Pontianak,
the capital city of West
Kalimantan, is more than just a city on the equator it’s a melting pot of Malay, Dayak, Chinese, and Arabic influences
that blend beautifully into one vibrant identity. Founded on October 23, 1771, by Syarif Abdurrahman Alkadrie,
Pontianak celebrates its anniversary every October 23 with grand festivals,
traditional performances, and culinary fairs that showcase the city’s rich
cultural tapestry.
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| Colorful Street Fashion Show and cross culture Festival was held during a previous Pontianak City anniversary and involved students from middle and senior high schools across Pontianak as participant. Photo courtesy of Pontianak Postt |
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| The Drum Band Festival was held during a previous Pontianak City anniversary and involved drum band groups from middle and senior high schools across Pontianak. Photo courtesy of Pontianak Post |
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| Traditional Malay Wedding Parade (Arakan Pengantin) a lively procession featuring a bride and groom in traditional attire, accompanied by music and cultural performances. Photo Courtesy of Pontianak Post. |
Here are some of the upcoming events, including the Regional Culture Week, group cycling, and dragon boat races, starting October 16th. Stay tuned!
8 Exciting
Events in Pontianak Throughout October 2025
Pontianak City is gearing up to be filled with a
variety of lively festivals and religious events throughout October 2025. A
series of major celebrations will feature entertainment, cultural traditions,
and appearances from national figures to delight the public.
So, what’s
happening this month? Here’s the list of events taking place in Pontianak
during October 2025:
1. The 114th
Commemoration (Haul) of Habib Muhammad bin Abdullah Muthahar (October 5, 2025)
On Sunday, October 5, 2025, the community will gather for the 114th Haul of
Habib Muhammad bin Abdullah Muthahar on Gajah Mada Street, right in front of
Flamboyan Market, Pontianak. This religious event, starting at 6:00 PM (WIB),
will include a sermon by Ustaz Abdul Somad and is open to the public.
2. Mooncake
Festival (October 6, 2025)
The Mooncake Festival will also bring joy to Pontianak for a full day at the
Kapuas Town Square Park on October 6, 2025. The festival features a variety of
fun activities from morning till night, including the distribution of 2,000
free halal mooncakes, a blood donation drive, and a lively, colorful lantern
parade.
3. Borneo
Combat Championship (October 19, 2025)
The prestigious martial arts competition, Borneo Combat Championship,
will be held on October 19, 2025, at GOR Terpadu A. Yani Pontianak. Fighters
will face off in thrilling matches, including bouts such as King Cogan vs.
Prince Nendi, Nasriar Madhan vs. Satria Mahatir, and Ical Lele vs. Dedy Ban
Dalam.
4.
Equatorial Malay Festival (October 23–26, 2025)
Later in the month, the Equatorial Malay Festival will take place from
October 23 to 26, 2025, at Kapuas Town Square Park, featuring cultural
performances, culinary delights, and community entertainment.
5. Modern
Music Concert (October 24–26, 2025)
Pontianak will also embrace a modern vibe through the Modern Music Concert
on October 24–26, 2025, at Kapuas Town Square Park as part of the 254th
Anniversary of Pontianak City. The event will showcase local musicians from
Pontianak and nearby regions, entertaining visitors with live performances.
6. Water
Carnival (October 25, 2025)
The Water Carnival will highlight the historical journey of Sultan
Syarif Abdurrahman, the founder of Pontianak. This cultural celebration will
take place along the Kapuas River and Kapuas Town Square Park on October 25,
2025.
7.
Traditional Wedding Parade (Ocober 26, 2025)
The next day, October 26, 2025, the traditional Malay Wedding Parade (Arakan
Pengantin) will enliven the streets of Pontianak, especially along General
A. Yani Street.
8. Pontianak
Creative Festival (October 27–November 2, 2025)
Wrapping up the month, the Pontianak Creative Festival will be held from
October 27 to November 2, 2025, on Diponegoro Street. This event also forms
part of the city’s anniversary celebration.
These vibrant events show how Pontianak continues to
grow as a destination for cultural, entertainment, and religious tourism. Both
the government and local communities hope that these festivals will attract
more visitors while boosting the local economy.
You can read - Things Foreign Tourists Always Ask About Indonesia
Kwetiau
This
legendary Chinese-style stir-fried noodle is one of Pontianak’s culinary icons.
Served hot with seafood or chicken, it’s a must-try comfort food that has been
loved by locals for generations.
