Cultural Destination

Embrace the spirit of the place!

The Gate of Pontianak City (photo: HelloPontinesia)

Pontianak City

It is the capital city of West Kalimantan, also known as the “Equator Zero”. There are a lot of things that tourists can do in this city, like hiking, visiting the Equator Monument, Baning Forest tourism site, and tasting excellent local dishes. This city is inhabited by three different ethnicities with distinctive cultures, namely Dayak, Malay, and Chinese descendant communities that have blended together over the centuries. Such cultural blends could be seen in its architecture, textile, and gastronomic heritages.

Cultural Tourism Destination

Pontianak City

Tourist Attractions in West Kalimantan

West Kalimantan

Batik Motifs

Dayak Kamang

Kamang motif is generally found in the Dayak tribe shield because it is believed to

Awan Berarak

Awan Berarak is a combination of Dayak motifs and Malay patterns. The word ‘Awan Berarak’ means the

Insang Ikan

Insang refers to the gills of the fish. This is a typical pattern of Malay ethnic who inhabits

Tidayu

The name of this motif is the acronym of three ethnics namely,

 

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Indonesian

Batik

Motifs

Rumah Mamuju

the Batik motif illustrates the house of Mamuju King with the stairs, located on the left of the wooden stage house

Singayaksa

The Singayaksa motif comes from the name of a place where Sultan Hasanuddin used to

Dayak Kamang

Kamang motif is generally found in the Dayak tribe shield because it is believed to

Pucuk Rebung Riau

Pucuk Rebung symbolizes heart determination in achieving goals, good luck, and

Hiu Taliyasan

Indonesia is also home to the world’s largest fish, the whale shark (Rhincodon typus). Hiu Taliyasan refers to

Kalo Sara

Kalo Sara is a sacred motif for Tolaki ethnic. It is considered as

Ondel-ondel

Ondel – ondel is Betawi traditional icons. This motif signifies

Bekantan Pakis

This motif represents Pakis Haji (Polystichum setiferum), an endemic plant in

Awan Larat Riau

This motif is usually associated with gentleness, wisdom, and

Pintu Aceh

The motif is inspired by Aceh’s traditional architecture that has

Tengkawang Ampiek

With its many advantages, the Dayaks use this leaf in ritual ceremonies. This plant is a symbol of

Rangkiang

The word “Rangkiang” refers to the rice granary in the Minangkabau language. It symbolizes

Gurdo Solo

Gurdo or garuda bird is the mount of the Indian god Vishnu. As the Sun Bird,

Rasamala

The Rasamala Batik motif is associated with a story when the Dutch came

Srimanganti

The name of the Srimanganti motif is derived from Palace’s hallway that connects to

Kawung

The Kawung motif was created by Sultan Agung Hanyokrokusumo (1593 – 1645) as a symbolic gift for

Enggang Dayak

Local people beliefs that hornbills are an incarnation of the Commander of the Birds. It has supernatural

Wakatobi

It symbolizes the coastal beauty of the Wakatobi island and the symbol of Patra symbolizes

Gorga Simeol-Meol

The Gorga Simeol-meol is a pattern of plant tendrils. it is regarded as a symbol of longevity and

Leuit Sijimat

This motif reflects the daily activities of the Baduy tribe in Banten. The main ornaments of batik motif consist of:

Daun Simpor

This motif is inspired by the Simpor plant (Dillenia Suffruticosa) which is a typical

Besurek Rembulan

This batik illustrates praise for God who created the wonderful universe

La Galigo

La Galigo is a literary work of the Buginese Epic that has 300 thousand epic lines. It is considered even

Bale Lumbu

This motif signifies the welfare of the ancient Sasak society. Bale also symbolizes the

Prada Papua

The word “Prada” in the Javanese-Indonesian dialect means a batik textile that

Pattimura

Pattimura is the name of an Indonesian hero who fought against colonialism in

Ake Patra

Ake is related to the divinity and the composition of the universe. It is a symbol of

Angsa Duo

According to legend, the Angso duo batik motif is a pair of swans that are believed to have led Princess

Malinau Cultural Festival

You will witness a unique competition that might not be found other than in

Alam Pantai

The word “Alam Pantai” refers to the natural beauty of

Gonggong Beruntun

This motif illustrates that a person should maintain a positive attitude and

Daun Sirih

This motif illustrates betel leaves that are used by Lombok communities as traditional

Tanah Liek

The word “Tanah Liek” refers to clay in Minang language. It is also known as

Tongkonan

Toraja’s traditional house is called Tongkonan. Tongkonan is a place for

Teluk Tomini

This motif illustrates the beauty of underwater life in

Abimanyu Prince

This motif implies a hope that the wearer will have the wisdom of

Pala Salawaku

This motif illustrates the unique weapons of the Maluku region, namely

Ikan tambal

The word “Ikan” refers to fish. The philosophical meaning of Ikan Tambal means is

