Pontianak Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

Pontianak is accessible via Supadio International Airport, which connects to major Indonesian cities including Jakarta (1.5-hour flight) and Kuching, Malaysia (1-hour flight). From the airport, taxis and ride-sharing services can take you to the ferry terminal in approximately 30 minutes. If traveling overland, buses connect Pontianak to major cities in West Kalimantan, with services from Singkawang taking around 3-4 hours. For those arriving by private vehicle, several parking facilities are available near the ferry terminal, though spaces can fill quickly during peak travel periods. The city's main ferry terminal is well-connected to the city center via local transportation including angkot (shared minivans) and ojek (motorcycle taxis).

Perched precisely on the equator, Pontianak offers visitors a unique blend of cultural diversity and natural beauty as the capital of West Kalimantan. This vibrant riverside city sits at the confluence of the Kapuas and Landak rivers, creating a distinctive maritime atmosphere steeped in Malay, Chinese, and Dayak influences. As an important ferry hub for western Borneo, Pontianak serves as both a fascinating destination in its own right and a launching point for exploring the island's extraordinary rainforests and coastal treasures.

Pontianak's equatorial climate brings year-round warmth and humidity, with temperatures consistently ranging between 23°C and 33°C. The drier period from May to September offers the most comfortable conditions for exploring the city and surrounding regions, with reduced rainfall making ferry journeys more reliable and pleasant. October through April brings the wet season, with brief but intense afternoon downpours that can occasionally impact ferry schedules. Cultural travelers might time their visit to coincide with the colorful Cap Go Meh festival (15 days after Chinese New Year) or Robo-Robo festival (typically in November), both showcasing the region's diverse heritage. Ferry services operate year-round but often run expanded schedules during the dry season to accommodate increased tourism.

Pontianak serves as an excellent jumping-off point for several captivating destinations via ferry connections. The serene Kapuas Hulu regency, reachable by a scenic 8-hour river ferry journey, offers pristine rainforest experiences and encounters with indigenous Dayak communities. Closer to the city, Temajo Island (approximately 3 hours by ferry) beckons with its pristine beaches and clear waters ideal for snorkeling enthusiasts. For those seeking international connections, ferries to Kuching, Malaysia take around 6-7 hours, crossing international waters to reach Sarawak's diverse cultural landscape. The journey along the Kapuas River itself, Indonesia's longest, provides spectacular views of traditional riverside villages and lush tropical scenery, making even the transportation an unforgettable part of your Borneo adventure.

Standing directly on the equator, the Equator Monument offers a rare opportunity to stand in both hemispheres simultaneously, a must-visit site that's particularly special during the equinoxes when the sun casts no shadow. The vibrant Kapuas waterfront comes alive at sunset when locals gather at numerous floating restaurants serving regional specialties like pengkang (river prawn soup) and chai kwe (steamed dumplings with local spices). History enthusiasts should explore Keraton Kadriyah, the 18th-century royal palace showcasing traditional Malay architecture and royal artifacts. The bustling Pasar Flamboyan market near the harbor provides an authentic glimpse into local life, with vendors selling exotic fruits, traditional crafts, and fresh-caught seafood from early morning until midday. For a deeper cultural experience, visit the Museum Negeri Pontianak to learn about the diverse ethnic groups that shape this fascinating crossroads city.

Pontianak is one of the few major cities in the world situated precisely on the equator, earning it the nickname 'Kota Khatulistiwa' (Equator City), where twice yearly you can witness the equinox phenomenon when objects cast no shadows at noon. The city's name derives from a type of vampire ghost in Indonesian mythology, supposedly spotted by Sultan Syarif Abdurrahman when founding the city in 1771, a story still recounted by locals with a mixture of pride and mystery. The Kapuas River flowing through Pontianak is Indonesia's longest and most historically significant waterway, serving as a crucial trade route for centuries before modern transportation. Pontianak holds the unusual distinction of having virtually no distinction between seasons due to its equatorial position, with sunset and sunrise occurring at almost exactly the same time year-round, approximately 6 am and 6 pm daily.