The capital of West Kalimantan may not be a famous international travel destination compared to Indonesia’s Bali or Jakarta.
But that doesn’t mean that this city situated at Borneo’s Longest River, Kapuas, doesn’t have unique attractions!
From Learning about the Sultanate of Pontianak to its Authentic Coffee Culture, Pontianak’s quaint city has its charm.
Here are some Muslim-Friendly Things To Do Alone in Pontianak, Indonesia.
Before you go to Pontianak, Indonesia…
Check out our complete Muslim Solo Travel Guide to Pontianak, where we cover where to stay, safety, tips, and more!
Disclaimer: Some of the links here are affiliate links. Muslim Solo Travel receives a small commission AT NO EXTRA cost to you if you use the links. Hope you find this guide helpful!
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Learn about Pontianak Sultanate (& Garuda Pancasila) at Keraton Kadriyah
Top of the list when it comes to Muslim-Friendly Things To Do Alone in Pontianak, Indonesia, is learning about the Pontianak Sultanate at Keraton Kadriyah Palace.
A “Malay-style” palace with an obvious yellow-and-green color scheme, Keraton Kadriyah is the seat of the Pontianak Sultanate, the founding family of Pontianak City.
Here, you can learn about the local wedding customs of Pontianak Malays and the different contributions of Kadriah’s Sultans. One of it is Indonesia’s National Emblem, Garuda Pancasila, designed by Sultan Hamid II.
- Address: Jl. Tj. Raya 1, Dalam Bugis, Kec. Pontianak Tim., Kota Pontianak, Kalimantan Barat 78243, Indonesia (directions)
- Opening Hours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm daily
MST Tip: Be sure to stop at Masjid Jami Sultan Syarif Abdurrahman (oldest in Pontianak), located just outside the Palace compounds, before or after your visit to Keraton Kadriah.
Go on the River Cruise at Kapuas, Borneo’s Longest River
A solo trip to Pontianak is incomplete without cruising the Kapuas River!
Currently the longest river in Borneo and Indonesia, 1,143 km in length, it is also one of the world’s longest island rivers.
Go for the sunset cruise for the best experience! Usually ready to set sail around 4:00 pm-ish.
- Address: Any boats docked by the Kapuas Waterfront, or Alun-Alun Park
MST Tip: If you’re adventurous, there are cruising expeditions towards the hinterlands of Borneo, where you can explore the natural and remote beauty of the Asian Amazon.
Experience Worshipping at Mujahidin Grand Mosque
Pontianak’s Muslim-friendly tourism is evident throughout the city with the abundance of prayer spaces and Halal Food (which we’ll get there in a bit!).
But if there’s one mosque you should visit while in Pontianak, it is the Mujahidin Grand Mosque.
A step inside the largest mosque in West Kalimantan will transport you back to Masjid Nabawi through its black-and-white arches and gold interior design.
- Address: Akcaya, South Pontianak, Pontianak, West Kalimantan, Indonesia (directions)
Sample Local Pontianak Halal Food
Having a foodie galore is one of the Muslim-Friendly Things To Do Alone in Pontianak, Indonesia!
There’s no shortage of “what to eat in Pontianak?” as the destination is known as a Culinary Paradise in Indonesia’s Kalimantan due to its cultural diversity!
Some famous local food are Bubur Paddas (Spicy Congee), Kwetiau/Mie Tiaw, Mie Sagu, Aloe Vera beverages, Sotong Pangkong, and more!
Related: ? 17+ Best Halal Food in Pontianak, Indonesia (Desserts, Noodles, & More!)
Check out Rumah Radakng – Traditional West Kalimantan Dayak LongHouse
This is the biggest traditional longhouse in Indonesia, which belongs to the local Dayak ethnic community.
The longhouse is a symbol of the family institution, whereby it can house about 60 doors (one for each Dayak family), complete with its own Tribal Hall and sculpture unique to the Dayak people.
These days, longhouses are rare as the local society has become open to the idea of having their own house.
MST Tip: Come by 4:00 pm to experience the sunset over the verandah!
- Address: X839+6PM, Sungai Bangkong, Pontianak Kota, Pontianak, West Kalimantan 78113, Indonesia (directions)
- Opening Hours: 7:00 am – 6:00 pm daily
Get a Certificate from Khatulistiwa (Equator) Monument
Known as one of the few cities located precisely on the Equator, Indonesia has built a monument to appreciate it.
