Pontianak, Indonesia
Museums
If you're interested in museums and you're in Pontianak, Indonesia, you might want to check out the West Kalimantan State Museum, which is located in the city center. It features exhibits on the culture and history of the region, including traditional handicrafts, textiles, and artifacts from the indigenous Dayak people. Another option is the Equator Monument and Museum, which commemorates the location of the equator and provides information about the science and history behind it. If you're looking for other museums in the area, you might also try the Museum Negeri Pontianak or the Borneo Cultural House Museum.
Food
Pontianak is known for its delicious and unique cuisine, influenced by Chinese, Malay and Dayak cultures. Some of the most recommended, popular and typical dishes to try in Pontianak according to local people are:
1. Soto Betawi: a soup made with beef or beef offal, potatoes, tomatoes, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
2. Mie Kepiting: crab noodles topped with a savory sauce made from garlic, shallots, and soy sauce.
3. Nasi Babi Guling: roast pig rice, a dish of roasted suckling pig served with rice and a variety of sides like vegetables, chili paste, and crispy pork skin.
4. Ayam Panggang Madu: grilled chicken marinated in honey and spices, served with rice and sambal.
5. Sate Padang: skewered meat (usually beef) cooked in a spicy curry sauce and served with rice cakes and peanut sauce.
6. Es Kacang Merah: a sweet dessert consisting of crushed ice, red beans, coconut milk, and palm sugar syrup.
7. Kue Pia: small pastries filled with mung bean paste and baked until golden brown.
These dishes are just a sampling of the delicious and diverse cuisine that can be found in Pontianak, so be sure to explore and try as many different dishes as possible while you're there!
Activities
Sure, here are some fun activities that local people enjoy in Pontianak, Indonesia:
1. Visit the Kapuas River: Take a boat ride or stroll along the riverfront promenade to enjoy the scenic views and fresh air.
2. Try local cuisine: Visit one of the many street food stalls and restaurants around the city to try local specialties like nasi goreng (fried rice), sate (grilled meat skewers), and kue lapis (layer cake).
3. Explore Pasar Flamboyan: This bustling market is a great place to shop for souvenirs, clothing, and other goods. It's also a good spot to sample local snacks and drinks.
4. Attend a traditional performance: Check out a wayang kulit (shadow puppet) show, or watch a traditional dance performance such as the randai or kuda kepang.
5. Go shopping at malls: Visit one of the modern shopping malls in the city, such as MEGA Mall or Ayani Mega Mall, where you can find a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
