The Capital of Indonesia’s West Kalimantan has many Halal local cuisines to offer, particularly for the foodie Muslimah Solo Travelers.
In this guide, you’ll find all you need to know on the places to visit, what to expect when traveling in Pontianak as a Muslimah Solo Traveler, Halal Food, safety tips, and more!
Feel free to skip around to specific sections or read the entire Muslim Solo Travel Guide to Pontianak.
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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About Pontianak, Indonesia
Some things that you should know about Pontianak, Indonesia:
Located on the delta of Kapuas River in Borneo Island, Pontianak was initially a small Malay fishing village before it became the capital of West Kalimantan province in Indonesia.
Pontianak is also known as the Equatorial City (meaning it is situated right at the Equator!)
Traveling Alone as a Muslim Woman in Pontianak, Indonesia (& Safety TIPS!)
Planning to visit Pontianak, Indonesia, solo as a Muslim woman and wondering if it is safe? Hear out what Muslimah Solo Traveler Farihah has to say:
My experience traveling alone as a Muslim woman in Pontianak, Indonesia was very much safe. Some shops also had an army (Militer in Indonesian) guarding the valet parking outside, so that helped me feel at ease.
However, certain situations happened to me that you should keep in mind:
1) Some Indonesian words I don’t understand — Translator App sometimes doesn’t work. Just ask a local nearby, and they’re happy to help. 2) As I was walking alone by the roadside (in broad daylight and at night time), some men catcalled me “pergi mana kak” (where are you going?). But that’s it. As long as you ignore, in sha Allah you’ll be fine.
MST’s Take: We feel that Pontianak, Indonesia is easier for BEGINNERS Muslimah Solo Travelers with a basic understanding of the Indonesian language and culture. This means it would be easier for Muslim ladies from neighboring Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei to explore Pontianak, on their own for the first time.
If you’re a BEGINNER Muslimah Solo Traveler who’s not from (or understands the culture of) Southeast Asia, it may be a bit difficult for you to explore Pontianak on your own. Regardless, the locals would be more than happy if you need any help!
Places to visit in Pontianak, Indonesia as a Muslim Solo Traveler
Gajahmada St, Pontianak at night
There are few places to visit in Pontianak as a Muslimah Solo Traveler.
Some must-visit attractions include Equatorial Monument, Kapuas River, and Keraton Kadriah.
For modern and authentic coffee experiences in Pontianak, you can head to Gajahmada Street, where many coffee shops are located.
If you’re in the mood for some local shopping and souvenirs, be it Batik Indonesia Modest Fashion garments, or lace textiles, Nusa Indah and Pasar Sudirman are the places for great bargains.
Being a Gastronomy Destination in Indonesia’s Kalimantan, finding Halal Food in Pontianak is super easy.
Mie Sagu
There’s plenty of Halal-certified restaurants in the city. Some stalls (warung) usually have a non-official Halal logo plastered on their banner.
However, cleanliness can be a concern as Indonesia is a developing country. Do exercise your common sense when buying from the warung situated at the roadside.
Indonesia’s official Halal Logo
Some popular local Pontianak food that you should try are Bubur Paddas (spicy congee), Sotong Pangkong (meshed, flat squid dipped in sauce), Mie Sagu (Noodles made of Sago).
Besides that, famous Indonesian cuisines like Nasi Ayam Geprek are also available everywhere in Pontianak.
You can get to and around Pontianak as a Muslimah Solo Traveler in several ways.
Getting To Pontianak:
Via bus or car from Kuching, Malaysia and neighboring Indonesian Kalimantan provinces.
Via flight from Indonesian cities towards Supadio Pontianak (PNK) airport
Getting Around Pontianak via:
Car Rental
Grab (Car or Bike)
I rode the Grab (SEAsia’s Uber) for most of the time in Pontianak and some were kind to give tips on where to go. Some, even waited to send me back to the city center, at places where, according to them “is hard to catch another Grab driver”.
During this time, the sun stands directly at the equator. This lets you enjoy a five-minute shadowless moment at the Equator Monument!
Days leading to Eid (Idul Fitr in local Indonesian) is also a busy time in Pontianak.
AVOID visiting Pontianak during the Monsoon season (December especially) as the rain pours heavily during this time and can cause flash floods from the Kapuas River’s overflow.
Major cities in Kalimantan Provinces such as Samarinda and Banjarmasin
Cities in Indonesia such as Surabaya, Medan, Jakarta, etc
Visiting Pontianak, Indonesia as a Muslim Solo Traveler – Practical Tips To Know
Jaywalking
There are fewer traffic lights in Pontianak, as Indonesia is a developing country. So when you cross the road, you’ll need to be brave and jaywalk.
Language & Translations
Useful local phrases are “terima kasih” (thank you), “permisi” (excuse me), “selamat pagi” (good morning), “selamat sore” (good evening).
The Indonesian Language is the main language.
As a less-visited International tourism destination, getting around Pontianak requires understanding the basic Indonesian language for an easier solo traveling experience.
Safety in Pontianak
Pontianak, in general, is very much safe for Muslimah Solo Traveler. Like any other destinations, it is wise to practice common sense and be smart when traveling alone as a Muslim woman. More about safety is in this article above.
Local Maps & Directions
Gang means alley in Indonesian language
Some places (especially alleys) are not exactly on Maps so ask locals for the exact directions.
Currency
IDR (Indonesia Rupiah)
Charger Ports
Most of the Indonesian charging ports are type C and F. Which are the standard European chargers.
Travel Restrictions & Security
If you are traveling to/from Kuching, East Malaysia, securities are mostly when passing through Entikong Border checkpoint (Indonesian side) and Tebedu Immigration Checkpoint (Malaysian side)
Check your Visa status here
Staying Connected
It is best to have an on-ground local number, as parts of West Kalimantan can lose connection to the local network.
Takeaway — Muslim Solo Travel Guide to Pontianak, Indonesia
We hope this Muslim Solo Travel Guide to Pontianak has helped plan your trip to Pontianak, Indonesia.
Once you’re done with your trip, do share your solo experiences in Indonesia with the rest Muslimah Solo Travelers in our Community Group!