You may even get a FREE certificate for coming there if you’re lucky!
Did you know that you can experience a shadowless moment at the Equator only twice a year?
That is between Mar 21-23 and Sept 21-23!
Need authentic support when solo traveling? ? Join our Muslimah Solo Travelers Community FB Group!
- Address: Jl. Khatulistiwa No.Kel, Batu Layang, Kec. Pontianak Utara, Kota Pontianak, Kalimantan Barat 78244, Indonesia (directions)
- Opening Hours: 7:30 am – 9:00 pm daily
Experience the Coffee Culture in Pontianak
Having authentic coffee by yourself is one of the many Muslim-Friendly Things To Do Alone in Pontianak, Indonesia.
Also known as a coffee capital, the authentic coffees in Pontianak are one of a kind!
They’re either infused with ginger (Jahe), or have an intense powder mouthfeel to them. If you love the coffee experience in Pontianak, you can also bring home some coffee powders, as they’re also sold at the coffee shops.
A not so Hidden gem in Pontianak when it comes to having Pontianak coffee sessions is Aming Coffee.
- Address: Jl. Putri Candramidi No.88, Sungai Bangkong, Kec. Pontianak Kota, Kota Pontianak, Kalimantan Barat 78116, Indonesia (directions)
- Opening Hours: 7:00 am – 11:00 pm daily
Shop for Pontianak Specialty Souvenirs at Pasar Sudirman & PSP
What is a solo trip to Pontianak without some souvenir shopping?
Some Pontianak-specialty souvenirs include Malay Pontianak traditional textile/ready-made garments, Headscarves with KalBar (West Kalimantan) motif, Aloe Vera candies, Kek Lapis Legit, and so much more!
You can find everything at traditional Pasar Sudirman or PSP (Pasar Souvenir Pontianak).
MST Tip: Be sure to bargain!
- Address: Starts from PSP, all the way past Nusa Indah until Pasar Sudirman.
- Opening Hours: Shops around here would usually close by 6:00 pm. On days leading up to Eid, it can extend till late at night.
Related ?? 11+ Best Souvenirs from Pontianak, Indonesia ?? to Bring Home!
Snap a Photo with the Pointed Bamboo Monument at Digulis Park
A Famous place in Pontianak for some iconic photo sessions is the Pointed Bamboo Monument.
The monument is even more photogenic when the fountains become colorful as the night falls.
The Bamboo Monument is located at the roundabout right outside Digulis Park, the city’s central park.
So be sure the check out the park while you’re there for the Monument!
- Address: Jl. Jenderal Ahmad Yani No.114, Bansir Laut, Kec. Pontianak Tenggara, Kota Pontianak, Kalimantan Barat 78112, Indonesia (directions)
- Opening Hours: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm daily
Stroll along Alun-Alun Park
Another popular park in Pontianak is Alun-Alun Park.
This is the first urban park in the city that is located on the banks of the Kapuas River.
You can see another miniature version of the Equator Monument here.
The park also connects you to the Kapuas Waterfront via a pedestrian bridge.
- Address: Jl. Rahadi Usman, Tengah, Kec. Pontianak Kota, Kota Pontianak, Kalimantan Barat 78243, Indonesia (directions)
Visit The Aloe Vera Center
Pontianak is known for its aloe vera.
And the best place to learn more about its prized plantation is none other than the Aloe Vera.
At the Aloe Vera Center, you can see many types and variations of aloe vera, and learn about how they’re planted.
They’re made into all the food products you can think of! Aloe Vera drinks, Aloe Vera candies, Aloe Vera Chips, and so much more!
- Address: Jl. Budi Utomo No.29, Siantan Hilir, Kec. Pontianak Utara, Kota Pontianak, Kalimantan Barat 78243, Indonesia (directions)
- Opening Hours: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm weekdays
Watch Pontianak Travelog
9+ Muslim-Friendly Things To Do Alone in Pontianak, Indonesia
While these are just a few top things to do alone in Pontianak, Indonesia, you’ll find more things to do there as you explore the city on your own.
Once you’re done exploring the city on your own, do share your experiences with us in the ? #MuslimahSoloTravelers Community Group!