HISTORY West Kalimantan
Laying 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 surprisingly 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 rivers, the Kapuas 1,143 km long, divides the town in two, providing an essential and historical communications link. Like Java and Sumatera, West Kalimantan was once an important cultural crossroads.
Hinduism reached West Kalimantan by about the year 400 and evidence of both early Hindu and Buddhist civilizations in the region have been discovered. Stone carvings and ceramics can be traced back from 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 the same time as the rise of the first Islamic Kingdom in Aceh in the 15th century and was introduced primarily from South Sumatera 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 largely unexplored. Coastal areas are mainly swamp lands with more than 100 rivers sculpting the flat plains, but in the mountainous eastern parts of the province, away from the city and plains, there are many Dayak villages.
The Dayaks have ancient traditions and beliefs which are expressed in various forms: earlobes elongated by heavy earings, tattoos in 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 of the inhabitants of the province.
West Kalimantan is easily accessible from Jakarta or Singapore by air and boat and over land journeys which provides a rare opportunity to see the interior of one of the world's largest and richest islands.
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. One can simply relax in the recreational park of Tirta Ria. The beach resort of Kijing and Temajoh Island are good places for diving, fishing and sailing.
Betana (Long House) SAHAPM VILLEGE
On the outskirts of Pontianak is a Daya traditional long house at Saham Village, 155 from Pontianak. The measures of long house are: 180 m. long. built in 1875 and consist of 35 families (door/House). Occoupied by DAYAK KANAYATN.
Pasir Panjang
It lies 17 km from Singkawang in the Sambas Regency. There is the beach resort of Pasir Panjang, 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 interesting to visit to see the Rafflesia or the Giant Flower.
SINGKAWANG CITY
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 Karimun nature reserve where Lake Sentarum and the protected Siluk fish (Sclerop hages Formocus) are found.
