatering, fishing, swimming, bush walk­ing, mountain climbing, cruise by traditional boat or speed boat makes your journey ne­ver ending.
Kendawang an Nature Reserve is enriched with an ecosystem comprising lowland fo rest, coastal forest, mangrove forest, swamp forest and peat forest. Covering an area of 150,000 square kilometers, this re­serve is also home to sea turtle.
Menager Multi-Level Waterfall, cascade down in seven stages over a vast area, sur­rounded by pristine rainforest, caves Bare-ma – Dayak worship site, rapid stream calm pools of water invite young and old alike to soak in their tranquil depths, this unique waterfall to create a breathtaking spectacle for all to enjoy. Complementing this natural wonder are the ringing calls of birds as they echo from the trees. This unique waterfall situated between Lan­dak and Bengkayang is easily accessible by 4WD. Renowned mysteriously as Bukit Kelam (Dark Hill) is a huge stone outcrop forms a spectacular natural backdrop for the town of Sintang. Sintang is a river town on the confluence of the Kapuas and Melawi rivers, strategically making it the center of Chinese trade with the interior of Borneo. Steel stairs ascend the mountain’s side offering an exciting challenge for adventurous visitors. This huge stone outcrop forms a spectacu­lar natural backdrop for the town of Sin-tang, covering an area 520 square kilome­ters and rising some 900 m (3,000 ft) from the plain below. Kelam (which means “dark” in Indonesia) begins to wear its character­istic shroud of clouds by mid afternoon becoming a brooding, spellbinding image. Is only 15 km from Sintang by public trans­portation. Rest pavilions and coffee shops are located nearby for the weary traveler.
Bukit Raya Bukit Baka National Park
The entire park is richly endowed by nature with rainforest, rugged landscapes, mountains and me­andering rivers. An abundance of inland waterways offer endless opportunities for bathing, boat­ing, water skiing, bird watching and fishing. The combination of delightful cli­mate with fascinating flora and fauna contribute greatly to the park’s charm. The park is easily accessible from Nanga Pinoh by 4 WD or from Nanga Popai by long­boat. Bordering Sarawak, Malaysia, and Central Kalimantan and cover­ing an area of 181,090 square kilometers, this national park is home to the largest flower in the world, RAFFLESIA sp. (named after Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, the founder of Singapore). This park is a perfect for those who love ad­venture.
Baning Nature Reserve. This nature re­serve provides a beauty panorama for locals alike as its location is right in the heart of Sintang city. Baning National Park is easily accessible for visitors and residents alike. With its unique ecosystem, virgin tropical rainforest and breathtaking panoramic view a quiet oasis. Many varieties of orchids and Kantong Semar flowers create the setting for a beautiful nature walk. For those who love adventure, Nokanayan and Jegonoi wa­terfalls with its crisscross canal of the river Nokanayan making a perfect apot for visi­tors world wide. Detail information for the adventurous lovers are kindly advised to meet the Unit office in Sintang.
The Hidden Paradise in The Heart of Borneo. The beauty of nature, a tropical ca nyon, lush jungle, fill with rapids and various flora and fauna. With a view of the Schwaner mountains. Come to NOKAN NAYAN where hidden paradise is waiting for you, in the heart of Borneo. There two amazing waterfalls, Nokanayan and Nokan Jengonoi both have a heigh of more than 200 meters hight with more than 50 meter width. With cantons and beauty virgin sur­rounding.
Dayak’s costumes are rich in colors and variation which are fitted with beads and feathers, body full with tattoo of Dayak’s characteristic. The women wears the weaving and skirts and the above part is the blouse with short sleeve fitted with beads and feathers. The ankles and waists are equipped with tusk and necklaces on the neck. The necklaces are formed with colorful beads. The shirts from beads are very valuable and threads are made of fiber of the woods barks. The dominant colors are red, black, yellow and white. The most traditional musical instruments can be seen du ring the festival and ritual ceremonies made of wood, bamboo or bronze such “sape”, gong or “tawak-tawak”, drum “garemong” or kenongan, bondi, flute, and keledik.
Myriad array of Malay. Furthermore, the musical instrument gambus, ketipang, re­bana and tar-tar of the Malay dance with its vibrant color of dresses with the men’s mo­tive of Teluk Belanga tied around the waist and wear a hat. For women called “Baju Ku­rung” and weaving Sarung completed with scarf. Ranging from fascinating array of at­tractions of the Dayak Dancing and ritual ceremonies to magical treatment, Cap Go Meh Chinese Dancing Dragon with the Ma­gical Tatung, Robok, Malay Traditional Mu­sic and Dance with its weaving clothes in vibrant colors, Cannon Barrage Festival by Malay in Pontianak and much more become the most significant events for the visitors world wide.
