WEST KALIMANTAN - BORNEO
West Kalimantan is easily accessible from Jakarta or Singapore by air. One of its main attractions is the culture of its Dayak ethnic groups. Most Dayaks live in long houses along rivers which crisscross the land. This province covers an area of 146,807square km.Its low plains are swampy with more than 100 rivers playing a vital role in communications and the economy. Scattered across the swamps are several lakes and villages, often linked by bridges. The provincial capital, Pontianak lies exactly on the Equator. It is a fast growing city divided into three parts by the Kapuas and Landak rivers. Pontianak is the main gate to enter this province through Supadio Airport,18 km from the city. The Kapuas river, about 1,143 km, is one of the longest river in Indonesia, connecting Pontianak with the Sanggau,Sintang and Kapuas Hulu Regencies.Among the branches of the Kapuas river are the Landak,Kubu,Punggur,Melawi and Sekayam rivers. The population of West Kalimantan consist of the Dayaks,Malays,Chinese and some
other Indonesian ethnic groups.Dayak dances express respect, heroism, welcome and cure. It is recommended to take a river trip and make overnight stops at villages where dance performances are organized on advance notice.Pontianak,the capital city of West Kalimantan Province, lies exactly on the equator.Pontianak was founded in 1771, during the reign of the Sultan of Pontianak. The native people of this region are the Dayaks and the Melayus. This province is also called the province of "Seribu Sungai" or "Thousand River" because it has many rivers, big and small. The biggest river is Kapuas River.
 

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