Lying
directly across the equator and the main gate way into the Province of West Kalimantan is
the provincial capital of Pontianak. This rapidly developing and suprisingly large city
was founded in 1771 by Syarif Abdul Rahman Al-Kadri of Saudi Arabia and is now a bustling
economic hub as well as home to a sizeable university and a giant indoor sports stadium.
Canals crisscross the city and one of Indonesia's longest river, the Kapuas 1143 km
long, divides the town in two, providing an essential and historical communications link.
Like Java and Sumatra, West Kalimantan was once an important cultural crossroads.
WEST
KALIMANTAN : BRIEF HISTORY
 Hinduism
reached West Kalimantan by about the year 4000 and evidence of both
early Hindu and Buddhist civilizations in the region have been discovered.
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..
The advent of Islam in West Kalimantan occurred at about teh same
time as the rise of the first Islamic Kingdom in Aceh in the 15th
century and was introduced primarily from South Sumatra and North
Kalimantan, and the country of Brunei. Islam was rapidly embraced
and various kingdoms grew in strength and power particularly because
of Kalimantan's strategic importance along trade routes to China and
the Philippines.
West Kalimantan covers an area of over 146.807 sq km, which is rich
in a variety of minerals and precious stones and remains largerly
unexplored. Coastal areas are mainly swamp lands with more than 100
rivers sclupting the flat plains, but in the mountainous eastern parts
of the province, away from the city plains, there are manu Dayak villages.
The Dayak have ancient traditions and belief which are expressed in
various forms; earlobes elonagted by heavy earings, tattos, intricate
paintings, designs and carvings and wonderful dances of respect, heroism,
welcome and cure. A large Chinese population, Malays and other Indonesian
ethnic groups account for the rest ot the inhabitans of the province.
West Kalimantan is easily accessible from Jakarta of Singapore by
air and boat and over land journeys provide a rare opportunity to
see the interior kof one the world's largest and richest islands.
WEST
KALIMANTAN : PLACES OF INTEREST
Pontianak
As the capitals of West Kalimantan, there are some interesting
places to visit, among others teh Equators Monument, Kadariah palace
in Kampung Dalam, the State Museum, the Kapuas and Landak bridges
with a river view and floating market. Dine can simply relax in the
recreational park Tirta Ria.
Betang (Long House)
On the outskirts of Pontianak is a Daya traditional long
house at Saham village, 158 from Pontianak. The measures of long house
are: 186 m long, 6 m wide 269 people live there. There is no accommodation
here.
Pasir Panjang
It lies 17 km from Singkawang on the Sambas regency. there
is the beach resort of Pasir Panjang, ideal from swimming. Comfortable
cottages are avalilable equipped wuktg a tennis court. In hte 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
a nature reserve. The forest of Sanggau is worth a visit where hot
springs, lakes and caves can be found. The other nature recerves are
the forest of Baning and Kelam Hill in the Sintang Regency. While
in Kapuas Hulu, there is the Bentuang Karimun nature reserve where
lake Sentarum and the protected Siluk fish ( Sclerop hages Formocus)
are found.
Sambas Palace
This palace is one of the remnants of the Kingdom of Sambas.
Up to the present time it is still kept in good condition. There
are manya antiques to be seen.
WEST
KALIMANTAN : TOURISM EVENT
Month |
Date
|
Place |
Event |
| October |
23 |
Pontianak |
Aniversary
of Pontianak |
|