It’s
true that some versions
of Kwetiau in Pontianak
are made with pork,
especially at the original restaurant that inspired the name Kwetiau o. The dish itself
is Chinese-Indonesian,
and traditionally, the original recipe uses pork slices or pork oil to enhance
the flavor.
However,
nowadays many halal
versions of kwetiau
goreng (fried flat noodles) are available across Pontianak often made with chicken, beef, or seafood
instead. Restaurants that serve Muslim-friendly dishes usually mention “halal”
clearly on their menus or signs.
So
if you (or your readers) prefer halal food, it’s best to ask first or look for
alternatives like Kwetiau
Melayu or other Kwetiau
, which are popular among Muslim diners.
Sotong Pangkong
A classic Pontianak snack dried squid grilled and lightly pounded until
tender, then dipped in spicy peanut sauce. It’s especially popular during
Ramadan but can be found year-round at street stalls.
Chai Kue (Cai Kue)
Soft steamed dumplings filled with vegetables or
peanuts a delicious reflection of Pontianak’s Chinese culinary heritage. You’ll
find them in markets and small family-run shops.
Pisang Goreng Pontianak
Pontianak’s fried banana stands out from the rest of
Indonesia’s versions often topped with cheese, chocolate, or condensed milk.
It’s crispy, sweet, and addictively good.
Why Pontianak Stands Out
Pontianak’s magic lies in its people their warmth, openness, and pride in their
heritage. Whether you’re watching the Jepin dance, sharing a Saprahan
meal, or enjoying a bowl of Kwetiau Apollo, you’ll feel the city’s
heartbeat through every experience.
And while the biggest celebrations happen each
October, the essence of Pontianak its
culture, traditions, and food is alive
every single day. Visitors can experience its charm any time of the year.
A City Rich in Culture and Spirit
Pontianak’s culture reflects the unity of its people.
From the lively riverbanks of the Kapuas to the bustling traditional markets,
every corner of the city carries a story. Local customs are deeply rooted in
community life from shared meals to
traditional dances that express gratitude, respect, and joy.
Each October, the city holds a series of cultural
events to commemorate its founding. But even beyond that month, Pontianak’s
traditions are part of daily life, offering visitors a glimpse into its living
heritage.d
Pontianak isn’t just the city on the equator it’s a city of balance, where tradition meets
modern life and diversity thrives in harmony. From vibrant festivals to
comforting local dishes, every moment spent in Pontianak tells a story of unity
and cultural pride.
Whether you visit during the anniversary festivities
or any other time of year, one thing is certain: Pontianak will welcome you
with open arms, a full plate, and a smile that makes you feel right at home.
Recommended Accommodations in
Pontianak
When visiting Pontianak especially during its vibrant city anniversary
celebrations in October choosing the
right place to stay can make your experience even more memorable. Fortunately,
the city offers a wide range of trusted hotels that cater to both local and
international guests, combining comfort, convenience, and a taste of local
hospitality.
One of the top choices is the Aston Pontianak Hotel
& Convention Center, located on Jalan Gajah Mada in the heart of the
city. This hotel is known for its elegant design, spacious rooms, and modern
facilities. It’s also popular for hosting events and gatherings, making it
ideal for guests attending cultural festivals or business-related activities
during the anniversary week.
Another excellent option is the Mercure Pontianak
City Center, situated along Jalan Ahmad Yani one of Pontianak’s main
business and shopping districts. Managed by an international hotel chain,
Mercure offers reliable service, high-quality amenities, and comfort that
appeals to international travelers. Its convenient location provides easy
access to the airport and major city attractions.
The Golden Tulip Pontianak is also a favorite
among travelers. Located on Jalan Teuku Umar, this hotel offers a modern yet
warm atmosphere, with excellent dining options and event facilities. It’s a
great choice for guests who want a balance between relaxation and accessibility
to the city’s main celebration spots.
For those looking for a stylish and cozy stay, Harris
Hotel Pontianak on Jalan Gajah Mada provides vibrant interiors, friendly
service, and comfortable rooms at a mid-high price range. It’s a good pick for
groups or families who want a pleasant stay close to city attractions.
Meanwhile, the Grand Mahkota Hotel Pontianak is
one of the city’s long-standing hotels, known for its spacious rooms and
traditional hospitality. It’s ideal for guests who appreciate a classic
atmosphere and need access to banquet or meeting facilities.
Travelers who prefer something modern yet affordable
can try Hotel Neo Gajah Mada Pontianak. This hotel features clean,
contemporary décor and all the essential amenities, offering excellent value
for money. Its central location makes it convenient for exploring local
restaurants, shopping centers, and riverside attractions.
