WW: West Kalimantan in a glimpse

Bits and pieces from #myitchyfeet trip to West Kalimantan, Indonesia
Pontianak, Singkawang and Entikong.
Miss my homeland so much :)

Sunset 

Rumah Betang, the traditional house of Dayak

the remains of Kadriyah Palace

Beach at Singkawang

Bambu runcing tower, in the middle of the city

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WW: Tugu Khatulistiwa at Pontianak, West Kalimantan, Indonesia

Equatorial Monument or Tugu Khatulistiwa at Pontianak, West Kalimantan...

Uniquely situatiated right on the equatorial line, this monument or tower is one of the landmarks in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, Indonesia.

Read the complete story here..

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Al-Karomah Mosque, Martapura, South Kalimantan

Oh you who believe...
Seek assistance through patience and prayer...
Surely Allah is with the patient...
(002.183)

 Under the blue sky, I know My Rabb is with  me..

Al Karomah Mosque, Martapura, South Kalimantan, Indonesia

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WW: Rumah Betang ....West Kalimantan in a glimpse

Another beautiful face of Indonesia...

Rumah Betang

Rumah Betang..
the traditional house of Dayak people in Kalimantan, particularly the western part of it. 
Take a closer look at it and its beautiful details.

Here's West Kalimantan in a glimpse..for sure I'll come back with more stories :)

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WW: Singkawang, West Kalimantan, Indonesia

As I post this WW from Yangon, Myanmar, I have seen so many Buddhist temples, monasteries and 'dragons' in this golden land.

I instantly remember my visit to Singkawang, one of the big cities in West Kalimantan, Indonesia. 

Although not pretty much the same as the shiny temples in Yangon, but the vibrant colors really caught my attention...

 

Tri Dharma Bumi Raya Temple, Singkawang...

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Amazing Indonesia: Kadriyah Palace, Pontianak, West Kalimantan

Well, well...after Rumah Betang and Tugu Kathulistiwa, I still have one more place you should not miss while visiting Pontianak.

Kadriyah Palace....or Keraton Kadriah.

Or some might say, Kadariyah Palace, once belonged to the Pontianak Sultanate.
I can imagine this royal palace during its hayday.

Crowds gathered in festive modes and full of joy...cheering the new-born heir of the Sultanate, celebrating love and marriage, or even saddening event of the loss of lives of the loved ones...

Grandeur 'panggung' architecture, dominated with bright yellow malay-arabic inspired decorations..

This palace housed the remainings of the royal attires, thrones, antique furnitures, small canon, and other objects belong to the royal family..lovely antiques collections for sure...

Unfortunately, they are in poor condition...

In front we also have some ladies and kids asking around for petty money, sometimes half shouting using their traditional dialects..


I sincerely hope this historical place will be maintained in a far better way...

The Thrones...

I found it in the back of the Palace...

Nevertheless, for those who like to see the historical past of Pontianak, this palace can be a good start.

Have a great time in Pontianak.

Amazing Indonesia: #Singkawang, West Kalimantan

I welcomed myelf to Singkawang last October 2012..

We had an official visit to West Kalimantan, exploring Pontianak, Singkawang and Entikong, Indonesia's border with Malaysia..

Quite a colorful journey for sure...

one of the many statues in the oldest temple in Singkawang...

And this time, let me share my lovely time in Singkawang...


Literally adorned with thousands of temples, Singkawang is indeed the jewel in the western part of  Kalimantan..

traditionally composed of Chinese- descent offsprings, the city indeed reflect the vibrant cultural heritage of our Chinese ancestors..


Wherever you look, you'll easily spot temples...colorful ones for sure :D...

 in the oldest Budhist temple in Singkawang...

perfect mural for photo session :D...

then....Another white sandy beach is waiting for you to enjoy here.....

After religious visit to the Budhist temples, it's time to hit the beach...

Yuuuup ..... it's Pasir Panjang Beach, still in Singkawang, West Kalimantan...



Well, well...surely we were having fun thereeee...

Pasir panjang beach...

enjoying the beach...

It was a windy and cloudy day when we came, but we still found it amusing to stay on the beach while waiting for our lunch..

clear, blue sky coupled with turquoise water...guarantee to feast your eyes and refresh your body, mind and soul...

So, all in all....do take some times to visit Singkawang....I heard the best time is during Cap Go Meh or Chinese New Year...hmmm, I can't wait to come back...

Amazing Indonesia: #Pontianak, West Kalimantan

A lovely city for sure....That's what Pontianak is for me ...

Our guide in Pontianak :D...

I was very intrigued when I search Pontianak for the first time in google....the search hits back many pictures of Kuntilanak (perhaps the modern name of Pontianak...who knows), one of the scariest and the fiercest ghosts in Indonesia....Can you imagine that? 

Then I read more of its history ....



Back in 1771,almost 4 centuries ago  the city was formerly the capital of the independent Sultanate of Pontianak and was founded in 23 October 1771.  Buit around an old trading station on the Borneo coast, It was founded on swampy ground. 




Then when it comes to the name, apparently  it originated from the story that the founder had seen an appearance of Kuntilanak ghost at the place to be built for the palace, which he fought to save the people. Well, lucky me they didn't keep the photos of their captures.

Another interesting fact about Pontianak is that it is located almost precisely on the equator.....no wonder it is widely known as Kota Khatulistiwa (Equatorial City)


So, when you are around, don't miss Tugu Khatulistiwa (Equatorial Obelisk) or the Equatorial Monument :D....



A bit outskirt, it takes around 45 minutes to go here from the city center.

 It was built directly under the 0 degrees equator line, how cool is thaaaat :D..... 

Approximately 11km from the city center, there are many displays showcasing interesting facts about the equator. 

For sure, that's what  Pontianak is unique as one of the few cities in the world situated exactly on the equator line. Well, the consequence is...the city is very hot :D...





And of course, if you don't have time to actually go to the Dayak village, then come and visit Rumah Betang, the traditional house of Dayak Tribe residing in Kalimantan since ages ago.
The original ones are situated in the smaller cities and vilages, but they have one in the middle of the city as the sample of this traditional house....

the traditional pattern in the wooden columns of the house...

It was an interesting visit...
looking at the way the house is built..
and the philosophy surrounding it...

wrapped in fuschia Papuan  batik, right in front of the Betang House... 

There are some totems too...too bad I didn't really catch the story on it...

the stairs used to climb up the house..pretty steep...

I really enjoy the visit to this western part of Kalimantan or Borneo Island. Their unique tradition and cultures really fascinate me...

one of the faces in totem..

And I still have more stories on Kadriyah Palace as well as Singkawang temples and city  in the next post, so hopefuly you got a chance to check that one out as 
well.. :D...