Chinese - Tionghoa Display Performanc­es Amazing Chinese Tionghoa Dancing Dragon with its Magical Tatung (LOYA).
As one of the highest concentration of eth­nic Chinese or locals “Tionghoa”, in West Kalimantan the Singkawang city provides the Spectacular Magical Tatung and Dan­cing Dragon during the Chinese happy New Year with its Cap Go Meh – Imlek – Xong She Fat Xoi. The most attractive traditional musical in­strument displayed on special occasion of: Xong Xi Fat Choi or Wedding party. Ama­zing Singkawang Chinese Tionghoa Danc­ing Dragon with the Magical Tatung.
Handicraft & Choices Of Souvenirs. The most conspicuous handicrafts of West Kali­mantan. The most well known cloth in the region of West Kalimantan with its various motif in vibrant colors. Kain Sambas (Weaving cloth) and the Dayak weaving cloth of Ensaik Panjang, Sintang. Cual, Corak Insang, Lunggi Woven, Kaleng­kang embroidery, and West Kalimantan’s batik.
Choices of handicraft, woven material, rat­tan, philodendron and wood of West Kali­mantan. Pandanus Plaited bag, bamboo plaited bas­kets, dishes covers, mat, souvenirs Khatu­listiwa monument miniature, bandong tra­ditional boat miniatures, Dayak scimitar, key holders, and woodcarving, ceramics, tie woven beads. It is advisable to come over the Indonesia National Crafts Council (DEKRANASDA) at Jl. Hasanudin Pontianak, Souvenir Shop at Jl. Pattimura, Koperasi KERTA at Jl. Adi Sucipto Pontianak. Further Sambas is renowned with its Weaving Cloth. The most well-known cloth in the region of West Kalimantan with its various kinds of motif in vibrant colors. Meanwhile, Dayak weaving cloth is made by locals Dayak at Ensaid village in Sintang Regency becomes the most wanted by Europe countries and other overseas countries. Dayak Scimitar, or locals Mandau made by the Dayak peo­ple in Melawi Regency. This unique replica of Mandau with its scabbard made in big scale of more than 2m x 0,5 height by the Dayak in Melawi Regency creates the best souvenir as its unique style, intricate paint­ings, design and carving.
Mempawah regency. Offers a unique Su­per Red Arwana or locals “Ikan Silok” breed­ing (Scelero Pages formosus) or Asian Bo­nitongue is among the most sought after the pet-fishes in the world, long prized for its beauty. This endangered species is now bred for commercial by PD Bintang Kalbar Pontianak.
Exotic Tropical Fruits Sweeties. Uniquely style of serves Aloe Vera Healthy drinks and Snacks, Tropical Jello Fruits, Exotic Fruit Sweeties More tasteful! Renowned with its locals fruits of sweeties oranges, locals Je­ruk Sambas, more tourist are keen to stay any longer and welcome to visit the plan­tation area until they satisfied to pick and bring them back as souvenirs.
Food and Beverage. Enjoy more tasteful of West Kalimantan specific food at the city center restaurant and traditional food or seafood. Both Padang and locals Malay restaurant become the favorite with its hot and spicy food and unique style of service. A spicy blend of chili, anions, tamarind is also more delicious for such specific food of freshwater fish “Asam pedas” and much more.
Pengkang Traditional Food. The tradi­tional food of Malay, more tasteful with its “Pengkang” baked glutinous rice with a stuffing of scrimps known spicy blend of chili. Whilst, Kakap Fishing Village offer their Seafood Restaurant. An ideal place for tast­ing local seafood can be found at Kakap fishing village, and Gravella Restaurant & Fishing dwell.
Ceramic porcelain
Ceramic porcelain made by locals Chinese-Tionghoa. Here, a huge kiln, some 30 meters (100 ft.) long, pro­vides the high temperatures needed to fire the fine ceramics. Craftsmen here make both utilitarian objects ad fines copies of Chinese export ware from dynasties past.
Tourist Office:
Jl. Sutoyo, Pontianak 78121
Phone. (0561) 736541,768274, 743104,
742438 Fax. (0561) 730062, 742838
www.borneo-equatorism.com.
info-rn@borneo-equatorism.com