When choosing accommodation in Pontianak, it’s
important to consider location, comfort, and proximity to the main events. Many
anniversary celebrations such as the Jepin Mass Dance, Saprahan
Festival, and Water Carnival are held near the Kapuas River or the Alun-Alun
Kapuas area. Staying at a central hotel helps guests enjoy easy access to
the festivities without worrying about long commutes.
Things to Consider When Selecting a
Hotel
Before booking your stay, there are a few practical
tips to keep in mind. First, check the proximity to event locations since most of Pontianak’s anniversary
activities take place around the city center and riverside, choosing a hotel
nearby will save you both time and transportation costs. Second, make sure the
hotel offers reliable facilities such as Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and
shuttle services, as these will make your stay much more comfortable.
If you’re traveling in a group or attending cultural
events, consider hotels that provide banquet halls or meeting rooms,
such as Aston or Grand Mahkota, since they are well-equipped for gatherings.
For international guests, it’s also worth confirming that the staff can
communicate in English and assist with airport transfers. Lastly, always check
recent guest reviews to ensure the hotel maintains good standards of cleanliness,
safety, and hospitality all
essential for a pleasant visit to the Equator City.
Where Is Pontianak?
Getting to Know Pontianak, the City on the Equator
Pontianak is the lively capital city of West
Kalimantan, located on the Indonesian part of the island of Borneo.
What makes Pontianak truly unique is its position right on the Equator,
just about three kilometers south of 0° latitude. Because of that, the city is
proudly known as “Kota Khatulistiwa” the Equator City. A monument marking
this exact point, called Tugu Khatulistiwa, is one of Pontianak’s most
famous landmarks and a must-visit for tourists.
Geographically, Pontianak sits in the Kapuas River
Delta, surrounded by rivers and wetlands that make the scenery both
beautiful and distinctive. The Kapuas River
Indonesia’s longest river flows right through the city, giving it a
calm, tropical atmosphere. The landscape is mostly flat, with low elevation
ranging between 0 and 2 meters above sea level, so you’ll often see houses and
markets built near the water.
How to Reach Pontianak by Air
For most visitors, the easiest way to get to Pontianak
is by air. The city is served by Supadio International Airport (IATA code:
PNK), which is located about 17 kilometers from the city center in Kubu
Raya Regency. Supadio Airport has modern facilities and serves as the main
gateway for travelers coming to and from West Kalimantan.
If you’re coming from outside Indonesia, there
are currently a few international flight options, including direct
routes from Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) and Kuching (Sarawak, Malaysia)
operated by AirAsia. These routes make Pontianak a convenient destination for
visitors from neighboring Southeast Asian countries.
For other international travelers, especially from
Europe, Australia, or the United States, the best route is usually to fly
into Jakarta (Soekarno-Hatta International Airport) or Surabaya (Juanda
International Airport) first, then take a domestic flight to
Pontianak. Several Indonesian airlines, such as Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air,
Citilink, and Batik Air, offer daily flights connecting Pontianak with major
cities like Jakarta, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, and Denpasar (Bali).
Where Is Pontianak on the Map?
Pontianak is located at around 0°2′ South Latitude
and 109°20′ East Longitude, right in the heart of Borneo Island. When you
look at a map of Indonesia, you’ll find it in the western part of Kalimantan,
close to Malaysia’s Sarawak state and just a few hours away by air from Kuala
Lumpur or Jakarta.
From a traveler’s perspective, Pontianak is
strategically positioned it’s a great
entry point to explore Borneo’s natural wonders, including national
parks, tropical rainforests, and river cruises along the Kapuas River. The South
China Sea lies to the north, making the city humid but breezy, with a
tropical climate that stays warm all year round.
Find Pontianak, West Kalimatan
INDONESIA
Visitors can easily spot Pontianak on most digital
maps like Google Maps or Apple Maps, which also show popular
attractions such as the Equator Monument, Alun-Alun Kapuas, Istana
Kadriah, and local culinary hotspots along Jalan Gajah Mada.
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| With visitors from the U.S. and the Philippines |
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| With v a group of tourists from France |
Please Come to Pontianak
I will be happy to be your guide
Pontianak isn’t just a city on the equator , it’s a city of balance, where tradition meets modern life and diversity
thrives in harmony. From vibrant festivals to comforting local dishes, every
moment in Pontianak tells a story of unity and pride.
Whether you visit during the anniversary
festivities or any other time of year, one thing is certain: Pontianak
will welcome you with open arms, a full plate, and a warm smile.
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