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Pontianak Travel Guide
A gory legend surrounds Pontianak, West Kalimantan's capital on the island of Borneo. Pontianak's name was derived from a monster that is said to inhabit the lands before its people. The monster used to disguise as a beautiful woman who murdered unwary men, slash the wombs of mothers, and even eat babies. Today, the city is a far cry from its legendary connotations. It is actually a good place to meet instant friends as it is home to ethnic Chinese, Dayaks, and Malays, including Bugis and Javanese minorities, who might not usually intermarry or embrace each other's culture, yet peacefully live together, sharing their city to visitors who have come to taste their unique cuisine or destinations.
Near the city's center is Tugu Khatulistiwa or Equatorial Obelisk, built directly below the zero-degree equator line. From there, the visitor can learn a lot of facts about the equator and even see the whole city in bird's eye view. The city's souvenir shops sell replicas of the obelisk, as well as cheap textiles and craftwork objects from all over Indonesia.
For animal lovers, Kebun Binatang Pontianak or Pontianak Zoo has a variety of animals rescued from the jungles of Borneo and some parts of the country.
Since the city is known for its Chinese cuisine, there are plenty of street hawkers selling cheap food like spicy seafood noodles and Nasi Goreng or fried rice with chicken and beef.
Pontianak Landmarks:
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