Singkawang is a small city located some 150 km north of Pontianak, the capital city of West Kalimantan, in the island of Borneo, Indonesia. Covering an area of approximately 500 square kilometer, Singkawang is populated by majority ethnic Hakka Chinese, similar to ethnic Hakka found in Bangka island, small percentage of Dayak and native Indonesian.
What is famous in Singkawang
Singkawang is also known as "a city of thousand temple" or "Kota dengan seribu vihara" in local Indonesian. In fact there are more than a thousand small and large Chinese temples in the entire city. This leads to the famous Tatung Festival, which is celebrated in conjunction with the 15th day of Lunar new year or Cap Go Meh every year.
Singkawang is also given a title of "the most tolerant city in Indonesia" or "Kota yang paling toleransi di Indonesia" in local Indonesian, by Indonesian government as it efforts to promote tourism industry in the city. This can be witnessed by thousand temples located side-by-side with hundred mosques and churches in the city.
What is famous in Singkawang
Singkawang is also known as "a city of thousand temple" or "Kota dengan seribu vihara" in local Indonesian. In fact there are more than a thousand small and large Chinese temples in the entire city. This leads to the famous Tatung Festival, which is celebrated in conjunction with the 15th day of Lunar new year or Cap Go Meh every year.
Singkawang is also given a title of "the most tolerant city in Indonesia" or "Kota yang paling toleransi di Indonesia" in local Indonesian, by Indonesian government as it efforts to promote tourism industry in the city. This can be witnessed by thousand temples located side-by-side with hundred mosques and churches in the city.
How to get to Singkawang
The main entry point to Singkawang is from Pontianak international airport. For international visitors, the transit point can be at Jakarta international airport, Kuala Lumpur international airport or Kuching International airport. Singkawang can be reached in approximately 3-5 hours, depending on traffic, by car or bus from Pontianak, as the airport for the city is yet to be built at the point of writing.
Although Singkawang is a small city, to cater for both local and foreign tourists visiting during the festivals, there are just sufficient hotels and guesthouses of different standards and prices. Not forgetting abundant restaurants, cafe, convenience shops of all kinds and standards.
What to expect in Singkawang
Singkawang becomes extremely crowded city during Tatung and Ching Ming festivals, which is celebrated on the 15th day of Lunar new year and 5th April respectively. During this peak period, accommodation becomes scarce and expensive. Hence, do make early booking. During Tatung festival, do book hotel located in town center, along Jalan Diponegoro or within 2 kilometer radius as the road to the city center will be closed.
Do expect overcrowded restaurants and cafes, cleanliness being compromised and long waiting time for the food during the peak period.
Local Hakka Chinese food, ranging from pork porridge, nasi campur or mixed rice, rojak or mix salad with dried squid, different kind of noddles, choi pan or steamed vegetable dumpling to cakes and coffee are something not to be missed while in Singkawang.
Although Singkawang is a small city, to cater for both local and foreign tourists visiting during the festivals, there are just sufficient hotels and guesthouses of different standards and prices. Not forgetting abundant restaurants, cafe, convenience shops of all kinds and standards.
What to expect in Singkawang
Singkawang becomes extremely crowded city during Tatung and Ching Ming festivals, which is celebrated on the 15th day of Lunar new year and 5th April respectively. During this peak period, accommodation becomes scarce and expensive. Hence, do make early booking. During Tatung festival, do book hotel located in town center, along Jalan Diponegoro or within 2 kilometer radius as the road to the city center will be closed.
Do expect overcrowded restaurants and cafes, cleanliness being compromised and long waiting time for the food during the peak period.
Local Hakka Chinese food, ranging from pork porridge, nasi campur or mixed rice, rojak or mix salad with dried squid, different kind of noddles, choi pan or steamed vegetable dumpling to cakes and coffee are something not to be missed while in Singkawang.
The "Gate" to Singkawang city center for Cap Go Meh Festival
The oldest Chinese temple in Singkawang, "Vihara Tri Dharma Bumi Raya"
The oldest Catholic church in Singkawang, "Santo Fransiskus Assisi"
The oldest mosque in Singkawang, "Masjid Raya Singkawang"
is this your photo? or someone else's photo?
ReplyDeleteYes, they are taken by me. Thank you for your visit.
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