Things to do in Kalimantan
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A
Ocean's Resto
In the fledging waterfront district, choose fish or seafood, sold by weight, plus burgers, fish and chips, and Indonesian food. Sit inside with air-con or go rustic in the garden with the sea breeze and casual vibe.
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Rumah Makan Handayani
Cheerful and cheap Central Java entry in culinary tour de Indonesia running north from Mesra Indah Mall. Find Banjar, Padang, Bugis and more along the route, most open until late night.
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Taman
The Taman between the ferry crossing and Kartika Hotel showcases river activity.
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Equator Monument
Grown from a simple marker in 1928 into a goofy collage of circles and arrows with a huge replica outside marking its spot, Patung Khatulistiwa or Equator Monument makes much - too much - of Pontianak's geographical draw. It draws crowds every equinox to experience shadowless sunlight.
Take a bis kota (intercity bus) from outside Kartika Hotel or an opelet (local minivan) from Siantan terminal heading northwest. Patung Khatulistiwa is alongside the highway, and, believe us, you can't miss it.
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Saham Longhouse
The traditional Dayak dwelling closest to Pontianak, Saham Longhouse (rumah betang) in Pahauman is one of KalBar's oldest - more than 200 years - and longest -180m.
Visit by bus from Batu Layang toward Ngabang or executive buses toward Sanggau. Get dropped at the Pahauman turn, then catch a local taxi or ojek). There are also Kijangs from Pontianak.
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Kenyah Dayak Ceremonies
Every Sunday, Pampang has Kenyah Dayak ceremonies at its longhouse. These are not made-for-tourist performances, and rituals are relatively unadulterated. Offer a small donation for snapping photographs. Public minibuses to Pampang leave from Segiri terminal. Chartering a taxi or Kijang with other travellers is an alternative.
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Mangrove Forest
See two Borneo exclusives, proboscis monkeys and ikan tempankul - a fish that walks out of the water - at the mangrove forest, 300m from the town centre. Spread over nine hectares with shaded boardwalks and benches, the mangroves also shelter macaques and many bird species.
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Haji Anang Soto
This hole in the wall between Jln Haryono and Jln Anang Andenansi draws big crowds for soto banjar, especially after noon and evening prayers. Broth here is savoury, lontong (rice steamed in pandanus leaves) lush, homemade sambal scorching.
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WWII Memorials
Japanese and Australian forces clashed bloodily over Tarakan late in World War II. There's an Australian memorial (kuburan Australia) at the Indonesian military barracks. A Japanese gravesite (kuburan Jepang) is in nearby hills, amid old bunkers.
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Fish Night Stalls
Fish is the dish in Tarakan. Stalls mushroom nightly, particularly on Jln Sudirman, many serving excellent ikan (or ayam) lalapan, grilled or fried. One of the best is about 500m north of THM Plaza, just beyond the Barito Timur Hotel.
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Mesjid Abdurrahman
The royal mosque Mesjid Abdurrahman has a Sumatran-style square-tiered roof. Continue across wobbly planks to stilt houses, best enjoyed at early or late day washing times. Get here by canoe taxi or charter from the Kapuas Indah piers.
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Pasar Belitung
Pasar Belitung is a 2km belauran. It's also known as Pasar Tunging, Banjar for squat toilet, once the area's commercial staple. Visit during early evening to sample modernised, urbanised traditional life.
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D
Bondy's
An institution among expats and local riche, this boozy garden restaurant features fish on ice, steaks, and Indonesian favourites. Bread and desserts come from the bakery in front featuring homemade ice cream.
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Museum Negeri Pontianak
South of Pontianak's centre, the Museum Negeri Pontianak features Dayak tribal artefacts and tempayan: ceramics (mostly water jugs) from Thailand, China and Borneo dating from the 16th century.
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E
Cendrawasih
Delve deeper into Banjar cuisine at this renowned spot next to Haji Anang Soto. Pick fish, seafood or chicken for the grill outside and enjoy it inside with a full array of Banjar sauces.
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Tubrux
The most popular coffee shop downtown, people pack its outdoor and indoor tables to share the local dish. Tubrux also dishes simple Indonesian food, and solo women will feel comfortable.
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Pasar Lokbaintan
Pasar Lokbaintan is arguably the busiest floating market. The 05:30 boarding is worthwhile to join small, open canoes laden with vivid produce manoeuvred precisely in tight quarters.
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Tailah
Tailah is the best independent guide in town. Friendly, fluent in English and utterly genuine, he's adept at all itineraries. He lives his motto: 'Enjoy your trip as a family trip.'
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Wisma Ikan Bakar
The 'Grilled Fish Inn' ain't just another warung. Select fish or seafood for the fire and enjoy it with lalapan style, served with sambal and aromatic leaves.
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Rumah Makan Darmo
Quality far exceeds prices at this rare Chinese restaurant attuned to individual diners and couples. Fresh seafood is the specialty, and there's smoke-free air-con upstairs.
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Pasar Kuin
Pasar Kuin is the best-known floating market. The 05:30 boarding is worthwhile to join small, open canoes laden with vivid produce manoeuvred precisely in tight quarters.
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Pinisi Harbour
The Pinisi Harbour features these sailing schooners, produced by South Sulawesi's Bugis seafarers, docked alongside KalBar's unique bandung, floating general stores.
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THM Plaza
A mix of traditional shops, warungs and national chains at Jln Yos Sudarso and Jln Sudirman, marks Tarakan's centre, flanked by a newer Grand Tarakan Mall.
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Gusher Plaza
Down Jln Gajah Mada, popular Gusher Plaza (pronounced guesser) has Tarakan's only department store amid more shops, stalls and warungs. Also has ATMs.
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Food Stalls
For trendy dining after dark- food stalls with sizzling udang galah (giant river prawns) to chic fusion - try Jln Juanda on angkot route A.
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