Singkawang

Singkawang is a city in West Kalimantan, about 140 km north of Pontianak on the road towards the Malaysian border. With a population of around 230,000, it is known as the "City of a Thousand Temples" due to its large Chinese-Indonesian community and the dozens of Chinese Buddhist, Confucian, and Taoist temples that dot the city. Singkawang is also famous for its vibrant Cap Go Meh celebrations, held at the end of the Chinese New Year period.

The city was established as a trading post by Chinese gold miners in the 18th century and retains a strong Hakka Chinese character alongside the indigenous Dayak and Malay populations. The surrounding landscape of green hills and pristine beaches makes Singkawang a pleasant stop for travellers heading to or from the Malaysian border at Entikong.

The climate is tropical with year-round temperatures of 24–33°C. The rainy season is November–April.

By Plane

Singkawang Airport serves limited flights. Most visitors fly into Supadio International Airport (PNK) in Pontianak and take a 2–3 hour bus ride north.

By Train

By Car / Road

From Pontianak, the road to Singkawang is excellent — 2 hours by car. Buses and minibuses run frequently from Pontianak's terminal (Rp 50,000–80,000). The road continues north to the Malaysian border at Entikong (3 hours).

Singkawang is relatively compact. Angkot, becak, and ojek serve the city. Many temples are within walking distance of each other in the old town.

• Vihara Tri Dharma Bumi Raya: The largest and most ornate Chinese temple in Singkawang — a masterpiece of traditional Chinese architecture.

• Kelenteng Tua Pek Kong: One of the oldest temples in West Kalimantan.

• Cap Go Meh Festival: The city's biggest annual event — spectacular parades, lion dances, and firecrackers (February).

• Pasir Panjang Beach: A beautiful white-sand beach about 15 km south of the city.

• Gunung Poteng: A hill with panoramic views over the city and coast.

• Temple Hopping: Visit the dozens of Chinese temples scattered across the city.

• Beach Day at Pasir Panjang: Swimming, sunbathing, and seafood.

• Cap Go Meh Celebrations: If visiting in February, don't miss the spectacular parades.

Singkawang's cuisine is predominantly Chinese-Indonesian:

• Bubur Singkawang: Savoury rice porridge with chicken and century egg.
• Hakka Noodles: Stir-fried noodles with minced pork and vegetables.
• Lumpia: Fresh spring rolls in the Singkawang style.
• Seafood: Excellent seafood at Pasir Panjang Beach restaurants.

Bottled water is standard. Chinese tea houses are common. Fresh fruit juices and coconut water are widely available.

• Budget: Losmen near the bus terminal (Rp 150,000–250,000/night).
• Mid-range: Hotel Mahkota Singkawang (Rp 250,000–400,000/night), Hotel Borneo Indah (Rp 300,000–500,000/night).

Chinese-style pastries, traditional Chinese medicines, and local crafts. Singkawang is known for its mooncakes and traditional Hakka snacks.

• Pontianak: 140 km south — the provincial capital on the equator.
• Entikong: 100 km north — the border crossing into Sarawak, Malaysia.
• Kuching, Sarawak: 3 hours across the border — the capital of Malaysian Borneo.
• Singkawang Beaches: Several undeveloped beaches north of the city.