Penari Melayu

Penari Melayu illustrates the traditional dance of Malay ethnic in

Gonggong Siput

Gonggong (Strombus Turturella) is one type of sea snail found around

Pinawetengan

The Pinawetengan Batik pattern was taken from a prehistoric inscription in

Pati-Pati Pinehiku

It symbolizes the hierarchy in society and the social status of the Mekongga

Tifa Papua

This motif was derived from traditional Papuan musical instruments,

Barong Bali

The Barong refers to the mythological animal with supra-natural

Tifa Totobuang

The batik motifs illustrate Maluku’s traditional music instrument called

Lok Baintan Floating Market

As you can imagine, the most authentic thing is that you can buy things and even

Bayam Raja

The Raja Bayam Sasirangan motif illustrates the social status of

Buketan Bali

The Balinese bouquet (Buketan Bali) is a floral arrangement and the name is

Kaharingan

The Kaharingan or ‘tree of life’ based on the Dayak tribes’ belief system. This tree symbolizes

Bultiya

The word ‘Bultiya’ is an acronym of the three major tribes in North Kalimantan, namely

Awan Berarak

Awan Berarak is a combination of Dayak motifs and Malay patterns. The word ‘Awan Berarak’ means the

Lipaq Sabe

Lipaq Saqbe contains a simple geometric classical motif with various flower decorations. This textile is

Rutun Penyu

This motif describes the local wisdom which favours modesty and

Tabir Tanjung

Tanjung flower is a type of Cherry tree flower, which is commonly found in

Tidayu

The name of this motif is the acronym of three ethnics namely,

Salakanagara

Salakanagara batik motif illustrates the first kingdom in the Betawi land

Durian Pecah

Broken Durian motifs depict the foundation of faith. The second half signifies the mastery of

Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat motif represents the marine life at Raja Ampat archipelago in

Kasih Tak Sampai

‘Kasih Tak Sampai’ is an idiom in the Indonesian language which refers to

Jagung

The philosophy of the corn motif illustrates the dream and

Biji Kopi

The coffee seeds motif illustrates the pride of local coffee specialities in

Besurek Rafflesia

The term “Basurek” refers to a textile that contains letters or inscriptions

Sandeq

Sandeq Boat is a symbol of the maritime importance of the West Sulawesi region. The greatness of

Burung Bidadari

Bidadari birds are endemic birds in Halmahera. This motif represents an

Sekar Jati

Sekar means flower and Jati refers to teak trees that symbolizes a strong mental character that

Kamaro Timika

This motif is inspired by sacred symbols of Kamaro communities in

Paqbarre Allo

The word “Barre” means round and “Allo” means the sunlight. This motif is interpreted as

Gentala Arasy

Built as high as 80 meters, the tower also highlights the historical side of

Pucuk Mekar

This motive reflects the joy and gratitude to God over the grace of

Gajah Way Kambas

The motif illustrates the Lampung’s natural reserve, the Way Kambas. it also symbolizes

Merak Ngeram

The hatching peacock motif has a very deep meaning which refers to the sacrifice and

Waruga

Minahasa batik motifs are adopted from Waruga. Waruga is the

Sido Mulyo

Sidomulyo is one of the classical motifs, which is specifically used for the bride’s costume in

Gajah Mungkur

Semantically, it means a huge longing emotion trapped in the

Cengkeh

The clove flower motif is the main commodity of the Tolitoli Regency. This motif represents

Gigi Haruan Lidi

The Gigi Haruan Lidi motif is taken from the name of the cork fish and is a symbol of

Dayak Taghol

Dayak Taghol has a distinctive style of four curved lines and small dots. This motif represents

Sekomandi

Its philosophical meaning is the eternal union which refers to a saying “until death do us part”

Kerawang Tegak Aceh

The Vertical Upright (Kerawang Tegak) Motif symbolizes a person who has a strong

Ceplok Gayo Aceh

The variety of colors shows the differences in society that

Ukir Sentani

The Ukir motif is a batik motif that is inspired by various traditional Sentani wood carvings

Honai

The Honai is inspired by the traditional house of the Papuan community living in

Merak Lasem

The peacock is considered to be the king of the birds. It represents

Tangerang Herang

Tangerang Herang motif is a symbol of Tangerang city. The Tangerang Herang batik motif consists of

Kaganga Tanah Rejang

If Batik Besurek combines Arabic calligraphy motifs, then the Kaganga batik takes

Keluak Daun Pakis

The word “Keluak” is a Minang language which means twisted or tangled. The Motif of

Wirasat

Wirasat or divine inspiration is a gift from God. This inspiration is symbolized by

Tenun Bima

The motifs are adopted from Bima woven textile. This pattern has received a great

Karawo Pinang

Pinang refers to the Palm areca tree. This motif is considered as the original

Mahkota Siger

Siger is the crown of a noblewoman in ancient time. It is a symbol of femininity, strength, and

Bunga Raye

Raye Flower motif also represents a wish for

Tikar Natuna

The Tikar Natuna motif is adapted from the traditional making of pandanus mats in

Samudra

This art painting means to be strong-willed person to pursue

Gedhog Kembang Waluh

a combination of Javanese cultural motif of the Majapahit kingdom (XII-XIV century) with

Lontara

The Lontara script itself is a typical ancient script of Bugis and Makassar communities. History records that

Kain Cual

Cual textile tradition has existed since the 17th century. The word “Cual” refers to

Karawo Mahkuta

Mahkuta refers to Gorontalo’s traditional crown. It represents noble characters of

Tampuk Manggis Sasirangan

The motif illustrates the philosophy of the mangosteen fruit, which is

Manguni Minahasa

Manguni is identified as the symbol of the Minahasa people. Manguni is known as a

Kerawang Datar

This motif symbolizes the embodiment of of religious values for