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

Insang Ikan

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

Awan Berarak

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

Tidayu

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

 

Discover

Indonesian

Batik

Motifs

Tifa Totobuang

The batik motifs illustrate Maluku’s traditional music instrument called

Jumputan Bintang

The word Jumputan means the tie-dye technique, while the word “Bintang” refers to

Karawo Mahkuta

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

Cengkeh

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

Pinawetengan

The Pinawetengan Batik pattern was taken from a prehistoric inscription in

Sido Mulyo

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

Pohon Hayat (Tree of Life)

The Batik motifs in Lampung are dominated by the acculturation of Buddhist and

Prada Papua

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

Gamolan

This motif illustrates Gamolan, a bamboo musical instrument of Lampung that is

Kerawang Datar

This motif symbolizes the embodiment of of religious values for

Ake Patra

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

Ceplok Gayo Aceh

The variety of colors shows the differences in society that

Merak Ngeram

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

Anggrek Tewu

This motif is created based on the local wisdom and philosophy of

Paqbarre Allo

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

Karawo Pinang

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

Asmat Papua

The batik motif illustrates the Asmat’s sacred tribal motifs that are

Ukir Sentani

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

Srimanganti

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

Kasih Tak Sampai

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

Kalo Sara

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

Merak Lasem

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

Kawung

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

Hiu Taliyasan

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

Kerawang Tegak Aceh

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

Biji Kopi

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

Malinau Cultural Festival

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

Bintik Tujuh

The Bintik Tujuh (Seven Dots) motif has 7 white spots and green color gradation as

Pisang Bali

This batik motif is usually given by a person to his/her lover who is

Abimanyu Prince

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

Dayak Kamang

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

Teguh Bersatu

This batik motif shows the strength of the people of Kupang. It also represents a sense of

Pattimura

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

Gonggong Beruntun

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

Mahkota Siger

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

Bale Lumbu

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

Rutun Penyu

This motif describes the local wisdom which favours modesty and

Pati-Pati Pinehiku

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

Bekantan Pakis

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

Daun Simpor

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

Besurek Rafflesia

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

Wirasat

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

Raja Ampat

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

Daun Sirih

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

Jupri Kembang Teh

Kembang Teh illustrates the tendrils of tea plants that grow in the highlands of

Kaganga Tanah Rejang

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

Kaharingan

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

Durian Pecah

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

Mega Mendung

Mega Mendung signifies the cloud. This motif means to stay

Kain Cual

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

Lipaq Sabe

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

Sinaran

This pattern originates from Cirebon. It represents the reflection of

Kuda Sepasang

For the people of Kupang, having a strong horse is a matter of

Tanah Liek

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

Dayak Taghol

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

Ondel-ondel

Ondel – ondel is Betawi traditional icons. This motif signifies

Barong Bali

The Barong refers to the mythological animal with supra-natural

Pucuk Rebung Riau

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

Awan Larat Riau

This motif is usually associated with gentleness, wisdom, and

Tampuk Manggis Sasirangan

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

Ikan tambal

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

Teluk Tomini

This motif illustrates the beauty of underwater life in

Lok Baintan Floating Market

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

Tikar Natuna

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

Taiganja

Taiganja is a precious gold pendant that shows the social status of the Kaili family. It is

Banji Cirebon

The Banji motif is the symbol of protection and

Sekomandi

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

Gumin Tambun

Based on Hindu mythology, this motif symbolizes lucks, abundant wealth, and

Rangkiang

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

Gentala Arasy

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

Sekar Jati

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

Tubo Kelapa

Coconut tree is a symbol of a good character and strong mentality. It illustrates the more success a person, the more

Rumah Mamuju

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

Peresean

The Peresean is a game that sometimes some kinds of magic are

Gigi Haruan Lidi

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

Bultiya

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

Tidayu

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

Angsa Duo

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

Parang Rusak

Another meaning behind this motif is an unconquerable spirit, symbolized by

Burung Bidadari

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

Desa Na Ualu

The Gorga motif of Ualu Village is the symbol of the eight cardinal

Parang Seling

Parang Seling or “alternating daggers” is a royal batik motif. It is a feminine variant of

Jagung

The philosophy of the corn motif illustrates the dream and

Tangerang Herang

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

Bomba Mawar

This motif means sacred love for family, kingdom, and God; It also illustrates

Insang Ikan

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

Besurek Rembulan

This batik illustrates praise for God who created the wonderful universe

Samudra

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

Keluak Daun Pakis

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

Daun Lada Hitam

The black pepper motif represents the main commodity of Bangka Belitung

Enggang Dayak

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

Waruga

Minahasa batik motifs are adopted from Waruga. Waruga is the

Tengkawang Ampiek

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

Honai

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

Manguni Minahasa

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

Sandeq

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

Pintu Aceh

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

Bayam Raja

The Raja Bayam Sasirangan motif illustrates the social status of

Singayaksa

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

Rasamala

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